Moving down to a Sport

[Traveller128]

Good point on the length. I test drove a used Gladiator and a 2 door JK a couple months ago, and actually liked the 2 door better. My last Jeep was an 05’ LJ Sport, and I kick myself for selling it.

Not trying to take over the thread, but does the limited slip rear get you the D44 on the 2 door? I have not found a good answer in my searching.

Ordering the LSD on the Sport, gets you the M220 Dana 44, 3.45 gear ratio. If you order the Willys Sport, it comes standard with that axle in the package.

Unfortunately, no optional gear ratios for Sport, Sport S, Willys.

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[Falcor]

Yes, but it is still the narrower axle.

Good point.

Do you plan on running it stock for long, or modifying right off?

 

[Some Random Guy]

Good point.

Do you plan on running it stock for long, or modifying right off?

It will be modified right away, just not sure how much. Dealer doesn't want my winch, onboard air, or radio so those are no-brainers. I just finished pulling it all out. Some sway bar quick connects will go on right away too.

From there, I imagine the winch will pull the front down and make me tempted to lift. But it's a slippery slope.

Steersmarts draglink will probably go on if I lift (bottom mount end is all I need). I started looking at maybe grabbing some mopar springs and cheap shocks to give me some small lift fun. I'm considering a front ARB air locker and some 33" to 35" tires depending on how brave I'm feeling with the M186 and what can clear, and what goes on sale.

However, next year I plan to go big on axles. Right now I'm looking at Dstrac, probably Ultra 70's. Not sold yet, Dana or Dynatrac can still earn my money. Sorry Fusion4x4, I won't touch Yukon parts after my previous experiences.

 

[4x4Punk]

I bought a brand new 97 TJ 25 years ago. Bone stock except for automatic transmission - didn't even have a radio when I got it. I was a little spoiled by the creature comforts of the non-Wrangler Jeeps I've owned in recent years, and kind of thought some of that stuff was standard. So when I bought my new JL Sport 2 door, I was actually surprised how primitive it was.

You know what? Don't care. I can use a key to unlock the doors, and I'm capable of rolling down windows. I've done it for 25 years in the TJ and I don't need any fancy features now. Hell, 7 months out of the year I don't have doors or a top. The joy of owning a Jeep isn't the creature comforts - it's what you do with it. I don't regret my decision at all.

 

[Some Random Guy]

I bought a brand new 97 TJ 25 years ago. Bone stock except for automatic transmission - didn't even have a radio when I got it. I was a little spoiled by the creature comforts of the non-Wrangler Jeeps I've owned in recent years, and kind of thought some of that stuff was standard. So when I bought my new JL Sport 2 door, I was actually surprised how primitive it was.

You know what? Don't care. I can use a key to unlock the doors, and I'm capable of rolling down windows. I've done it for 25 years in the TJ and I don't need any fancy features now. Hell, 7 months out of the year I don't have doors or a top. The joy of owning a Jeep isn't the creature comforts - it's what you do with it. I don't regret my decision at all.

I think I’ve switched camps to the Sport’s simplicity being a feature. After all the issues I had with sensors in the Rubicon taking out my lockers, I want something that works when I tell it to; not when the computer says it can.

 

[Jeep2639]

I am an owner of a JL Sport and could not be happier. Since when do fellow Jeep owners look down on other Jeep owners and trim levels?! It’s as if no one could possibly want a Sport unless you couldn’t afford a Rubicon. Ridiculously pompous attitude and view. Aren’t these the same people that wave to one another on the highways and two lane blacktops around the country?! I honestly don’t want or need a Rubicon or a even a Willys. Real Jeeps are built over time, personalized, not bought off of a dealer’s lot. If you need a forum to tell you what to do and what Jeep to buy, your issues may be deeper than just trim levels. I’ve been fortunate enough to have 2 Jeeps in my life (both Sports) remember how lucky you are to have one and be faced with this superficial dilemma. More important, enjoy what you own and be proud that you can afford your trim level and roll down the road in the one of the greatest 4 Wheelers ever created.

