Help me decide: Sahara or Rubicon

[The Great Grape Ape]

Yeah, sorry I meant transfer case. This sounds like the setup I have in my current Trailblazer which is always in 2WD but I switch on the fly into AWD in the rain or snow. I can also switch to 4H or 4L. Is that correct, or is the AWD setting more like the Selec Trac?

That was a bit confusing, but yes the outward experience would be the same, 2H most times, 4FT for heavy rain and inconsistent surface of snow or ice, etc then 4H for loose trail surfaces or deeper roadway snow, and then 4Lo for challenges that need more power or more finesse.

For some good info on the somewhat more technical aspects as well as their implications, I’ll repost these resource I posted in the JT forum the other day (for reference the Rubi transfer case in these is the NV241, and we Hope that the SelecTrac in the JL is essentially an NV242 refresh or very similar) pretty detailed including some of the drawbacks of the options;

http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/transmission-drivetrain/154-1201-jp-guide-to-jeep-transfer-cases/

http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/t...ems-and-cures-for-popular-4x4-transfer-cases/

https://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/transfer-cases/np242/

http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/t...grand-cherokee-zj-np242-hd-sye-transfer-case/

Hope that helps a bit, and doesn’t just compound any confusion.

Thanks for all the great info...and sorry for any dumb questions.

NP, I think most of us prefer good inquiries than a repeat of a lot of the same “is this new Wrangler going to be a 2018 or 2019?”

Anywhoo, off to see THOR courtesy of Intel.

Will check in later in case this was more confusing than helpful.

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[Vegas_Sirk]

Yeah, although I don't think 4H is necessary in just rain, as long as you got a decent amount of tread on your tires.

Yea I run my Rubi in rain and snow in 2H most of the time. Your tires will have a much greater affect then anything else. I only but mine in 4H when there is snow covering the ground (ie cant see the blacktop)

 

[theplankeye]

With the traction control systems on all the new cars, I'm perfectly OK with part time 4H. In my old TJ I shift between 2H & 4H during snowy drives, but now with ESC, I'm fully committed to the Rubi. Bigger tires, longer axles for wider track, Hi-line fenders, stiffer/higher suspension, even down to the higher grade seat upholstery, it's 100% Rubicon for me (It BETTER be offered on the JT!).

Billy, where have you heard that the Rubicon gets higher grade seat upholstery?

 

[The Great Grape Ape]

Billy, I’ll comment when I get back tonight, but I still wouldn’t call it open, I’d call it closer to actions of an LSD, but that would still be inelegant. It’s not open, but also not comoletely locked either, will address later.

 

[The Great Grape Ape]

Yea I run my Rubi in rain and snow in 2H most of the time. Your tires will have a much greater affect then anything else. I only but mine in 4H when there is snow covering the ground (ie cant see the blacktop)

Depends on your conditions, and black ice doesn’t give you a heads-up on highway curves where ESC trction control will kick in too late.Most times I’d agree, but for terrible conditions (standing water sheet rain, or patchey snow/ice) 4H is fine and 4FT would be better.

Anywho... movie time !!

 

[Billy]

Billy, where have you heard that the Rubicon gets higher grade seat upholstery?

Hmmm, I may have spoken out of turn. But the Sahara and Rubicon get a higher grade cloth than the sport. Back in the old days the Rubicon got much tougher upholstery than the others. (IIRC)

Edit: From the order guide thread

http://www.jlwranglerforums.com/for...gler-order-guide-jlu-order-bank-is-open.1467/

Sport

Sahara

Rubicon

 

[STL J-Hawk]

Depends on your conditions, and black ice doesn’t give you a heads-up on highway curves where ESC trction control will kick in too late.Most times I’d agree, but for terrible conditions (standing water sheet rain, or patchey snow/ice) 4H is fine and 4FT would be better.

Anywho... movie time !!

I think I will be happy with either option...afterall, I will be sitting in my Jeep while trying to figure out what gear to have it in!

 

[Brian08]

Hi I am new to forum. I have been reading through this post since we are too looking at Sahara and Rubicon. Drove both loved the way the Sahara rode over the rubicon.
Sahara liked all but wheels and ride height.
Rubicon like the look but the ride was bumpy and rough.
We are a few months out since our current suv Buick Enclave will be off lease in Sept. The jeep will be the wife's daily and we will use it for trips we only go on 1 that is 8hours. I currently drive a lifted Duramax on 37's has 6.5 bds lift with fox shocks that I think rides better than factory.
I know its not going to ride as good as the Buick but that is ok.
What is the best way to go get the Sahara add small lift and tires or try to soften up the Rubicon?
We are looking at the Sahara with pretty much everything you can get on one. The wife wants the power top but not sure when that is coming out.. I really want the Diesel but not sure on date on that ether. The dealer claimed not to know when you can order those.
One other thing we are looking in to buying this one not a lease.

 

[guarnibl]

In my experience, the ride quality can be improved by adding new shocks. Sahara does not hold value as well as Rubicon, so I would go with the Rubicon and soften it up a bit.

Power top can be ordered presently from what I understand. Diesel is a long way out still. I would wait until it's out my $0.02.

 

[Billy]

Do the Rubi and slap some Fox shocks on.

 

[Brian08]

Will the seats be the same in both models?

 

[Billy]

Pretty much. I think they are, whether cloth or leather.

 

[$uicide$hift]

Will the seats be the same in both models?

No the Rubicon has really nice "Premium" cloth seats that are not available on the Sahara model.

 

[Brian08]

Do you guys think that cloth is better to go with over the leather.. Thinking of cold and hot weather and comfort for riding?

 

[Billy]

No the Rubicon has really nice "Premium" cloth seats that are not available on the Sahara model.

I thought the Sahara got "premium" HD cloth seats too.

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