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Need Help Picking the Correct JKU!!

2K views 41 replies 22 participants last post by  Lemmywinks 
#1 ·
Hey Everyone, my name is Mike and I'm in the Phoenix, AZ area. I don't own a Jeep YET, but I have my dealer looking for one with the options I want as we speak. I've been searching around this board for a while, and have done a couple of test drives as well. I'm completely sold on the Jeep as my next ride.

Since I don't have to worry about fuel economy and payload capacity, I will be getting myself a fun weekend vehicle for the family. My wife has a 2013 Durango, and ever since we went to the dealership to buy her SUV a couple years ago, I've been eyeing the JK.

What I have my dealer looking for is the following:

2015 JK Unlimited Rubicon in Anvil
- 5-Speed Auto
- 3.73 Gears
- Max Tow Package
- Connectivity Group
- Freedom 3-Piece Hardtop (Not sure if I want to do black or color match)
- 430N Navigation Radio
- Air Conditioning w/ Auto Controls
- Freedom Hard Top Headliner
- Remote Start

So with the above, I was hoping for some input before I pull the final trigger.

I plan to use this vehicle on the weekends for running around with the family, and take trips into northern AZ. I definitely plan on getting it dirty and doing some trails, but I don't see myself climbing any "rock walls". I've never been one to leave my vehicles stock, so I can definitely see myself putting wheels and tires (Probably an 18" or 20" with 33" or 35" tires) on it, some light bars, bumpers front and rear, and some other goodies.

1. Will I be sacrificing much going with the 3.73 instead of the 4.10? I will probably pull a small trailer once in a while (quads and dirt bikes).

2. If I went with a Sahara instead of a Rubicon, will I be sacrificing much off-road capability?

3. Command-Trac vs. Rock-Trac?

4. With the Sahara, would you recommend the Trac-Lock differential?

5. How well do the body color fenders and roof hold-up? I wouldn't be driving through a lot of brush if any, but I'm not completely sold on the unfinished black.

I'm of the mindset that I'd rather have something, then not have something. This has me leaning towards the Rubicon. I don't think the wife would care to much for the ruggedness of the Rubicon; she may lean towards the Sahara. I think I can solve that with switching from the aggressive treads on the OEM tires to say a Nitto Terra Grappler.

Any insight is helpful.

Thanks!!

-Mike
 
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#2 ·
Picking out 'something' and spending other people's money is a bit like picking out their underwear and choosing their menu.

You've got a lot of good ideas that will serve your own purposes but pose a question that really is in the realm of 'whatever the individual really thinks they want/need/can afford.

Clearly you're not constrained by $$ so even if you do change your mind, a hallmark of JeepWorld is you have ample opportunity to pick something else.

Typically the world of theory and the world of reality don't quite merge seamlessly. Whatever it is we think we want, in some time frame, becomes something different than what we expected.

Arguments for/against any particular equipment is pretty much dissolved in the actual user-interface with their portion of JeepWorld realities.

Good luck & welcome to the frenzy.
ETA: my own 08JK Sahara fenders/top colors were not a problem in the PNW environment the last 5 years I drove it.

LSD differential is significant advantage. 373/410 can be argued endlessly. My 3.73 towed lots of 2000# home chore loads with no problem.
 
#3 ·
Thanks for the insight Jake!

It's not that money isn't the constraint. I'm at a point in my life/career where I can afford what I want. I've always been of the mindset of; if two items are similar and one cost $10 and the other is $20, if you can show me what I am getting for my extra $10 (and I agree with you) I'll pay the extra $10.

I've worked in aftermarket tuning shops before; building high horsepower GT-R, 350Z, Drift cars, drag cars, etc. There is always one thing to remember...

Do it right the first time! :)
 
#5 ·
Picking out a Jeep for someone else is like trying to choose a wife for them. You will just have to take stock of what you want and what's available and make that decision on your own.
 
#9 ·
Sounds like you will be buying a Rubicon to me... FWIW Pocket some cash and install your own hitch instead of paying twice for a rear axle upgrade. I got a willys because a rubicon is a little more hardcore than i need if i am honest. I also recommend the rear seat recline kit - rear seat is a big let down in JKU and it helps. Hope that helps in some way-
 
#15 ·
FWIW Pocket some cash and install your own hitch
Definitely agree with this - don't pay the high price Chrysler charges for a hitch - get one from Quadratec for $79 which includes harness and install yourself - 15 minute install. I took the hitch off my 15 JKU prior to trade and reinstalled on my 16JKUR - easy install - Jeep charges $495 retail for max tow <<<---- Just saved ya $416

Ran 35's with 3.73 just fun , never experienced an issue and never saw a reason to upgrade, the 4.10 I have now are peppy and are begging for bigger tires.

