Comparing JT to JL Off-Road Capabilities

[futzin']

To be succinct: Would it be accurate to say that, roughly

stock JLU Sport = stock JTR?
stock JLUR = JT on lift and 35s?
JL lifted on 35s = JT lifted on 37s

. . . and so on.

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[Mac]

IMO JLU > JT regardless of trim. Going to be a lot of break over and rear overhang comments against the JT

 

[futzin']

I feel like a JL Sport can do what I've done in my JTR, generally speaking.

After having wheeled it some, the breakover's a bitch. Overhang I can live with; the rear rock sliders and a hitch skid work well there. That belly, though . . .

Curious to hear more from the vets, I'm still pretty green.

 

[NachoRuby]

I don't think there's a direct comparison, because in my (limited) experience, in some cases, the added wheelbase is helpful, at other times, it's a detriment.

The stock JTR seems to outperform a stock JL sport at least if that JL doesn't have the LSD. Are we assuming LSD on the sport? I don't know what the case would be if the JL has LSD.

The belly scrapes on everything on the JTR. The rear of the JT slams and bangs on stuff, but it's really not that bad, unless you're crawling. The sound is worse than the actual result. If you're a hardcore crawler, obviously go for the the JL or even a TJ.

I stick to greens and blues, but the JTR compares favorably with JLs, especially those with open rear ends when it gets slippery.

Tight turns on the trail: the JT sucks. That's my biggest complaint. A lot of extra 3 point turns and reversing.

 

[Gvsukids]

Tight turns on the trail: the JT sucks. That's my biggest complaint. A lot of extra 3 point turns and reversing.

Trail assist with the Tazer helps with that problem.

 

[NachoRuby]

Trail assist with the Tazer helps with that problem.

I didn't even think to use that last time out!

 

[Trailman]

Last summer we did both Engineer Pass and Stony Pass in a stock JTR. I didn't even air down. We passed a few folks in 2dr Wranglers who waived us down and asked "You did the pass in that?!"

I mean, the answer was obviously yes, since we were on our way down...

That isn't a good comparison of 1:1 capability, but I do think people underestimate what the Gladiator can do, or put differently, overestimate how hard these trails are.

 

[chorky]

Trail assist with the Tazer helps with that problem.

I thought I read somewhere that they just added a program for the JT similar to what the bronco has? I wonder how well it works. seems like it would cause a lot of stress on components though.

Last summer we did both Engineer Pass and Stony Pass in a stock JTR. I didn't even air down. We passed a few folks in 2dr Wranglers who waived us down and asked "You did the pass in that?!"

I mean, the answer was obviously yes, since we were on our way down...

That isn't a good comparison of 1:1 capability, but I do think people underestimate what the Gladiator can do, or put differently, overestimate how hard these trails are.

How did it do going around that off camber hairpin turn?

 

[Trailman]

I thought I read somewhere that they just added a program for the JT similar to what the bronco has? I wonder how well it works. seems like it would cause a lot of stress on components though.


How did it do going around that off camber hairpin turn?

IIRC there were two turns where I had my wife get out and spot me for a 3 point. But no major issues.

Edit to add: I know which one you mean. I just went super wide on that one and had my wife spot. I was going down it, so I went on the far left side to start and made a wide right turn.

 

[JD101]

I don't think we should compare the different trims so simply. Lockers on a Rubicon can for sure out perform a shorter wb or taller tire. It really depends on the terrain or driver . I do believe for most all situations the JLU is the best overall proportioned . And I've had JLR , JLUW and JTR FWIW .

 

[Renegade]

I’ve wheeled a bunch with JLUs and JKUs, and even built Cherokees and Toyotas. There are obstacles where the JLU is better, and there are some where the JT is better. The biggest hangup for the JT is the rear control arm frame mounts. Turning radius is a pain in the JT, but with extra effort, it can make most of the maneuvers a JLU can. The Rubicon in each model is better in the rocks than a non-Rubicon of either model. If the best direct comparison was needed, I would say a JT Rubicon on 37s is comparable to a JLU Rubicon on 35s.

 

[Rusty PW]

I've wheeled a full size Power Wagon for 13 yrs. My JTRD feels small compared to that beast. But there is only 3" difference in wheel base. 140" for the PW and 137" for the JT. I've done most of the trails in Moab. Spend every June at Rausch Creek with the PW. What's funny. Being on some blue/black trails with the PW and having some Jeepers ask, How in the HELL you get back here with THAT. LOL I feel the same way about my JTRD as my old PW. People really don't know what it is capable of doing until they see it in action.

 

[Orange01z28]

A JT Sport has better axles than every non-Rubicon JL

 

[WhyNotJeep]

I got my JTR to do some overlanding, not Rubicon trail. Really going slow on the suspension mods to get it right the first time. Coming from a JKUR lifted 4 with 35s. I want a real good highway ride and still be able to do Mojave Road and Death Valley stuff. Not going to do 37s. 315-70-17s OK. 2 inch Mopar lift with needed extra parts. I guess factory rims are OK.

 

[MrJeep]

East coast wheeler here (trees matter):
Very similar capabilities that have trade offs. The JT climbs much better with the wheelbase but also has some relatively minor breakover challenges (I feel less than people think it might).
Biggest thing on the east coast I see is the back quarter panels and tail lights get beat to hell no matter how careful people are. The tree trunks just reach out and smack them.

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