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CJ vs JK

Discussion in 'Off-Roading & Trails' started by Dark4x4, Jan 28, 2017.

?

Which Jeep would fare better on a trail?

Poll closed Feb 4, 2017.
  1. 1985 CJ8 Scrambler

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  2. 2013 JK 2 Door Rubicon

    100.0%
  1. Jan 28, 2017 at 5:12 PM
    #1
    Dark4x4

    Dark4x4 [OP] Member

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    Thomas
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2013 Wrangler JKR
    Not much, just some rock rail steps
    Hello!

    My father has an old white 85' CJ8 Scrambler (currently being fixed after an accident), while I have a black 2013 JK (2 Door) Rubicon, both of our Jeeps are close to factory (no huge changes); We have upgraded a few things on his like the blower motor, added Renegade trim side steps from a CJ, added a factory rear swing gate for the spare, and a wrangler rear seat
    He and I got into quite the discussion on whose Jeep would be better off road. I say mine because of my electronic sway bar disconnect, Front and Rear lockers, as well as a shorter wheelbase and a faster engine.
    He says his is better because he's not so sure because he has 1 set of manual front lockers, and his rear is always locked by default, and he has no sway bar.
    I still feel that the faster engine and shorter wheelbase, as well as my 17" wheels and mud-terrain 32" tires vs. his has 15" wheels and all-terrain 31.5" tires, would still beat him off road any day.
    There's a few other small things like my armor and performance suspension, but I feel those are less relevant. Let me know what you think.

    Here's some photos of our Jeeps!

    If you want to know the exact specs of the Rubicon, I can get that, but not for the Scrambler unfortunately. As I said though, it is extremely factory as far as a CJ goes.

    -T

    IMG_1128.jpgIMG_1093.jpg

    Image-1.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jan 28, 2017
  2. Jan 28, 2017 at 6:51 PM
    #2
    OFFGRID

    OFFGRID Well-Known Member

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    1979 Jeep CJ7, 258, TH350, NP208
    Howell fuel injection, header, HEI distributor, TH350, NP208, SOA lift with YJ springs in the front & GW springs in the Rear. AMC20 with G2 1 piece chromos trussed, Dana 30 with G2 chromos and 760x ujoints and MM Stainless Hubs, Geared 4.56. Tom Woods shafts, Metal cloaks, Caged, 37" Toyo MTs.
    image.jpg It is tit for tat. The longer wheel base is better for wheeling up to about 110". Also the scrambler came with a front sway bar. Someone must have removed it. If both jeeps were stock I'd have to go with the rubi, but since your comparing the 2 as they sit. . . He is locked rear and selectable in the front, the half inch in the tires don't make much difference, y'all are pretty equal, but I'd say his wheel base gets it over yours. That being said I just got my ORA mag in the mail today and they had a similar stand, but they did say that the 2003-current Rubicon is the best stock Jeep to take wheeling
     
    Dark4x4[OP] likes this.
  3. Jan 28, 2017 at 6:55 PM
    #3
    Dark4x4

    Dark4x4 [OP] Member

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    Not much, just some rock rail steps
    Awesome! He claims to have no sway bar but I'll double check on that. Glad to know I can take him on off roading and still have a challenge!
     
  4. Jan 28, 2017 at 7:01 PM
    #4
    OleMissYJ

    OleMissYJ Active Member

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    I have a soft spot for Scramblers! I voted for your Rubicon and think it looks awesome I just really love the CJ's. I actually have a 89 YJ now with 89,000 original miles and am slowly personalizing it.
     
    Dark4x4[OP] likes this.
  5. Jan 28, 2017 at 7:07 PM
    #5
    Dark4x4

    Dark4x4 [OP] Member

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    Thomas
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    Not much, just some rock rail steps
    I drove the CJ for about 4 months and I loved it too. The chicks dig it even more though I have to say! When it comes down to it, I do prefer the modern aspects of the JK though. It's nice to be able to get onto the highway without a struggle on the pedal.

    My dad and I are restoring her, and we have completed everything except the body, repainting, and the decals. He and I have narrowed the decal colors down to blue or red/orange/yellow, since the blue was sold with a black top during 85.

    Since the accident, we've gotten approved for fixing her, and she's finally getting her body re-done (not to sound weird ;))! We're so close to perfect!
     
