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Advice on New 4 Door Wrangler

3K views 35 replies 14 participants last post by  DKS 
#1 ·
I'm trading my Mustang for a 2011 Wrangler Unlimited 4 Door.

It must be Black and it must have a hard top.

I'm planning on putting either 33 or 35 inch tires on as soon as I buy it.

#1 Auto or 6 speed????

I usually prefer Autos in trucks/SUVs and Manuals in Cars, but I'm wondering which is best since I'm putting on bigger tires.

Does the Manual really help the performance (power, MPG) enough to matter? Or would the Auto be better with the big tires?

#2 Sport or Sahara??

I'm thinking since the thing is going to be black and the color matching of the Sahara package would be a waste I should just get a sport and equip it the way I want it.

I don't want the sport S because it comes with the nice wheels, which would be a waste for me since I'm going aftermarket as soon as I pick it up.

Any other advice would be appreciated.


I want to get it right the first time. This is by no means my first Jeep, but it is my first Wrangler, and my first new car.
 
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#2 ·
If I wasn't on my handheld, I'd track down the recent manual/auto thread in which somebody posted links to about eight separate manual/auto threads. This is a debate for which there is no answer. My personal recommendation is manual.

if you're going to do lots of mods regardless, a sport may be best for you.
 
#4 ·
If I wasn't on my handheld, I'd track down the recent manual/auto thread in which somebody posted links to about eight separate manual/auto threads. This is a debate for which there is no answer. My personal recommendation is manual.

if you're going to do lots of mods regardless, a sport may be best for you.

Thanks. I actually have read through some of the threads on the topic. I was just looking for a fresh perspective specific to my plans.

I'm pretty sure the sport is the way to go for my needs from what I see on the website, just wanted to make sure there wasn't some catch I was missing.

If all I'd gain is the color matching, and not saving any money by buying the Sahara package over getting the Sport and equiping it, I'll for sure go sport since the color matching is a moot point on a black one.

I basically want the . . .

Tow Package
Hard Top
LSD (not the drug, lol)
Power package (which I didn't see listed on the "build your own" part of the site for the Sport. You can get Power windows, locks, keyless, etc. on the Sports, right???
Tint (if they don't all have tint anyway)
Fog Lights (seems they all have these, too)


Still up in the air about the Infinity package, the Automatic, and the Upgraded Electronic/leather steering wheel/USB Port package, lol
 
#3 ·
My current Jeep Wrangler has the automatic and even though I only have 31" tires and am not a severe off-roader I find the auto is much easier to use when crawling up some of the rough mountain back-trails. It enables me to use one foot on the throttle and one on the brake without stalling the engine. I've have standards before and trying to operate the clutch, brake, and throttle all at the same time with just 2 feet while manuvering over an obstacle has always been very stressful for me.
 
#6 ·
My current Jeep Wrangler has the automatic and even though I only have 31" tires and am not a severe off-roader I find the auto is much easier to use when crawling up some of the rough mountain back-trails. It enables me to use one foot on the throttle and one on the brake without stalling the engine. I've have standards before and trying to operate the clutch, brake, and throttle all at the same time with just 2 feet while manuvering over an obstacle has always been very stressful for me.
I've done a lot of off roading in vehicles with Manuals and Autos. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Usually, I have this philosophy. . . . If it's a car, I like a straight, if it's a truck, I like an auto.

However, I've just heard that these are so underpowered that you gain a lot of performance from the 6 speed and better mileage.

This vehicle will not be used for serious off roading for several years. It's going to be my weekend nice ride until it gets some years on it. I have a GC that is set up for moderate off roading and winter use that I will continue to use for that purpose to preserve the Wrangler until it's older.

So, most of it's use will be highway.
 
#5 ·
:cool: This is not meant to be funny, but

My advice wouldn't be right for you-My JKU Rubi is different than most, and

You can't doit right the first time, you will change whatever you do NOW-within a year it'll change many times, as your desires/hobbys/friends all change-so just take it slow and easy--

Don't IMMEDIATELY throw big tires and wheels on, cause then you'll spend all your money FIXING the suspension to accomodate your new changes, learn how good the jeep is STOCK-first !!

:rofl::rofl: JIMBO
 
#7 ·
:cool: This is not meant to be funny, but

My advice wouldn't be right for you-My JKU Rubi is different than most, and

You can't doit right the first time, you will change whatever you do NOW-within a year it'll change many times, as your desires/hobbys/friends all change-so just take it slow and easy--

Don't IMMEDIATELY throw big tires and wheels on, cause then you'll spend all your money FIXING the suspension to accomodate your new changes, learn how good the jeep is STOCK-first !!

