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Market determines everything. It’s amazing what new and used jeeps sell for in Colorado compared to my hometown in TX. Especially now with inventory tightening up everywhere.
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SquirrelNuts
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I didn't read through all 5 pages, so forgive me if someone already posted this.
If you live in a snowy climate, the Sport S Max Tow may be a better option since the limited slip rear end is seamless (and obviously works in 2H, 4H and 4L) That was one thing I didn't think about when I went from a Sport to a Rubicon JKU. That open rear diff had me constantly going in and out of 4H when the intersections were slippery, but then the main roads clear up.
Also, the Select Trac (Auto 4H) is a nice option for snowy conditions.Can't get that in the Rubicon. CORRECTION: you can get 4H Auto in the Rubicon with the Rock-Trac option.
If you live in a snowy climate, the Sport S Max Tow may be a better option since the limited slip rear end is seamless (and obviously works in 2H, 4H and 4L) That was one thing I didn't think about when I went from a Sport to a Rubicon JKU. That open rear diff had me constantly going in and out of 4H when the intersections were slippery, but then the main roads clear up.
Also, the Select Trac (Auto 4H) is a nice option for snowy conditions.
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twbranch
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This is my opinion and worth a grain of salt to someone maybe. I have been a rubicon guy since the rubicon surfaced with TJ. I bought a Sport S for the basics. It is fully capable from the factory. It tows well and I can make my personal upgrades. The only thing I want is to level it some and 33s just for the little extra clearance. The only offroad I do is the occasional snow in NC, beach driving which can usually be done in 2wd or 4hi, and a camp road to a secluded camp site. It's set up perfect for me and the price is right. If you plan to wheel this thing on 4wd trails around the world, go Rubicon or another version since it will have some added options. The upgrades you make will be subtle. Now there are some graybeards (no offense old guys, you have helped me a lot in the past 25 years) who have been driving Jeeps longer than me that have some opinions but that is my 25 year Jeep experience grain of salt opinion.
Bonanza
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- Sport S Max Tow Punk'n
I posted these pics a few times, but it's helpful to gain insight. I have a MT sport. I've also had a JKUR on 3.5" lift on 35s. (Posted below stock) My Gladiator has 37s. Both were on 4.10 gears, but the JKUR was a stick. I'll say this-- in a vacuum, I'd prefer lockers. Especially where in the JKUR pic where a tire is sky-high. But, the ONLY thing that matters with the Gladiator (IMO) is the ability to run a 37 more safely than the JK axles. The 37s and a lift make the JT incredible. I've used the crawl control a few times to manipulate the system, but I've only been -stuck- by getting high centered. A locker might have helped me, it might not have. But 37s are more important than any traction aiding device. The sway bar disconnect button was more annoying to me than useful, as it auto-connects above 20 mph. The Rubicon T-case I found to be too low at times, and other times just right. So that's a wash.
A made it through the below pics beyond easily. Didn't even hit a skid. My JKU made it through easily as well. The point is the Rubicon stuff isn't really needed. I've done a lot of the trails in socal already with the JT and have had no problems. Some of the Hammers trails will be a challenge, however, but that's wheelbase related.
I highly dislike the gaudy red Rubicon dash trim. All in all, I'm glad I went with MT.
A made it through the below pics beyond easily. Didn't even hit a skid. My JKU made it through easily as well. The point is the Rubicon stuff isn't really needed. I've done a lot of the trails in socal already with the JT and have had no problems. Some of the Hammers trails will be a challenge, however, but that's wheelbase related.
I highly dislike the gaudy red Rubicon dash trim. All in all, I'm glad I went with MT.
Gladijave
Well-Known Member
I thought the rubicon rock-trac full time was similar. I don’t have a gladiator yet, (am hoping to get one in the next 1-2 months), and live in a place where it gets snowy/icy so was hoping the rock-trac full time might be good for on-road driving when we get that type of weather where one part of the road is rainy, the next part icy, etc.
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Aonarch
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This was my major reason for going with the max tow over the Rubicon, plus the additional towing capacity and various cooling additions.
I will never take my Gladiator rock crawling or any other serious offroading. The LSD is excellent to have over a locker. FOR MY USE CASE.
SquirrelNuts
Well-Known Member
OH - you're right! The Rock-Trac does have 4H Auto. Anyone know how long that's been the case - have I been mistaken this whole time? haha.
Learn something new every day!
SquirrelNuts
Well-Known Member
Agree - I haven't been on any trails where my Sport S can't tackle that my past JKU Rubicon could. Frankly, I don't want to go on any trails like that anyway with my daily driver. I'll leave those for my YZ250. ?
I've been pretty impressed with how well the brakelock differential system works. There's a bit more drama and skinny pedal compared to lockers, but hey.... if ya make it and don't break it, does it matter?
Jglad15
Well-Known Member
Why are there always threads about sport vs rubicon and all the sport ppl knocking rubicon’s, but I have personally never seen a thread people knocking Mojave’s when they say they want a Mojave. There always has to be justification. Just buy what you want!!
dfwxjer
Well-Known Member
The Max Tow... enthusiasts... laugh at the Mojave too.
At least we all bought JTs and we're not discussing crap like a JK
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PDiddy
Well-Known Member
I own a JTR. No matter what your situation is, the Rubicon is the better choice. It's a Rubicon for crying out loud. A fricking Rubicon! I use my swaybar disconnect to flex over sidewalks, when trying to make a U-turn. I use my lockers to get over wheel stops, when I am in the bath and beyond parking lot. I'm the parkour of the rock crawling community.
Plus, Who wants a Gladiator named after some guy named Max?
Plus, Who wants a Gladiator named after some guy named Max?
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I'll give an opinion I rarely see, if you want to mod then go Rubicon. You can get $1000-1500 for the wheels and tires, good luck getting $400 on the stock sport S wheels. You can get $300-350 for your shocks/ springs. You cant give away a stock sport shock. At least with the Rubicon you'd stand a good chance at making some of the mod money back from people like me who buy the take offs.
Adawg1203
Well-Known Member
Max Tow OPTION only available on the Sport models is correct.
HOWEVER the max tow equipment is either STANDARD on the Rubicon and the other couple of items are added on the $400 trailer tow package.
So there is nothing in the Max Tow that isn’t or cannot be equipped on the Rubicon trim.
The one exception may be the spin diff
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