  6. Jan 28, 2017 at 7:51 PM
    #6
    C2T

    C2T Well-Known Member

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    Vehicle:
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    2.5" AEV Dual Sport lift, 35" Treadwright Guard Dogs, Black Rock Wheels, AEV Front & Rear Bumpers with Tire Carrier, Fuel Caddy 10 gal. Aux. fuel tank, Warn 9.5ti, 125' synthetic winch line, front axle skid, 20" LED light bar , Bilstein Shocks, steel steering skidplate,
    Your JK has a FAR more powerful engine...by 170 or more horses (depending upon factory option). His lockers are no better than yours...his just make his rig less street friendly. You have rock rails where he just has steps hanging down (to get caught on tall obstacles). Your axle height is "slightly" higher than his though he has a little better roll-over angle - minus the low hanging steps. Your gearing is likely much lower than his. If you have the 4:10 axles and the manual tranny you have the lowest crawl ratio you can get in a U.S. production street vehicle...much lower than a stock CJ-anything. The DANA 300 (what I assume the CJ has) is a 2.62:1 transfer case. The Rubi JK's is a 4:1 transfer case. You also have more articulation than he does if both are stock. Your JK will run better at extreme inclines as carburetors will tend to flood a little on the really steep sections.

    Nostalgia is nice, and I have always liked the Scrambler but, reality has a way of messing things up.

    HOWEVER, even with all that, I bet that Scrambler gets where it is going JUST FINE and the driver makes more difference than anything else.

    JMHO.........
     
    gear head girl likes this.
  7. Jan 28, 2017 at 8:24 PM
    #7
    Dark4x4

    Dark4x4 [OP] Member

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    Thomas
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    Not much, just some rock rail steps
    Unfortunately I've got the automatic. I've got downhill descent control as well to help me with those slopes. He's also upgraded his to fuel injection since it was needed for either his engine or another component to keep it running well!
     
  8. Jan 28, 2017 at 8:32 PM
    #8
    C2T

    C2T Well-Known Member

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    2.5" AEV Dual Sport lift, 35" Treadwright Guard Dogs, Black Rock Wheels, AEV Front & Rear Bumpers with Tire Carrier, Fuel Caddy 10 gal. Aux. fuel tank, Warn 9.5ti, 125' synthetic winch line, front axle skid, 20" LED light bar , Bilstein Shocks, steel steering skidplate,
    Personally, if rock crawling, I prefer the auto in the JKs. It is just not geared quite as low as the manual...it still has a lower crawl ratio than the CJ8.

    I am not a fan of descent control. It eats brake pads.
     
    Last edited: Jan 29, 2017
  9. Jan 28, 2017 at 8:42 PM
    #9
    OFFGRID

    OFFGRID Well-Known Member

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    1979 Jeep CJ7, 258, TH350, NP208
    Howell fuel injection, header, HEI distributor, TH350, NP208, SOA lift with YJ springs in the front & GW springs in the Rear. AMC20 with G2 1 piece chromos trussed, Dana 30 with G2 chromos and 760x ujoints and MM Stainless Hubs, Geared 4.56. Tom Woods shafts, Metal cloaks, Caged, 37" Toyo MTs.
    When the weather is perfect I love wheeling the CJ. Too hot or too cold, JK all the way. Something to be said for creature comforts.
     
    Dark4x4[OP] likes this.
  10. Jan 28, 2017 at 8:44 PM
    #10
    C2T

    C2T Well-Known Member

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    I am getting old (or maybe just wimpy) but the comforts are getting nicer and nicer and nicer. lol
     
    jharris3 likes this.
  11. Jan 28, 2017 at 8:52 PM
    #11
    Dark4x4

    Dark4x4 [OP] Member

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    Not much, just some rock rail steps
    It's nice to be able to flip open the sun rider 'sunroof' on the JK vs having to take off the soft top for the CJ. We've got most of the parts for our Kayline half cab soft top for the Scrambler, but still have a little ways to go before we can use it.
     
  12. Jan 28, 2017 at 9:55 PM
    #12
    daddyusmaximus

    daddyusmaximus Well-Known Member

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    360, D44 front, Chrysler 8.25 rear, 4 wheel discs, rear Detroit locker
    If kept stock, the newer Jeep would fair better.

    If modified, all bets are off, and I want the old iron that has some style.
     
  13. Jan 29, 2017 at 5:56 PM
    #13
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine Moderator

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    Always hard to tell in situations like this.......I good driver can do things in a lessor capable vehicle, than a crappy driver in a fully built rig. If the skill level between you two is equal, the IMHO, a Rubicon is more capable.
     
    jharris3 likes this.
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