Calling Jeepers: Need Help with first Purchase [Archive] - Colorado AR-15 Shooters Club Discussion Forums

islandermyk

04-15-2014, 21:41

I'm really new to this "Jeep thing" myself and so far here's my experience.
It's expensive... and can get really expensive.
First off...
I got an 07 Sahara Unlimited (and love it!)
I found a 3" Teraflex lift kit (all 4 shocks, springs, rear relocation thingy for the rear track and bump stops) for $125 on craigslist. Cool.. installed the kit with ease at my buddy's place. Took it out for a drive.... SON OF A B*TCH!!!! I hit a bump at 50 mph and low and behold the dreaded "DEATH WOBBLE!"
Now how the f*ck do I cure this???
I went and bought a Rubicon Express front track bar for $200+ dollars... nope, that didn't work. Bought a Rubicon Express steering damper for something like $45 or so... nope.. that didn't work, shit!!! So I went ahead and replaced all the ball joints... another $200+ dollar item... steering feels more positive (fricken love it!), but it didn't cure the wobble as much.. Now I was able to hit a little over 60 mph, shit! What next?! I balanced the tires.. wobble was still there. I went ahead and bought Metalcloak's front lower control arms for $300 or something and made adjustments on the castor, Yippeeee!!! I could go up to 75 and 80 mph!!! Still when I got the death wobble.. I got the death wobble. By this time I've already blown the Rubicon Express steering damper. Had it replaced with a Old man Emu.. one of the best investments! It calmed a lot of the wobble down.. especially after going through every single nut and bolt and over torquing them down
I looked at going bigger with tires, and found out that the bigger rim size diameter you go... the higher the price goes with the rubber. I have the 18 inch stock rims and got some 17" rims off ebay for $325. I did the math and figured if I stuck with the stock 18" rims I'll need to buy wheel spacers at $100+ dollars and I would have to fork over $30 to $80 dollars more per tire.
Thank God I know how to drive stick/manual transmission! Jeep's from 07 to 12 have the shittiest gearings 3.29 (with the exception of their Rubicons at 4.10)!!!! I have 35's on my Jeep.. it moves in and out of the city pretty well, but it really sucks ass on the highway! The cool part about running the 35's on my jeep... I no longer have death wobbles [Coffee]
I drove my buddy's rig (a 02 Jeep Rubicon on 35's) with a 4.88 gearing.. Gaht damn! That thing drove so much better than my Jeep [Mad]
Now I'm looking at close too $2K for regearing and some lockers.

No heavy duty bumpers or armor yet... not until I at least regear my rig. Knowing the gearing sucks ass... I got a "Flashpak $200+ and a MF catback system $200 + to help it out push those heavy 35's.

All this sh*t accumulated really quick. Keep in mind too... Most of the labor was done by me so far.... thank goodness I know how to turn a wrench [Coffee]

8 months into it and here she is "Fingers"... J. just E. empty E. every P. pocket [hahhah-no]
http://i418.photobucket.com/albums/pp261/brutaltlr/Jeep%20Fingers/Jeep040720141_zps341777df.jpg (http://s418.photobucket.com/user/brutaltlr/media/Jeep%20Fingers/Jeep040720141_zps341777df.jpg.html)

Try to get a Rubicon (geared at 4.10, select-able front and rear lockers, DANA 44's front and rear, electric front sway bar disconnect, heavier transfer case, etc...)!!!! You'll probably save more money than me in the long run!!! [Beer]

Irving

04-15-2014, 21:53

Are you ONLY looking at Jeeps? If not, beware of the whole platform. My Amigo has 4.10 gears, Dana 44 rear, and limited slip differential, BUT I don't like nearly anything else about it and the detractors weigh much more heavily than those few positives. Also, my Amigo is in between a 2-door Wrangler and the 4-door (pictured above), and it'd be perfect for gear for just me. Add a wife and a kid and it runs out of room real quick. So in short, don't get something you won't like, just because of a few options that'd you'd prefer in an ideal vehicle. No Isuzu Amigo.

