Wrangler Owners - Need your .02

[Tony_SS]

I'm considering one. 2000 and newer. I'm looking for pro's and con's, why you like them or dislike them.

I'm of the touring mind, and I know they are anything but, so that has me mulling this over carefully, but if you have any great advice on owning one, please share. Thanks!

:popcorn2:

[Vegas69]

Tony, I have a 99 Cherokee that I utilize for my hunting truck. From my research, the 2000-2001 4.0 has some issues with cracked heads due to a redesign for emissions. I seem to recall some late 99's having the same issue. I have heard the 4.0 Jeeps are in high demand vs. the v6.

Jeeps don't cruise worth a crap, they 4x4. :idea:

[DBasher]

I'd say with the kids see if you can find/afford an unlimited. The longer wheel base makes for a better ride as well. Saharas have the better rear axle, 44, Rubicons have 44 and lockers front and rear. The inline 6 has exhaust manifold issues, header solves that problem. I'd stay away from the 4 banger.

A great dual purpose DD set up is a small lift and 33" tires, some arb lockers and some skid plates. Do a header and a throttle body spacer and you're set. My brothers was set up this way along with some steering upgrades and it did very well. It was his DD for a few years, made its way to Utah, South Dakota and all over Washington state, his only complaint was the short wheel base on long trips.

If I do another one it will be an unlimited with lockers, no lift and 35's. Bumpers and some armor...done.
Check out AEV, they have some great products and some killer real world builds.

[GrabberGT]

We have a 09 Wrangler 2-door. We test drove a 4 door but just didnt like the ride or feel on the road. Turning radius felt strange compared to my car. I guess if you are used to driving a truck you might find the Unlimited turning radius comparable. We then drove the 2 door and loved its nimble, go anywhere feel. We do have a 7 yo boy who doesnt mind climbing over the seats to get into the back. It wont be long before he can sit in the front anyway. When the top comes off, he just climbs over the side. So far, all we've done is change tires and wheels to 34" tires and a 1.5" spacer lift. I call it my wifes mall crawler. Its a fun ride that we enjoy taking on family outings on Sunday afternoons into the country. Neither of us commute more than 15 miles a day so the gas mileage, though horrible, is manageable. This after all is not something you get into to cruise fast in or worry about mgp's. I will say that it is a little inconvenient when loading up groceries, the kid with baseball gear, my laptop bag for work, the wife with her 5 gallon purse... You just dont realize how convenient trunk space or rear doors are until they are gone.

[Tony_SS]

That's one thing I hated about my ext cab truck.. the turn radius. So I will only consider a 2 door Jeep and possibly the unlimited, as long as the radius doesn't suffer with that.

The wife and I rented a Wrangler on our Honeymoon in Sedona AZ as we had a blast... this was years ago, so I think it was around a 01 model. I was amazed at to what that thing could do with a 2" lift and 33" tires. So I'm not looking to go radical, I want to keep it practical. It will be a nice toy for us, and serve as a winter ride when we get a foot of snow as we often do here.

I guess I'm concerned about a soft top being too noisey, and the hard top being a PITA to remove and store.

The other guilt I have is that I will probably be spending more on this toy than I did on her Honda Odyssey (which is great BTW)...

[DBasher]

The factory soft tops on the TJ (97-06) are NOT quiet. Look into a good quality aftermarket set up.

If you have the room to store the hard top it's not so bad. My brother had a lil harbor freight winch that would pull it off and up to the rafters of his shop. Takes longer to put the soft top on than to pull the hard top off.

These Jeeps are fun, the inline six is a great low end motor and with good maintenance will last a long time. I'm on my 3rd Jeep, this one being a Grand with a V8. The other two had the six, one 5spd and the other an automatic, both went well past the 150k with no major issues.

Dan

[Tony_SS]

So is the 4.0 inline > than the newer V6's?

It will be a manual either way. Just trying to narrow my search here.

