Technical differences between the Wrangler J8 and the Rubicon? (early 200's version)

[Oshkosh-P]

Hello,

there is a rare chance to maybe get a Jeep J8 now, which was always an interesting vehicle to me but of course rather exotic.

Now the Wrangler as a base vehicle, even the stronger Rubicon version, is not really something i would compare to a Patrol or big land Cruiser when it comes to the core strenght of the frame, axles and whole setup, but from what i have read things might be different with the J8? I mean the payload is significantly higher and you can't beat leaf springs when it comes to loading.

As far as i know it got a Dana 44 in the front as the Rubicon does, so far its ok, but i guess weaker then the Japanese competition.

The rear is supposed to be a Dana 60, which depending on the version would actually be equal i guess. (probably not to a Patrol 260 rear, but thats also super rare)

But did they change anything about the frame, which was originally designed for a much lower GVW? The suspension sure is different and i read the brakes are as well, but nothing about the chassis?

Kind regards,

Marcus

 

[Zeep]

Back when the J8 was in development, I spotted one pulling into Chrysler headquarters parking lot. The engineer driving it said that it rode terrible. Yes, they Dana 60 in the rear! As well as leaf springs.
They were designed to carry heavy rear payload, such as twin M2's, or possibly a small 20 or 30 mm.
I think I would rather have the body tub on a conventional Unlimited chassis, or maybe utilize a slide in type
camper system on a stock unit.
As far as the chassis, I'm not aware of any changes, other than they would have lost trailing arms in the rear
conversion to leaf springs.

 

[asafk]

The J8 is indeed designed to carry heavier loads.
Here (in Israel) we have lots of J8 s from a local CKD build under the name Jeep Storm Mk3
So.. the frame is reinforced and so are the brakes taken from a pickup truck. The front dana44 has larger wheel hub assembly than the one on the Rubicon.
The second generation with the higher power engine had terrible suspension, but the first generation was not that bad, actually quite good for a rear leaf sprung Jeep.

Asaf.

 

[Oshkosh-P]

Thanks for the feedback!

Intresting that the already stronger D44 got another upgrade. So i guess there are braces welded on the frame? As far as i know the normal Wrangler frame rails are not that big or thick in dimension compared to a LC 200 or Patrol, but of course anything can be reinforced.

Woud be an absolut exot, but i always liked the Wrangler design.