The one thing I haven't heard mentioned yet is the benefit of having a manual during decents. First or second gear usually requires minimal or no braking during decents unlike an auto.

 

for sure this is a huge benefit and as i've stated, a manual is " in some cases, more capable in my opinion"

 

Amen.. I love my 6 speed for wheeling...sure I stall out sometimes but it makes for more practice time...

 

did you find the JK throttle a little harder to get use to than the TJ's?

 

Sometimes what seems like a silly question is really one of the best questions to ask. Great question and even better answers. I had no idea the JK manual could start in 4Lo without the clutch in. I have an auto but this is just the kind of stuff I love about this forum. Learning more about 4 wheeling is a part of what makes a good Jeeper. I use my handbrake especially on decents with the auto. If I had the Rubi transfercase that would help a bunch. We are all still learning.

 

I have the Rubicon 4:1 case so that does have an advantage. The things to remember and it has been said before- Stay off the clutch. Put it in gear let off the clutch and put you foot on the floor. It is tempting to rest your foot on the pedal but this will put you in 'street mode' or the way you would drive on a normal road in traffic. Also there is no reason to fan the clutch as you would when you pull away from a stop. Give it gas and let it out. Gently but not gradually as you would in 2HI. On downhills just use the brake. It is nearly impossible to stall on a downhill, and the tranny will bump start the engine if you do. Remember in 4lo you dont need to be in first to start out. I usually start out in second or third if I am in an easy section. Also your tranny won't explode if you run all the way up to sixth gear. Just watch the rev's. As far as the parking brake goes, I have never used it in 4lo, or at least never been in a situation that would require it. I find that 4lo-1st is sufficient to get started on any incline as the clutch acts more like a switch -on or off- at this tranny setting. And as for using the parking brake on steep downhills this could be dangerous. Since in theory you are preloading the rear brakes, just a dab on the brake pedal could cause just the rears to lock-up and send the rear of your Jeep sideways. This is similar when you run downhill with lockers. But the best advice is to experiment/practice and most of all learn that the clutch takes on a whole new dimension when in 4lo. Greatly different than in 2HI.

 

Rubicon 4:1 transfer case definitely has an advantage! But if you are a "X" with 3.21's offroading with a 6 speed can SUCK!

 

Thanks for all the advice. Can't wait to put it to use

 

I can only immagine.

I had an 07 X with 4.10 and 35" tires.

I now have an 08 Rubi and 35" tires.

The gearing in the Rubi transfer case really helps. I don't use the hand brake much. I just let the clutch all the way out with my foot on the brake, then slide my right foot over to the gas. My left foot does not touch the clutch at all. If anything, I use it on the brake if the situation calls for it.

 

Here's a question with your 4.10's and 35's would you have rather had lower gears? I'm thinking either 4.88's or 5.13's. Which would you go for?