Biggest advice - get what you want and can afford without regrets - I wished I would have bought a Rubicon last year - I had no issues with my 15 JKU sport , it went places I never thought possible but my wants go to me and well I traded and now have a 16 JKUR.
 
#10 ·
If you have the option, get the dual top group. You will never buy a cheaper top aftermarket. If you don't want the factory soft top you can sell it on online easily, especially in PHX.

I went with the 4.10 gears and love the extra pep that they give. People tell me that If you go up in tire size, 35's with the 4.10 will feel about like 3.73's with stock tires as far as engine rpm and acceleration.

You can save yourself a few bucks by ordering the hard top headliner from the mopar store and installing it yourself.

I've got the remote start option and the range is about the same as the remote door locks. I have to be within about 20 feet of the Jeep to start it, so it's not really very useful. If I had it to do over, I wouldn't have paid extra for it.
 
#11 ·
Great Info!

Thanks AZ!!

If I did a 20x9 with LT285/55R20, do you think I'd be better off with the 4.10's?

Also, I'm definitely doing the dual top package. Hard top with liner for the summer, and soft top for winter. I just realized what that option was like an hour ago...
 
#12 ·
Regarding tire size, I just know that when I was deciding, I drove both first. The 3.73 had plenty of power with the stock 32" rubicon tires and I was leaning that way.....Until I drove the 4.10's. It was the right decision for me.

There are lots of graphs out there specific to the JK that show the engine rpm with different gear ratios and tire sizes, but really my best advice would be just to drive both before you decide.
 
#17 ·
I'll have to check out some of those graphs. What you did may just be the best option; to just go and test drive a JKUR with 3.73 and 4.10's.

I'm assuming your in AZ, and to give you a little more perspective, I live down in Maricopa. I spend a lot of time in Chandler/Gilbert/Ahwatukee. I plan on taking some weekend trips to Show Low, Sedona, Prescott, Flagstaff, etc and don't want to sacrifice TOO MUCH highway drive-ability on those long drives on the 10 and the 17.

From the sounds of it, you don't need a Rubicon. But then again neither did I, but I wanted one. I have a similar mindset to you, I'm okay paying more, so long as I get more. I know i would have regreted not getting the Rubi. I would get the 4.10 gears. It's a little low for stock, but I think you'll be real happy, especially with 35's. I have body colored fenders and top. The fenders have a few scratches, but no big deal. The top is pristine after three years and being stored in a backyard for the summers.

I personally don't think 20" wheels look good on Jeeps, not even sure about 18". If you want off-road ability, I would go with 17". But that's my opinion and it's worth exactly what you paid for it.

Good luck and have fun!
I think the wheels and tires will be a hard thing for me to settle on. Coming from the aftermarket/performance world (once upon a time) I am a huge stickler for wheels. Correct size, width, offset, sidewall height are something I'm a little OCD about. It would drive me nuts when people would have the wrong offsets or try to stretch tires. Just half-assing it...

If you plan on running some trails, you probably don't want the 20" wheels, you're going to want something with more sidewalks to help absorb the bumps from the rocks and ruts. Also, you'll have more tire options with 17" or 18" wheels.

Just a heads up, the soft top in the dual top group is the premium version.
I think trails with a 20 are doable depending on the wheel height and how much sidewall you can get. I am NOT a huge fan of little wheels and HUGE sidewalls. I think I will settle on an 18" wheel, but I plan to head out to some local jeep meets and see what the locals are running. Hopefully this will give me some perspective on form vs. function.
 
#13 ·
From the sounds of it, you don't need a Rubicon. But then again neither did I, but I wanted one. I have a similar mindset to you, I'm okay paying more, so long as I get more. I know i would have regreted not getting the Rubi. I would get the 4.10 gears. It's a little low for stock, but I think you'll be real happy, especially with 35's. I have body colored fenders and top. The fenders have a few scratches, but no big deal. The top is pristine after three years and being stored in a backyard for the summers.

I personally don't think 20" wheels look good on Jeeps, not even sure about 18". If you want off-road ability, I would go with 17". But that's my opinion and it's worth exactly what you paid for it.

Good luck and have fun!
 