Thanks

[DBasher]

I haven't spent a lot of time with the new V6, I've only driven two. The stock 4dr with an automatic felt a bit sluggish. It needed to be wound up a bit, not like the inline with it's low end torque. Just felt restricted.

A friend had his sisters Rubicon for a week or two, he put on a small lift with 35's, cat back, CAI and a Bully Dog tuner. Even with the 35's and stock for Rubicon 4.10 gears it felt really nice, hers is a manual.

These are both the new body style JK (07-present)I think 2011 maybe 2010, Jeep made some small changes to the motor. I'm almost convinced that the new V6 is a decent motor.

It's all about the money you want to spend. 97-06 was the TJ and you could get the 4 or inline 6. 07-present is the newer body style only offering the V6. If you want to spend 9-15k you'll end up with a nice TJ, hard to find a JK for under 20k.

Jeeps are like hot rods, they start off cheap and easy but can end up sucking up all your money.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ubvic2XmBFU

Or get one of these to replace the truck!
http://www.aev-conversions.com/vehicles/brute-double-cab

:cheers:
Dan

[HEEP]

J - ust
E - mpty
E - very
P - ocket

There is a reason my user name is HEEP. My CJ7 was towed home. You either love or hate a Jeep. I love mine. Will probably only get rid of it to get a 4 door.

The problem with mine is I'm the only one in the family that loves it.

HEEP

[Spiffav8]

Glad to see this thread as the wife and I have been kicking around the same idea. Nothing to crazy, but still setup for some light off road adventures.

Anyone have an alternative to the Jeep?

[DBasher]

Suzuki Samurai :lmao:

Pretty sure it's the only vehicle still made with live axles, lockers, sway bar disconnects, roll bar and a convertible.

Now for the same money as a new Jeep you can build a nice early Bronco. All the same features as a Wrangler with better resale.

:headspin:
Dan

[Rhino]

I have a TJ and a friend recently moved to the JK. The v6 is a great motor. I do prefer it to my I6. On the down side, the JK is larger, and it feels like it. On the upside you can pull off 33's pretty easily from the factory.

My TJ was a dd at one point so I went with hard top/doors. I wouldn't have done it any different in that regard. the soft tops are almost deafening on the highway. If you do plan on wheeling it I'd look for the D44, I've seen busted axles in pretty stock scenarios if you get bound up.

The only issue with the hard top is it's a pita to remove by yourself. I end up pulling the doors and leaving the top most of the time.
I got bit by the bug and ended up with your typical lift/lockers/armor/etc. I've never been so terrified to go 2 mph :lol:
There's something to be said about the simplicity of the TJ. Working on it tends to be simple and lifted you'll rarely need a jack.
Unfortunately I moved away from most of the ORV parks in the area and don't use it nearly as much as I used to.

[69sponge]

DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I bought a 2012 Rubicon 4 dr and love that thing.After putting on a 3 inch lift and 35s that thing will go anywhere..The problem is now my camaro just sits in the garage and has missed the last 2 RTTC because we were out wheeling...

[Rhino]

DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I bought a 2012 Rubicon 4 dr and love that thing.After putting on a 3 inch lift and 35s that thing will go anywhere..The problem is now my camaro just sits in the garage and has missed the last 2 RTTC because we were out wheeling...

The funny thing is mine has sat ever since I bought the camaro! ;)

[Tony_SS]

I found this one, 03 Sahara, 79k for 12,900. 4" skyjacker.. Looks nice minus the dated wheels. 4.0 5psd

http://garbermotors.webs.com/photos/2003-WRANGLER-SAHARA/04252013458.jpg

I like the low miles, but I'm thinking a hard top is probably the way to go for me. I'll just take it off and store it in the summer.

[HEEP]

Look for a hard top on craigslist. Sold mine when I bought the HEEP.

I take my soft top off about April 1st and don't put it back on until Nov.

If it's not a daily driver, then you have a choice in the rain.

