Wrangler Unlimited might make me a Jeep Owner! - Merged Threads

Martinjmpr · 11-06-2006, 11:42 AM

Hmmm, Okay new guy here, first post.

About me: I've admired Jeeps for years, even since I was a kid. Problem is I've never been able to afford more than 1 car at a time, and the Jeep CJ/YJ/TJ was just too small for me (no kids, but I often have to haul stuff around.) I've owned other 4wd vehicles and SUVs, though, (two IHC Travelalls, a '71 Chevy Blazer, an '85 Toyota 4x4 pickup and most recently a 1990 Mitsubishi Montero 4 door.)

But that new Wrangler Unlimited 4 door looks like it was tailor made for me: All the ruggedness of a "real jeep" (straight axles and all) but big enough to be an all-around vehicle. Even though I swore off SUVs after my last one (1990 Mistubishi Montero) I have to say the new JK is really getting me interested.

Of course, since they are new they're way overpriced, and probably will be until the "new toy" factor wears off. Since I won't be in a position to buy for at least a year, this works out for me. Actually, what I'd really like to get would be the diesel version, but it's not certain that it will make it to these shores due to emissions issues.

Anyway, other than raving about the new jeep (which I'm almost afraid to test drive because I'd be afraid I'd buy it) I wanted to ask what people's experiences are with the modular hard top. My concern is that over time and when exposed to the torsional stresses of off-roading, it will start to leak along the seams. Has anyone got any experience? I realize that with the vehicles just being introduced, these problems aren't likely to show up for a few months or years, but I thought I'd ask.

Also, am I the only one who hopes that some aftermarket company comes up with a kit that consists of "filler panels" for the rear doors, a "half cab" and a real tailgate to turn the JK into a nice little mini-truck? I haven't looked at it up close so I don't know if this would be feasible, but it seems like a good idea (basically it's the same thing we did in the military to turn a 4 door hummer into a 2-door pickup version.)

Anyway, I'd love to see photos of modded JKs.

SecondTJ · 11-06-2006, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martinjmpr

My concern is that over time and when exposed to the torsional stresses of off-roading, it will start to leak along the seams. Has anyone got any experience? I realize that with the vehicles just being introduced, these problems aren't likely to show up for a few months or years, but I thought I'd ask.

Actually, there have already been several reported problems with the freedom leaking from the factory, no off-roading. I'm sure it'll get worked out soon though

Diesel0312 · 11-06-2006, 04:52 PM

The unlimited did it for me.

I was looking at the 2006 2 doors last year and am now glad I held off. I know a lot of jeep owners don't care the the JK's, but to me, they have a much more rugged look than the previous models and now offer some conveniences.

**NaeKid** · 11-06-2006, 05:10 PM

You will find lots of pictures of modded JK's in the SEMA thread here on the forum - some great looking rigs. I am also waiting to see more of the offroading pictures and video as I know some people have already been stretching their legs.

I believe that AEV is building a JK truck similar to their TJ-Brute, but that is still in the design/testing stages. I also heard rumours that AEV and Jeep are working on creating a plant for the truck version that would be sold through the dealerships as a turn-key finished product with full-warranty included. Save your pennies for a few more months to see what comes of those stories.

Martinjmpr · 11-06-2006, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NaeKid

You will find lots of pictures of modded JK's in the SEMA thread here on the forum - some great looking rigs. I am also waiting to see more of the offroading pictures and video as I know some people have already been stretching their legs.

I believe that AEV is building a JK truck similar to their TJ-Brute, but that is still in the design/testing stages. I also heard rumours that AEV and Jeep are working on creating a plant for the truck version that would be sold through the dealerships as a turn-key finished product with full-warranty included. Save your pennies for a few more months to see what comes of those stories.

