I've narrowed down my choice to the 2014 JGC Overland V6 w/Tech - Over the Summit V6/V8/CRD.
Now, the last option choice which I hadn't even considered until a few days ago is the ORA Pkg. I was at a dealership this past weekend and the salesman really encouraged me to this pkg. For only $300, you get a lot of equipment, skid plates, etc.
All of this, in exchange for the 20" wheels. Basically, aesthetics for function. I will do a little off roading, will need the 4x4 for winter months, going skiing, etc. But honestly, 90% will be highway/city driving.
So the question is, do I NEED this pkg or will the 20" wheels suffice for light 4x4 use. Of course, I know it's personal preference and it's my money, but does anyone who has this pkg regret NOT getting the 20" wheels? Or vice versa, do you wish you added it at the time and not care for the 20"? Any and all advice would greatly be appreciated.
And yes, before anyone asks, I used the, 'Search' function and I did not find anything I thought was relevant/in a recent time.
I know its personal preference BUT.. i just got mine with the 20" rims and i think they are butt ugly.. wish i had gotten the 18's (on a limited, not sure if overlands are different) also there is a thread about the 20's and people unable to get rid of front end shake.. just something to think about
Wow. Totally missed that thread. Thanks, Ice. Definitely gives more credence to going with the ORA Pkg :thumbsup:
And you're right, $300 now is not a large investment. I did see in another thread where a poster showed the underside of his '14 JGC where wires were exposed. I'm thinking skidplates would've protected that area.
I'm pretty sure you get the Quadra Drive II and Hill Descent control too. This I believe is standard on the V8, but being that I'm going with the V6, it's more of a bonus to have for off roading.
My Overland came with Hill Descent Control and QDII without having to get ORA. As far as I know, all ORA adds on an Overland are the skid plates and ELSD. And I don't think you get the ELSD on a V6 anyway.
May I suggest that you read first page of Milious sticky thread about ordering information and pricing. It list what is available in each option. Also there is the WK2Jeeps.com that provides extensive info regarding the various options.
Well, for $300 is not that bad. Also, if you prefer the 18" wheels over the 20," it is a no brainer. From what I read, some members are not that keen on the GoodYears that come with the 20." Haven't heard complains about the Michelins that come with the 18"
It really is a personal preference thing. I weighed the same question when I ordered mine and decided on the ORA II package. There are pros and cons about ride comfort, off-road safety, and aesthetics discussed on other threads. I have to say I'm very pleased with my decision, and love the looks, but as I said, it's all personal preference. I did put LTX M/S 2s on it. This has been a very contentious issue on the forum.
That's what I plan on doing as well. Did you notice any difference in road noise or handling? Did you have the original tires long enough to notice if you had an increase or decrease in MPG?
It costed me about $500 to buy the skid plates separately and install them myself. For $300, I would just go with the ORA II and 18" tires. I too prefer the look of 18" wheels and the extra sidewall for off-roading. This was my cost (front tow hooks: $230, Skid plates: $437).
I have ORA 2 on my Limited and I am sure that I am not going to do much rock climbing. But I would rather have it than to source them separately. I am also considering removing them part time during summer and putting them back in winter for added shielding from snow and road salt. Then again on a LTD the package added the trick suspension and heavy duty cooling and so on so I had more incentives to spend the money vs. An Overland. I think 20" tires will be more expensive than 18s with fewer choices if you have to replace any. I would personally take the skid plates.
Well I have a 2012 Overland with the ORA pack II and the V6 and I think it was well worth it. I don't care much for the 20in wheels and am very happy I got the skid plates. I have had items in the road get flung up by the tires and strike the undercarriage of the Jeep and I could clearly hear it hit the skid plates. For that reason alone I'm glad I have them. Plus the 18s provide a super smooth ride.
Also if you look at what the main difference between the two packages (primarly 20" wheels swapped for skid plates) and calculate the costs to upgrade later, you're better off sticking with the 20's.
For ex:
I you stick with the 20's, you can add the skid plates later for about $500.00.
But if you choose the ORA package with the skid plates and add the 20's later, you will be looking at about $2000-$2500 for a set of OEM or aftermarket 20's w/ tires.
So if you do the math (assuming you can sell the 18's for approx $1500.00) here is how it would break down money wise:
Also if you look at what the main difference between the two packages (primarly 20" wheels swapped for skid plates) and calculate the costs to upgrade later, you're better off sticking with the 20's.
For ex:
I you stick with the 20's, you can add the skid plates later for about $500.00.
Only if you provide the labor. I vaguely remember a post awhile ago that a dealer quoted a total of $1000 including labor. I am not an expert in fixing things, so I don't really know how easy it is a DIY job. Oh, also, the price of the plates is higher if you buy them from the parts department.