Sahara. Because we don't all have Rubicons.

tschultz1185

New member
Lets be real, not everyone bought the Rubicon JL. Not all of us needed one, but we all like to modify our Jeeps. Let's get some talk about our Sahara's.

Personally, I am keeping mine stock size but still want to make it more capable in wooded trails where height can work against you. I deal with down trees, mud, some rocks, sand and things like that.

What are you doing with your Sahara?

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JLSahara

Member
I got the Sahara because quite frankly, I don’t have the time to be an extreme off-roader, there fore wanted to use that extra money for added options and I love the interior of the Sahara a lot better.

At the same time, I did want a vehicle I can take off-road every now and then and be my daily driver.

It’s documented what I’ve done but I’ve lifted it, got 35’s with 18’s, new bumper and small interior stuff. Taking I want to get some LeD lighting going on soon.


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4wd

Member
Quick question, i am looking at the same model, which i test drove and loved it, expect the steering seemed lose on center, particularly going around turns. Every notice that on yours, or was it a one off thing on the one i test drove...

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Bodhiavo

New member
I have a Sahara, mainly because of this forum. I don’t do much off roading, if anything I’ll be on some sand, and wanted a convertible, but the wife insisted on 4 doors. I came to the wrangler from a fully loaded Grand Cherokee, which my wife now drives, so I still wanted a slightly more upscale interior, and I love the rubbing boards it cane with. I do plan on switching to steel bumpers, and maybe adding some more lights. I had a Mini Cooper once and it had rally lights, and I’ve always loved the look. Will post pics when I’ve gone through the mods. Only thing so far is coyote mirrors for when the doors are off :)


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JLSahara

Member
Quick question, i am looking at the same model, which i test drove and loved it, expect the steering seemed lose on center, particularly going around turns. Every notice that on yours, or was it a one off thing on the one i test drove...

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Steering definitely more sensitive than other cats and a little off center on mine.


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Jlusahara

Member
Got a Sahara, coming from a 10th anniversary JKU Rubicon. Reason is that I had a jeep to go everywhere and I never got to use it anywhere. But I had to live with the harsh ride and all other iritants.

When the JL came out, I liked the looks, but not enough to trade the 10A. When I found out the Sahara would be available with the Selec-trac transfer case, It definitely became interesting.

Drove a JLU and immediately fell for it. Not quite as sexy as the 10A, but all of the irritants where gone. So it was a no brainer. Better ride, selec-trac with track-lok, much better mpg, much more power and ergonomics etc...

Only thing I did was switch the crappy stock Dunlops for Good year Duratracs. I did not to want to take any power away, so I kept the same diameter, but went an inch wider in the form of 275/65r18. Makes for a more agressive stance.

I personnally miss the macho look of the Rubicon, but my family and neighbors all say they prefer the look of the Sahara... if the darn Moab had been out last may, that's what I would be driving.....

Nothing a Rubi hood and black wheels can't fix[emoji41]

Ps. Steering is perfect, almost as good as our Audi Q5 which is a reference in its class.

20180808_104158-800x389.jpeg

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4wd

Member
I have a Sahara, mainly because of this forum. I don’t do much off roading, if anything I’ll be on some sand, and wanted a convertible, but the wife insisted on 4 doors. I came to the wrangler from a fully loaded Grand Cherokee, which my wife now drives, so I still wanted a slightly more upscale interior, and I love the rubbing boards it cane with. I do plan on switching to steel bumpers, and maybe adding some more lights. I had a Mini Cooper once and it had rally lights, and I’ve always loved the look. Will post pics when I’ve gone through the mods. Only thing so far is coyote mirrors for when the doors are off :)


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Question for you. I have a loaded Grand Cherokee now and want to get the Sahara. You made the switch, was it an easy switch? Do you miss driving the Grand at all? One difference in my situation is that my wife will not be driving the Grand, she has an E350 and does not want to give that up. Thoughts, any honest detailed input would be great as you did what I would be doing. Thanks.

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wayoflife

Administrator
Staff member
Sahara's are awesome. Got a chance to wheel Dynatrac's and it performed surprisingly well even in the rocks as you can see in this video.

 

tschultz1185

New member
Quick question, i am looking at the same model, which i test drove and loved it, expect the steering seemed lose on center, particularly going around turns. Every notice that on yours, or was it a one off thing on the one i test drove...

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I have not had this issue with mine. Could be an issue with that particular jeep. I would drive a few more. And maybe at other dealerships see if they can get you a better deal as well.

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klv30907

New member
I switched from a ‘15 Rubicon JKU to a JLU Sahara. It’s a little bigger length wise so my kids, who aren’t getting smaller, have a little bit more room. The comfort of the ride is what convinced my husband to go with it plus the increase in acceleration. I don’t off road and if I want to ride trails the Sahara is more than capable. The steering has been a little funky but I’m used to it now


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tschultz1185

New member
Sahara's are awesome. Got a chance to wheel Dynatrac's and it performed surprisingly well even in the rocks as you can see in this video.

