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What kind of off roading is a JLU Sport S capable of?

Sean L

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LSD is better than nothing. But to be honest I dont even know if it is worth it on the JL. LSD is not a substitute for a locker. In theory, a good LSD can be almost as good as a locker when rolling with smaller tires (32s,33s). But we all have BLD anyway and it is unclear how good the LSD in the JL is and if it can even handle 32s and 33s. So when my rear "locks" I cant tell if it is BLD or LSD, because I dont have a jeep without LSD to compare with. I would guess it is the LSD because when it locks it feels locked and steady in comparison with BLD which is unpredictable. I think it works pretty well, but I cant tell for sure. There is also a noticeable "lag" before I can get it to lock.
I've only noticed the BLD actuating my front wheels. Of course I don't normally have a lot of wheel spin when I wheel but the LSD seems to be quick to "lock" the few times I have lost traction in the rear.
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KSwilly

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I really hope the Jamboree guys do more of these one-day Jeep Adventure Academy events. I went to the one in Hollister, and was there with a total mix of models. The Sports did everything the Rubicons did, with the exception of one really gnarly box canyon section that required lockers. The team there teaches you where the limits are - I was scraping at one point on a really gnarly rock garden, and the spotter said - "you're fine - the Willys skid plate has you covered!"
https://jeepadventureacademy.com/
 

WhitneyWillys

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I have wondered about this as well. I have a JLUS Willys with LSD.

They way I see things, based on my limited personal experience, and conversations/research, there is at best a very small subset of trails where lockers alone make a difference. Trails that require lockers, pretty much end up requiring lifts, disconnects, spotters and potentially winches. All off these can be made available on a Sport as well. With these, and still missing lockers, it appears you can do any trail that Rubicons can. You might be using your winch more often perhaps, but you will make it.
 

Sean L

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I feel the need to reiterate that the Sport, Sahara and their derivative special editions (Willys, Freedom, Altitude) are very capable off road vehicles in their own right. The locking differentials and 4:1 low range of the Rubicon only serve to enhance capability over the Sport/Sahara rather than becoming the deciding factor over what is and is not an "off roader"
 

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Okietryon

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I feel the need to reiterate that the Sport, Sahara and their derivative special editions (Willys, Freedom, Altitude) are very capable off road vehicles in their own right. The locking differentials and 4:1 low range of the Rubicon only serve to enhance capability over the Sport/Sahara rather than becoming the deciding factor over what is and is not an "off roader"
I am seriously looking at a JLU Sport Willy and would like to get the diesel. Has anyone ordered or bought one with the diesel?
 

Sean L

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I am seriously looking at a JLU Sport Willy and would like to get the diesel. Has anyone ordered or bought one with the diesel?
I've got the gas 3.6 V6 in mine. I can only assume the extra torque (and lower 3.73 gearing) would make it run over trails so much easier!
 

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On a different note; I saw this warning on the Silver Valley Jamboree website and was wondering about it:

"Participant Jeeps with tires over 40″ WILL BE TURNED AWAY AT VEHICLE EVALUATION AND WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND JAMBOREE, NO REFUND."

Why are tires over 40" a no-no?
 

JimLee

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On a different note; I saw this warning on the Silver Valley Jamboree website and was wondering about it:

"Participant Jeeps with tires over 40″ WILL BE TURNED AWAY AT VEHICLE EVALUATION AND WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND JAMBOREE, NO REFUND."

Why are tires over 40" a no-no?
They say it tears up the trails too much.
 

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I wouldn't take on any obstacles that require a lot of momentum and acceleration. That's a one way trip to snap city.
 

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Trails that require lockers, pretty much end up requiring lifts, disconnects, spotters and potentially winches.
It can escalate fast. Depending on where you are going, most trails aren't all that bad.
 

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A stock JLU SS being put through it's paces. Great look at the BLD doing it's thing @ 4:40.

A few basic mods can take an already super capable Sport S to the next level. Disconnects and swapping in a Rubicon suspension can make a noticeable difference for around $250...
 

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A stock JLU SS being put through it's paces. Great look at the BLD doing it's thing @ 4:40.

A few basic mods can take an already super capable Sport S to the next level. Disconnects and swapping in a Rubicon suspension can make a noticeable difference for around $250...
This video says it all. I have a 2D sport S with rubicon suspension, LSD, rock sliders, metal bumpers and a winch. I was planning adding ARB lockers but I changed my mind. Honestly, you dont need them. I still have the stock AT tires on it, which are about 32 inches. I will switch to k02s and I think thats all for me!.

The trails that require lockers here in california also require me to have bigger balls. Maybe one day ill get there, but my balls still sport sized.
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