My purchase is coming down to Overland Selec-Trac w LSD -vs- Rubicon Rock-Trac

[Fizzy Logic]

New to this and could use your big brains. I'd buy a Mojave but they're not available in Australia.

I've poured over O vs R differences, got some great responses on this thread and followed the rabbit down this here hole.

The Overland and Rubicon are the same price here and come in 8sp Auto.

I think it's come down to the Transfer Cases but I don't understand the tech/application well enough.

My goal is less rock crawl and more long-distance, higher speeds, rough dirt roads and no snow.

For the same money I can get

A) Overland with Selec-Trac / Limited-Slip Diff / 3.73 + I'll upgrade with Falcon (or similar) shocks and AT 33 or 35 (max) tyres

or

B) Rubicon with Rock-Trac / Lockers I don't know if I'll need / 4.1 + I might upgrade with Falcon (or similar) shocks and keep factory AT 33 tyres

When test driving, what should I look and feel for in the differences, particularly in the Transfer Cases, for my application?

Any experience welcome, thanks.

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[u-joint]

The transfer case will be the same in 2WD and 4HI. The only difference is the Runicon transfer case has a 4LO of 4:1 while the other has a reduction of 2.73:1.

How much do you plan to use 4LO?

 

[ShadowsPapa]

The Overland option will do well on bumpy dirt roads as you can leave it in automatic 4x4 mode. I've had my wife's Grand Cherokee on rough gravel, sandy roads, etc. and I like it in such situations. My JT has only the part time 4x4 modes and it's not as nimble as her Jeep. Just based on your plans - I know how I'd go. I really wish I had the selec-trac transfer case.

 

[u-joint]

The Overland option will do well on bumpy dirt roads as you can leave it in automatic 4x4 mode. I've had my wife's Grand Cherokee on rough gravel, sandy roads, etc. and I like it in such situations. My JT has only the part time 4x4 modes and it's not as nimble as her Jeep. Just based on your plans - I know how I'd go. I really wish I had the selec-trac transfer case.

Oh, shoot! I missed that. The selec-trac is the full-time 4WD one.

Yeah, I'd do that for sure.

 

[centra28]

I am no expert but I would go with the rubicon specifically for the upgraded suspension. I just got my Mojave last week, and while the suspension set up is different it drives like a dream. I imagine that the Rubicon would at least offer a higher quality ride over the Overland due to the better suspension.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I am no expert but I would go with the rubicon specifically for the upgraded suspension. I just got my Mojave last week, and while the suspension set up is different it drives like a dream. I imagine that the Rubicon would at least offer a higher quality ride over the Overland due to the better suspension.

Better suspension? Really? Keep in mind the Overland is built for comfort. The Rubicon built for the rough - rocks, ravines, articulating.
So please explain how it's upgraded for comfort. Explain how it's "better". It's identical parts except springs and shocks.
I'd take the Overland stock ride over any of the others...... putting Rubicon springs on mine - and shocks, made it a bit harsher over stock.

 

[OldButStillJeeping]

New to this and could use your big brains. I'd buy a Mojave but they're not available in Australia.

I've poured over O vs R differences, got some great responses on this thread and followed the rabbit down this here hole.

The Overland and Rubicon are the same price here and come in 8sp Auto.

I think it's come down to the Transfer Cases but I don't understand the tech/application well enough.

My goal is less rock crawl and more long-distance, higher speeds, rough dirt roads and no snow.

For the same money I can get

A) Overland with Selec-Trac / Limited-Slip Diff / 3.73 + I'll upgrade with Falcon (or similar) shocks and AT 33 or 35 (max) tyres

or

B) Rubicon with Rock-Trac / Lockers I don't know if I'll need / 4.1 + I might upgrade with Falcon (or similar) shocks and keep factory AT 33 tyres

When test driving, what should I look and feel for in the differences, particularly in the Transfer Cases, for my application?

Any experience welcome, thanks.

