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Looking to purchase new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited...need help

Discussion in 'General Jeep Discussion' started by csuviper, Oct 17, 2017.

Page 1 of 2
  1. Oct 17, 2017 at 1:11 PM
    #1
    csuviper

    #1
    csuviper [OP] Tundra Guy Moderator

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2016
    Member:
    #9
    Messages:
    113
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    18 Jeep Wrangler JL Rubicon
    Will be mostly stock
    I don't know much at all about the Jeep Wranglers so i need to get educated before going in to purchase one for my wife.
    She is not going to use this offroad. Will be her daily driver. She really likes the offroad look however and wants it lifted with bigger tires right away.

    Her requirements:
    1. White with black hard top and black fender flares.
    2. Automatic
    3. Leather seats
    4. Heated front seats
    5. Tow package just in case
    6. Black wheels
    7. Lift right away 2-3"
    8. 33" or 35" tires


    From the Jeep website i need to decide on the models and options. Here is what is listed.

    Models:
    1. Sport
    2. Sport S
    3. Willys Wheeler
    4. Big Bear
    5. Freedom Edition
    6. Sahara
    7. Willys Wheeler W
    8. Rubicon
    9. Smoky Mountain
    10. Chief
    11. Winter
    12. Rubicon Hard Rock
    13. Rubicon Recon
    Powertrain:
    1. Engine
      • 3.6L v6 24vLAVE VVT Engine
    2. Transmissions
      • 6 speed manual transmission
      • 5 speed Automatic Transmission
    3. Axles
      • Trac-Lok Differential Rear Axle - Don't need
    4. Gear Ratios
      • 3.21
      • 3.73
      • 4.10
    5. Additional mechanical features
      • Engine Block Heater
    Packages:
    1. Load and Towing
      • Trailer Tow Group
      • Max Trailer Tow Package
    2. Packages and Equipment
      • Connectivity Group
      • LED Lighting Group
      • Cold Weather Group
      • Dual Top Group
      • Power Convenience Group
      • Smokers Group
      • Premium Sound and Leather
      • Black Appearance Group
    Exterior:
    1. Exterior Colors
      1. Color choice depending on Model
    2. Tops
      • Premium Black Sunrider Soft Top
      • Freedom Top Black 3-Piece Hard Top
      • Freedom Top Body Color 3-Piece Hard Top
    3. Wheels
      • Standard wheel depending on model
    4. Tires
      • Standard tire depending on model
    5. Glass
      • Deep Tint Sunscreen Windows
    6. Doors
      • Half metal doors with manual locks
      • Swing gate reinforcement
      • Oversize spare tire carrier
    7. Exterior Design
      • Rock Rails depending on model
      • Tubular side steps depending on model
      • Body Color Fender Flares
    Interior:
    1. Seat Types
      • Leather seat with cloth sedoso fabric
    2. Seat Features
      • Heated front seats
    3. Sound Systems
      • Radio 130
      • Radio 430
      • Radio 430N
    4. Sound and Components
      • SiriusXM
    5. Speaker System
      • Alpine Premium 9 speakers with all weather subwoofer
    6. Floor Mats
      • All weather slush mats
    7. Climate Control System
      • Air conditioning with automatic temp control
    8. Interior Design
      • Hard top headliner
    9. Additional interior features
      • Jeep Trail Rated Kit
    10. Safety and Security
      • Remote Start System
      • Electronic Vehicle Tracking System
    11. Air bags
      • Supplemental front seat mounted side airbags
     
    csuviper, Oct 17, 2017
    #1
    JKBob 25 and chris4x4 like this.
  2. Oct 17, 2017 at 1:15 PM
    #2
    csuviper

    #2
    csuviper [OP] Tundra Guy Moderator

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2016
    Member:
    #9
    Messages:
    113
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    18 Jeep Wrangler JL Rubicon
    Will be mostly stock
    Here are the questions:

    1. Should we wait for the new 2018 JL or stick with a new 2017 JK? Not wanting the diesel or 2.0L turbo option so maybe there isnt a big difference with the standard V6??
    2. Which models are standard with leather interior?
    3. With 33" tires which gear ratio is best?
    4. With 35" tires which gear ratio is best?
    5. Is the swing gate reinforcement needed for 33" tires? 35" tires?
    6. Is the oversize spare tire carrier needed for 33" tires? 35" tires?
    7. Is the hard top headliner worth the price?
     
