Most capable Rubicon?

[Kreepin1]

Just curious to see what most people view as the best Rubicon Off-road platform.

The answer depends on two things; the type of trails you run and if it's stock or modified.

So let's assume you want a jack-of-all-trades for sand, mud, and rock. Further, you included the word "platform" in the question which means we are talking modified vehicles.

In this case the 392 is the hands down winner. It's got the power for sand and mud. It's got the wheelbase for big rock. All it needs is a few inches of lift, 60's and 4D's.

This from a diehard 2-door owner

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[benny_rt2]

I really would love a 2dr JL, as all my past jeeps have been 2dr and, in my opinion , 2dr looks best. I love that it is so light and nimble.

comparing a few rubicon rig stats...

wheelbase:
2dr 96.8"
4dr 118.4"
gladiator 137.3"

turning circle:
2dr 34.5'
4dr 40.8'
gladiator 44.8'

weight:
2dr 3.6 4237 lbs
4dr 3.6 4478 lbs
gladiator 3.6 5051 lbs

I've come to no conclusion every obstacle challenge "fun factor" is based on opinion.

For example, climbing a steep rock ledge or waterfall may be harder in the shorter wheelbase 2dr but it's "fun factor" from the difficult challenge is perhaps higher than using a longer wheelbase jeep. Or maybe it's more fun to creep up the waterfall in a longer wheelbase without using a winch line. We stretched my 04 TJ wheelbase about 10-12" and that really made the rock crawling in AZ (where I used to live before Louisiana) alot "easier".

I'm still trying to decide which one I will get. I'm still saving my pennys for now. I'm kindof leaning to a 4dr 8spd which is quite different from the 2dr 6spd manual I was considering originally. I change my mind almost each week. Next week I'll probably want a long wheelbase gladiator for camping.

 

[Big_Lebowski]

It all depends. I think the 2 door for tight trails like out east. The 4 door is best for sketchy rock crawling out west. I have to disagree for those that say the 392 is of no use in 4Lo. If you're running 40s and climbing some radical sh*t, the torque of the big motor does indeed help to crawl some of these obstacles. I have seen it first hand where my 3.6 JKU struggled and 392 identically equipped JKU crawled it easily and slowly due to the additional power. YMMV

 

[JeepViking13]

@JeepViking13 I think it’s time for you to just place an order. If you’re waiting for 2022s that’s fine, but I better see a post from you the first day order banks open with a POC

This thread was just for fun and conversation. It has no bearing on what I order. I am waiting for 2022 order banks to open. I probably won't place an order the same day. Like most people I'm probably going to take a week or 2 to digest what Jeep came out with for 2022 and paint colors and such. Might take a little bit to make up my mind.

 

[mnjeeper]

5" makes a huge difference on steep climbs. Before the LJ, stretched wheel base 2 doors were the norm. Comp cut kits, gas tanks with clearance to move the axle back, offset perches etc were all very popular on the hard-core trails. I agree that the 4 door is almost too long, but I'd rather drag the skids than backflip coming out of micky's hot tub. Look at the majority of purpose built rock buggies/ rock bouncers that can literally build to any wheelbase they want. You'll find very few under 100" for a reason. I agree the JL is a big improvement over the tj, thanks to the 3" of extra wheelbase. In my experience, 105" to 115" is the optimal balance, but if I have to pick between 96 and 118, I'm going longer with a skid plate upgrade and bigger tires every time. It is funny when people argue the fact that you see more 4 doors on tough trails with the argument that they sell more 4 doors. You do realize that most JL/JLU owners don't wheel tough trails. The ones that do likely chose jl vs jlu for the trails.

When I came back, I didn't need the 4 door for passengers. I fully remembered spending DAYS getting ever fraction of an inch on my RE Longarmed TJ. I think I was just under 96 inches and that was with a little gas skid rubbing. I knew I wanted the easier way (in a few ways) building this one.

 

[gato]

It is very simple.

On a tight, incline/off-camber, rocky/challenging obstacle...

The 4-door may need to be repositioned a few times, drag the belly and winch to get through.

The 2-door may roll-over much more easily and end your day.

Diesel and 392 (and 4xe) have simply too much weight and low end torque and will put your skinny M210 front axles much more at risk.

Manuals, similarly tent to put a lot more shock on the axles than auto on obstacles.

So the definitive answer is 2.0T/3.6 Auto 4 door Rubicon.

Q.E.D.

 

[CaliJLU]

4xe Rubicon with the updated steering box… BEAST!

 

[OffroadCalling77]

This thread was just for fun and conversation. It has no bearing on what I order. I am waiting for 2022 order banks to open. I probably won't place an order the same day. Like most people I'm probably going to take a week or 2 to digest what Jeep came out with for 2022 and paint colors and such. Might take a little bit to make up my mind.

I know you’re eager. That’s why. Hopefully you get exactly what you’re imagining to be the best Jeep. Excited to see what you choose.

 

[AcesandEights]

Doesn't the additional weight add to the traction? Wouldn't the heavier engines provide a traction advantage, similar to putting weight in the bed of a pick up in the winter?

 

[aldo98229]

Doesn't the additional weight add to the traction? Wouldn't the heavier engines provide a traction advantage, similar to putting weight in the bed of a pick up in the winter?

Not if you are trying to go UP a trail

 

[AcesandEights]

Why not.

 

[aldo98229]

Gravity

 

[AcesandEights]

Isn't gravity what increases traction?

 

[AcesandEights]

Gravity, it's not just a good idea. It's the law.

 

[aldo98229]

Isn't gravity what increases traction?

Not on a trail, where traction is already at a premium.

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