Is it true that Chrysler decided against independent suspension for the new wranglers?
Wrangler independent suspension?
bbacus
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Seems u was looking forward for that lol
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Somebody has to point out that nothing is firm on the next gen Wrangler until a next gen Wrangler is actually released. The release date itself has been pushed back to 2018 and they have been testing both SFA and independent suspension systems so either is still possible.
In other words, we very well might get a bad surprise with the next gen Wrangler. The huge lawsuit and recall that's just coming out may change FCA's mind about the traditional Jeep platform... like any SFA equipped vehicle, the Wrangler has issues with "death wobble" and relatively erratic road manners. It's easy to see FCA suddenly turn more risk averse and decide against pleasing the purists because of what happened with the Ram.
I hate to admit it and it's probably heresy to say it here but I've gotta concede that FCA probably wouldn't loose any money in the long run if they do an IFS or independent suspension next-gen Wrangler. Most Wrangler buyers aren't purists, don't go 'wheeling in any serious way and don't have a history with Jeep spanning back into the CJ era. In fact, most Wrangler owners don't know much about their rigs beyond where to put the gas in and how to take the top off.
FCA would also win liability-wise by selling a product with better road manners, safety and that can't be as easily modified, to say nothing about better fuel economy.
We obviously would loose, however and I can already see the day coming when you can't buy a truly off-road ready vehicle in a new car lot. ATVs (especially side-by-side 4 passenger ATVs) have already taken over the off-road market and far outnumber "old school' trucks and SUVs on the trail... sadly the "real Jeep" era is coming to an end.
I hope I'm wrong, but I'm gonna keep worrying about it until 2018 anyway. :violin:
In other words, we very well might get a bad surprise with the next gen Wrangler. The huge lawsuit and recall that's just coming out may change FCA's mind about the traditional Jeep platform... like any SFA equipped vehicle, the Wrangler has issues with "death wobble" and relatively erratic road manners. It's easy to see FCA suddenly turn more risk averse and decide against pleasing the purists because of what happened with the Ram.
I hate to admit it and it's probably heresy to say it here but I've gotta concede that FCA probably wouldn't loose any money in the long run if they do an IFS or independent suspension next-gen Wrangler. Most Wrangler buyers aren't purists, don't go 'wheeling in any serious way and don't have a history with Jeep spanning back into the CJ era. In fact, most Wrangler owners don't know much about their rigs beyond where to put the gas in and how to take the top off.
FCA would also win liability-wise by selling a product with better road manners, safety and that can't be as easily modified, to say nothing about better fuel economy.
We obviously would loose, however and I can already see the day coming when you can't buy a truly off-road ready vehicle in a new car lot. ATVs (especially side-by-side 4 passenger ATVs) have already taken over the off-road market and far outnumber "old school' trucks and SUVs on the trail... sadly the "real Jeep" era is coming to an end.
I hope I'm wrong, but I'm gonna keep worrying about it until 2018 anyway. :violin:
There was already confirmation directly from FCA that the next generation Wrangler would be body on frame and solid axle. Considering the amount of money to undo everything that has already been put in motion, I highly doubt FCA would backtrack on what they have already said. The death wobble thing is exaggerated. I've owned several SFA vehicles and never once had a problem with death wobble. Then again I keep my vehicles well maintained and don't do stupid things to my suspension. Proper maintenance and geometry easily prevents all death wobble issues. That law suit is without merit.
Pretty sure there wasn't direct confirmation... just that "Automotive News" reported it and they are often (but not always) right. FCA naturally refused to comment officially when asked.
Gotta agree with you on the "death wobble" thing though. I've only had it once (a CJ5 with a improperly done lift)... it's not as big a deal as it's made out to be.
...but that's the problem with recalls; a tiny minority have the same problem and suddenly the entire vehicle line is "tainted". Even if the problem is basically imaginary, the manufacturer has to make a big show over fixing the issue and make a a point that any last gen "problems" are addressed for a redesign if they hope to keep a vehicle make profitable.
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It'll have aluminum axles with a four cylinder to save weight and gas. Who knows what will happen, Fiat does not have a good track record in this country, and that predates a huge part of the members of this site.
Neither did Audi in the 70s and 80s. Terrible reliability problems, rust problems (I had a '71). Somewhere they got their act together.
They are so damn capable though. A JKU on 35's will outperform a CJ/YJ/TJ/LJ on 35's...I'll keep my LJ forever but in a decade or so will probably look at picking up a JKU on the cheap
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