BPTactical

04-15-2014, 21:55

Whittling on a 79 CJ7 here...

crashdown

04-15-2014, 22:11

CJ's are gonna be a restoration project, or you are gonna pay for somebody else's money pit.
YJ's are good, but they are getting old enough to fall into the CJ area.
A good TJ is gonna be your best bang for the buck. Find one as stock as possible and go from there. A 4 cylinder will do just fine off road, and handle some 33's when you are ready, it just won't win any races on I-25.
What you buy needs to be determined by your ability to turn a wrench, all Jeeps need work..... Even the brand new ones.

Goodburbon

04-15-2014, 22:15

If you want to enjoy it in the mountains, 2 words.

Fuel injection.

That means 1991? and up for wranglers.

Deeper gears are better. (Higher numbers)

Rust is the devil. It can turn a 3hour lift kit install into an all day affair.

Armor first (rockers). wheel it with stock tires and see what you think you need from there.

An XJ (Cherokee) or a ZJ (grand Cherokee)or even WJ (grand Cherokee)now can get you there cheaper, drier, warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and without a sunburn.

As far as pricing, if it says wrangler on it, you're going to pay too much. Many other vehicles can be made to be just as effective off road for less money, but don't have a ragtop.

The drive trains on jeeps are short, lifts can get expensive. (SYE,drive shafts etc). If you stick around the 31-32" tire mark you'll be fine stock, but remember as mentioned many models came with less than ideal gear ratios.

Avoid the Dana 35 rear axle if possible. it's not worth regearing to meet your needs, most are replaced when the owners decide to upgrade.

Do not expect the older jeep 4x4 systems to do well on wet/snowy roads.

Do expect most with the 4.0 inline six to have oily air filters, this doesn't mean the engine is going bad, just that the valve cover needs cleaning. I've had them with upwards of 300k miles still running great.

Death wobble. Don't be frightened away, it is fixable, but there are so many contributors that it can be very hard to find which one. (Ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings, caster, wheel balance, bent wheels, cracked frame, worn steering box, worn panhard rod, wheel bearings, shocks, dampener...)

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Ah Pook

04-15-2014, 22:22

Another vote for the Trail Hawk. [LOL]

Bought my first Jeep this year. No my first off-road/4x4. It's a '93 Cherokee XJ. Even in stock form it is fine for light wheeling and FS roads. Holds everything for a weekend camping trip. Lots of upgrades available.

Pick a style and start reading.

http://www.jeepforum.com
http://www.colorado4x4.org

ben4372

04-15-2014, 22:32

I have an older Willys and what a money and time kill. Not near as easy to find parts for as you'd think. Everything is available online. Super cheap for plates, and no emissions, factory 5.38 gears. However if I were to do it again I'd go with a late 90's 4.0 6 cyl. Fuel injection and coil springs and decent seats. I wouldn't do a 4 cylinder unless it was almost free. At altitude the extra power is nice, and I hear the 4 cyl transmission is fragile. I've heard tons of issues.

Brian

04-15-2014, 22:38

Honestly, to answer your original question - in Colorado almost all jeeps are "marked up" meaning they hold their value really well. This is not so great when you are buying, but great when you are selling. Keep your eyes open for something that catches your eye, then drive it for a while until you get a feel for what you really want. If you have a family, consider a grand cherokee or a 4-door. Had a 2-dr YJ for a very brief period but my wife didn't like riding in it. She loves the 4 door JK though, but of course you'll pay for something that new.

Just don't overthink it - it'll resell pretty well if it turns out you don't love it.

newracer

04-15-2014, 22:49

Stay away from anything with a Dana 35 rear axle.

Madeinhb

04-16-2014, 00:09

I hear the Trail Hawk is pretty bitchin.

https://www.ar-15.co/threads/129633-2014-Jeep-TrailHawk?highlight=Trail+hawk

Hahahaha I remember that thread. Dude got all butt hurt

streetglideok

04-16-2014, 06:07

How hardcore does the OP want to go? Do you want to do Carnage canyon, or nothing that hardcore? That can make a difference as well.

rockhound

04-16-2014, 06:14

Holger Danske

04-16-2014, 07:33

Before you buy a jeep remember it stands for Just Empty Every Pocket!

stodg73

04-16-2014, 08:01

Before you buy a jeep remember it stands for Just Empty Every Pocket!

Or Just Enjoy Every Project.

