Verifying Extreme Recon Add-ons

[Retired Jeeper]

In looking at the XR package I see that it comes with the larger tires, different rims, a small lift, fender flares, HD spare tire mount, etc. The list of add-ons also shows 3rd Generation front axle and upgraded brakes.

Is the front axle on the XR any different than the one on a non-XR Rubicon? Are the brakes any different? I've tried to verify there are differences by looking up part numbers, but so far haven't been able to verify any differences in brakes or front axle between the XR and non-XR Rubi. The answer may dictate which way I go with an upcoming order.

Thanks!

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[Retired Jeeper]

Anyone have knowledge or opinion regarding the questions I raised? Would be nice to know if one is actually getting better brakes and stronger front axle with the XR package vs regular Rubicon. Someone with better access to part numbers than I have may be able to tell. Thanks

 

[MesaAZGuy]

Personally, I couldn’t answer that question but on my XR, I did the option mainly for the wheels/tires and gearing. The rest is non essential to me. The rear hinge reinforcement was like getting a free gift with every purchase.

 

[NChap89]

This video will answer all of your questions:

 

[NChap89]

Anyone have knowledge or opinion regarding the questions I raised? Would be nice to know if one is actually getting better brakes and stronger front axle with the XR package vs regular Rubicon. Someone with better access to part numbers than I have may be able to tell. Thanks

The front brakes are the same between Rubicon & Rubicon XR, it’s the rears that are slightly larger on the XR package.

 

[Mocopo]

XR does have stronger front axle than regular rubicon, also steel knuckles. The axles are the main reason I went with the XR package. Worth it, IMO. Obviously not if you intend to upgrade the axles in the future anyway.... but I will feel very confident with these stock axles on 38s when I eventually make that jump.

 

[Retired Jeeper]

This video will answer all of your questions:

Thanks. That was informative.

 

[Retired Jeeper]

XR does have stronger front axle than regular rubicon, also steel knuckles. The axles are the main reason I went with the XR package. Worth it, IMO. Obviously not if you intend to upgrade the axles in the future anyway.... but I will feel very confident with these stock axles on 38s when I eventually make that jump.

Thanks. I'm planning on 37's and a stronger axle and improved brakes would be great. Hate having to pay for 35's with the XR package, but someone will buy them.

 

[aldo98229]

XR includes some nice parts, like the lower gearing and the strengthened axles.

The absence of a true "lift" and the oversized bump stops have been a point of contention since the package was first announced, though.

I read somewhere that XR has actually less articulation than a regular Rubicon due to those large bump stops.

 

[MesaAZGuy]

I thought all Rubicons came with cast iron knuckles XR or not

 

[NChap89]

I thought all Rubicons came with cast iron knuckles XR or not

False.

 

[NChap89]

Thanks. I'm planning on 37's and a stronger axle and improved brakes would be great. Hate having to pay for 35's with the XR package, but someone will buy them.

You’ll sell them easy enough, don’t sweat it.

 

[Mdwilmoth]

You could scour rockauto.com for all the part numbers and compare them

 

[RubiconOO7]

Don't know if this helps any, this is the Front Axle on my 2023 Rubicon XR...

 

[ldstruckn]

Larger rear brakes, 43% thicker axle, iron steering knuckles, 456 gears are all on xr and are not cheap to source aftermarket

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