The Non-Rubicon Jl & JLU Thread

[Matthew/E36]

Yeah, I was just talking about the sound quality for stock alpine vs an aftermarket setup. It was a tough choice for me and just sharing how it turned out. I agree the rattles would certainly be the same and are independent of the audio system. In fact if you have rattles, more bass is usually annoying (IMO). I was just trying to say I haven't encountered any rattles with the hard top. Maybe it will when I put it back on, it gets more mileage, etc.

I was thinking of doing the aftermarket sound mat in the roof and paint it black. But mine shipped with the sound insulation for some reason. LOL, so not sure I want to take that off just to put in some that's slightly better....guess I'll see how things go through the hard top winter.

(see what happens when a rubi wanders in here messing things up, lol!)

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[Sean L]

Yeah, I was just talking about the sound quality for stock alpine vs an aftermarket setup. It was a tough choice for me and just sharing how it turned out. I agree the rattles would certainly be the same and are independent of the audio system. In fact if you have rattles, more bass is usually annoying (IMO). I was just trying to say I haven't encountered any rattles with the hard top. Maybe it will when I put it back on, it gets more mileage, etc.

I was thinking of doing the aftermarket sound mat in the roof and paint it black. But mine shipped with the sound insulation for some reason. LOL, so not sure I want to take that off just to put in some that's slightly better....guess I'll see how things go through the hard top winter.

(see what happens when a rubi wanders in here messing things up, lol!)

Well since I know you from another thread... I'll let you live.

I've got no dissatisfaction with the sound of the current system, but I do agree it would do well with some more bass, provided it wouldn't make the rattleing. I think that's my pet peeve with some of the aftermarket systems you hear, and it sounds like the car has a thousand loose rivets in the trunk. lol

 

[lsmaverick]

We went back and forth in considering to get a Rubi, but I'm glad that we chose to stay with the Sport. As others have said, it's sort of a blank canvas to do whatever you want to it. We changed out the suspension, added Ridge Grapplers, changed out the wheels, bumper, etc. Ultimately, I think the end result looks great, and if we had gotten a Rubi, we wouldn't be as motivated to make these changes (since we'd be replacing parts that made the Rubi more expensive in the first place).

 

[Bswen]

Well since I know you from another thread... I'll let you live.

I've got no dissatisfaction with the sound of the current system, but I do agree it would do well with some more bass, provided it wouldn't make the rattleing. I think that's my pet peeve with some of the aftermarket systems you hear, and it sounds like the car has a thousand loose rivets in the trunk. lol

Sean, you should check out the TSB on the rattle. Some people have it (me) and some dont. Supposedly there is some plastic trim near the back that can be shaved with an exacto knife where the clearances between two panels arent quite right. Worth looking at, although I havent done it myself yet.

 

[Sean L]

Sean, you should check out the TSB on the rattle. Some people have it (me) and some dont. Supposedly there is some plastic trim near the back that can be shaved with an exacto knife where the clearances between two panels arent quite right. Worth looking at, although I havent done it myself yet.

The rattle is just above the roll bar speakers, so it might be where the freedom panels and the rest of the top latch together. I'll check it out to make sure everything is tight.

 

[Bswen]

The rattle is just above the roll bar speakers, so it might be where the freedom panels and the rest of the top latch together. I'll check it out to make sure everything is tight.

Got ya, mine is from near where the sub is, two plastic panels slightly rub together...sometimes...

 

[Jlo_1212]

Have you ever ridden in a Jeep with 4" of lift and 37" tires? I am just asking because you are signing up for some pretty significant on-road compromises in my opinion and you may want to consider 35" tires with 2-2.5" lift. That is a pretty good look for someone who is not going off-road much.

I was told to not get anything larger than a 33" tire on a stock Sahara. I want 35" tires and a 2-2.5" lift but was told that I would need to re-gear my jeep. Input please.

 

[redsyphon]

I was told to not get anything larger than a 33" tire on a stock Sahara. I want 35" tires and a 2-2.5" lift but was told that I would need to re-gear my jeep. Input please.

If you have the 3.73 gears in your Sahara, then you probably won't notice much (if any) power loss going to 35s. Many on the forum have gone to 35s using the stock 3.45 gears in the Sport, and still say they have decent power. I'm running 33s on my Sport (Manual) and noticed a slight loss of power in 5th & 6th (to be expected), but I'm still able to get out of my own way, go above 80mph when needed, and crawl up steep hills in 2nd & 3rd.

I plan to re-gear to 4.10s to run 35s at a more "stock" configuration, but I think it would be fine for day to day driving with my current 3.45 gears and manual transmission.

Someone with an automatic may be able to provide better input if that's what you're running though.

 

[redsyphon]

We went back and forth in considering to get a Rubi, but I'm glad that we chose to stay with the Sport. As others have said, it's sort of a blank canvas to do whatever you want to it. We changed out the suspension, added Ridge Grapplers, changed out the wheels, bumper, etc. Ultimately, I think the end result looks great, and if we had gotten a Rubi, we wouldn't be as motivated to make these changes (since we'd be replacing parts that made the Rubi more expensive in the first place).

I like the look, are those Nitto's? 35s?

 

[lsmaverick]

I was told to not get anything larger than a 33" tire on a stock Sahara. I want 35" tires and a 2-2.5" lift but was told that I would need to re-gear my jeep. Input please.

A lift would definitely be recommended to prevent any rubbing with 35s. As to regearing, I don't think it's necessary with this new 8 speed. I have 34s and everything is great, but I've read from others that regearing for 35s is not necessary.

 

[lsmaverick]

I like the look, are those Nitto's? 35s?

Thanks! They're Nitto Ridge Grapplers at 285/75R17, so 34s.

 

[redsyphon]

Thanks! They're Nitto Ridge Grapplers at 285/75R17, so 34s.

Very nice, thanks. Considering them for replacements once my KO2s are done.

 

[lsmaverick]

Very nice, thanks. Considering them for replacements once my KO2s are done.

We were considering the KO2s but heard that the Nittos are more true to size. Also, we were able to get them in the C rating whereas it didn't look like the KO2s were offered in C with the 34s. We definitely love the Nittos, surprisingly quiet and comfortable.

 

[S2k Chris]

Just got the text from my dealer that my JLU Sport S was built, delivery should be pretty soon!

 

[flipboltz]

Thanks for this thread! I feel like I have the Unicorn of Jeeps. 2 door Sport S, Manual, Soft top. I have seen very few jeeps like mine on this forum. So many Rubis! Will be watching this thread. Thanks again!

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