I guess this is just a rumor since no one knows for sure but I heard that it is supposed to come with the heavy duty front Dana 44 from the J8 and Heavy duty differential covers.
- Replaced Hard Rock
- MSRP close to the Hard Rocks's
- Same 3.6L engine and trans options
- D44 rear axle
- Upgraded D44 front axle (larger tubes and C's)
- New wheels
- New design HD rock rails with step pad
- New diff covers front and rear
Some might laugh, but i'm interested to see what the new HD Rock Rails w/Step Pads look like. I like the look of my stock '15HR's rock rails, but with my 3-1/2 lift & 35's even I have to hop in it at 6'. Peeling the top back is a PITA now, and i'm starting to envy some of the rails out there with more of a "step" then I have on mine...
I doubt it is just the axle shafts themselves. The axle shafts linked above are specifically for a M44/216MM housing.
216MM is 8.50 inches. I suspect that is just reference to the ring gear.
Here is a link to the M44/216MM front axle housing. There is a "what this fits" tab but it isn't clear (to me) if the housing is upgraded from the D44 front axle housing.
I think I'll find a Hard Rock unlimited with a 6 speed in it before they are gone since I missed the cut off. Along with the lack of information the RECON.
The hub is the only thing i've been told is different. JK obviously has 5x5 and the J8 has a 5x5.5 like the RAM Truck it was sourced from. IIRC it is a narrow 1994-2001 Light Duty Front and Rear Axle set from a Dodge 1500. To Bad they didn't bring over the SEMI-Float Dana 60 as well. That would have been a pretty decent factory upgrade. Not really needed unless they went to 35-spline... but I'm sure it's because a rear locker off their own shelf doesn't exist is why they stuck with a D44.
Does anyone know when FCA might open up the ordering of the Recon? I've been looking for a pretty specific Hard Rock but may hold off and see what the Recon looks like.
Should open this month. I was almost certain production starts in Feb. If someone has the quick order CPOS code they can search existing inventory. If 2 or 3 are out there that means preproduction, not a prototype just a production validation unit, or "PER" is complete and ready for order.
Ok- I'm going to chime in. First of all the veterans will know more and have more experience with this than I do.. but I will add my own grain of salt.
When I was denied ordering a Recon back in November I told Craig at Koon's Jeep Tysons that I want to be first in line (choice wise) for the Recon if I like the specs. Spoke to him a couple days ago and still first in line (supposedly) for it when it becomes available. Fingers crossed, but hoping to hear something by the end of the week. They are supposed to call as soon as it appears on the system. Will keep you posted as soon as I hear something and will let you know the options/specs as they are told to me. Planning to update this by end of week. My hope is that it is very similar to the HR with a couple minor but generally beneficial upgrades to entice more people to keep buying the JK.
On a side note (would be happy to post on another thread)- biggest decision I'm struggling with is the auto vs manual as I also have always driven a manual but am concerned about burning the clutch in more difficult off-road situations. Any thoughts on which is more dependable long term in the Jeep JK Rubicon (as I have no previous experience on that one)?
Guess you will know by the 12th when the order banks open, but rumor is small production will start in Feb with it ramping up in March. So if in a few days it's still not available to order it might not be till Feb.
Would be nice to see a picture of it prior to actually ordering no?
I get that most Jeep off-road guys have a preference for manual trannys--but I don't. I am not a hardcore offroader, and a manual tranny is not only more convenient on-road, but makes pulling, towing, and offroading much smoother for me. I know there are guys who can make a manual tranny do amazing things while crawling. I am not one of them, and I don't want to spend the time to learn, so I like how an auto tranny allows me to smoothly apply power. Plus for my DD, auto is just more convenient in general.
Thank you everyone: doctorsteve, jeffbarnett513, and batboy. I will definitely not buy until they are able to confirm specs and the visuals although I think I'm going to put a deposit on it regardless to hold my place.
Test drove an HR manual and loved it. Only previous experience with 4x4 transmissions were from the land rover world; drove an old series land rover and defender 90 manual. Discos I had only came in auto which worked quite well for trails and were bulletproof. I'm leaning towards the manual on the JK but don't know much about long-term reliability of either. Reliability would be deciding factor for me.
Has anyone heard anything else about the order bank opening up today? My dealer says he has no new information.
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