:rofl::rofl: JIMBO
Yeah, this will be my 26th vehicle, I'm way too familiar with the mod game, lol And you are exactly right. I swore I was going to leave my Mustang stock when I bought it. Within 6 months it was a trophy winning show car that didn't even resemble what it looked like when I bought it, lol

But as far as tires go, I know they do great with the stock tires. I just think they look soooooo much better with at least 33s under them.

I know in my mind what I want as far as looks go, and I MUST have big tires!!! I've never wanted a vehicle as bad as I want one of these Jeeps. When I saw my first 4 door Wangler with a hard top and big tires I fell in love.
 
#8 ·
Sounds like we're in the same boat. I went from a mustang GT to a 4 door JK sahara. 3" lift 35" tires and 4.88 gears. I have a manual but sometimes I wish I had an automatic when I need to pull my friends out.

As far as Sahara vs Sport, I plan on putting flat fenders and a 1" BL on when I go to 37s, so the painted sahara fenders were a waste. IMO I'd get the sport and do what you want with it. The fenders can always be painted later on.
 

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#11 ·
Nice rides. Do you miss the Mustang at all?? I'm just way more of a 4x4 guy than I am a car guy. I like to have room, not have to worry about running up on curbs, sit higher up, and did I mention having room!!

Here's mine. . . .





 
#10 ·
i wouldnt waste money on the sahara unless you like the comfort features it provides. the infinity sound system is a nice upgrade from stock but still not a good system IMO ... cheaper and better to build your own sound system if you have the money for it. the auto works fine for me on 32's and the fact the JK is so under powered there is no way around it far from a hemi swap. having a 6 speed or auto is really not going to make a difference in power for you.

the biggest thing here is getting what you personally like and what you can deal with paying for. if your happy with it, thats all that matters and anything can be done to the jeep.

the sahara was what i chose personally and i like all the little features it has. i was however very upset with a few things after i did my research. i have an auto and drove a buddies 6 speed awhile back, i felt no improvement in power what so ever besides the extra jerk from shifting. MPG we average around the same if we both act like grannies when we drive. so 6 or auto is more of a preference IMO

i hope some of this helped you out in some way. i wish you the best of luck with your new coming JK and hope you enjoy it.
 
#15 ·
i wouldnt waste money on the sahara unless you like the comfort features it provides. (Is there any that the sport can't be equipped with for less total cost??)the infinity sound system is a nice upgrade from stock but still not a good system IMO ... cheaper and better to build your own sound system if you have the money for it. the auto works fine for me on 32's and the fact the JK is so under powered there is no way around it far from a hemi swap. (They Do have a Supercharger kit available, too, lol)having a 6 speed or auto is really not going to make a difference in power for you.

the biggest thing here is getting what you personally like and what you can deal with paying for. if your happy with it, thats all that matters and anything can be done to the jeep.

the sahara was what i chose personally and i like all the little features it has. (Which are What? I thought all the difference between the two was the color matching on the exterior which doesn't matter on black anyway)i was however very upset with a few things after i did my research. i have an auto and drove a buddies 6 speed awhile back, i felt no improvement in power what so ever besides the extra jerk from shifting. MPG we average around the same if we both act like grannies when we drive. so 6 or auto is more of a preference IMO (Exactly the kind of input I was looking for, thank you sir)

i hope some of this helped you out in some way. i wish you the best of luck with your new coming JK and hope you enjoy it.
Thanks again.
 
#12 ·
As far as sport vs sahara I would absolutely go with the sport. If you are going to buy a new vehicle you are going to care about your paint. I know I do and I makes me extra careful on the trail. With the sport you get the luxury of plastic fenders that you can't really scratch. It gives you less to worry about. Plus in the city or anywhere really, if someone opens their door into your jeep it will just hit the fender and won't scratch it. Bushewhacker makes painted aftermarket flares that you can upgrade to eventually if you want.

On the sport manual: I have the 6 speed and absolutely love it. Even on steep trails I rarely need the clutch so it's not hard to do clutch and brake and gas. I can idle at an extremely low speed (it feels like 1 or 2 mph) idk how slow the auto can crawl but I would imagine it is faster since the 1st gear ratio is lower(wheels spin faster for each rotation of engine).
 