    Last edited: Oct 17, 2017
    csuviper, Oct 17, 2017
    #2
  3. Oct 17, 2017 at 1:43 PM
    #3
    Prerunner1982

    #3
    Prerunner1982 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2017
    Member:
    #1745
    Messages:
    1,356
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jon
    Vehicle:
    93 XJ 2 door
    Here are the questions:

    1. Should we wait for the new 2018 JL or stick with a new 2017 JK? Not wanting the diesel or 2.0L turbo option so maybe there isnt a big difference with the standard V6?? Typical advice is to not get a first year of a new model. The 3.6 likely won't be too much different, maybe slight increase in power...may not. Haven't seen numbers on that yet.
    2. Which models are standard with leather interior? It looks like the Sahara is the lowest model that offers the leather seats, looking at Jeep.com. I wouldn't go for the Rubicon unless she just really likes it as you will be paying for equipment she won't need/use.
    3. With 33" tires which gear ratio is best? Will let others with more knowledge answer.
    4. With 35" tires which gear ratio is best? Will let others with more knowledge answer.
    5. Is the swing gate reinforcement needed for 33" tires? 35" tires? See below.
    6. Is the oversize spare tire carrier needed for 33" tires? 35" tires? I would advise to get a rear bumper with a swing out tire carrier, I have seen many stock tire carriers fail with oversized tires.
    7. Is the hard top headliner worth the price? I suppose that depends on where you live, but Jeeps generally have a good heater.
     
    Prerunner1982, Oct 17, 2017
    #3
    JKBob 25 and chris4x4 like this.
  4. Oct 17, 2017 at 2:15 PM
    #4
    chris4x4

    #4
    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine Moderator

    Joined:
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    FOR gear ratio, I wanted the 4.10. I likke the ratio for its off road leverage, and my wife likes the added "pep the lower gears give. The 3.6 will have the same 285 hp as previous years.
     
    chris4x4, Oct 17, 2017
    #4
    JKBob 25 likes this.
  5. Oct 17, 2017 at 2:29 PM
    #5
    chris4x4

    #5
    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine Moderator

    Joined:
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    What,are they charging for the headliner?
     
    chris4x4, Oct 17, 2017
    #5
    JKBob 25 likes this.
  6. Oct 17, 2017 at 2:50 PM
    #6
    boondoc89

    #6
    boondoc89 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2017
    Member:
    #912
    Messages:
    772
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    alex
    Vehicle:
    08 JKU
    3 inch zone lift. Fox 2.0 shocks. 35 inch nitto ridge grapplers. Bushwacker flat fenders. No name steel bumpers front and back for now.
    I've got 4.56's in my JKU with 35's and it does great. I ran the stock 3.73 gears with 35's for about 6 months and it wasn't too bad. Highway driving sucked but we have hills and inclines so keeping speed was a bitch. Around town it was ok. I think with 4.10's and 33" inch tires you would be just fine and dandy. But I think only the Rubicon comes with 4.10 gears from the factory (I'm probably wrong). But if the jeep isn't going to be wheeled you might not ever get to use the goodies that it comes with.

    Are you on either tundras or tacomaworld?? Your username looks awfully familiar.
     
    boondoc89, Oct 17, 2017
    #6
    JKBob 25 likes this.
  7. Oct 17, 2017 at 2:52 PM
    #7
    boondoc89

    #7
    boondoc89 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2017
    Member:
    #912
    Messages:
    772
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    alex
    Vehicle:
    08 JKU
    3 inch zone lift. Fox 2.0 shocks. 35 inch nitto ridge grapplers. Bushwacker flat fenders. No name steel bumpers front and back for now.
    I forgot to mention I've got the old boat anchor motor in my JK as well... 3.8L :pout:
     
    boondoc89, Oct 17, 2017
    #7
    Billy1234, JKBob 25 and chris4x4 like this.
  8. Oct 17, 2017 at 2:55 PM
    #8
    chris4x4

