This is probably a stupid question to those of you who are experienced, but im new to the world of offroading. I can clearly see that the Renegades like to 3 wheel because of their lack of articulation, but what exactly causes them to not have the flex capability? Is it just the control arms and suspension? Or something to do with the drivetrain alignment at those limits of flexion? Thanks for any help.
Renegades have 4 wheel independent suspension, which by design limits the articulation. In comparison, Jeep wranglers have solid axles front and rear with coil spring suspension that is designed for greater articulation. The renegade has better on road driving characteristics than a solid axle design. If you want lots of flex and have aspirations of running trails like the Rubicon, buy a wrangler. If you are an occasional off roader looking for a daily driver with decent mpg's and good road manners, the renegade will do great.
That makes sense, it didn't even hit me about the independent suspension. Im happy with my TrailHawk, for what I would ever get into on the weekends it will be plenty capable for me. Down the road I may move up to a Wrangler, but it wouldn't be practical for me as an every day driver.
Same. I actually traded my '12 Wrangler Sport for the Trailhawk. I don't go off-roading enough to keep it. Besides the gas mileage and ride comfort is not suitable for a DD.
I traded my 2012 JKU Sahara in... And missed it so much I ended up picking up the next best thing, the Renegade Trailhawk. Mileage sucks, but the new Pentastar 3.6L engine is much better gas mileage than the older ones. But where I think you get hammered is when you start throwing on anything larger for tires or putting a lift on. I went to 33" Mickey Thompson tires and lost about 100km per tank after that. Nothing beats the open air feel though. Top down is the coolest thing, but you gotta be comfortable with the wind noise, the tire noise, and the unbehaved nature of the Wrangler that makes you love it or hate it. I do like the Renny Trailhawk, because the handling, although responsive and behaved, is as close to what I had with the JK as I could get. One day, when I can, I will probably pick up an older TJ or YJ as a fun car, but the Renny ticks off all the boxes for where I am in life.
Sorry - posted above to the wrong thread. But yes, the difference between the solid axle and the renny suspension is a limitation of the vehicle, as long as you realize that the vehicles are meant for 2 different things.
I'm on the same boat. I miss my Wrangler at times but I remind myself of how much I pay for that thing per month. I actually thought about trading in the Renegade but I didn't. That wouldn't be wise financially. Also, I get to do things on the Renny that's a no-no for Wranglers, i.e. Keeping it clean.
If you are off-roading, you can disconnect the sway bars in the front wheel well for greater Articulation, but don't forget to reconnect them before getting back on the highway.
If you disconnect the sway bars that helps, but doesn't solve the issue. It's not a complete magical transformation. The suspension doesn't have the same flexibility as the Wrangler - but every bit helps
I don't think this is a true issue that needs to be solved. It was designed differently than the wrangler for a reason. However I do Agree, every little bit helps. Perhaps I should have said: "For a little more Articulation" instead of "For greater articulation".
As mentioned, the main issue with the lack of articulation that a Renegade has is due to its IFS/IRS. That being said, that doesn't mean you can't get a setup like that to have big flex, it just take a lot more costs a lot more to get it. A solid front and rear axle setup like the wrangler has is just easier to lift and to get to flex but that doesn't necessarily make it a better setup - just more cost effective to build up.
