Well it's that time again, trying to find a 4dr wrangler and have questions and desire opinions from the experts. My ideal buy would be sub 30k miles, as close to $20,000 as possible, and manual tranny. I have heard a few things and would like to run them by you guys:

1. Ive heard manual tranny is a must in the 4drs to help with the motor being less than desirable for the weight. Is that true? Stick is no problem actually preferred.

2. Ive been told to look for the 2007 saharas or rubicons, as they were the last to come stock with the 4.10 gears. Is that something to note? If I look at a newer one whats the best way to make sure I'm getting the ratio I want?

Anything I should know going into the purchase? Things to look for, worry about, if I knew then what I know now sort of things?

Thank you guys in advance if you can help me out with this. Ive wAnted a jeep all my life and having convinced my wife a 4dr wrangler would meet our needs as well as any suv I can finally join the ranks. Live in the country so it will definitely get used. Not gonna be just a grocery getter. Thank you all again.

 

Hate to bump my own stuff, but anyone have any input?

 

love the auto if you get the rubi it comes with the 4/10 gears and make sure you get the navagation it is the best had a 2007 just traded it in for the 2010 and love it

 

I have a 2010 rubi and it came with the 4.1 gears. Auto. IMO the 3.8 isn't that bad. I like it because it changes the way I drive. I am much more patient driving the jeep vs a car.

 

In '07 if you got the tow package, the models below the rubicon ce with 4.10 gears, in later years, they come with 3.73 gears with the tow package

 

I have an 07 auto Sahara. It came with 4.10's which were fine until the 35's went on...Its still not that bad though. In the process of installing 5.13's which should help a bit. If you plan on rolling stock then you will enjoy a four door with 4.10's whether its auto or stick. They tend to drag ass a bit with bigger tires, heavy bumpers and skid plates..

 

I was always pump up about sticks in my cars, until I drove test the stick JK Unlimited (4D) Rubicon...
Try to shift 6 speeds in a Jeep that feels like a semi truck ( 3.8L Engine )
Yes, the Jeep with a 6 speed manual dose feel lighter then the 4 speed Auto on the road,
BUT!!! you need to work hard for it with the 6 speed manual, it's a lot of shifting! -
that could be a lot of hassle if it is your Daley driver!!!

IMO - GO AND TEST DRIVE THEM BOTH! only then decide.

I ended up with AUTO! and I love it!!!!!

 

Thank you guys so much for the info! What are your opinions on the unlimited x versus the sahara? If the money is right would skipping the visual mods of the sahara be worth saving 5 the money ( at least all vie really heard te difference between the x and the saharas are all visual). Don't mind the shifting at all, prefer it actually. Do want to test though.

 

That would be your personal preference. As you said the differences are generally visual and some comfort. Still if you are buying used you will have to compare everything. For example a bare bones X vs. a Tow Package Sahara it would be difference with better gears in the Sahara.

For the price difference I don't think it is worth it but only you can decide.

 

In 07 all automatics came with 4.10s regardless of X, Sahara or Rubicon. Mine was a virtually stripped X without the tow package and I have 4.10s. It is also fairly heavily armored, runs 35s and the stock 4.10 gearing and I don't find it to be too underpowered.