#16 ·
Hey Everyone, my name is Mike and I'm in the Phoenix, AZ area. I don't own a Jeep YET, but I have my dealer looking for one with the options I want as we speak. I've been searching around this board for a while, and have done a couple of test drives as well. I'm completely sold on the Jeep as my next ride. Since I don't have to worry about fuel economy and payload capacity, I will be getting myself a fun weekend vehicle for the family. My wife has a 2013 Durango, and ever since we went to the dealership to buy her SUV a couple years ago, I've been eyeing the JK. What I have my dealer looking for is the following: 2015 JK Unlimited Rubicon in Anvil - 5-Speed Auto - 3.73 Gears - Max Tow Package - Connectivity Group - Freedom 3-Piece Hardtop (Not sure if I want to do black or color match) - 430N Navigation Radio - Air Conditioning w/ Auto Controls - Freedom Hard Top Headliner - Remote Start So with the above, I was hoping for some input before I pull the final trigger. I plan to use this vehicle on the weekends for running around with the family, and take trips into northern AZ. I definitely plan on getting it dirty and doing some trails, but I don't see myself climbing any "rock walls". I've never been one to leave my vehicles stock, so I can definitely see myself putting wheels and tires (Probably an 18" or 20" with 33" or 35" tires) on it, some light bars, bumpers front and rear, and some other goodies. 1. Will I be sacrificing much going with the 3.73 instead of the 4.10? I will probably pull a small trailer once in a while (quads and dirt bikes). 2. If I went with a Sahara instead of a Rubicon, will I be sacrificing much off-road capability? 3. Command-Trac vs. Rock-Trac? 4. With the Sahara, would you recommend the Trac-Lock differential? 5. How well do the body color fenders and roof hold-up? I wouldn't be driving through a lot of brush if any, but I'm not completely sold on the unfinished black. I'm of the mindset that I'd rather have something, then not have something. This has me leaning towards the Rubicon. I don't think the wife would care to much for the ruggedness of the Rubicon; she may lean towards the Sahara. I think I can solve that with switching from the aggressive treads on the OEM tires to say a Nitto Terra Grappler. Any insight is helpful. Thanks!! -Mike
Obviously it's your jeep, you need to decide what you want. Many of your questions are just personal choice, I'll give you my thoughts to consider on a few. Many based in the fact that this is a weekender runabout with at least some off road exploring in mind.

1) Get a rubicon. It will give you more capability right out of the box.

2) Get 4.10 gears. It'll tow better, drive around town better and off road better. You'll be in better position should you bump tire size up a bit in the future. Only down side is slight effect on highway RPM/mileage, probably only realized if your doing a lot of long road trips, for which NO JK is ideal.

3) I prefer the black top and fenders. Besides the aesthetics (which is subjective) they are cheaper and hide trail and parking lot rash much better.

4) consider dual top group. For a weekender, you'll eventually want to run open top.

5) The rubicon comes with the rock trac transfer case, besides reportedly being a stronger transfer case, it gives you lower gearing in 4wd lo arguably better in all but a few off road conditions. - Get it.

6) If you do go Sahara then get the trac loc option. You will be opting out of many off road specific features included in the rubicon, most notably the transfer case and axle lockers.

There are arguments to support any wrangler package. Truth is, the rubicon is the most off road capable out of the package and makes for a very impressive dual purpose vehicle.
 
#20 ·
"I don't see myself climbing any "rock walls". I've never been one to leave my vehicles stock, so I can definitely see myself putting wheels and tires (Probably an 18" or 20" with 33" or 35" tires) on it"

Just like every other JKU out there.

When did 35" tires become the standard for a dirt road?
 
#21 ·
You live in the Valley, it's all mountains going any where from here..Get the 4:10's
The more you go off road here the more you'll wish you had 17's and the 4:10's

If you go with any of the groups around here, you'll get scratches on your jeep..
I started off with Black fenders but dumped them for Metal Cloak Flat Fenders.

Don't worry if you don't get a Rubicon, there will be plenty of people to pull you through the obstacles when you are out with one of the groups.
You will not be able to go on as many trail rides as you might want to because many require Lockers.

Get 17"s and stay away from "E" rated tires if you want to go off road he in Phoenix, the side walls are too stiff.
 
#22 ·
Don't mean to discourage anyone but if you haven't had any experience with a Jeep you need to be very careful. One can get hurt fairly easily driving a Jeep. They handle and perform completely different than must other vehicles. I was really surprised to see so many wrecked Jeeps.
 
#28 ·
Completely agree on the advice!!

As far as the headliner, I would probably just ahve them do it for convenience. I have no probably wrenching myself, but certain things I'd rather have them just done when I get the vehicle.

