About to purchase, help with models/options

[nwolfe88]

So I am contemplating a gladiator, but it's a bit nauseating trying to figure out what the differences are between all the models. I was stuck on a Willy's, but then I realized I can't get the Dana axles or the max tow package. So I checked out the Sport S, checked the box for the max tow package, and it says GVW of 6,250 (I thought it was supposed to be 7,650 tow rating). Can anyone point out the main differences between the models (not including Rubicon, too rich for me), and help me make sense of the tow ratings, when Jeep's own website says two different things? Thanks!

Sponsored

 

[nwolfe88]

For example, the Altitude looks nice, but then I don't see the option for remote start like the Sport S has.

 

[Average Oregonian]

GVWR and towing capacity are two different things. This might help.

https://www.motorbiscuit.com/gvwr-vs-towing-capacity-whats-the-difference-for-my-truck/

 

[f33d]

Sport - entry level build it out how you want it

Sport S - give it max tow package for best tow rating + stronger dana axels found on Mojave and rubi no lockers

Willys - best bang for buck if you don’t need locker

Rubicon - slow crawling , transfer case meant for crawling and low speeds. Front and rear lockers with front sway bar disconnect.

mojave Similar to rubicon but meant for fast off-roading. Rear lockers and a transfer case meant for higher off-road speeds.

High alt - similar to Sahara but more luxury interior. Prob the nicest leather seats with matching door trims.

Your towing and payload will vary between the models. Rubicon and sport s with max tow will have the highest rating. Payload varies etc.

 

[nwolfe88]

Sport - entry level build it out how you want it

Sport S - give it max tow package for best tow rating + stronger dana axels found on Mojave and rubi no lockers

Willys - best bang for buck if you don’t need locker

Rubicon - slow crawling , transfer case meant for crawling and low speeds. Front and rear lockers with front sway bar disconnect.

mojave Similar to rubicon but meant for fast off-roading. Rear lockers and a transfer case meant for higher off-road speeds.

High alt - similar to Sahara but more luxury interior. Prob the nicest leather seats with matching door trims.

Your towing and payload will vary between the models. Rubicon and sport s with max tow will have the highest rating. Payload varies etc.

Thanks. Seems the Altitude and Sport S are similar, but it also seems I can't get the remote start on an Altitude for whatever reason. The Willy's I can't get the max tow on. It sounds like I'm between the Sport S and Altitude but they seem very similar.

 

[f33d]

Thanks. Seems the Altitude and Sport S are similar, but it also seems I can't get the remote start on an Altitude for whatever reason. The Willy's I can't get the max tow on. It sounds like I'm between the Sport S and Altitude but they seem very similar.

Not sure why. On jeeps website I have the ability to add both remote start and cold weather packages which include remote start

 

[Gvsukids]

Thanks. Seems the Altitude and Sport S are similar, but it also seems I can't get the remote start on an Altitude for whatever reason. The Willy's I can't get the max tow on. It sounds like I'm between the Sport S and Altitude but they seem very similar.

You can add remote start to any model. Max toe is a specific package added to other models. Use the build option on jeep.com.

 

[Ar4130]

Altitude is basically a Sport with a black out package and a few options. According to the Jeep website, you can now get max tow on the Altitude (not high altitude). I have a 22 sport s with max tow. When I ordered there was some kind of issue with getting cold weather package and black wheels. I could not add both and had to chose. I went with cold weather package as I figured I could just replace the wheels. Not sure why those two things are tied together. That being said, black wheels are standard in the Altitude. Maybe that’s why you can’t get cold weather on it. It makes no sense I know, but my dealer could not figure out why those two options seem to cancel each other out...

Keep in mind if you go with a willys, you will be stuck with the 3.73 gears, which may a negative impact if you intend to get bigger tires.

 

[nwolfe88]

Altitude is basically a Sport with a black out package and a few options. According to the Jeep website, you can now get max tow on the Altitude (not high altitude). I have a 22 sport s with max tow. When I ordered there was some kind of issue with getting cold weather package and black wheels. I could not add both and had to chose. I went with cold weather package as I figured I could just replace the wheels. Not sure why those two things are tied together. That being said, black wheels are standard in the Altitude. Maybe that’s why you can’t get cold weather on it. It makes no sense I know, but my dealer could not figure out why those two options seem to cancel each other out...

Keep in mind if you go with a willys, you will be stuck with the 3.73 gears, which may a negative impact if you intend to get bigger tires.

How's the 8 speed do on trails? Like Colorado trails? Or is the 6 speed manual the only way to go here?

