Rubicon pre-purchase questions

[NJRadioGuy]

Hi all,
I'm currently a Grand Cherokee Trailhawk owner, but will be buying a used JLUR soon, which I will build into an overlanding platform in the next few years. I have two questions.

1. I live in a part of the world with stupid-bad traffic (northeast NJ), and I was thinking of trying to find a unicorn Rubicon with Adaptive Cruise Control. First off, is it even a reliable feature on the Wrangler? Second, where are the sensors/lidar/whatever that make it work? I know on the WK2 platform they're on the front bumper, and on a Rubicon I plan to install a stubby front bumper, so would that negate the ACC entirely?
2. Are there any known reliability problems or major issues or downsides to the 2.0 turbo? I have the 3.6/8-speed in my WK2 and it's been a trooper since I bought it, and I assumed that's the dominant mill in the Rubicon, but the package I'm looking at is a 28Y Recon from 2020, and that's only available with a 2.0. Should I consider that or just look for a regular 3.6 non-Recon Edition?

As a potential first-time used Wrangler buyer, what do I really need to look at carefully before signing on the dotted line? I mean, I know every used car is a gamble, but what are the potential catastrophic failure points that I need to be aware of? By that I mean things like a TJ's frame rot, a WK2's air suspension and the like? I'm planning to drop between 42 and 50 large on this, so I don't want to get stuck with a POS.

Please and thanks!

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[BaconFury]

My ACC perofrms flawlessly, the sensor is in a box in front of the rear view mirror. As for your 2.0 vs 3.6 question I cannot speak to that as I have the diesel. I would highly recommend the diesel if you can find one.

 

[NJRadioGuy]

I would highly recommend the diesel if you can find one.

A diesel would be an impractical for me since I am doing 90% short-duration city driving, with only 4 or 5 highway trips a year. Nor will I ever tow anything with it. Good to know about the ACC sensor.

 

[Grooster]

I've owned both 2.0 etorque (59,100 miles) and now a 3.6 etorque JLUR (3600 miles). I call both a win for drivability. The 2.0 feels quicker and you'll love the gas mileage, too. That said, I don't miss the difference in mileage all that much. The 2.0 has an agricultural sound to it, the 3.6 more athletic. Once the 2.0 warms up, it's fine. Just bump the stereo if it bothers you. JK...

Coming from a Grand Cherokee you'll notice a distinct difference in handling. Don't freak out. Totally different vehicle that takes you to the next level of off roading. I don't miss my Grand Cherokee at all. On my 2nd JL and it only gets better. Wait until you take it off road!

Let's talk about that adaptive cruise control. How tall are you? I'm 6.2 and do not have the ADC. For me, it's a very good thing as I can see OVER my rear view mirror and my visability looking ahead is unobstructed. I've sat in JLU's that had the giant black box behind the mirror and thought, really? That's the best they could do? Giant blind spot IMO. The regular cruise works very well and I have many long distance trips to back that up.

Make certain you get the cold weather group AND the towing package. That gives you a better base to build from. Plus, the factory towing brake controller is plug and play! Great YouTube video on installation. It's a snap.

 

[NJRadioGuy]

Cold weather group for sure, 100%, but the towing package? I've never towed anything in my life and have no intention of starting. I'll be looking for a 2020 or if I'm lucky, a 2021. If it has the tow package that's great, but it's a "meh" for me. And besides, towing with an inline-4? What can that haul? A pop-up camper, maybe?

 

[NJRadioGuy]

Coming from a Grand Cherokee you'll notice a distinct difference in handling. Don't freak out. Totally different vehicle that takes you to the next level of off roading. I don't miss my Grand Cherokee at all. On my 2nd JL and it only gets better. Wait until you take it off road!

That's the reason I'm buying it. I wheel my WK2 Trailhawk hard. It's armored up front and underneath, has a 10,000# winch, rock sliders, nudge bar and three BoH badges already. And trail rash. Lots and lots of trail rash.

I adore the WK2s comfort and handling, and although I've only briefly test-driven a JL once, I know it will be a different experience. My understanding is that you can beef up the steering and suspension to improve the ride over factory, and that's what I plan to do. I will be putting 35s on it almost immediately and doing suspension and a modest lift, so anything I can do to improve on-road handling will probably be worth it.

With 35s I'm guessing I can go without re-gearing, too. As I said initially, I plan to have a capable off-roader, but I'd rather overland/camp with it than wheel crazy rock obstacles every weekend. So long as it can handle forest service primitive 2-tracks I'll be happy. I have no intention of taking it across the Rubicon Trail...although I will hit a few BoH trails for the bling.

 

[Grooster]

Cold weather group for sure, 100%, but the towing package? I've never towed anything in my life and have no intention of starting. I'll be looking for a 2020 or if I'm lucky, a 2021. If it has the tow package that's great, but it's a "meh" for me. And besides, towing with an inline-4? What can that haul? A pop-up camper, maybe?

You get better brakes, LSD, and the towing hitch, harness. In 4 years of ownership of a 2.0 I towed motorcycle trailers, enclosed trailers, and other small trailers with ease. Took the enclosed trailer full of motorcycles and gear to the rockies and back without a whimper from the Jeep. The limited slip made winter driving a snap. Next best thing to a locker - even better, it's always available.

