I want to start by saying that this forum rocks! I have had Jeeps in the past, nothing major! I absolutely love the JK four door and plan on purchasing one with in the next few months. I am torn between the models. I would like some insight on which model to purchase. I will be adding a 4" lift and sit on 35's no matter which model I end up getting. I will do more highway driving then dirt, unfortunately! Yes I know, my gas will disappear! But I have to have it!
Out of the three models, which will give me the best overall preformance without doing modifications like gears, new axles, ect.? Taking into consideration the lift and tires. I don't mind adding some engine mods, to help things out! I just don't want to get passed on the highway, by a guy on a bike, going up hill. Any thoughts?

 

If you have the money, buy the Rubi. You'll be real happy.

 

unless you want painted fender flares and/or YES fabric seats (sahara), get an X or a rubicon. you have to make the call there on how much you need the ultimate 4x4 vs its slightly "little" brother. i might even go so far as to suggest getting one with a manual transmission as you wouldn't feel the hurt going uphill nearly as much.

 

I would say most of us have more highway miles than off-road miles. Unless you're lucky enough to live right by the trails. At any rate, the Rubicon will give you the 4:1 transfer case, Dana 44 axles front and rear, and the 4:10 gears. The 4:10 gears are probably minimum for 35's. You'll probably want to regear, but it could buy you some time.

 

Thanks guys! If I end up getting an " X " with a 4:1 gear ratio would I still be OK? From what I have read this is an option for that model. I was also wondering if anyone trailers anything behind their JK? I have a 5 x 10 enclosed trailer that I will need to pul from time to time. GVW 1500# According to the specs, the trailer tow package allows up to 3000#. Any thought?

 

I say if the only mod you're looking to do is lift, get the Rubi. This is, of course, assuming you have the money. You MAY need to consider money for regearing (I guess the average is $1500 for the new gears and installation).

You should get the trailer package, but I'm told the new 2008's only offer the 4.1 ratio on Rubicons .


The sahara is nothing more than a "Painted" X. You get painted fenders, the YES seats, and a few other odds and ends, but really no mechanical upgrades. I personally like the look of the plastic fenders... And I also like the fact that there's just one less thing to worry about scratching!

 

if you get an 07, you can get 4.10 gears. if you get an 08, the only way you're going to get 4.10's is with a rubicon. X's and saharas come with 3.21 gears and are upgraded to 3.73 in a variety of instances to include the tow package.

 

I will probably end up with an 07' due to price. Is the gearing listed on the identification sticker inside the engine compartment? I don't want to take the dealers word for it or the soccer mom who bought the jeep last year because her kids wanted her to look cool!
How about towing? With a 4:10 gearing, can I pull my 5 x 10 enclosed trailer?
I only need to pull it a couple of times a month at the most!
What if I get a great deal on an automatic?

 

hello all, i love this board as well, and this seems like the right time to jump in.

does the "X" have the speakers that go overheard? or just in the doors?

and do all levels have foglights?

thanks!

 

All the JK's have soundbar speakers, the premium sound package comes with Infiniti speakers and the subwoofer. There are no speakers in the door, just the dash.

No, the base model X does not have foglights, but the "S" package and the Sahara and Rubicons all have fogs.