HEEP

[Vegas69]

Personally, I'd want an automatic transmission. If you plan any technical or slow speed scenarios which is unevitable when you 4x4, an auto is superior.

For instance, you are climbing a steep hill and stall out.

[DBasher]

Looks nice, just what you're looking for.
I'd ask how long the lift has been installed and are the control arms adjustable or fixed?

At 4" the steering may feel a little quick if its still a stock set up. When test driving can you let go of the steering wheel at all speeds without it changing lanes, properly set up you will be able to.

It looks nice and clean, some nicer wheels and some bumpers and you're good to go.

Automatics are for girls and guys that can't drive:ohsnap:
That's what I used to tell my brother.

[strtcar]

Join www.wranglerforum.com ton of good info. New engine is iffy, ton more power but lots of problems. I loved my 2003, was going to get a 2012 but couldn't justify the price of the unlimited and I needed a 4 door with the kids.

[57hemicuda]

I have a 94 which I did the GM v6 conversion,turbo 400, dana 300 t/c with dana 44s out of a full size wagoner. There is just something about a Jeep, it is the most uncomfortable vehicle you'll ever own, it handles like a dump truck that's over weight, but I still love them.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/PW/i-vp4gmB7/0/L/mustang%20010-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/PW/i-Z3fnW9Q/0/L/mustang%20011-L.jpg

[Tony_SS]

Thanks for all the advice... these are interesting vehicles.

Personally, I'd want an automatic transmission. If you plan any technical or slow speed scenarios which is unevitable when you 4x4, an auto is superior.

For instance, you are climbing a steep hill and stall out.

That is good advice for wheeling... we did have an auto when we went rock climbing, and it was nice. I could go either way, I just want whatever is reliable and/or easy enough to rebuild and maintain whether it be an auto or 5spd.

[GrabberGT]

Here's my wifes JK before the lift. I wish we could have kept it like this. I kind of like the low slung rock crawler look.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/31FagSm5tnT2q0KTqeFGWYrGTdtJHqholSlLggTJy_w=w331-h186-p-no

Unfortunately it rubbed a little. I cut down a 2" inch lift kit to 1.5" and this is where it landed.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/fufBvgDaj7X1Xln8GFWvEf62sYdrxILYEKuZdzWSHig=w330-h186-p-no

If I do another, I may go with 35's again but do a long arm conversion of sorts lower it 2" and trim out the fenders to fit. lots of articulation with a low center of gravity.

[T Bell]

The 4.0L is hella durable. I've got a '91 Cherokee with 350k on the clock. Still cranks, runs and hauls like it was new. Doesn't even burn oil. I don't know the longevity of the v6. The auto is pretty reliable also. Mine has the aw4, I think it's a the wranglers (atleast the TJ had a 3 speed auto). My wife totaled a '98 Sahara 9 yrs ago and it was super nice. Loud on the highway but that's not what you are getting a wrangler for.

[Tony_SS]

These Wranglers sure do keep their value.

[Tony_SS]

Tony, I have a 99 Cherokee that I utilize for my hunting truck. From my research, the 2000-2001 4.0 has some issues with cracked heads due to a redesign for emissions. I seem to recall some late 99's having the same issue. I have heard the 4.0 Jeeps are in high demand vs. the v6.

Jeeps don't cruise worth a crap, they 4x4. :idea:

I bought a 2000 Cherokee instead of a Wrangler. I glad you mentioned it.. for the price, these are great.

Do you have yours lifted at all? If so, how much and what brand did you use?

[hifi875]

Ive got a 2009 wrangler sahara. Its a great little ride. Wife loves it, its easy to drive, easier to park. and yes they hold their value really well.

