People often call me eccentric, and perhaps they’re right. This trait played a pivotal role in my first Jeep purchase after I was introduced to the exhilarating world of off-roading. My automotive preferences were shaped during my childhood, influenced by my dad’s Broncos and a vivid memory of a friend’s dad’s blue CJ-7 from the early ’80s. The simplicity and rawness of the CJ, with its no doors, bikini top, rear jump seat, flat dash analog gauges, and, crucially, the manual transmission, left a lasting impression.
Fast forward over 35 years, and I found myself purchasing a 2019 Sport 2-door manual Jeep, stripped down but equipped with carefully chosen options including a Dana 44 limited-slip rear axle, air conditioning, Sirius XM, tinted back windows, and floor mats.
The Realization on the Trail:
Before wheeling with CJ Outfitters in my rig, I had a naive belief that equipping my Jeep with Rubicon takeoff springs, shocks, and 33″ tires would suffice. It didn’t take long to realize the inadequacy of my setup. While riding in the “tail gunner” position, it became apparent that my gearing was too high – I was always too fast, uncomfortably close to my friends on the trails. The difference in differential gears (my Sport’s 3.45 vs. a Rubicon’s 4.10) and the transfer case 4L ratio (2.72:1 in my Sport as opposed to the Rubicon’s 4:1) made a significant impact.
Adjustments and Improvements:
Frustration wasn’t just confined to the trails. Highway driving was a constant struggle to keep the engine in the power band, requiring frequent shifting. Before our last day with CJ Outfitters, I invested in manual front sway bar disconnects for better articulation and a smoother ride. My next significant upgrade was re-gearing my differentials to 4:10, which I did before our outing in Moab. This adjustment was a game-changer – no longer was I the over-eager tail gunner.
Lessons from a Fellow Enthusiast:
Off-roading isn’t just about navigating terrain; it’s about the community and the shared wisdom. In Moab, we met Brian, a fellow manual enthusiast, who took over the tail gunner position. Brian, an experienced wheeler, noticed my struggle and imparted two simple yet profound lessons: trust your gears and understand that stalling is part of the process. These lessons transformed my approach, teaching me the art of crawling in 4L and first gear, and the balance between braking and acceleration.
The Manual Experience:
With over 30 years of experience with manual transmissions, including motorcycles and cars, I thought I had mastered the art. Off-roading with a manual, however, presented a new set of challenges and joys. In 4L, the first three gears were my go-to, anything faster necessitated a shift to 4H. The manual provided a quicker transfer case shift than my automatic counterparts and less reliance on braking downhill.
Reflecting on the Rubicon Conundrum:
The eternal question for every Jeep enthusiast is whether to go for a Rubicon. After spending approximately $4K to bring my Sport close to a Rubicon’s capabilities, I still lack the front and rear differential lockers and the beefier Dana 44 front axle. Yet, the absence of these features hasn’t dampened my off-roading spirit. My current setup, while limited to 33″ tires due to the Dana 30 front axle, has proven adequate in keeping pace with Rubicon-equipped friends.
Looking at the financial aspect, the price difference between my Sport and a comparable Rubicon stands at around $7K. While hindsight suggests the Rubicon might have been a more cost-effective choice, the journey with my Sport Manual has been invaluable – filled with learning, adapting, and appreciating the nuanced joys of manual off-roading.
Conclusion:
My adventure with the Sport Manual Jeep has been a journey of discovery, mechanical tweaks, and newfound friendships. It’s a testament to the joys of manual off-roading – a blend of skill, patience, and the thrill of conquering the trail, gear by gear.