Well, the bad news/good news is that I won't be in a position to buy for at least a year, so I'm hoping the aftermarket will be coming out with lots of products for the new JKs. It's one of the other reasons I like jeeps. I've had experience owning a vehicle for which there was virtually no aftermarket support (Mitsubishi Montero) and I'm looking forward to having a wide choice of aftermarket options.

jachristner · 11-06-2006, 08:09 PM

http://www.gr8tops.com/index.php?opt...mid=36&catid=2

The TJ Unlimited wouldn't be quite as big as the JK Unlimited, but it'll cost you less to find a used one. You could always look for a CJ-8 Scrambler as well though they can be expensive for their age if in good condition.

With the JK Unlimited, you could try to use the front two sections of the hard top as is and design a section to fill the opening behind the front seats to turn it into a pickup. If you get the half doors, you wouldn't need filler sections for the rear door openings. If you bought one with full doors, you could just buy a set of rear half doors and have convenient side access to the 'bed'.

I think a good option for the YJ and TJ would have been a drop-down CJ-style tailgate instead of the swing-out. I wouldn't think it would've been very hard to engineer both. It would be a nice choice to have on the JK too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel0312

I know a lot of jeep owners don't care the the JK's, but to me, they have a much more rugged look than the previous models and now offer some conveniences.

What about the look is more rugged to you?

Diesel0312 · 11-06-2006, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jachristner

http://www.gr8tops.com/index.php?opt...mid=36&catid=2

What about the look is more rugged to you?

Larger fender flares, more squared look, stock height (I saw a base model TJ at the dealer last year and with the base wheel/tire and suspension, it looked like a lowrider). A lot of people dislike how the new wranglers look more like a hummer now compared to previous models, but why shouldn't they, with they history they share. Personally, I like that they look similar, because when I think of a rugged vehicle, I think of an H1.

shredX · 11-07-2006, 06:16 AM

At first, I did not like the look of the 4-door JK. Now, I friggn love it. It grows on ya. The key for me was swapping tires. I did not own mine more than 12 hrs before I was at the tire shop.

I'm one of the ones who have "stretched my legs". This is my third jeep (YJ & TJ) and it is every bit as capable if not more. (see: mech LSD)

To anybody leaving the pavement: Fully disable your ESB by pressing the button for 5 sec. You odom will display that is fully off. I could not make it up this sandy hill, but I later figured out the ESB was kicking in & brakeing & cutting power. The second day, I walked up it like it was my driveway.

Break over is surprising too. If you do happen to slide the underbelly a bit, the fuel tank and transfer case are there to get yer back...er...belly. With the new fuel tank location + skid plate, you essentially have front to back protection.

I promise I'll post pics when I am allowed.

Karamba · 11-07-2006, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shredX

To anybody leaving the pavement: Fully disable your ESB by pressing the button for 5 sec. You odom will display that is fully off. I could not make it up this sandy hill, but I later figured out the ESB was kicking in & brakeing & cutting power. The second day, I walked up it like it was my driveway.

ESB is not supposed to kick in when in 4-lo, is it?

Does turning ESB off disable the electronic limited slip?

jachristner · 11-07-2006, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel0312

Larger fender flares, more squared look, stock height (I saw a base model TJ at the dealer last year and with the base wheel/tire and suspension, it looked like a lowrider). A lot of people dislike how the new wranglers look more like a hummer now compared to previous models, but why shouldn't they, with they history they share. Personally, I like that they look similar, because when I think of a rugged vehicle, I think of an H1.

What parts are more squared? The fenders are no longer flat on top, the windsheild is now curved, the grille is now angled instead of vertical, the top edge of the tub is more curved, the flares are less angular, especially in the rear, the shape of the tail lights has been softened, etc. The only things more angular are the full doors and the hardtop. I like the squared off doors as well as the previous doors and other than the smaller rear hatch window, I like the hardtop more than the TJs. Maybe Mopar should offer a Freedom Top for the TJ. But overall, the JK is less squared. As for the stock height, I don't think the TJ Unlimited looked any more like a lowrider than a JK Unlimited X/Sahara. And the Saharas 18" wheels look more like the oversize chrome rims that would be on a lowrider than the TJs 15" and 16" offerings.

