2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Hits Dealer System - 1st Official Look @ Engines, Options, Packages, Features!

Rumor has it...

It gets spec'd with heavier springs and shocks, so I tend to believe this one.

 

I realize it could be a higher ratio, but even on the Hummer with the 242HD and the Jeep's 242J, I've only ever seen it as a 2.72:1, which is why I say "no other option currently", as they could always change that should FCA so desire to better fit the new large ratio 1st and massive spread of the ZF-8. However, I don't think FCA would change the SelecTrac as it would be easier to account for if the split were the same as it has been in the past, and also if it is the same as the other 'commuter' option, and odd ratio would kinda complicate things for no real benefit.

I realize they could offer a FT 4WD Hi in RockTrac, but it would require a major redesign, as the RockTrac is chain driven, so next to no slippage in the system, so 'No FullTime without a major Re-design'...which could be the slogan.

In any case, very happy to see SelectTrac, and perhaps this is the first step, and then there is a 4:1 option Rubi option in the future, I'm always happy with more options, especially those that match my Winter-centric use-case model.

 

In the market for a new car (Explorer finally not worth fixing up anymore) and saw the changes...definitely peaked my interest with the Sahara Unlimited. I'm one of those that would use the Jeep for a DD & off-road now and then but would never be taking it rock climbing or through dunes/rough terrain/etc.

Would love to see some images already...at this point so much information is out, Jeep should just reveal it so people can start placing orders if they want one.

In terms of the special editions, is it easy to determine which ones are based off of Sport, Sahara, Rubicon?

 

Welcome to the site. Have you seen these images? Basically exterior and interior revealed already. I'm sure the base models will look slightly different but the basic styling and changes is all here.

http://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/say-hi-to-the-2018-jeep-wrangler-jlu.726/
http://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/renderings-new-jeep-wrangler-jlu-comes-to-life.729/
http://www.jlwranglerforums.com/for...terior-of-the-2018-jeep-wrangler-jl-jlu.1129/

 

LOL you first pic looks like my first day in the NorthWest Territory last year, and all the Silica dust impregnated the carpeting and also cause the front passenger Window rocker switch to fail and just covered everything. PThe black shows up every bit if dust & grime, and is only beneficial at the cleaning stage so you can see if you got it all.

BTW, you can keep the twigs and leaves out if you put the doors on.

 

Yep saw them. I'm saying more of the revealed car (basically no camo, lets just see the thing already lol).

In terms of some of the special editions, is there a good way to know where those special editions fall into...like what a Wiley is built off of (Sport, etc)?

 

Easy is a relative term, but usually they state it clearly with the official PR announcement about the special edition, which is usually repeated by the press/reviewers.
Also often it's stated in the Window Sticker description, sometimes with the Sport/Sahara base in the description with the 24? package option added on. The window stick in and of itself will give you clues based on axle ratio, and such.

 

How did you go about negotiations? I plan on using the tread lightly discount as well on my bare bones JLU but anything else to lower the price would be extremely helpful.

 

I searched the forums and saw what kind of discounts people were getting off without the program so I had that average going in. I then told them I wanted the discount combined with the tread lightly discount. The dealership I worked with said Ok as long as I would put the order in right then. So I did and had my custom ordered Wrangler roughly 6 weeks later.

 

I thought that SelecTrac was chain driven too?

 

It is. There is a viscous coupling that allows for differentiation between the front and rear drive, and allows for full time all wheel drive that can be driven on dry pavement. There is also a locked setting that locks the coupling part time 4wd, which is superior to full time 4wd in extreme conditions. Then, there is still a low range that is also locked. The transfer case itself is still chain driven.

I think this is a great system for the Sahara and much of the market it serves. Full time 4wd would be nice to have for everyday winter driving.

 

Sorry, I should've been clearer, to offer it in RockTrac needs a redesign to add a diff like a plate, viscous, or Torsen diff inside or inline adjascent to the system... essentially turning it into an NP/NV242 or something similar. So not just adding FT to the NV241OR.
While there is the potential to make it better and more evolved than the NV242, I'm not sure FCA has excess funds to soend on such and endeavour. Why not simply improve on the existing design that has done so well, and if anything add a different gear ratio reinforced unit, the same way there is Command-Trac and Rock-Trac?

 

The NV242 uses a mechanical diff, not viscous unlike the NP249/229 etc. which makes it somewhat more durable and no loss of energy that you get from a VC.

 

I know we just recently saw spy pics here of the diesel JL but it's a relief to see it actually see the diesel model in the Jeep dealer computers!

 

Rock-Trac is great...........if you're in the rocks.

On every other terrain it sucks. Most guys hate it. Snow, mud, sand, water crossings, etc....you don't want to be crawling like a snail with a broken leg.

 

Very surprising to see it in their system already. I wonder if that means it will be available right away given how there's still a lot of other things that are supposed to be late availability (like power sliding top) and missing from the options list.

 

I wonder what the tow rating will be for the JLU between the engines? I'm torn between a diesel and the pentastar because I work from home and only make short trips into town with the odd 35 minute highway drive. Thing is I have a 3500+ pound boat I need to pull and my old 2008 3.8 liter sucks.

 

The engine won't be the limitation, it'll be the suspension.
Probably all 3 would have enough torque to pull the current 3,500'lbs rating, and likely the split at capability will occur around 6,000; however, other components will likely limit the JL(U) to 5,000 lbs or less, as an arbitrary PR/marketing number.

Especially with the JT on the Horizon, there isn't much reason to put high numbers in for either towing or payload, for something that's still more of a 'convertible' than a truck in the towing/hauling world.

 

Well I'd be happy with a 5000 rating. I used to have a 2002 liberty when those first came out and that little thing had a 5000 rating some how.

 

KJ had a high towing capacity because it was built like a tank. The 2002 KJ had the transmission from the Ram 3500, rear axle from the Dakota 4x4, t-case from the truck line, cast iron A-arms up front, etc. It also was not a convertible like the TJ was or the JK is now. And trailer hitches for KJ bolted down the unibody frame horns, not to only a crossmember like JK. Therefore, the KJ got a much higher towing capacity. It was rated 7,000 lbs. in Europe I think and like you said, 5,000 lbs. here in the States.