Yes, they are! I have been looking into this lift because I watch all your videos while having my coffee on Saturday mornings, so thank you for these! I still don't know if i want to lift it. But 2.5" max if I do.

Also, if you have any recommendations for just making it a little more functional and capable, share some with us here!

Thanks again!

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wayoflife

Administrator
Staff member
Yes, they are! I have been looking into this lift because I watch all your videos while having my coffee on Saturday mornings, so thank you for these! I still don't know if i want to lift it. But 2.5" max if I do.

Also, if you have any recommendations for just making it a little more functional and capable, share some with us here!

Thanks again!

The quickest, easiest and FREE thing you can do to make your Sahara more capable is to air your tires down when you hit the trail. That alone will give you a softer ride and a bigger footprint to give you better traction. The next easiest and FREE thing you can do is disconnect your front sway bar links when you play on harder terrain. This will give you a greater amount of flex.

Aside from that, installing a good 2" lift and running 35" tires will get you going just about anywhere. The new traction control system on the JL is significantly better than what came on the JK before and from what I have personally seen for myself, they almost feel like you have lockers.
 

tschultz1185

New member
Got a Sahara, coming from a 10th anniversary JKU Rubicon. Reason is that I had a jeep to go everywhere and I never got to use it anywhere. But I had to live with the harsh ride and all other iritants.

When the JL came out, I liked the looks, but not enough to trade the 10A. When I found out the Sahara would be available with the Selec-trac transfer case, It definitely became interesting.

Drove a JLU and immediately fell for it. Not quite as sexy as the 10A, but all of the irritants where gone. So it was a no brainer. Better ride, selec-trac with track-lok, much better mpg, much more power and ergonomics etc...

Only thing I did was switch the crappy stock Dunlops for Good year Duratracs. I did not to want to take any power away, so I kept the same diameter, but went an inch wider in the form of 275/65r18. Makes for a more agressive stance.

I personnally miss the macho look of the Rubicon, but my family and neighbors all say they prefer the look of the Sahara... if the darn Moab had been out last may, that's what I would be driving.....

Nothing a Rubi hood and black wheels can't fix[emoji41]

Ps. Steering is perfect, almost as good as our Audi Q5 which is a reference in its class.

View attachment 5066

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Mine came with Goodyear Adventurer AT I am looking into the Duratracs but the BFG KO2s were amazing on some of the XJs my brother and I built so it is difficult to go any other direction. My girlfriend has Duratracs on her Tacoma but she won't let me test them out. I am considering a wider tire too.

I did not get the selec- trac , but I was more concerned with having a standard transmission. Just something about shifting gears that makes the ride so much more enjoyable. Also, now days it is an anti-theft system as well.

A steel bumper and winch is probably gonna happen.



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4wd

Member
Mine came with Goodyear Adventurer AT I am looking into the Duratracs but the BFG KO2s were amazing on some of the XJs my brother and I built so it is difficult to go any other direction. My girlfriend has Duratracs on her Tacoma but she won't let me test them out. I am considering a wider tire too.

I did not get the selec- trac , but I was more concerned with having a standard transmission. Just something about shifting gears that makes the ride so much more enjoyable. Also, now days it is an anti-theft system as well.

A steel bumper and winch is probably gonna happen.



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The anti-theft is really a great point, because most people would not think of that!

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Shots

New member
Steering definitely more sensitive than other cats and a little off center on mine.


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You can adjust that. Check 24:02 on this video:
https://youtu.be/0x1wR2m5sKs

Credit to wayoflife for this. Another great lift install video. :thumb:



Question for you. I have a loaded Grand Cherokee now and want to get the Sahara. You made the switch, was it an easy switch? Do you miss driving the Grand at all?.....
My wife had an optioned out Grand Cherokee Overland. Talk about fancy. The Sahara isn't quite up to that level of luxury, but it's not far off.
We traded the WK2 for a BU (Renegade Limited), because my wife wanted something smaller. I then shortly thereafter traded my Ram Sport (also fully optioned) for the JL. Both the Ram and G.C. were more indulgent than the Sahara, but the JL is more fun to drive. I don't find myself missing either of the other two vehicles. The Wrangler Unlimited actually offers as much, or slightly more, cargo space with the seat folded down than the WK2 did, so you won't be giving up any storage capacity, unless you're comparing it with the seats up. In which case the WK2 has a lot more cargo area.
Comfort wise, the JL Sahara rides similar to the WK2. The seats don't feel quite a big as the WK2 seats, but they are leather, heated and comfortable just like the WK2. If you're not an exceptionally large person they'll be fine (I'm 6'1", about 190 lbs and I have no issues with them).
Sound is comparable to the WK2. Both from the vehicle/road, and premium sound system. Actually I think the Alpine in my Sahara might be better than what we had in the Grand Cherokee.

To answer the question in the most basic way, yes it was an easy switch, and no I don't miss the Grand Cherokee.
 