#17 ·
As far as sport vs sahara I would absolutely go with the sport. If you are going to buy a new vehicle you are going to care about your paint. I know I do and I makes me extra careful on the trail. With the sport you get the luxury of plastic fenders that you can't really scratch. It gives you less to worry about. Plus in the city or anywhere really, if someone opens their door into your jeep it will just hit the fender and won't scratch it. Bushewhacker makes painted aftermarket flares that you can upgrade to eventually if you want.

You have no idea, lol I'm a detailer on the side and I do car shows on the regular. Look at my Mustang. . . .














Yeah, I'm very concerned with my paint, lol

I had actually taken into consideration all the things you said about the fenders, etc. into my decision. I'm 99.9% going with the Sport unless someone can show me something the Sahara has (other than the painted parts on the exterior) that I can't get in the sport.

As far as the Auto Vs. Manual. I live in the country, but I do a lot of city driving. If the MPG and Power isn't an issue between the two, I'll for sure go auto. I like to shift something with power for fun, but a big SUV, I'm chillin in it, lol :punk:
 
#13 ·
You also get better mileage which is a big plus and it can be more fun to drive on the street if you get a manual
 
#14 ·
:cool: There's nothing lower than the Rubi 4-1 xfer case in 1st gear auto or stick and auto you can stop on a rock for 20 minutes without touching ANYTHING-

The stick has "no stall" but I'm afraid that must wear out clutchs pretty fast !!

:rofl::rofl: JIMBO
 
#18 ·
My only input is to stay away from the 3.21 gear ratio whether you go with the 6 speed manual or automatic. I truly wish the sport came with 4.10 gear on the 2011 like I had on my 2007 Wrangler. I think the only unit you can get with a 4.10 is the Rubicon. I wish they had not changed that.

I have owned both the 6 speed manual and the automatic and I prefer the automatic especially if you are going to use it as a daily driver in any kind of traffic or stop and go driving.
 
#19 ·
From what I understand the auto only comes in a 3.73 in 2011.

Thanks for the input. Will the 3.73 be OK with 33-35" tires?? Or will I have to change the gears, too?
 
#20 ·
The taller tires will raise your gear ratio. I would think is would be advisable to go to the 4.10 but I do not have first hand experience here. I just know that the 3.73 on my 2011 does not have the same torque feel that I had with my 2007 with 4.10 gears.

I am sure some of the folks on the WF that have the taller tires will chime in and let you know if you are going to be happy with the 3.73 with gorilla tires. LOL
 
#25 ·
I prefer a manual transmission especially in anything less than a V8. It is my preference I know others prefer auto's, but when it comes down to it neither is better than the other, and it is all in how you drive and what you prefer. After all you are the one that is stuck with your decision.
 
#29 ·
My two cents, when I was looking for a jeep I decided a manual if I went 2dr, auto for a 4dr. Not sure why, guess the 4dr seems more like a full size SUV and just seemed like a better fit. I went with the 2dr manual and I am happy with it. Have to admit, though, the extra room in the 4dr would make it a more "practical" vehicle.

Bob:wavey:
 
#33 ·
I would go with the MT not auto if you are seriously considering larger tires. Why spend $1000 to get auto when you would spend $300 for a tuner to compensate for not having a MT? Use that $1300 to but tires. You can chirp 2nd if you want to pretend you are in a convertible sport car :). You would be wise to get the sport. However, the S package might include all the extras your looking for. Then you could sell tires and rims. Infinity sound if pretty good but not awesome.
 
#34 ·
I saw on either Trucks or Extreme 4x4 the other day where they were talking about the bushwhacker flares that allow 35" tires with no lift. I've been searching and haven't found anyone that has these installed and runnin 35s with no lift.

What do you guys think about this setup? Looks to me like more suspension travel would be needed over the factory setup, but just curious if this works for light to moderate wheeling.
 
#35 ·
DKS said:
I saw on either Trucks or Extreme 4x4 the other day where they were talking about the bushwhacker flares that allow 35" tires with no lift. I've been searching and haven't found anyone that has these installed and runnin 35s with no lift.

What do you guys think about this setup? Looks to me like more suspension travel would be needed over the factory setup, but just curious if this works for light to moderate wheeling.
With the factory rake, I'd say you're still going to rub in the front if you take it off the pavement. Smittybilt makes some really narrow flares that might let you get away without a lift. Seems like most people do a 2.5-3.5" lift to fit their 35s and leave the fenders alone.
 
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