Looking for a little help- looking to get the new 4dr Unlimited, can't choose between manual and auto($800+) any noticable tork or speed differences? Should I get the Rubi or build up an "X".... I saw the new 4 door with the angled grill and wider stance, instantly fell in love, I will own one soon, just trying to make the wright choices.

Also, I see the half doors do you order them separetly or with?

owned:
87' Wranglet auto RIP
82' CJ 3 spd RIP

Thanks in advance

 

I test drove both transmissions ALOT. I ended up with the auto but I have second guessed that decision at times.

Here is my take. Both were a BLAST! I honestly did not think one was significantly faster or had more pep. The 6 speed "felt" faster because I could control the rpm's and keep them higher so I felt like it was really moving but I think it was largely an illusion. The auto actually took me more skill to master because it is very picky about how you work the gas to get really peppy acceleration and keep it from shifting to lower rpms. Once I got the hang of it I can really make this sucker move from a start pretty equal to how I had it moving in the 6 speed. That said, this isnt a vehicle that is going to break any speed records. The sporty factor comes from feeling the road, the bouncy ride which i love, and all the little things that make a wrangler so unique.


When I am just running around town or driving on the roads I find myself wishing I had the manual so i could feel a little more "involved" with the jeep. I have a feeling if I venture off road I will be pretty glad I got the automatic. As I said, if I could do it again I would get the stick simply because I have developed an unhealthy love for this jeep and want to be as in tune with it as possible. That doesnt mean I am not driving around with a huge grin on my face and enjoying every second with it...and there are absolutely times it is great to have the auto.

Sorry, I probably did not help a whole lot!

 

Our Ruby is a manual and can't be any happier with it, as far as the 1/2 doors, I've only seen them on the lot on a Sahara with a soft top.
We got the dual top and can't wait to drive with out the hardtop. As far as the 1/2 door, I've seen many "non Mopar" sites that carry them but I guess if you want them the same color as the Jeep your buying, I guess you can order them with them on instead, but I don't know if you can have the hardtop with them on, maybe some Jeep expert can tell you for sure, and there are many in this community...

 

the speed and torque will be the same...you just relinquish control over them to a computer.
i love manual transmissions. so i bought the six speed. they can be a little frustrating in stop and go traffic...but, well, it's hard to get irritated with the top down...
it all comes down to preference. it's going to be your rig. do whatever the hell you want, just so long as you are happy with it.
edit: FWIW, the TJ auto's had dangerously low breather holes, resulting in sucking up water. they were also something of a PITA to correct. I don't know if that has been addressed or not.

 

I bought the manual and I wouldn't have it any other way...I think it comes down to your personal preference...I am a pretty controlling individual...therefore manual for me...

 

I wanted the six speed, wife wanted the auto. I am growing on the auto. Not as bad as I thought it would be. If fact in the small amount of offroad driving I have done in the JK I actually think the auto is a good thing offroad. Part of me does miss the manual but....

If you can afford the Rubi I would say go for it. I couldn't justify it. The one the dealer had on the lot went for 34K and that is 10K more than I spent, and for me it wasn't worth it.

Bryan

 

I test drove both several times. I did like the manual however the question I ended up asking myself was what is my main usage for the vehicle, for me it will be primarily my daily driver. I also do a lot of my work on the cell phone, so the stick started to look less attractive. Also the more I drove it I could see that my shoes were getting cramped in the area. It was not impossible by any means I just could see it being a dissatisfier. So I hope this helps you, in the end it was the daily drive vs the 1 to 2 weekends a month off-roading swayed the dissision.

 

Ok here my 2cents I original ordered a 2dr RUBI auto and changed to a X s-pkg. I have both invoices and the cost difference is $3,325 plus tax.

The Rubi had the following options vs the x

BFG MT vs. the upgraded 17" AT's 17" on the x
Dana 44 front axel vs. standard
lock diffs front and rear vs. anti spin rear
electronic anti sway bar disconect
Rock rails vs. tubular side steps
YES cloth seats vs Cloth seats
Rock-trac vs command-trac transfer case

Plus the RUBI had a production hold on it, so I ended up changing to the X and for me was the better choice.

good luck

 

[COLOR="DarkOrange"]My wife wanted the auto... so we went that way. I get my shifting fix with my other Jeep. If the JK were my primary driving rig I probably would have gone with the auto. Ask yourself " Do I like to control the rpm's with a manual? Do I just get a thrill out of shifting ? (which is cool if you do) Do I drive in a lot of top and go traffic where I may not want to be shifting all the time ? What are my driving skills off-road ? You don't have to answer to us but these might be things to think about.
Jeff from Don-a-Vee posted that 1/2 doors will have to bought in parts, asembled and then painted at your local shop. I think the parts were $900/door.
Good luck
PS Here's Jeff's post on the half doors:
[--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I think that I can order them now for a 2 door, or the front of the 4 door. The doors are not sold as a complete option. You have to piece them together. So you would have to order the following part numbers just for the driver side door:

Part Number Part Description
55395407A - CHANDLE, Inside Release
4589505AA - LATCH, Front Door
55395535AA - LINK, DOOR LOCK CYLINDER TO LATCH
55395529AA - LINK, DOOR OUTSIDE HANDLE TO LATCH
55395541AA - LINK, DOOR INSIDE RELEASE TO LATCH
55395543AA - LINK, DOOR INSIDE LOCK TO LATCH HALF DOOR
68014973AA - BRACKET, Bellcrank
4589164AC - HANDLE, Exterior Door
6102398AA - NUT, Hex
55257380AD - PLUG
68002353AA - DOOR, Front Half
55395433AA - PANEL, Front Half Door Outer, Outer
6501773 - NUT, Plastic Snap-in
6508313AA - SCREW
55276821AA - SEAL
FW80PX9 - HANDLE, Window Regulator
55397411AA - SPACER, Door Handle
68018091AA - PRESENTER, Latch, Front Door

The cost of the parts should end up around $700 to $900 per door. This was the same case with the TJ. You could not just order a door, you had to piece it together. You then have to get it painted. That is why anyone who bought doors did it via eBay or a junk yard.

The only hope is that DaimlerChrysler decides there will be enough demand that they should make this a Mopar Parts option, but I doubt this will happen.

The side impact airbags are not an issue for the dealers. It was an issue wiht the mfg selling a new vehicle and meeting NHTSA requirements. Modifications done by the customer once the vheicle is bought are their responsibility.
/COLOR]

 

Excellent responses, just what I was looking for THANKS!. I do believe I will go with the Manual tranny(this being a second vehicle) I just paid off my 2000 Excursion Diesel 4x4(still love it ) 16MPH with chip!.

OUCH on the 1/2 door info $$$, All I see are these adds and brochures with these awesome 1/2 doors, but I guess it can wait.

Thanks Big on the Rubi vs. X build up breakdown, I think I'll go with the Rubicon
the Damn Rescue Green's growing on me, Black rims, 33-35's, 3-4" lift?