[GrabberGT]

My wife and I went looking for a 4-door yesterday. Its time to start thinking about making room for our 2nd boy due for delivery any day now. I've always preferred the look and ride of our 2-door but would still enjoy a 4 if thats the direction the family needs to go. Its my wifes toy anyway. She wants to have a 6" lift and 37's. :confused59:

[Tony_SS]

My wife and I went looking for a 4-door yesterday. Its time to start thinking about making room for our 2nd boy due for delivery any day now. I've always preferred the look and ride of our 2-door but would still enjoy a 4 if thats the direction the family needs to go. Its my wifes toy anyway. She wants to have a 6" lift and 37's. :confused59:

She's fighting the "Mom" image in a big way! My wife was all too happy to ditch her tricked out Tahoe for the Honda Odyssey though. Which was fine by me!

[Sieg]

She's fighting the "Mom" image in a big way! My wife was all too happy to ditch her tricked out Tahoe for the Honda Odyssey though. Which was fine by me!
:D My wife despises her Odyssey and the image.......I have no problem, it's stealth, corners good, stable cruise at 90, decent passing power, good brakes, decent gas mileage, hauls big dogs, kids, motorcycles..........they're a good tool. :thumbsup:

[Vegas69]

Tony, I just went through mine with a fine tooth comb. Changed ALL the fluids. (Brake, PS,etc) I did put a 1.5-2" Old Man Emu lift kit on it along with black steel wheels and 30" BFG KM2's. My goal was to improve the ride off road and keep it farily reliable. If you go bigger it will really need gears in my opinion.

I've been really happy with this set up.

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa251/Payback1969/DSC_0028_zps6598655e.jpg (http://s200.photobucket.com/user/Payback1969/media/DSC_0028_zps6598655e.jpg.html)

[Tony_SS]

Tony, I just went through mine with a fine tooth comb. Changed ALL the fluids. (Brake, PS,etc) I did put a 1.5-2" Old Man Emu lift kit on it along with black steel wheels and 30" BFG KM2's. My goal was to improve the ride off road and keep it farily reliable. If you go bigger it will really need gears in my opinion.

I've been really happy with this set up.


Looks great! I had the same plans for mine. 30.5" tire and either a 2 or 3" lift. Where did you get your OME parts? I'm on the line between them or Rubicon Express.

[geberhard]

Tony, you did not mentin what you will be doing with the Jeep. Mainly daily driving, hunting, fishing, or hitting trails?

Congrats on the XJ, they are definitely a great value, and heck you cna always chop the top off on them. Google up for ideas, I have seen pretty much everything form chopped tops to Avalanche looking conversions on the rear cargo. The Xj's do great on the trails specially if you strengthen the unibody.

If mild to wildertrails, I woudl go witha long arm lift, 35's, upgrade the front axle and add a locker to the rear 8.25 with some chomollys and you are ready to play.


I have had a ****load of Jeeps, buggies, etc, and love them. I went from building a few rigs to buggy and now have a TJ with tons, etc, greta for trails and a fun daily driver :P

My old YTJ (YJ on tons, I put a TJ front clip):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v256/geberhard/mix%20canyon%200808/IMGP2300.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v256/geberhard/hollister/IMGP2334.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m145/wwheelers/IMGP0135.jpg

Cruiser buggy:

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m145/wwheelers/Fordyce1109/IMGP0298.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m145/wwheelers/Fordyce1109/IMGP0300.jpg

and PEPECA:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v256/geberhard/IMGP0556.jpg


street legal...errrr
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v256/geberhard/IMGP0550.jpg

on the trail after lowering about a foot :)

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii255/wanderingwheelers/Slickrock%20July%202012/P1160449.jpg

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii255/wanderingwheelers/Slickrock%20July%202012/P1160660.jpg

[Tony_SS]

Wow, those look like some nice builds. I wont be going that serious, although those looks like a lot of fun.

I want to do a hybrid tour/expedition/trail type of XJ. It has to cruise down the highway at 70mph and still be able to handle a fair amount of rough terrain, so I'm trying to find a good balance there.

[geberhard]

Tony, I love Xj's plus power windows and AC are hard to beat, spcially for nice trail riding with teh family.

I would go with the combo I mentioned above, long arms, stick to 35's max.