I'd say for your needs the SelecTrac Overland is more inline and a better match.
The 4 to 1 transfer case on the Rubicon is purpose built for slow crawling. The Selec trac 2.72 to 1 low range and auto hi 4wd function is better suited for higher speed with low traction travel.

Although a Rubicon's resale value will probably be much higher.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Although a Rubicon's resale value will probably be much higher.

Pure speculation, and proven not true in this state. You can actually sell the mid-level Jeeps far better here.
It's also a matter of percentages - money paid, depreciation, cost of the money paid over time, in the end (as shown in other posts) it's not as simple as "resale value" and actually likely not a reality.

There's a cost associated with the money you spend - spend more, the cost is higher because you could have used that extra money in other ways, even to make money. Too many people forget to factor that in.

 

[Sleighman]

Well I bought my specific Willys because of the select trac and LSD. The 4 auto has proven to be a great option for heavy rain. With my present setup when it starts poring like a hurricane which it does a lot in Florida I just pull it to 4auto and forget it. Or when I am out cruising the less improved roads It just works. I have the 8.4 Nav, headed seats, alpine stereo so mine is not a stripped down version it just doesn't have 4:1 transfer or front locker. I did upgrade to the Rubicon Eco Diesel suspension and the 1.5 level so it has adequate ground clearance.

I would suggest go overland. I had a Rubicon in a past jeep and it was great off within its intended purpose. But if you are not rock crawling you won't need the 4:1.

 

[mx5red]

I agree with the Overland votes just for the selec-trac. I have a rubicon and would probably be better off realistically with an overland and some skid plates like the Rubicon has. I don’t do hard core rock climbing just rough trails, and I feel like the 4:1 is too low for me.
I do appreciate the skids though. The selec-trac seems pretty awesome as an all-weather option.

another question is, do you plan on driving on sand much there? I’m guessing yes. It seems like all the Aussie YouTube videos I watch they’re stuck in beach sand and it seems like lockers would be very helpful there… I’ve never used mine on moderate trails?‍

 

[kevman65]

You don't mention whether you plan to tow anything or not. You don't mention if you plan larger tires or not.

If you're going to tow I'd skip the 3.73's. If you're going to tow AND put on larger tires, I'd run away from the 3.73's.

What I don't know is if you have the option of 4.10's down under or not. I know there are a LOT of differences between NA spec and the rest of the world spec.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

You don't mention whether you plan to tow anything or not. You don't mention if you plan larger tires or not.

If you're going to tow I'd skip the 3.73's. If you're going to tow AND put on larger tires, I'd run away from the 3.73's.

What I don't know is if you have the option of 4.10's down under or not. I know there are a LOT of differences between NA spec and the rest of the world spec.

So you are saying I can't tow my car hauler with mine............. and those on the forum here who tow with Overland aren't really able to.

And for others, regearing isn't an option if needed later?

 

[kevman65]

So you are saying I can't tow my car hauler with mine............. and those on the forum here who tow with Overland aren't really able to.

And for others, regearing isn't an option if needed later?

You have to remember, he is NOT in the States and their options in OEM and aftermarket are WAY different.

Stop thinking one dimensionally and think down under.....

 

[Fizzy Logic]

another question is, do you plan on driving on sand much there? I’m guessing yes. It seems like all the Aussie YouTube videos I watch they’re stuck in beach sand and it seems like lockers would be very helpful there

Not really mate, mostly I'll be up in the high country when camping. This YouTube video is shot in my State, includes the great Aussie tradition of sending your wife into the river first to prevent damaging the truck :P

 

[NZRub]

Do you know that OZ Jeep now have new Gladiator option -- NIGHT EAGLE.
Whichever model you go for, watch out for dealers overcharge fee & hidden fee,
Some accessories offered by OZ Jeep are just daylight robbery, you better off go for after market.
If you go for special colour, be prepare to wait up to 9 months.

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