4wd

Member
You can adjust that. Check 24:02 on this video:
https://youtu.be/0x1wR2m5sKs

Credit to wayoflife for this. Another great lift install video. :thumb:



My wife had an optioned out Grand Cherokee Overland. Talk about fancy. The Sahara isn't quite up to that level of luxury, but it's not far off.
We traded the WK2 for a BU (Renegade Limited), because my wife wanted something smaller. I then shortly thereafter traded my Ram Sport (also fully optioned) for the JL. Both the Ram and G.C. were more indulgent than the Sahara, but the JL is more fun to drive. I don't find myself missing either of the other two vehicles. The Wrangler Unlimited actually offers as much, or slightly more, cargo space with the seat folded down than the WK2 did, so you won't be giving up any storage capacity, unless you're comparing it with the seats up. In which case the WK2 has a lot more cargo area.
Comfort wise, the JL Sahara rides similar to the WK2. The seats don't feel quite a big as the WK2 seats, but they are leather, heated and comfortable just like the WK2. If you're not an exceptionally large person they'll be fine (I'm 6'1", about 190 lbs and I have no issues with them).
Sound is comparable to the WK2. Both from the vehicle/road, and premium sound system. Actually I think the Alpine in my Sahara might be better than what we had in the Grand Cherokee.

To answer the question in the most basic way, yes it was an easy switch, and no I don't miss the Grand Cherokee.
Thanks for the detailed feedback on making the switch from your Grand Cherokee to the JL. This helps, alot. I got out during lunch today and drove two other JL and not only was the steering spot on both, but what you described lined up with my observations. Now the only challenge is picking an engine. The turbo 4 i drove had more power early on 0-30, but the V6 really kicks in from 30-60. Net net both could work. All things being equal, i would lean towards the 4, but it is a new engine, with funky battery system and it cost more, so i am not sure, thoughts from anyone on this?

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Jlusahara

Member
Thanks for the detailed feedback on making the switch from your Grand Cherokee to the JL. This helps, alot. I got out during lunch today and drove two other JL and not only was the steering spot on both, but what you described lined up with my observations. Now the only challenge is picking an engine. The turbo 4 i drove had more power early on 0-30, but the V6 really kicks in from 30-60. Net net both could work. All things being equal, i would lean towards the 4, but it is a new engine, with funky battery system and it cost more, so i am not sure, thoughts from anyone on this?

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I got the V6, and coupled with the 8 spd tranny, it is much more peppier than the same engine in the JK and at least 2 mpg cheaper on gas. But I haven't had the chance to try the 4cyl.

With this said, I believe that unless you want to wait a little to see the outcome, I would play safe and go with the tried and true pentastar V6.

If you're anything like me, by the time you make-up in gas economy the price of the 4cyl option, you will have moved-on to another jeep [emoji41]

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Shots

New member
That's actually a good point. I couldn't find a published comparison by Jeep on the efficiency of them in the JL, but on the Cheorkee the difference was 1 mpg. For a $1K option you're going to have to drive for years to recoup that cost.
4wd mentioned the power of each and that may be a concern for some people. While they are close in HP ratings (15 different IIRC), the biggest difference is in torque, which is likely why the turbo feels peppier off the line (it's got 35 lb-ft more than the V6).

The thing I would point out to consider is the recommended fuel octane. The 3.6L V6 is recommended 87 octane gasoline. The 2.0L Turbo I4 is recommended 91 octane or higher for optimum fuel economy and performance. It will run on 87 and it won't hurt the engine, but they recommend higher with 87 being the minimum requirement. [***This info is per Quadratec's specification page]
The V6 is presumably able to get optimal performance/economy on 87 octance since it doesn't have the added note of running higher for optimal results.
The I4 has a $1,000 higher sticker price, and needs more expensive fuel to get the most out of it. That makes the decision easy for me.
 

CtrlZThis

New member
That's actually a good point. I couldn't find a published comparison by Jeep on the efficiency of them in the JL, but on the Cheorkee the difference was 1 mpg. For a $1K option you're going to have to drive for years to recoup that cost.
4wd mentioned the power of each and that may be a concern for some people. While they are close in HP ratings (15 different IIRC), the biggest difference is in torque, which is likely why the turbo feels peppier off the line (it's got 35 lb-ft more than the V6).

The thing I would point out to consider is the recommended fuel octane. The 3.6L V6 is recommended 87 octane gasoline. The 2.0L Turbo I4 is recommended 91 octane or higher for optimum fuel economy and performance. It will run on 87 and it won't hurt the engine, but they recommend higher with 87 being the minimum requirement. [***This info is per Quadratec's specification page]
The V6 is presumably able to get optimal performance/economy on 87 octance since it doesn't have the added note of running higher for optimal results.
The I4 has a $1,000 higher sticker price, and needs more expensive fuel to get the most out of it. That makes the decision easy for me.
I've never had a Rubicon, only lifted Saharas and loved them all. I thought about a Rubi but yeah just can't do it....no reason for me to spend the money for the amount of rocks I crawl.
The only thing I'd change on my new Sahara is the gearing.......which I will do when I lift it. 20180828_150904.jpeg

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