Jeep Model Buying Advice

    Buying my first Wrangler. Trying to decide between a 2006 X or 2006 Sport model. I don't have any plans to off-road (yet). Can anyone explain what the big differences are between the two models?

    Engines are the same... Each model has it's own quirks interior and exterior.. The big things to look for are differences in things like rear axel... D44 vs D35 though I think you need to go Rubocon to get a D44... I bought a brand new 2006 SE. I bought the lowest end I could get my hands on knowing that I would end up replacing everything that came from the factory anyway...


    My advice would be not to spend extra bucks for a fancy end cap on the cheezy factory bumper, and get yourself a new bumper aftermarket you like... Tires too... why spend more for 30" instead of 27" tires when you will be buying 33" tires in a year anyway.... Only thing I wish I got up front is a D44.


    Take a look at the below... this was a 20k base model when I started... Looks nothing like it a year later...


    Here is a factory before and a bunch of mods later.... I say build it, don't buy it...


    <img src="http://www.delawareja.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=5089&g2_GALLERYSID=3eff180190a9c3217735bdc2b93c074c" alt="jeep" />


    Here is where it is...


    <img src="http://www.delawareja.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=8756&g2_GALLERYSID=3eff180190a9c3217735bdc2b93c074c" alt="front_right" />

    you can find a sport from 03 and up with d44 and rear disc brakes, they are hard to find though. guy at work found an 04 like that..

    Nice mods Pirate.


    I appreciate the input. So from what it sounds like the tire package/ground clearance would be the most noticable difference until I start trail riding and then I would need the beefier axle.


    Also, someone once warned me that when I upgrade to bigger tires I would need to recalibrate speedometer and gas mileage would suffer. Does that sound true?

    Quote from jonc19720


    Nice mods Pirate.


    I appreciate the input. So from what it sounds like the tire package/ground clearance would be the most noticable difference until I start trail riding and then I would need the beefier axle.


    Also, someone once warned me that when I upgrade to bigger tires I would need to recalibrate speedometer and gas mileage would suffer. Does that sound true?


    If you want good mileage, don't buy a wrangler.


    Bigger tires, lift, armor will all decrease your mileage.

    Quote from jonc19720


    Nice mods Pirate.


    I appreciate the input. So from what it sounds like the tire package/ground clearance would be the most noticable difference until I start trail riding and then I would need the beefier axle.


    Also, someone once warned me that when I upgrade to bigger tires I would need to recalibrate speedometer and gas mileage would suffer. Does that sound true?



    Most of the time its a package deal so in order to get the rear D44 you will have to get a
    30" tire package


    A brick with wheels will never get good gas mieage


    IMO buy whatever you want and upgrade from there .
    8.8 and D44 are common swaps.


    Welcome to the site
    Enjoy the ride

    Quote from PacoPirate


    The big things to look for are differences in things like rear axel... D44 vs D35 though I think you need to go Rubocon to get a D44... I bought a brand new 2006 SE.


    Don't the Sahara's have a model 44 as well?

    Quote from flutterby


    I didn't need to recalibrate until I put on 33" tires last fall, but I haven't done it yet. I'm just much more careful.


    I think the Sport has AC and the X doesn't.


    my 2003 had a/c only difference between my loaded X and the low end sport were fog lights and tow hooks

    yeah 44 is optional on sport and sahara all the way back to 97, standard on rubicon and unlimiteds only

    so, to recap...


    Mileage sucks... not why we bought it...


    Get a ride you like an build plan to build it out..
    in the end, you will have spent more to enhance it then you figured... just suck it up and move on...


    so it is written...

    Quote from Meeper

    no, the field is blank on the X model, it wasnt.


    it is under differential for limited slip. says its an option when ordered with the full six spare, disk brakes w/dana44 rear


    but back on subject...if i did it again, i would get a sport with the d44 rear or a used rubicon. 3.5 inch superflex lift and 33's and be done.


    with the rubicon, the lockers are there, transfer case is setup already...for a daily driver/weekend wheeler it is a decent setup.

    What's up with the 4.56 gears from the factory? Who's got that? Already ready already for bigger rubber

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