Different Off-Roading Equipment on the Jeep Wrangler Lineup
What’s the most iconic adventurous looking vehicle? Without hesitation most of us will say a Jeep Wrangler. Its metal bars, removable tops and doors, seven-slot grille, round headlights and spare tire on the back of the vehicle, make the Jeep Wrangler unlike any other vehicle and its looked that way for decades.
Not only is the Wrangler adventurous looking, but it is actually built for adventure . Unlike the $122,00 wannabe-Wrangler, the Mercedes G Wagon, the Wrangler has the durability, 4×4 systems and water fording capabilities to truly explore off the beaten path. However, not every Jeep Wrangler is made equally. To offer consumers variety and options, some Wranglers have different equipment than others. Here are some highlights.
First off, there is the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. The Wrangler Unlimited is a four-door five-passenger SUV and the Wrangler is a two-door four-passenger SUV. Both models are available with a soft top or hardtop, and both types of tops are removable for that open-air feel. In addition to the open-air feel of riding topless, drivers can easily remove the doors to really feel the breeze. Apart from the doors and passenger capacity, both Wrangler models are nearly identical.
For the 2017 model year, there are ten different Wrangler/ Wrangler Unlimited trims ranging from the base trim, Sport, to the off-roading monster, the Rubicon Hard Rock. Here’s a closer look at some of the off-roading features of the various Wrangler trims.
Mechanical Systems: Axles, 4×4 Systems and Suspension
All Jeep Wranglers are equipped with a 285-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, but there are two different 4×4 systems. All Wrangler trims except the Wrangler Rubicon and Rubicon Hard Rock, have the Command-Trac part-time four-wheel drive system. This is a shift-on-the-fly system with a 2.72:1 low range for rock crawling and neutral for flat towing. the driver must shift the system from two-wheel drive into four-wheel drive when necessary.
The Wrangler Rubicon and Rubicon Hard Rock are equipped with the Rock-Trac part-time 4WD system includes Tru-Lok front and rear electronic locking differentials and a low 4:1 gear ratio, which provides better crawling capabilities at lower speeds.
Additionally, all Wrangler trims except the Wrangler Freedom Edition come standard with the Next Generation Dana 44 heavy duty solid rear axle. This rear axle has a larger ring gear and pinion bearings and stronger housing to handle added torque requirements.
Ground Clearances
If you are all about getting a new Wrangler with the maximum ground clearance, you are going to want to go with the Wrangler Willys Wheelers, Willys Wheeler W, Rubicon and Rubicon Hard Rock trims. Each of those trims have the highest ground clearances, but the other Wrangler trims aren’t far behind.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, Rubicon Hard Rock, Willys Wheeler and Willys Wheeler W
Approach Angle: 42.2 ° / Breakover Angle: 25.8 ° / Departure Angle: 32.3 °
Jeep Wrangler Sahara, Sport S, 75th Anniversary, Winter
Approach Angle: 41.5 ° / Breakover Angle: 24.8 ° / Departure Angle: 31.6 °
Jeep Wrangler Sport, Freedom Edition
Approach Angle: 38.7 ° / Breakover Angle: 21.5 ° / Departure Angle: 29.1 °
Off-Roading Equipment
All Wrangler trims are equipped with two tow hooks in the front and one rear tow hook, a fuel case skid plate and a transfer case skid plate, which protects the 4×4 system from being damaged by the ground, rocks or water.
However, rock rails and an electronic sway bar disconnect are limited to a couple trims. Rock rails come standard on the Wrangler Willys Wheeler, 75th Anniversary Edition, Willys Wheeler W, Rubicon, Rubicon Hard Rock trims.
The Wrangler Rubicon and Rubicon Hard Rock trims are fitted with the electronic sway bar disconnect, which electronically disconnects the sway bar by the push of a button. While a sway bar helps to keep a car balanced at higher speeds, when off-roading and rock crawling, a sway bar can be a little limiting, so with this piece of equipment it can be temporarily disconnected for maximum clearance and flexing (articulation) abilities.
Of course, a lot of the fun when owning a Jeep is customizing it yourself. Wrangler owners are notorious for customizing their ride to make it their own and Mopar is one of the most trusted brands for equipment upgrades. If you want to upgrade your Wrangler, we have a variety of Mopar parts and trained service techs to help you with all of the mechanical and electrical changes.
* You can learn more about Miami Lakes Automall’s service department here , search for Jeep Wrangler inventory here or start a search for parts here . *
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