    #8
    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine Moderator

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    I think hes one of those moderators on TW
     
    chris4x4, Oct 17, 2017
    #8
    JKBob 25 likes this.
  9. Oct 17, 2017 at 2:56 PM
    #9
    boondoc89

    #9
    boondoc89 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2017
    Member:
    #912
    Messages:
    772
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    alex
    Vehicle:
    08 JKU
    3 inch zone lift. Fox 2.0 shocks. 35 inch nitto ridge grapplers. Bushwacker flat fenders. No name steel bumpers front and back for now.
    I thought so!! I'm on both of those sites as well. Used to have a Tacoma and now I got a tundra.
     
    boondoc89, Oct 17, 2017
    #9
    JKBob 25 likes this.
  10. Oct 17, 2017 at 3:00 PM
    #10
    csuviper

    #10
    csuviper [OP] Tundra Guy Moderator

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2016
    Member:
    #9
    Messages:
    113
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    18 Jeep Wrangler JL Rubicon
    Will be mostly stock
    Mod on both. Declined on here because i spend way too much time on Tundras.
     
    csuviper, Oct 17, 2017
    #10
    JKBob 25, chris4x4[QUOTED] and boondoc89[QUOTED] like this.
  11. Oct 17, 2017 at 3:06 PM
    #11
    csuviper

    #11
    csuviper [OP] Tundra Guy Moderator

    Joined:
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    Member:
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    Messages:
    113
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    18 Jeep Wrangler JL Rubicon
    Will be mostly stock
    1. If its the same engine, tranny and suspension then there is no reason that the first year model will have any different problems that the JK. Its most likely that they are just adding a new motor(s) to the lineup and some changes with looks/convenience items. Should be ok.
    2. Sahara has the color matched hard top. She wants black.
    Rubicon is most likely a waste of money as it will only see dirt trails at most. (unless i sneak away with it for a camping trip)
    Are these really the only two that offer the leather. If so then i will have to see what the cost to add leather seats is vs the upgrade cost of the rubicon. If its not a good savings to go sport with leather then i will just upgrade to Rubicon

    6. If the reinforcement and oversize spare tire carrier are really needed then i will have to weight the cost between that and the aftermarket bumper. My guess is that its not required for the 33" tire but a good choice for the 35" tire.

    7. Is the headliner only for heat? Does it help with road noise?
     
    Last edited: Oct 17, 2017
    csuviper, Oct 17, 2017
    #11
    JKBob 25 likes this.
  12. Oct 17, 2017 at 3:07 PM
    #12
    csuviper

    #12
    csuviper [OP] Tundra Guy Moderator

    Joined:
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    Member:
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    Messages:
    113
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    18 Jeep Wrangler JL Rubicon
    Will be mostly stock
    She used to have the 2011 with the van motor and i hated it. Drove one of the newer ones as a rental car and it had way more power.
     
    csuviper, Oct 17, 2017
    #12
    JKBob 25 likes this.
  13. Oct 17, 2017 at 3:12 PM
    #13
    csuviper

    #13
    csuviper [OP] Tundra Guy Moderator

    Joined:
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    Member:
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    Messages:
    113
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    18 Jeep Wrangler JL Rubicon
    Will be mostly stock
    There are 3 options for gears depending on the model. 3.21, 3.73 and 4.10. Based on knowledge of my Tacoma it came with 4.10 gears and i upgraded to 4.56. 3.73 was good for 33 but definitely needed the 4.56 with 35s. 4.88 might have been even better.