Jeffrey Lebowski

04-16-2014, 08:30

A good TJ is gonna be your best bang for the buck. Find one as stock as possible and go from there. A 4 cylinder will do just fine off road, and handle some 33's when you are ready, it just won't win any races on I-25.

if you can drive the dana 35 is a fine axle. 33" or smaller tires.
seeing as the 35 is the stock axle for oh i dont know, about 2.5 million jeeps, staying away from it will be almost impossible
i know plenty of guys who have wheeled the crap out of a dana 35 with no issues, you can brake any axle, i have seen 60s snap going over a 12 inch shelf

I'll second both of these.

I'd try to get as clean and stock as possible early TJ Rubicon and call it good. $0.02.
I've had two TJs, a YJ, and now a 4-dr JK. I miss the TJs. (And I was dumb enough to have a lifted XJ and lifted ZJ at some point. God, I've wasted some money on jeeps….)

My YJ was super cheap and I bought it almost new. And then I probably tripled what I put into it.
Full custom cage.
F/R ARBs and changed gearing a few times.
Tera Low & SYE & belly up skid
Warn hubs on the front
Winch
Custom cutting and TJ flares
Tons of body armor
Lift, tires, etc. Custom storage all over.
8.8 and ARB. Again. Disc conversion.

And my wife hated it. Didn't even like to go for Ice Cream in it and didn't trust it at all. It was a 4 cyl and with the tires was horrible here in CO, but great in WI and SC.
AND, I ran that D35c all over. I finally got the 8.8 out of internets fear. It was a really sweet axle, and while I've personally changed multiple 35cs on the trail for buddies, never my own b/c I was light on the go pedal and liberal with the lockers. YMMV.
The 8.8 was pretty damn cool, though.

And then my wife said you could get a new jeep if you get rid of the YJ.
Fine, I wanted to replace my old TJ Sahara DD, and so I wanted black, hardtop, manual, 2 door, that's it. Rubicon.
And I got black rubicon and hard top.
She got 4 door. She got auto. She got nav. And I don't particularly care for the jeep. In fact, it is practically her DD if there is any kind of weather she doesn't want to take her car in.

Get teh TJ. $0.02 There are 11ty billion of them.

sportbikeco

04-16-2014, 08:41

TJ 4 banger with the 6 speed.

The i6 is great but you will pay for it.

BPTactical

04-16-2014, 09:02

If you go to the hills much the 4 banger is anemic at best. 258/4.0 inline is a torque monster.
I really miss my 77 CJ7. 258 CI, T18 4 speed. You could put it in 4 low, first gear and just let it idle. You could out walk it but nothing would stop it.
I picked up the CJ7 Mazin had here a while back. 79, 304, AT, Quadratrac with the correct Mile Marker part time conversion. It's gonna take some work but so what?

tmleadr03

04-16-2014, 09:04

This is what I am picking up next month.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t312/Bushmaster6/Lexus%20and%20Yota/IMG_2192_zpsb80b3602.jpg

Front and rear locking differentials. Center locking push button transfercase. Of course low range. Not many places it wont go.

spqrzilla

04-16-2014, 11:14

The OP should look at Chris' Binder ... [Coffee]

Irving

04-16-2014, 11:50

Best gas mileage ever those Land Cruisers.

Danimal

04-16-2014, 12:02

Honestly if you are looking to just hit the mountains and do some fire roads and back road trails there are tons of vehicles that will do just fine. I have a 89 YJ 4 cyl and it is perfect for my uses. I use it when it snows to get to work and I get out into the mountains anywhere I really have ever wanted to go. With that said I have no illusions of taking it on Rubicon or slick rock, it would die in a ball of fire. But I get 20 + MPG everywhere, and yes it will do 75 mph on the highway, just takes her a bit to build up steam.

I have three other vehicles so adding a fourth that I was only going to use occasionally meant that I was more concerned about long term cost than performance. But even with some pretty rough trails in allens park and some in the adobe desert on the western slope my little 4 banger has done everything I wanted and more. I did not want a trailer toy, I wanted something that I could drive to the trails, have fun, and get home reliably and my jeep does that wonderfully. I have 31 x 10.5 tires on it and very few "upgrades" meaning that I have around $3000 total into it. Also the insurance is cheap compared to my Tacoma that I used to have.

