JK Rubicon vs. JK Rubicon UNlimited
10-21-2008, 09:09 PM
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JK Rubicon vs. JK Rubicon UNlimited
I have a 2007 JK Rubicon Soft top. When my lease expires next year I'm thinking of getting a 2008 JK Rubicon UNlimited Freedom Top. But how will the JK unlimited do on the trail? The UNlimited does NOT have the approach, departure and break over angles the JK does. How does the JK Rubicon UNlimited do on the Rubicon Trail in Northern California compared to the regular JK Rubicon?
10-21-2008, 10:19 PM
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I dont see why the approach and departure angles would be different? 
I love my Unlimited and would have to say that the only thing holding it back compared to a two door is the break over. Which is easily fixable when lifted. I guess the turning radius is larger too but i would think theyd be pretty equally matched out on the trail.
I love my Unlimited and would have to say that the only thing holding it back compared to a two door is the break over. Which is easily fixable when lifted. I guess the turning radius is larger too but i would think theyd be pretty equally matched out on the trail.
10-22-2008, 02:08 AM
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While there are some differences in performance because of the wheelbase, I call it a wash. The SWB JK has pros and cons as does the Unlimited. If the Unlimited better suits your needs on a daily basis then get it, no worries about off-road performance.
10-22-2008, 04:03 AM
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I have an unlimited Rubi, and routinely wheel with 2 door rubis.
Speaking from experience, the differences are as follows:
#1. Unlimited simply can't turn as tight. I've always managed to get through the same spots, but I have to work a little harder at it.
#2. The Unlimited doesn't have the breakover angle of a 2 door. You're more likely to scrape or get hung up if your line isn't just right. This will obviously be less of an issue after a lift and larger tires.
#3. The Unlimited is more stable when climbing...that long wheelbase makes life easier when you're on an ugly little uphill with uncertain footing. I can climb things in my Unlimited that give guys in identical 2 doors lots of problems - we're talking multiple attempts, both axles locked, trying different lines...the 4 door doesn't have to work as hard.
#4. All of the passengers and "hangers-on" on any given trail ride want to try riding in the Unlimited. This can be a good thing when they're cute
Speaking from experience, the differences are as follows:
#1. Unlimited simply can't turn as tight. I've always managed to get through the same spots, but I have to work a little harder at it.
#2. The Unlimited doesn't have the breakover angle of a 2 door. You're more likely to scrape or get hung up if your line isn't just right. This will obviously be less of an issue after a lift and larger tires.
#3. The Unlimited is more stable when climbing...that long wheelbase makes life easier when you're on an ugly little uphill with uncertain footing. I can climb things in my Unlimited that give guys in identical 2 doors lots of problems - we're talking multiple attempts, both axles locked, trying different lines...the 4 door doesn't have to work as hard.
#4. All of the passengers and "hangers-on" on any given trail ride want to try riding in the Unlimited. This can be a good thing when they're cute
10-22-2008, 01:51 PM
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What he said, I completely agree, the breakover is the only issue I'd see and as stated that can be resolved easily.
10-22-2008, 01:53 PM
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I have an unlimited Rubi, and routinely wheel with 2 door rubis.
Speaking from experience, the differences are as follows:
#1. Unlimited simply can't turn as tight. I've always managed to get through the same spots, but I have to work a little harder at it.
#2. The Unlimited doesn't have the breakover angle of a 2 door. You're more likely to scrape or get hung up if your line isn't just right. This will obviously be less of an issue after a lift and larger tires.
#3. The Unlimited is more stable when climbing...that long wheelbase makes life easier when you're on an ugly little uphill with uncertain footing. I can climb things in my Unlimited that give guys in identical 2 doors lots of problems - we're talking multiple attempts, both axles locked, trying different lines...the 4 door doesn't have to work as hard.
#4. All of the passengers and "hangers-on" on any given trail ride want to try riding in the Unlimited. This can be a good thing when they're cute
Speaking from experience, the differences are as follows:
#1. Unlimited simply can't turn as tight. I've always managed to get through the same spots, but I have to work a little harder at it.
#2. The Unlimited doesn't have the breakover angle of a 2 door. You're more likely to scrape or get hung up if your line isn't just right. This will obviously be less of an issue after a lift and larger tires.
#3. The Unlimited is more stable when climbing...that long wheelbase makes life easier when you're on an ugly little uphill with uncertain footing. I can climb things in my Unlimited that give guys in identical 2 doors lots of problems - we're talking multiple attempts, both axles locked, trying different lines...the 4 door doesn't have to work as hard.
#4. All of the passengers and "hangers-on" on any given trail ride want to try riding in the Unlimited. This can be a good thing when they're cute
good write-up, I can see the longer wheelbase being a big help, especially when the 2-dr TJ and some JK folks stretch there rigs for real rock-crawling, it's just more stable.