 

[NJRadioGuy]

The limited slip made winter driving a snap. Next best thing to a locker - even better, it's always available.

I have a limited-slip in my WK2 and I agree it's the next best thing to a locker...except I'm buying a Rubicon with lockers front and rear on Dana 44s

 

[Grooster]

That's the reason I'm buying it. I wheel my WK2 Trailhawk hard. It's armored up front and underneath, has a 10,000# winch, rock sliders, nudge bar and three BoH badges already. And trail rash. Lots and lots of trail rash.

I adore the WK2s comfort and handling, and although I've only briefly test-driven a JL once, I know it will be a different experience. My understanding is that you can beef up the steering and suspension to improve the ride over factory, and that's what I plan to do. I will be putting 35s on it almost immediately and doing suspension and a modest lift, so anything I can do to improve on-road handling will probably be worth it.

With 35s I'm guessing I can go without re-gearing, too. As I said initially, I plan to have a capable off-roader, but I'd rather overland/camp with it than wheel crazy rock obstacles every weekend. So long as it can handle forest service primitive 2-tracks I'll be happy. I have no intention of taking it across the Rubicon Trail...although I will hit a few BoH trails for the bling.

I didn't have the winch or sliders but wheeled mine much like you described. Loved every second of it, too. Always had a Wrangler on my mind, though. Fixed that problem! A new Rubicon will cover you well. Enjoy!

 

[Grooster]

I have a limited-slip in my WK2 and I agree it's the next best thing to a locker...except I'm buying a Rubicon with lockers front and rear on Dana 44s

I hear you! I cannot wait for Colorado in 3 weeks. Looking forward to some swaybar disconnect and trail flexing!

 

[jdavis106]

I have adaptive cruise control in my Willys. It works very well but there are a couple of limitations. I don't use it on busy multi-lane highways because it leaves just enough room in between me and the person in front of me so that I am constantly being cut off if there is heavy traffic. Also, while it will come to a complete stop it will only stay stopped for a couple of seconds. Then it beeps and turns off so the Jeep will start moving ahead slowly which isn't great in bumper to bumper stopped traffic.

 

[Bandit59]

Hi all,
I'm currently a Grand Cherokee Trailhawk owner, but will be buying a used JLUR soon, which I will build into an overlanding platform in the next few years. I have two questions.

1. I live in a part of the world with stupid-bad traffic (northeast NJ), and I was thinking of trying to find a unicorn Rubicon with Adaptive Cruise Control. First off, is it even a reliable feature on the Wrangler? Second, where are the sensors/lidar/whatever that make it work? I know on the WK2 platform they're on the front bumper, and on a Rubicon I plan to install a stubby front bumper, so would that negate the ACC entirely?
2. Are there any known reliability problems or major issues or downsides to the 2.0 turbo? I have the 3.6/8-speed in my WK2 and it's been a trooper since I bought it, and I assumed that's the dominant mill in the Rubicon, but the package I'm looking at is a 28Y Recon from 2020, and that's only available with a 2.0. Should I consider that or just look for a regular 3.6 non-Recon Edition?

As a potential first-time used Wrangler buyer, what do I really need to look at carefully before signing on the dotted line? I mean, I know every used car is a gamble, but what are the potential catastrophic failure points that I need to be aware of? By that I mean things like a TJ's frame rot, a WK2's air suspension and the like? I'm planning to drop between 42 and 50 large on this, so I don't want to get stuck with a POS.

Please and thanks!

I would definitely look for Acc. Safety group. I like the the 3.6 engine.

 

[five9dak]

I'll be contrarian- in a wrangler you should be fully engaged on the highway. The longer braking distances and worse handling requires full attention. Set the standard cruise in the slow lane if you must, and you won't be slowing much anyway.

Skip the ACC- one more thing to break, big ugly box, blind spot, requires calibration for windshield replacement (which can be frequent on a wrangler.), and may let you relax a bit too much.

IMO for overlanding I would use the 3.6 for simplicity / longevity concerns when are far away from paved roads.

The XR has limited uptravel which when combined with the weight of overlanding loadouts may make it uncomfortable -bottoming out.

 

[lashlee]

Though she can't discuss the adaptive cruise, my wife traded her Trailhawk for a JLUR and has never looked back. Her's is the 2.0 and she digs the power. Her's is now sporting a MC GC 3.5, 37" BFG's, winch, bumpers, tire carrier, sliders, skid plates, and lights. When the 37's wear out, she will be riding on 40's all with the OEM 4.10's. Re-gearing will probably happen with the 40's but for now it gets wheeled in Windrock. We took it to Moab in March of this year so I'd say go for it and don't look back! BTW, she scratched three of the five wheels on the first trip to Windrock.

 

[JP52]

....I don't use it on busy multi-lane highways because it leaves just enough room in between me and the person in front of me so that I am constantly being cut off if there is heavy traffic. ...

Have you tried adjusting the following distance with the buttons on the left? I do that with mine and it greatly decreases people cutting in front. I really like the ACC and use it all the time.

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