You can throw a bunch of money at anything to get a sweet rig. I saw the most bad ass early 80's subaru brat at the sand dunes, it had a supercharged 350 and 36" paddle tires on it. The most capable off road vehicle that I have ever seen was an old Suzuki Samurai, the wheel base is so short, they are so narrow and if the gearing is right, they are so light that they just crawl up anything. But if you are just looking for a moderately cheap way to get out into the mountains, a stock jeep will do just fine. Lifts, giant tires and engine upgrades are a waste on 99% of jeeps because their owners never take them anywhere that a stock jeep could not handle. Knowing how to drive off road safely is big too, and I have seen many people bust the hell out of their rigs taking them through relatively easy trails.

Danimal

04-16-2014, 12:03

Deleted

Zundfolge

04-16-2014, 12:11

I guess it depends on your budget, but your best bang for buck will be a YJ (even though the TJ is probably a better Jeep, you're going to spend more).

When I went looking for a Jeep I really wanted an old one, a CJ2 or 3 ... since I couldn't find a decent one in my budget (they're either all basket cases or expensive, frame off restorations) I settled for an early (pre AMC) CJ5. While I like the looks of it, the 3 speed makes it less drivable (especially on the highway) and I really wish I'd either held out for an old CJ2 or 3 or tossed the idea of a "cool old Jeep" out the window and just spent the same money on a used YJ.

https://www.ar-15.co/attachment.php?attachmentid=26395&d=1366585514

(truth is I would much rather have a BMW 2002 or another 914 Porsche ... but the wife wanted something we could drive up in the mountains with the dog).

Before you buy a jeep remember it stands for Just Empty Every Pocket!
As someone who has long dabbled in German cars (note my name) no a Jeep is dirt cheap to work on.

tmleadr03

04-16-2014, 12:41

Best gas mileage ever those Land Cruisers.

Guy who sold it to me says he is seeing 14 mpg. I think that might be down hill with a tail wind and the engine off.

Danimal

04-16-2014, 13:12

Deleted

tmleadr03

04-16-2014, 13:53

My buddy at work has one that looks exactly like the one in your pic. 6 - 8 MPG. He drives it like a race car, but man it is thirsty. It does great going up or down anything though, and to tell you the truth with how hard he rails the hell out of his I am surprised it is still running much less working as well as his does. That says something about its build quality.

Yup. I figure it will never leave me stranded which is a primary concern with back country trails like I want to do.

BPTactical

04-16-2014, 13:57

I guess it depends on your budget, but your best bang for buck will be a YJ (even though the TJ is probably a better Jeep, you're going to spend more).

When I went looking for a Jeep I really wanted an old one, a CJ2 or 3 ... since I couldn't find a decent one in my budget (they're either all basket cases or expensive, frame off restorations) I settled for an early (pre AMC) CJ5. While I like the looks of it, the 3 speed makes it less drivable (especially on the highway) and I really wish I'd either held out for an old CJ2 or 3 or tossed the idea of a "cool old Jeep" out the window and just spent the same money on a used YJ.

https://www.ar-15.co/attachment.php?attachmentid=26395&d=1366585514

(truth is I would much rather have a BMW 2002 or another 914 Porsche ... but the wife wanted something we could drive up in the mountains with the dog).

As someone who has long dabbled in German cars (note my name) no a Jeep is dirt cheap to work on.

Nice little puddle jumper Zund!

Zundfolge

04-16-2014, 14:06

Nice little puddle jumper Zund!

Thanks, its been a fun little toy (except for the fact that since I bought it both Rampart Range Rd and Old Stage Rd have been closed due to Waldo Canyon fire and flooding ... and those were the main reason I bought it ... no I don't plan on doing any serious rock crawling with it).