    My guess is stock wheel size the 3.21s are great. 33s need the 3.73 and 35s need the 4.10. Just want to get a good idea from those here that have larger tires to see what gears they are happy with and which they are not happy with.
     
    csuviper, Oct 17, 2017
    #13
    JKBob 25 likes this.
  14. Oct 17, 2017 at 3:45 PM
    #14
    Prerunner1982

    #14
    Prerunner1982 Well-Known Member

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    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jon
    Vehicle:
    93 XJ 2 door
     
    Prerunner1982, Oct 17, 2017
    #14
  15. Oct 17, 2017 at 3:57 PM
    #15
    chris4x4

    #15
    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine Moderator

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    I have the Hot Head headliners in mine, and it helped with sound, and heat.
     
    chris4x4, Oct 17, 2017
    #15
    JKBob 25 likes this.
  16. Oct 17, 2017 at 4:03 PM
    #16
    aggrex

    #16
    aggrex Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    DE
    Vehicle:
    Backcountry '16
    Tuffy>AEV>TTO>JW>STech>EVOcage>MagnaFlow>SpiderTrax>RockHard>TF>SpringTail>67design>Bolt>GPCA>Curt>
    Here are the questions:

    1. Should we wait for the new 2018 JL or stick with a new 2017 JK? Not wanting the diesel or 2.0L turbo option so maybe there isnt a big difference with the standard V6?? If it saves some $ go with the '17 but the darn JK has a rep on resale as will the '18
    2. Which models are standard with leather interior? Sahara but some of the aftermarket choices are higher quality, i.e.:katzkin
    3. With 33" tires which gear ratio is best? for non-Rubi choose 3.73>3.21
    4. With 35" tires which gear ratio is best? consider std and regear later
    5. Is the swing gate reinforcement needed for 33" tires? 35" tires?std tire hinge is rated for 75-85 lb
    6. Is the oversize spare tire carrier needed for 33" tires? 35" tires?tail gate metal is thin; either HD hinge option/TF or bumper/frame mount
    7. Is the hard top headliner worth the price?heard good things but its a jeep and $$ will be spent elsewhere
    *** After the LIFT you will be selling oem wheels+tires ***
     
    Last edited: Oct 17, 2017
    aggrex, Oct 17, 2017
    #16
    JKBob 25 likes this.
  17. Oct 17, 2017 at 4:27 PM
    #17
    Offroad798

    #17
    Offroad798 Well-Known Member

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    Bob
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2015 Rubicon
    fenders, bumpers, winch, inner fenders, cb, headliner storage, oil pan armor
    Here is my 2 cents worth. I would say from the list you had that the Sahara would probably check off most of your jeep requirements. You can order the hard top with soft top. It will cost you more but you have both tops. You can get 4.10 gears in this model. You can probably get a good deal on the 2017s. As the new Jl will be soon arriving and we are approaching the end of the year. Go to the jeep dealer and take different models for test drives and see what you like. Jeeps are the most customized vehicles and you can change anything you want. Just look at whats installed vs what you want or would need. Lifts and tires require some work ( most people can do this or with help from other jeepers) but not like swapping axles and installing options your jeep didn't come with. Good luck - Remember there is no bad choices when it comes to jeeps.
     
    Offroad798, Oct 17, 2017
    #17
    JKBob 25 likes this.
  18. Oct 17, 2017 at 5:23 PM
    #18
    boondoc89

    #18
    boondoc89 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Messages:
    772
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    alex
    Vehicle:
    08 JKU
    3 inch zone lift. Fox 2.0 shocks. 35 inch nitto ridge grapplers. Bushwacker flat fenders. No name steel bumpers front and back for now.
    I would imagine that the 3.73 is a good middle ground. Even with the 3.8L the 35's and the 3.73 it's wasn't hateful but I could definitely feel a little bit of power loss. I'm probably gonna find a diesel engine soon and do a swap. My wife wants to buy another jeep soon so the one we got now will be a designated trail rig
     
    boondoc89, Oct 17, 2017
    #18
    JKBob 25 likes this.
  19. Oct 17, 2017 at 6:19 PM
    #19
    JKBob 25

    #19
    JKBob 25 Well-Known Member

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    2016 JK Wrangler Sport
    JKBob 25, Oct 17, 2017
    #19
  20. Oct 17, 2017 at 6:20 PM
    #20
    csuviper

    #20
    csuviper [OP] Tundra Guy Moderator

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2016
    Member:
    #9
    Messages:
    113
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    18 Jeep Wrangler JL Rubicon
    Will be mostly stock
    Most likely just going with 33s. Should be good with the 3.73. How’s the power and mpgs with this setup?
     
    csuviper, Oct 17, 2017
    #20
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