Looking for my first jeep. Wanting an Unlimited Rubicon, probably in the 07-08 year range. When I get it I'm probably going to do a 3-3.5" lift and 35" tires. It's going to be mainly a daily driver and used occasionally for offroad, probably never any crawling though. Mostly just high speed fire roads and muddy mountain trails. Other than that it's gonna be driving to school and work every day (45-65mph) and then city driving. I'm wanting to maximize fuel economy given these mods. So what would be my better option? I've never owned a manual vehicle, but I can drive a manual so that's not an issue. Also, what are the fuel mileage differences between the 2? The 4 speed kinda scares me if I'm gonna be taking it on the interstate.

 

I would prefer a manual on that model of jeep

 

I prefer auto, especially when wheeling, just seem to have more control and is safer for me. As far as which is better it just depends on what you prefer. I can and have driven both but every Jeep Ive had ended up with an auto in it.

Rob

 

X2 on the manual, in my opinion you have better control with engine braking and don't have to worry so much about regearing with bigger tires and lift but that's just my personal preference I've driven manual transmissions my whole life and hate driving an automatic, in my opinion with an automatic you are just the passenger with a manual you are the driver

 

What does mpg tend to be with a 3" or so lift and 35's and an auto? And do you know how that compares to the manual? And what about driving at high speeds? Seems like 4th would be winding out pretty bad at 75+mph.

 

Manual, this way you're in control of changing gears and this puts you in more control of your vehicle.

 

yes I know they like to catch fire but just put a trans cooler in them. All my friends that have manuals JKs always tell me they wish they had autos. Seems i hear it from them after a long day of wheeling. Its a jeep mpg sucks no matter what you go with. I was getting around 23mpg before it was lifted and got new shoes. Now maybe 15 if i program it right.

 

Ok I understand that but I'm more curious about what kinda mileage they get at different speed ranges...does the 6 speed get better fuel econ than the 4 speed?

 

I have an '09 unlimited X with the 6 speed and 3.73s. I put a 2.5" RE lift and run 35" Nittos. Daily commute is 25miles each way on the freeway (70mph) and I avg about 15mpg. I also have the MBRP exhaust and for a short time - had an intake system... Hope this helps

 

Definitely helps! So I'm guessing with the 4.10 in the Rubicon this number might go up slightly? It at least wouldn't as badly be affected by the bigger tires? And do you know how your mpg would vary if you had an auto?