[nukcrash69]

I am looking to get a jeep. I'm thinking 1999-06 depending on price/problems with year, etc.

This will be a daily driver and would be on trips from OH to TX, AL, LA and FL. I will take offroad every so often for some play time. I won't be hard core enough to need a lift kit.

I have a 13yr old son, so it would need to be able to have his and my stuff in it to include scuba gear, winter gear, motorcycle gear (I would like it to be able to tow my track bikes), etc denpending on time of year. So I'm open to suggestions on regular body or unlimited for room.

I've been looking at the Saharas with hardtops, in-line 6s.

What I need to know is AUTOMATIC or STANDARD. It sucks when your injured from a bike wreck, so that's why I've been looking at automatics cause usually theres a leg or arm or both that ends up injured.

Which has more problems? What about power delivery?

What year and model would you suggest? also please let me know why, better suspension, engine, dana 44 over 35, etc.
Any opinions and info would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[NonRubicon]

While I can't provide specific model advice for TJ's (except that they do drive nice on the road) I would like to chime in with some general advice.

What Jeep setup is suitable for you depends on what you plan to do with it. Sounds like your plan is for a daily driver/weekend wheeler. For now, my YJ is my daily driver with aspirations to become a formidable off-road rig (She can dream, right?) If you plan on taking the Jeep on the highway you will probably want to go with the 6cyl since it won't strain as much to keep up speed and the fuel economy difference isn't really that big as far as I've heard. Plus, it looks like you plan on towing trailers around.

As far as transmissions go, standards transmit power from the engine more efficiently since they lack the torque converter found in automatics, hence the slightly better fuel economy. Generally speaking, manuals are geared a little lower than automatics, but beyond that it is really the driver behind the wheel that makes it work off-road. When on-road, standards can be a real pain in the leg in heavy traffic. It sounds like you are concerned about potential injuries interfering with the operation of a standard transmission so an automatic may be the best option for you. I can't comment on the reliability of newer automatics vs. standards though. I sport the square headlights []|||[]

As far as axles go, D35's should be sufficient for mild to moderate off-roading. I've driven on some rough and rocky forest service roads on my stock D35 (creeping over rocks at 1-2mph at times) without a problem, but I wouldn't throw lockers in it without anticipating something breaking. If I've got this right, stock axle shafts on the D35 are 27 spline and are generally considered weak, and the stock housing is prone to damage under heavy stress. While you can upgrade them later to 30 spline many people planning on hard off-roading just opt for the overall stronger D44 as just a smarter and more cost effective solution. Both the 35 and 44 are capable axles, just in different classes.

While on the subject, differential gearing is something to be considered as well. What the best gear setup will be for you depends on the size tires you have. I have 31" tires and 3.55 diff gears which is adequate, but by no means optimal like a 4.10 would be for my setup. The D44 will probably have lower gearing than a stock D35. The lower the gearing, the lower the highway speed, and vice versa. 3.55 diff gears and stock tires are probably a good general setup with a I6.

Cargo space. Not much of it in the standard body, even with the rear seat removed. Can't really say if the extra space in the Unlimited makes a difference.

My two cents there. Hope I've been of some help.

[RogueSpear2023]

Well first what are you looking to spend?

Next the standard vs automatic is up to you, I would think a automatic might be for you. the mileage difference will be unnoticeable between the two. Wranglers don't get great mileage anyway about the same as a full size truck. As far as the lower gearing in the manual is lower, but with an automatic you have an almost bottomless first gear, so this is also a moot point.

how heavy are your bike, and unlimited (LJ) can tow 3500lbs and a regular (TJ) can tow about 2000lbs, the limits are because of the wheelbase not the size of the engine, they are also based on braking ability. The LJ is about 10" longer, 5" between the wheels, and 5" more overhang in the back, which equates to 2" more leg room in the back, and 8" more cargo space. The TJs don't have much room in the back with out taking the seat out, which on the 02+ models is very easy.

As far as rear axle I think any would be fine, obviously if you really get into off roading a D44 is much better, but as long as you are not planning a locker, or bigger than 33s with a small lift, you should be fine with a D35.

None of the years really have any serious problem I believe the 99-00 had some problems with their exhaust manifolds cracking before jeep went to the tow piece design.

You are defiantly going to want an I6 don't even look at a 4cyl or you will learn to hate it. The 4cyl can tow on 1000lbs and this is based on the power of the motor, also on the hwy they are not a fun vehicle just due to limited power at hwy speed.

[nukcrash69]

Thanks for the responses, it has really helped answer some questions.

The money to spend.....well like anyone else I would like to get a good deal.

However, I don't know what a good deal realy is for one. I'm just stuck at the Sahara or Rubicon right now.

I'm the type that when I buy something, I'll keep it and drive it till the doors fall off. So you could say I'm also looking at a long-term investment. I plan on getting as much use out of it as possible.