Haugy: School Me on Jeep Wranglers

1w00d · Soul Rider Joined: 29 Apr 2003 Posts: 331 City: Wichita

I'm looking at getting a Wrangler. Not for serious off roading, but as a daily driver and the four wheel drive. I'll be buying used. What types of little wear things should I look for? Also I'm looking at a Rubicon, is that a good way to go or would it be smarter to get a regular Wrangler and do upgrades as I go?

joedirt00 · Posted: Aug 27, 2009 3:17 am Post subject:

I'll offer a little input here. If you can swing the Rubicon that is the way to go IMO. It already has the axles upgraded to Dana 44's. You definitely want the 6 cylinder, but listen real good around the exhaust manifold. they are notorious for cracking. most of the aftermarket manifold have a bellows expansion joint in them so that may be an indication it was replaced at some point.

I prefer the hard full doors ofer the half height ones. If you are going to take the soft top down, take it all the way off. It will last 10 time longer if you dont wad it up and stress it out in the back.

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

1w00d, how much WHEELING do you really plan on doing? Be honest, it will help me help you. Once a month, real light, or all the time? In KS there is everything, rock, mud, hills, etc. Enough variety to easily get yourself into trouble.

I agree about the rubicon, the axles are not only D44's, but they already have lockers in them. A lift and some tires, and you're ready to do enough wheeling to break stuff or get body damage. But that's if you really plan on wheeling it, alot. Otherwise a small lift and moderate tires on a stock Wrangler will work out just fine for you, and cost less.

Do you want a big bad looking jeep, that will see maybe a trail? Do you want a big bad looking jeep that see's tons of trails? Do you want a nice jeep, some upgrades, and maybe hit a few trails while doing it?

Tbonez · Posted: Aug 27, 2009 5:28 am Post subject:

Get ready to take out a home loan to afford the gas...If you buy old make sure to buy a Jeep with glass windows in it...I have owned a couple of Jeeps (dont currently own one) and they are some of the most fun you will have....

1w00d · Soul Rider Joined: 29 Apr 2003 Posts: 331 City: Wichita

Most likely a big bad looking jeep that will occasionally see trails. I kind of like to know I'm prepared for whatever. I'm 40 as opposed to a younger wild type if that helps any.

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

1w00d, if you don't want to tell me that's fine, but a price range of where you want to end up, Jeep, with mods, etc, when it's all done would help.

EDIT:

If you are looking for a good looking, light performing rig, no need for a Rubicon. The Rubicon is designed to be used heavily off-road.

A standard lightly used TJ, which can be bought very cheap right now, plus a nice 4.5" lift kit and decent tires will be less than a Rubicon. I would just say modify a nice 6-cylinder TJ or TJ Unlimited (longer wheelbase, great for families) and have fun with it. No need for upgraded axles and lockers if it's only going to see light off-roading, or the occasional trail.

1w00d · Soul Rider Joined: 29 Apr 2003 Posts: 331 City: Wichita

I've got an 06' GMC 1500 with a VMax engine in it that I need to get rid of first. I guess my total Jeep end budget would need to be in the $17,000-$20,00 range. That might be total overkill, I'm not looking to spend that much if it's not necessary. The Rubicon I'm looking at is an 05' with around 43,000 miles, stock with a hardtop they have listed around $19,000.

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

1w00d, this one down in Alabama is one that I like, 69,000 miles, Blue Rubicon, 6" Lift and 35" tires on it, for 17k

I love this color.

There are deals out there to be had as alot of people are unloading these jeeps. Don't let some salesperson tell you it's so expensive because it's a Rubi. More, yes, but not that much.

PM me when you go looking, I'll help ya out.

nickl011 · Posted: Aug 27, 2009 7:32 am Post subject:

XJ/ZJ FTW

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

nickl011, unibody, FTL. Laughing

nickl011 · Posted: Aug 27, 2009 10:19 am Post subject:

He's looking for a DD, not a hard core trail rig. XJ's are definitely my choice for a DD. Can't imagine winter's being pleasant in a Wrangler.

1w00d · Soul Rider Joined: 29 Apr 2003 Posts: 331 City: Wichita

haugy, will do. So far the wife is putting a veto on the Jeep thing. You've also convinced me that a much better deal could be had. If that blue baby was staring me in the face, I'd majority override her veto.

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

1w00d, Then get you a nice DD, and then go find an old CJ that's already done up a bit. I know of 3 within driving distance that you can buy for $3000, done, small lift, good tires. They are fun to drive, fun to tinker on, and just all around great for getting out in 70 degree temps.

joedirt00 · Posted: Aug 27, 2009 4:36 pm Post subject:

nickl011, I had a 99 wrangler and winter is better than you think. The 6cyl warms up in a couple minutes, literally. And the heater throws out so much heat you cant run it on the highest setting without roasting.

nickl011 · Posted: Aug 27, 2009 7:55 pm Post subject:

_bruky · Wakeboarder.Commie Joined: 24 May 2009 Posts: 1201

My mom got a Rubicon Unlimited last year so she could put her dogs in the back and save the leather in her car. I like it, looks good in white. Drives like skateboard around town, though. Laughing