I recently ordered a 2013 Rubicon Unlimited and chose 4:10 gears initially and automatic transmission. Any idea why jeep charges you for 4:10 gears with automatic but there is no charge when purchasing with a manual? I am just curious

 

Because they can and you'll still pay for it.

 

Who knows why they do as they do?

With the Rubicon and manual transmission, the only ratio available is 4.10, so it's not an option.

The automatic has two ratios available, 3.73 being standard equipment, the 4.10 being the optional equipment.

 

I thought 4:10 were standard on all rubicons.

 

That ended with the 3.6L/5 speed auto [edit to add→] in 2013.

 

So did it change in 2012? I was just wondering because I noticed a price next to it and I was also under the impression that Rubicons all came with 4.10s. Any idea why they changed it?

 

I ordered my 12 jkur auto with 4.10. No additional charge last year.

 

Yeah I noticed the online build sheet for the 2012 was standard equipment. I guess its just another way to make more money off jeep addicts.

 

The engineering thinking is that the torque converter action lets the auto act like it has a lower gear ratio and they are able to use the higher gear and you gain some highway mpg as well. I won't buy one with an auto anyway. So I can't get one without ordering one since the dealer here won't put one on the lot with a manual. They have four 13s on the lot, all JKUs with autos. So if you want two doors and manual like I do you get jerked around.

 

You are correct about the action of the automatic's torque converter.
However, if the axle gear ratio question was related to the torque converter as you say, the non-Rubi manuals would not be available with 3.73 gears.

It's more a marketing thing.