 

[Ar4130]

How's the 8 speed do on trails? Like Colorado trails? Or is the 6 speed manual the only way to go here?

The 8 speed is a great transmission. Never seen anything negative about it. I had the 6 speed on my 2 door jk and hated it. I love manual transmissions but it was just not good. I assume the current 6 speed would be the same. Not to mention the 6 speed comes with significantly lower towing capacity.

 

[Florida Mojave]

Just food for thought...
if you are using one of the dealers like Tri-City or Gupton for the discount I am certain they can help you with your dilemma, sometimes the jeep website has issues building a new JT...

 

[nwolfe88]

The 8 speed is a great transmission. Never seen anything negative about it. I had the 6 speed on my 2 door jk and hated it. I love manual transmissions but it was just not good. I assume the current 6 speed would be the same. Not to mention the 6 speed comes with significantly lower towing capacity.

Selec-Trac® Full Time 4WD System necessary? Hows it differ from the normal transfer case?

 

[NachoRuby]

How's the 8 speed do on trails? Like Colorado trails? Or is the 6 speed manual the only way to go here?

The 8 speed is a great transmission. Never seen anything negative about it. I had the 6 speed on my 2 door jk and hated it. I love manual transmissions but it was just not good. I assume the current 6 speed would be the same. Not to mention the 6 speed comes with significantly lower towing capacity.

I like my 6 speed, and wouldn't have it any other way. I like it on our JK too, but they are totally different in every way. It's an acquired taste on the JT for some. The JT clutch is probably the lightest I've ever driven, and it has a dual mass flywheel and twin disk clutch. This manual seems very polarizing though. Those of us who like it, like it (while admitting the clutch is soft). Those who don't like the JT manual seem to really hate it. It is an odd feeling clutch. Towing capacity wasn't a concern for me, but if it it is, I can see how 4500 on Rubicons/Mojaves and 4000 on others with the stick could be a limiting factor if you need to tow heavy stuff.
I do enjoy it off-road and on. It seems like gearing matters too a lot more with the manual. The Rubicons and Mojaves have a 4.1 final drive ratio. The others have 3.73, which can make the manual sluggish, and harder to drive, especially with bigger tires, from what I've seen people with that ratio post.

Mine with 4.1 gearing on 35" tires drives pretty well. When I get out of warranty, I might regear to 4.88, but it's not critical. I have no problems driving, merging, or climbing even with the 35s.

 

[Labswine]

Selec-Trac® Full Time 4WD System necessary? Hows it differ from the normal transfer case?

I would definitely go for the Selec-Trac transfer case. It gives you the option of traditional 4x4 in the 4FT setting but even better, in the 4PT setting, it's like having AWD. The 4PT setting is a 'viscous coupling' that senses slip between front and rear and transfers power accordingly. It's best used when traveling on snow covered roads that are partially snowy and partially clear for a while. I had it in both my '96 and '03 Grand Cherokees. Off road, the 4FT worked perfectly. On road in the snow, the 4PT was exceptional for traction and being able to keep steady when driving.

The 4FT setting simply locks down the front and rear drives to turn together constantly. This is why sometimes you can have issues getting it back to 2H because of some minor binding in the drive train. For example when you come from a situation where there can be some slipping between the front and rear drive train such as gravel or dirt which can relieve that binding, to a situation like dry pavement, when there is no slippage.

When I bought my Overland back in (May...ordered) July of 2019, I wish they had offered this as an option.

 

[nwolfe88]

I would definitely go for the Selec-Trac transfer case. It gives you the option of traditional 4x4 in the 4FT setting but even better, in the 4PT setting, it's like having AWD. The 4PT setting is a 'viscous coupling' that senses slip between front and rear and transfers power accordingly. It's best used when traveling on snow covered roads that are partially snowy and partially clear for a while. I had it in both my '96 and '03 Grand Cherokees. Off road, the 4FT worked perfectly. On road in the snow, the 4PT was exceptional for traction and being able to keep steady when driving.

The 4FT setting simply locks down the front and rear drives to turn together constantly. This is why sometimes you can have issues getting it back to 2H because of some minor binding in the drive train. For example when you come from a situation where there can be some slipping between the front and rear drive train such as gravel or dirt which can relieve that binding, to a situation like dry pavement, when there is no slippage.

When I bought my Overland back in (May...ordered) July of 2019, I wish they had offered this as an option.

So on the Rubicon, is the Rock-Trac transfer case worth it as well?

Sponsored