Willys vs Freedom

[Natevick]

Complete newbie here. New to the forum as well as Jeeps. My wife recently took a job offer after being a stay at home mom for almost 3 years so now we need a second vehicle. This one will be mine and I’m dead set on a gladiator. I’ve narrowed it down to 2 models. The Willys or Freedom.

The only off road use this thing will see is the beach and maybe a few camping trips. I would love to do a mopar lift, 37s with aftermarket fender flairs (from what I’ve seen that will work), and regear. But realistically, it’ll probably just get a spacer lift and 35s.

With that said, I can’t decide between the two. I will be very happy with the Willys for a while (love the look even from the factory) but would to regear if going to 35s. The freedom comes standard with some great features and I can get the max tow option (I think I’d be content running 35s on the 4.10s). But I would need to change the wheels and tires ASAP cause those things are hideous.

I know there will be those on here that will tell me “it’s your money, make your own decision” but I just want to know if anyone has any good input so I don’t overlook anything before I purchase this truck. I plan on keeping this for a long time and don’t want to think “I wish I would have gone with the _ instead”.

Thanks.

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[Deleted member 24880]

If the Willy’s has the 3:73 gears you will be 100% ok running 35s and won’t regret the power loss. I have been running 35s for over a year with 3:73 and the truck performs great in town on the highway and off road. Could there be more power….hell yes but that with almost any vehicle IMO. Both are great packages and I’m sure you won’t regret either. Just my $0.02

 

[Wkyfiregladdy]

I’m Not sure if your looking at ordering or at ones on lots, but as of June you could not order freedom package anymore, I tried to

 

[Orange01z28]

If the Willy’s has the 3:73 gears you will be 100% ok running 35s and won’t regret the power loss. I have been running 35s for over a year with 3:73 and the truck performs great in town on the highway and off road. Could there be more power….hell yes but that with almost any vehicle IMO. Both are great packages and I’m sure you won’t regret either. Just my $0.02

I'll add $0.02 to that $0.02 and confirm this wholeheartedly

The 8 speed gearing is so diverse the need to regear for 35s is negated

 

[Natevick]

If the Willy’s has the 3:73 gears you will be 100% ok running 35s and won’t regret the power loss. I have been running 35s for over a year with 3:73 and the truck performs great in town on the highway and off road. Could there be more power….hell yes but that with almost any vehicle IMO. Both are great packages and I’m sure you won’t regret either. Just my $0.02

I'll add $0.02 to that $0.02 and confirm this wholeheartedly

The 8 speed gearing is so diverse the need to regear for 35s is negated

No loss of 7th and 8th gear? Seems like that’s the common complaint with running 35s and 3.73. Thank you both for the responses.

 

[Natevick]

I’m Not sure if your looking at ordering or at ones on lots, but as of June you could not order freedom package anymore, I tried to

I’m gonna grab one off the lot. Wanted to order but gotta have it by early august and didn’t want to risk it not being here. I did join tread lightly tho and Chase in New Smyrna said he’d give me the same 6% under invoice with a truck on the lot. Thanks for the heads up tho.

 

[Wkyfiregladdy]

I’m gonna grab one off the lot. Wanted to order but gotta have it by early august and didn’t want to risk it not being here. I did join tread lightly tho and Chase in New Smyrna said he’d give me the same 6% under invoice with a truck on the lot. Thanks for the heads up tho.

Nice sounds good to me, I tried buying a freedom memorial weekend and the dealership wouldn’t cut me a deal at all, walked away, tried ordering one through gupton but I went with a sport s max tow I’ll add steel bumpers on my own, glad to hear you found a dealer to work with you ??

 

[Fastwake]

Been running 12.50 x 35s for a year with 373s I never lost my 8th gear no problem with power.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

No loss of 7th and 8th gear? Seems like that’s the common complaint with running 35s and 3.73. Thank you both for the responses.

8th gear was seldom seen on my Overland when I had Rubicon take-offs on my truck. Only on the flats. I recall doing 70-75 on I80/35 on my way home one day when it was windy and the whole trip (about 20 miles) the truck never went above 7th gear with those 33s on it. I laughed about half-way home when I realized what was going on. I'll never wear out 8th gear with this truck.

Then when I towed my flatbed EMPTY, I didn't see 8th much at all - it kept going between 6th and 7th. Only saw 8th on the flats - and I mean flats.
But it's hilly here.

 

[Deleted member 24880]

No loss of 7th and 8th gear? Seems like that’s the common complaint with running 35s and 3.73. Thank you both for the responses.

I don’t see 8th all that often but Christ remember most vehicles had a 6 speed tranny up until the last decade. it’s JMO but the money spent on a gear swap would take forever to recoup with gas mileage and the power difference wouldn’t be worth it either. Again JMO

 

[Fastwake]

Bryan you are exactly right. even with a head wind and you have to run in 7th gear at 70-75 your motor is still only turning 2200 rpm. I can live with that all day

 

[Orange01z28]

No loss of 7th and 8th gear? Seems like that’s the common complaint with running 35s and 3.73. Thank you both for the responses.

I won’t see 8th gear above 80 but I don’t drive that fast anyway

I’m still getting about 19mpg too

 

[Sleighman]

I have the Willy's with 3:73 on 34" no issues. I can't imagine a re-gear for 35". Also I have the Select Trac transfer case and love it. When it gets nasty out 4 auto is sweet. Pretty happy at 6200 miles.

 

[DailyMoparGuy]

Also OP, keep in mind some of the people reporting loss of 8th gear could live in hilly/mountainous areas. Judging by your profile, you live in Florida (I’m not a creep) so it may not be an issue for you.

 

[Natevick]

Also OP, keep in mind some of the people reporting loss of 8th gear could live in hilly/mountainous areas. Judging by your profile, you live in Florida (I’m not a creep) so it may not be an issue for you.

Yeah that’s a good point. Not much wheeling here in Florida.

I appreciate all the responses. Now if that Nacho Willys I’ve been eyeballing will stay on the lot until my 30 day waiting period for tread lightly is up then I’ll be set.

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