 

[BuyHold]

I think I’ve switched camps to the Sport’s simplicity being a feature. After all the issues I had with sensors in the Rubicon taking out my lockers, I want something that works when I tell it to; not when the computer says it can.

Awesome that you resolved your gearing issue and can now move on to a 2 door!

I am sure that you have already shared this somewhere but I definitely missed it... are you planning on going to swap axles and move to 39s immediately? I am super excited to see a 2 door on tires that size.

 

[Some Random Guy]

Awesome that you resolved your gearing issue and can now move on to a 2 door!

I am sure that you have already shared this somewhere but I definitely missed it... are you planning on going for 39s on what I think I saw were immediate ton-swapped axles? If yes I would be SUPER excited to see a 2 door on tires that size.

I’m thinking of enjoying it as is for a bit. Might also do an ARB air locker in the M186 to make sure I like air before committing on the Dstrac 70’s.

 

[blnewt]

Awesome that you resolved your gearing issue and can now move on to a 2 door!

I am sure that you have already shared this somewhere but I definitely missed it... are you planning on going to swap axles and move to 39s immediately? I am super excited to see a 2 door on tires that size.

Here's one for ya on 40s!

 

[BuyHold]

Here's one for ya on 40s!

That looks very nice. Is that yours?

 

[rkwfxd]

I had a soft top 1/2 door TJ. Hot when hot and cold when cold and zip up plastic windows SUCK.

Not I have a nearly loaded 2d Rubicon.

I use the keyless entry EVERY time I drive it. I love the upgraded radio. I never turn the AC off. Power windows are the bomb on road and off. Especially when you pull up to chat with another driver on you pass side. I use my tow package every day as well as a charging plug for my Battery Tender. Hard top keeps it cool in summer and warm in winter. I also use the LEDs every time I drive at not as well as the basic safety group.

I could easily be happy with a built base model but I would for sure get the abv mentioned options.

 

[blnewt]

That looks very nice. Is that yours?

I wish! It belongs to @mtnbiker73 Here's the epic thread on what's going on w/ that one, it's gotten quite a bit larger
Damn thing's bad to the bone!
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/18-jl-2-door-stretch-project.71535/

 

[Heimkehr]

I have a nearly loaded 2d Rubicon.
I use the keyless entry EVERY time I drive it. I love the upgraded radio. I never turn the AC off. Power windows are the bomb on road and off. Especially when you pull up to chat with another driver on you pass side. I use my tow package every day as well as a charging plug for my Battery Tender. Hard top keeps it cool in summer and warm in winter. I also use the LEDs every time I drive at not as well as the basic safety group.

I could easily be happy with a built base model but I would for sure get the abv mentioned options.

The second clause contradicts the first.

As a former YJ owner, I get it. Driver conveniences are nice to have.

 

[rkwfxd]

The second clause contradicts the first.

As a former YJ owner, I get it. Driver conveniences are nice to have.

Yes true unless you take into account I have the Rubicon. I could for sure do without the push button lockers and Electric SB disconnect and off road pages etc…. I wheel about once a month for 2-4 days at a time and could easily go back to detroit lockers and manual disco or anti-rock.

But Id miss my tunes and AC etc. I think that is more the point I was trying to make when it comes to buying a base jl. ??

 

[Some Random Guy]

39’s in the rear, 33’s in the front. She looks like a rat racer. Need nuts for the front swaybar links, maybe the rears are threaded the same and I’ll get lucky. New wheels don’t fit factory lugs, so I recycled some tuner lugs. Not fully confident they were long enough. Got backups on order that should arrive Saturday.
I still have to put the front bumper back on and unmarry the tazer. Also need to remove the front geo brackets, but it should be easier with tires on.
Getting closer to that Sport!

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