Several buddies form our jeep club have very capable XJ's like Jeff's below (old pics the rig is much more modified now), but puts several Warnaglers to shame :)

http://wanderingwheelers.com/images/stories/jeff_rubicon.jpg

http://wanderingwheelers.com/images/stories/jeff_slickrock.jpg

http://wanderingwheelers.com/images/stories/jeff_wheelin.jpg

[Vegas69]

Looks great! I had the same plans for mine. 30.5" tire and either a 2 or 3" lift. Where did you get your OME parts? I'm on the line between them or Rubicon Express.

I bought mine from Quadratec. I had it installed by a local shop and it was a real pain. I sprayed down the bolts but they had a hell of a time.

My plan has always been to take mine long distance for hunts. That's why I opted for the mild lift and wheel combo. I can tell you it's not blessed with power at 70mph with 30's. Plan on doing gears for anything over 31's. Also, you then need to start removing fender flares, longer brake lines, sway bar changes and the list goes on....

Take it out and mess around with it stock for a while and figure out what you really want.

[Vegas69]

Here are a few more pictures.... The dirty photo is on top of Ball mountain which is 7 hours from my house and around 10,000 feet of elevation. I drove over 200 miles off road that week hunting all over this country.

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa251/Payback1969/DSC_0088_zps71e9781f.jpg (http://s200.photobucket.com/user/Payback1969/media/DSC_0088_zps71e9781f.jpg.html)
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa251/Payback1969/DSC_0041_zps933acd34.jpg (http://s200.photobucket.com/user/Payback1969/media/DSC_0041_zps933acd34.jpg.html)

[Tony_SS]

I bought mine from Quadratec. I had it installed by a local shop and it was a real pain. I sprayed down the bolts but they had a hell of a time.

My plan has always been to take mine long distance for hunts. That's why I opted for the mild lift and wheel combo. I can tell you it's not blessed with power at 70mph with 30's. Plan on doing gears for anything over 31's. Also, you then need to start removing fender flares, longer brake lines, sway bar changes and the list goes on....

Take it out and mess around with it stock for a while and figure out what you really want.

I love the landscape out west! Here's an old pic from our Honeymoon in Sedona... we rented a Jeep and did some trails... best day ever!

My plan is a 245/75-16 tire, which is 30.5". I really like the looks of the Cooper ST Maxx... there are some good reviews too. I love BFG, but they demand a price for their brand.

I hear you on all the changes that need to be made with big lifts/tires. I don't even want to go there. I do like the 2-3" lift to try and keep the ride closer to OEM and the gas mileage up.

[Vegas69]

We did the same thing in 2005 when we vacationed in Sedona. That was some of the best 4 wheeling I've ever done.

If you go with OME, my research led me to use the heavy duty springs out back. If you do, put the .5 spacer in with the front springs. Mine sets a little ass high and I'll get a light rub under full compression in the RF. I am planning to start using a reciever basket out back for gear once I get my hunting dog that will need to kennel in the back. I will likely add a roof rack or at very least a full size spare so it still may even out some. The chassis balance is very good hauling ass in the loose dirt off road. It absorbs the bumps really well.

The rear brake hose was under a little pressure, I bent the mounting bracket a touch to give it some slack. With a 3" kit, you will need to replace the hose. I like the fact the kit comes with a cross member spacer to correct the driveline angles.

It's hard to swallow the cost on a 4000 jeep but I'd do it again as I feel it's well engineered.

[Tony_SS]

We did the same thing in 2005 when we vacationed in Sedona. That was some of the best 4 wheeling I've ever done.

If you go with OME, my research led me to use the heavy duty springs out back. If you do, put the .5 spacer in with the front springs. Mine sets a little ass high and I'll get a light rub under full compression in the RF. I am planning to start using a reciever basket out back for gear once I get my hunting dog that will need to kennel in the back. I will likely add a roof rack or at very least a full size spare so it still may even out some. The chassis balance is very good hauling ass in the loose dirt off road. It absorbs the bumps really well.

