Question for Experienced Off-Roaders on Options

[Shark01]

I’m finalizing a build spec now (Sahara High Altitude with Diesel engine). My usage will be assumed to be 100% on road only because I have no experience off-road. But I’m not ruling out light duty (bunny trail) off-roading as a future hobby with retirement on the horizon.

So for possible light duty off-road use, there are a few options that I do not know if they add value or not for this purpose:

• Selec-Trac full time AWD – I assume this one is not needed
• Anti-spin diff
• Front off-road camera
• Rock slider with step assist

I fully understand the first move will be swapping out wheels & tires, but would any of the four above be recommended?

Thanks

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[AcesandEights]

You're in Houston. I think of the Selec-Trac as being a great option in snow, but that's my perspective. I'd pass.

Anti-spin, always get that, never buy a 4x4 without it.

Front off-road camera, nah.

Rock sliders, always.

 

[entropy]

Rock sliders and anti spin diff.

 

[rcadden]

Select-Trac + LSD will be really useful in many situations - highly recommended to go with both of these. Selec-Trac will be helpful in heavy rain/wet roads, as well. Not as good as true AWD, but better than nothing.

Front camera - nah. Also easily added later if you decide you want/need it.

Rock Slider - if you're not planning to off-road much, you don't need this. The Sahara factory side-steps are surprisingly durable for most of what you'll wheel starting out, and it's relatively cheap/easy to swap out if you decide later that you need more robust protection.

For wheels/tires - you can easily pick up a 5-pack of Rubicon wheel/tire take-offs for ~$1.3K or less on FB marketplace or your local Jeep shop. If you do it quickly after you get your ride, you'll be able to sell your factory wheels/tires to recoup a lot of that cost.

I did the same and thoroughly enjoy the 33" KO2s compared to my factory Sahara wheels/tires.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

I might stay away from the high altitude and it's nicely painted bumpers, mirrors, door handles, etc. if you are ever planning gravel/dirt roads in the future.

 

[GATORB8]

I’m finalizing a build spec now (Sahara High Altitude with Diesel engine). My usage will be assumed to be 100% on road only because I have no experience off-road. But I’m not ruling out light duty (bunny trail) off-roading as a future hobby with retirement on the horizon.

So for possible light duty off-road use, there are a few options that I do not know if they add value or not for this purpose:

• Selec-Trac full time AWD – I assume this one is not needed
• Anti-spin diff
• Front off-road camera
• Rock slider with step assist

I fully understand the first move will be swapping out wheels & tires, but would any of the four above be recommended?

Thanks

• Selec-Trac full time AWD – I assume this one is not needed

If you don't plan on traveling places with winter weather, I'd personally pass on this one. It adds the 4-Auto function, and I'd say it be unlikely to be off assistance in Houston weather.

• Anti-spin diff

As others have stated, I'd do the LSD 100%

• Front off-road camera

It's expensive for what it is, if your not used to a taller vehicle it may help in day to day parking situations. While it can be helpful off road, it would have very limited usage in a fire road situation

• Rock slider with step assist

IIRC, these run almost $1000 as an option. I would go aftermarket for that price, whether it's for accessibility or for protection.

 

[Shark01]

I might stay away from the high altitude and it's nicely painted bumpers, mirrors, door handles, etc. if you are ever planning gravel/dirt roads in the future.

I have considered this as a Rubicon with the major options I want (one touch, LED, leather seats, cold weather, safety group) is priced within a few hundred dollars. But in the end, plenty of people are saying that the Sahara makes for a better daily and a Rubicon is overkill for my projected usage.

 

[aldo98229]

Get the LSD. It is the biggest bargain on Wrangler’s options list.

Selec-Trac is awesome, but only if you deal with cold winters on a regular basis.

I wouldn’t waste any money on those rock rails. The stock Sahara side steps are tough as nails, and likely to withstand anything you throw at them in your expected use. If later decide you want rock rails, you can get a pair of Rubicon takeoffs, or one of the dozens of aftermarket alternatives.

 

[Shibadog]

As others have said, limited slip. The 4-auto is nice but something you won’t likely need . If you DO get in snow a Jeep with limited slip is pretty darn capable. Per what you’ve said, You do not need and almost certainly will never use the goodies the Rubicon comes with so I’d advise skipping that. The Sahara or Sport S will do all you are wanting done and do it for less $$. Rock rails -not needed for street or light duty trails. You (or the boss) may be better served with steps. The mopar’s aren’t bad, or you can get nice aftermarket rails with steps for less than the factory rock rails.

 

[entropy]

As others have said, limited slip. The 4-auto is nice but something you won’t likely need . If you DO get in snow a Jeep with limited slip is pretty darn capable. Per what you’ve said, You do not need and almost certainly will never use the goodies the Rubicon comes with so I’d advise skipping that. The Sahara or Sport S will do all you are wanting done and do it for less $$. Rock rails -not needed for street or light duty trails. You (or the boss) may be better served with steps. The mopar’s aren’t bad, or you can get nice aftermarket rails with steps for less than the factory rock rails.

well... I'd never advise against the Rubicon. You never know! lol.

 

[SFDemo]

I've had my Sahara diesel for just under a year now, and have the limited slip, added Rubicon take offs (33" Falken Wildpeak AT) and that's pretty much it. I had someone hit my rear bumper and leave a pretty good hit, but was able to heat it back into shape most of the way, but would have been ugly with the painted bumpers. I did add a winch/bumper to the front because I will eventually wheel and have used it around the farm.

 

[Jeepeto]

You're in Houston. I think of the Selec-Trac as being a great option in snow, but that's my perspective. I'd pass.

Anti-spin, always get that, never buy a 4x4 without it.

Front off-road camera, nah.

Rock sliders, always.

This.

 

[Jim1964]

I have considered this as a Rubicon with the major options I want (one touch, LED, leather seats, cold weather, safety group) is priced within a few hundred dollars. But in the end, plenty of people are saying that the Sahara makes for a better daily and a Rubicon is overkill for my projected usage.

I predict every one of those people is a Sahara owner.

Is a Rubicon overkill? Yes.

My perspective is I’d never spend Rubicon money on a lesser trim. A Rubicon will be worth more later than an optioned up Sahara. And you won’t find yourself later on turning away from a potential trail because of insufficient equipment.

 

[aldo98229]

I predict every one of those people is a Sahara owner.

Is a Rubicon overkill? Yes.

My perspective is I’d never spend Rubicon money on a lesser trim. A Rubicon will be worth more later than an optioned up Sahara. And you won’t find yourself later on turning away from a potential trail because of insufficient equipment.

That’s an old maids’ tale Rubicon owner love to spread.

There’s ZERO evidence that Rubicons hold value better than other Wranglers. All Wranglers hold their value equally well once you take into account that you paid a lot more upfront for a Rubicon.

In fact, Sports usually hold a very slight edge over all other trims.

It is true that you are more likely to get a bigger discount on some Wrangler trims than on Rubicons. At least in normal times. But this is something a savvy buyer can use to his/her advantage.

 

[blnewt]

If you price everything out and the Rubicon isn't much more I'd get the Rubicon, it wil typically resell for more $$, has plenty of capability since one you venture off road you may find that it's an itch that you'll want to keep scratching. This will have better gearing, better (and larger) tires, a transfer case that goes to full 4 Lo, not just 2/3rds the way like the other models. Has much stronger front axle (if you get the LSD rear axle that's the same strength as the Rubicon). The Rubicon has a bit more lift, higher clearance fenders so you can get more suspension travel/flex without needing to do anything extra. Just a great one stop shop kinda purchase, that's what I'd do (if I was able to go back in time lol)

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