The JK may look similar to a Hummer, but not an H1 and I don't consider the H2 and the H3 rugged off-road vehicles. The H1 was a great vehicle and probably more rugged and angular looking than the TJ. But the H2 and H3 are little more than GM SUVs with new bodies. Jeep should consider it an insult to be mistaken for a modern Hummer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by shredX

(see: mech LSD)

The LSD in the rear axle of the TJ Rubicon is a mechanical unit.

Diesel0312 · 11-07-2006, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jachristner

What parts are more squared? The fenders are no longer flat on top, the windsheild is now curved, the grille is now angled instead of vertical, the top edge of the tub is more curved, the flares are less angular, especially in the rear, the shape of the tail lights has been softened, etc. The only things more angular are the full doors and the hardtop. I like the squared off doors as well as the previous doors and other than the smaller rear hatch window, I like the hardtop more than the TJs. Maybe Mopar should offer a Freedom Top for the TJ. But overall, the JK is less squared. As for the stock height, I don't think the TJ Unlimited looked any more like a lowrider than a JK Unlimited X/Sahara. And the Saharas 18" wheels look more like the oversize chrome rims that would be on a lowrider than the TJs 15" and 16" offerings.

The JK may look similar to a Hummer, but not an H1 and I don't consider the H2 and the H3 rugged off-road vehicles. The H1 was a great vehicle and probably more rugged and angular looking than the TJ. But the H2 and H3 are little more than GM SUVs with new bodies. Jeep should consider it an insult to be mistaken for a modern Hummer.

It might have more rounded parts, but as a whole, appears more square to me.

I said base model 06.

I don't care for the H2s, but like the H3s.

Don't like them, don't buy them.

shredX · 11-07-2006, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karamba

ESB is not supposed to kick in when in 4-lo, is it?

Does turning ESB off disable the electronic limited slip?

Yes, it automatically turns off in 4-lo. It stays on in 4-hi, but you can turn it partially off w/ one touch or fully off by holding it down about 5 seconds.

I can't remember if it disables the limited slip, but I would assume it does.

jarchirster
I believe the Rubi comes w/ mech LSD standard. On my X it was an option.

**neZZr** · 11-07-2006, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shredX

Yes, it automatically turns off in 4-lo. It stays on in 4-hi, but you can turn it partially off w/ one touch or fully off by holding it down about 5 seconds.

I can't remember if it disables the limited slip, but I would assume it does.

jarchirster
I believe the Rubi comes w/ mech LSD standard. On my X it was an option.

Is it possible to use at least the limited slip features in 4LO if you want them?

My friend just got a 2dr JK, and he may be joining our run to Paragon next weekend. I'm just trying to figure out what trails I can take him on that he wont have too much trouble with, but will still be challenging enough that he'll get hooked.

Since he has no experience, I'm worried what he will be capable of with the street tires on 17" wheels and no lockers

and I definately don't want to get him in over his head

Diesel0312 · 11-07-2006, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shredX

At first, I did not like the look of the 4-door JK. Now, I friggn love it. It grows on ya. The key for me was swapping tires. I did not own mine more than 12 hrs before I was at the tire shop.

What did you replace the stockers with?

shredX · 11-07-2006, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel0312

What did you replace the stockers with?

Ole faithful: BFG AT KO's 265/75/R16 They're just short of 32 inches. Not big by any means, but if you saw the "bike tires" it came with....

Now, it looks like it should have originally. I think they're as big as you can go w/ stock susp w/o rubbing.

My wife climbed her first hill in 4-lo on Sunday, laughing all the way. Now she's hooked, and is interested in a 2 inch lift w/ 35's after these tires wear out. Time to do some burnouts in 4-hi.