The rear brake hose was under a little pressure, I bent the mounting bracket a touch to give it some slack. With a 3" kit, you will need to replace the hose. I like the fact the kit comes with a cross member spacer to correct the driveline angles.

It's hard to swallow the cost on a 4000 jeep but I'd do it again as I feel it's well engineered.

Thanks for the info. I hear you on the lift price on a 4000 Jeep, but the more I read, the more OME sounds superior. I may just pop for it. If I spend half that and am not happy, then what's the point in doing the lift at all?

Did you need to do a transfer case drop or is that what you mean by the cross member spacer? What about their steering stabilizer? Also, are you running an adjustable track bar?

And this video pretty much sealed the deal for me on OME.

s0hm-WdoaCo

[Vegas69]

Tony, I couldn't find anything negative except cost. I did utilize their steering stabilizer and it's called a transfer case spacer kit as that's what is attached to the cross member. I don't have an aftermarket track bar.

That's a good video to show you how it sucks up the bumps at a good rate of speed.

[Tony_SS]

Todd your inbox is full...

How do you like your KM2's? I'm looking at getting a set... is the noise on the road unbearable or not that bad?

[Vegas69]

It's that way on purpose. ha At city speeds they are fairly noisy. At highway speeds they are very good. I really like them so far. I'm on my 2nd hunting season and they are wearing nice and have good bite off road.

[Tony_SS]

Gotcha.. Ok, thanks for the feedback.. I need to lean toward and A/T I think.

[Tony_SS]

Not sure if I told you Todd, but I bought an XJ....... and blew up the engine a month later. That's what I get for buying a 2000.

:headspin:


Replaced in my garage and have been building it up ever since. Its a DD for me, but am making it offroad/expedition capable too.

See the rod poking out? LOL (I can laugh about it now)
http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/af340/MacInk/2000%20XJ/CDWt4x0s_zps1f403a9a.jpg

Here it stands now... 4.5" lift, steel cowl, etc etc.
http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/af340/MacInk/2000%20XJ/IMG_21402_zps20a8cf96.jpg

Do you still have yours?

[sokoloka]

I have a 94 which I did the GM v6 conversion,turbo 400, dana 300 t/c with dana 44s out of a full size wagoner. There is just something about a Jeep, it is the most uncomfortable vehicle you'll ever own, it handles like a dump truck that's over weight, but I still love them.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/PW/i-vp4gmB7/0/L/mustang%20010-L.jpg
Have any more info on the little hardtop setup? I really like that.

[Vegas69]

Tony, I do still have mine and use it all the time. We take the dogs out in the desert almost every week for a run and a little 4x4 action. During hunting season I put a couple thousand miles on it. It has around 117,000 miles on it currently and running great.

Your rig is looking good. Tough luck on the engine. I recall the 2000's having some reliability issues due to Chrysler and emissions.

[geberhard]

Eric, that looks like a CJ8\Scrambler half cab. they basically bolt up on a YJ or Cj7 (you will need to remove or modify the cage). Gives that AEV kinda look to them :)

Gui

[Tony_SS]

Tony, I do still have mine and use it all the time. We take the dogs out in the desert almost every week for a run and a little 4x4 action. During hunting season I put a couple thousand miles on it. It has around 117,000 miles on it currently and running great.

Your rig is looking good. Tough luck on the engine. I recall the 2000's having some reliability issues due to Chrysler and emissions.

the 00-01 had weak head castings... most will eventually crack and let antifreeze mix with the oil and take out the bearings. Mine was knocking.. I thought it was valve chatter. I hammered it one day and it just blew. It's all good now, I got a replacement head with a beefed up casting.. it runs like a top, pulls 20mpg hwy and I know all the ins/outs of it now. I do love this rig and dont regret an XJ at all. Yours has pretty low miles. Mine has 158k now with only 3k on the engine.

Next up I'm swapping on some rear disc brakes from a ZJ.