Trailer hitch and wiring, I will probably just do myself.

You may want to double check, but I believe you get the 4.10 when you order the Max Tow Package on a Rubicon. At least, hat's how I remember it used to be until a few years ago.

FWIW, I have a JKR with the 4.10 and 35 inch tires, and a JKU with the 3.73 and 33 inch tires. Despite the much larger, heavier tires, the 4.10 still feels much more sprightly off the line than the 3.73. Having said that, the 3.73 with 33 inch tires feels perfectly fine, too.

Good luck,

Aldo
Thanks Aldo!

When I do the builder; if you switch to an auto it removes the 4.10's for 3.73's. When I add the Max Tow Package it just adds the Class II hitch and 4-pin wiring adapter. I can add the 4.10 back in for $495 though.

IMO, drop the 3.73 and go for 4.10, drop the A/C auto, drop the remote start (the 500 the dealer charged you can be had for 100 plug and play).
Dropping the Auto A/C from my request, once I realized what it is. Again, the remote start from the factory may just be for conveinece. If I don't get the Alpine system, I will probably have my audio guy do a small system with upgraded Alpine Headunit/NAV and can have him put a remote start in them.

Which would also have me cancel my factory request for the 430N system.

Still waiting to hear from the sales guy I spoke with to see if he found any JKUR's in the features I wanted.


Thanks Everyone!!!
 
#26 · (Edited)
You may want to double check, but I believe you get the 4.10 when you order the Max Tow Package on a Rubicon. At least, hat's how I remember it used to be until a few years ago.

FWIW, I have a JKR with the 4.10 and 35 inch tires, and a JKU with the 3.73 and 33 inch tires. Despite the much larger, heavier tires, the 4.10 still feels much more sprightly off the line than the 3.73. Having said that, the 3.73 with 33 inch tires feels perfectly fine, too.

Good luck,

Aldo
 
#29 ·
I was in a similar dilemma, for over a year I was dreaming daily about purchasing a Willys non-power windows/locks. Due to my color of choice, at the time I was stuck looking for jeeps in the lot. I found out that most willys had unnecessary add-ons for me.
Then I stumbled into some basic rubicons, which is what I ended up buying, no regrets.
What got me convinced on the rubicon over the willys is that once you go for the powered willys and add some extra doodads, the price difference is relatively small.
Here is my rubicon:
I'm glad it had the 430N since I added a backup camera for about $120.
I wish it would have had the upgraded alpine sound system
I don't plan for larger tires so the 3.73 seem just fine, plenty of acceleration, plus I drive like a grandma!
 
#30 ·
Oh yeah, definetely skip if you can the tow package, head liner, remote and climate control.
I don't have conectivity/bluetooth, which I really don't miss, since with the top down/off, it's too noisy to have a cell phone conversation, so I simply don't answer the phone while driving!:D
 
#33 ·
I just went through the same thing trying to pick my Jeep. Coming from a lifted FJ that I used and abused, I wanted something very off road capable but also nice for family trips. I didn't want any regrets like I had with the FJ so I decided on a JKUR Hard Rock. Loved the bumpers, hood and leather. It was a little more but again I didn't want to regret not spending the extra money and having exactly what I wanted.
 
#36 ·
I just bought a Rubicon a few weeks ago and debated much of the same things.

My likes:
The saddle leather looks nice and I'm not a fan on brown
4.10 ratio. It's plenty lively with stock wheels
Dual top - getting premium top and hard top is great

My regrets:
Wish I would have found a hard rock model
Wish I had the auto ac

My dislikes:
The seat heaters are pretty weak, useless almost
The headlights are terrible. Save money for aftermarket trucklites or jw speakers

My advice:
Install the liner and tow package yourself to save money
 
#39 ·
Sometimes the builder website doesn't match exactly what the dealer is able to order, especially when it comes to standalone options built in certain packages.
 
#41 ·
First off, thanks for all the feedback!!

After reading your posts, and determining my wants and needs. I think I'm going to do the following:

Bypass the 430N, and go with a stock radio. The intent would be to upgrade to an Alpine Restyle X009-WRA. I may consider the Alpine speaker system from the factory now though.

Going to skip the factory tow package, and will get an after market hitch.

Going with the dual top group.

Considering ordering the Mopar half doors front and rear with door trims.

Going to skip the auto AC

I'm also going to see if I can find a 2015 JKUR HR; as I like the bumpers and the hood better. If not, I may go with a JKUR and go with an AEV heat reduction hood.

Thanks for all the input!!!
 
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