Hound

04-16-2014, 14:48

I have built several Jeeps, they are great if you do them right. I have also had/have Scout, Pathfinder, RangeRover, Chevy Trucks (K5's, 63' Chevy Shortbed [Best Offroader I ever had and it did not even have 4x4, just a granny low gear with good tires. I used to pull all the heavy Broncos and K5's out of the mud regularly. It taught me how to pick a line. ])
Cheap is as Cheap has with Jeeps. Don't go cheap. If you pay up front it usually means not as much pain later.
Buying a $125 lift kit (not dinging on the guy who did, we have ALL done it at some point) off CraigsList will get you headaches like the dreaded "DeathWobble".
Buying a Non-Rubicon and trying to build into it to save money costs twice as much.
Personally the rules of thumb I have always gone by are lift kits should be based on suspension but if you do a body lift only do it by half (2" body & 2" suspension).
Jeeps and most other trucks can only go to 4" lift before you start getting into a "Custom" better know what you are doing and have a shop lift.
Lighter is better but armor costs less in the long run. This is also why a 4banger in an old Willeys was almost unstoppable.
Before you EVER go out know how to recover you vehicle (have recovery points and a plan) and have the right recovery tools.
One of the best recovery tools is a partner always try to have one.
Sliders are the difference between a nice truck and "now its a rock crawler". These are some of the first armor you should get.
Tires, I like 33-34"...others stick with 31-32" both are right, its your Jeep/Truck and your the one paying both up front and out there.
If you don't think you can, you can't and you are right. Don't let your buddy's talk you into being stupid. That being said don't be a pussy, half the fun of 4x4ing is finding out your truck can do more than you thought you could, a lot of 4x4ing is mental.
Picking the right line is more important than how much $ you spent or the emblem on the grill. Money just gives you more lines to pick from.
Whatever your driving is not nessasarily better than the other guys, we are all out having a good time, refer to previous statement.
Jeeps are (for the most part) easy to work on. [The newer JK's do mess with this statement a bit but it still applies] This is because they have always been simple and really do have decades of hearitage in off roading. That being said almost anything can be made into a good off roader if you have a shop.
If you buy a project truck there is a reason it is only half done.
You don't buy a Jeep you build a Jeep is true, but this applies to all off roading trucks. I think it is espeically true for Jeeps only because they ALL eventually end up 4x4ing at some point in their lives unlike many other trucks.
Don't try to build everything at first. Too many people try to throw everything on at once and then have to fight multiple problems from multiple projects at once. It wears anybody out and makes it no fun. Pick a project, save, put it in and then test it. If it works move on, if not, you are not done. This seems like common sense but so many miss this and then wonder why they hate 4x4ing.

cap'n cook

04-16-2014, 15:51

if your wanting a jeep this is what you want. the 4.0 engine is one of the best motors ever made dont buy a jeep unless it has one. if you like automatics then the AW4 is the good transmission. if you like a manual trans then the AX 15 is the good one. some of the older 5 speeds have a peugot transmission which is complete garbage. most of them came with the np231 transfer case which is the good jeep transfer case. if it was part time 4wd then its not a np231. they all have a dana 30 front axle. the good rear axles are the d44 which came in earlier jeeps with factory tow packages, and the chrysler 8.25 which came in some 91 or newer jeeps. the dana 35 rear all came with open diffs as far as i know while some of the 8.25's came with a posi. the dana 35 rear is still a good axle if your not doing serious offroading with large tires. in 1991 or newer i think it was the 4.0 is a high output motor which has 12 more horsepower than the earlier ones. if your looking for a wrangler go for a TJ 4.0. if your budget is only a few thousand you can find a CJ for less, but it will likely be carburated. if money is no object then buy a jew JK. and if you go with a cherokee which is my personal favorite of all the jeeps then go for a 1991 or newer XJ cherokee. the grand cherokee's are ok but not as good as an XJ

ZERO THEORY

04-16-2014, 16:45

If you want to enjoy it in the mountains, 2 words.

Fuel injection.

Beat me to it. Damn wizards.

XJs are going to be your best bet for finding something that's cheap, but in good shape and actually performs properly.

Here's a 3" basic kit that will allow you to clear 31x10.50 15s with plenty of travel. (http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=IROR&Product_Code=IR-X3LK&Category_Code=PFX)

Find a set of Duratracs and you're good to go for novice/weekend 4 wheeling and camping.

streetglideok

04-16-2014, 19:43

To all the Jeepers out there I need some help.

Thinking of buying a jeep to do some off road'ing. Not looking for any thing extreme, just something to take into the mountains on the weekends.
Looking for a Jeep with 4WD, 30+ish tires body/suspension lift and maybe lockers
My question is this:
How is it that I know what Iam buying is fair market value and not marked up?
Is it worth it to buy a bare bones jeep and modify it my self?

Thanks

How hardcore of trails do you wish to go on? For the less than hardcore, the Liberty is just as capable and will save you a lot of money. If you are looking at really hardcore trails, then you may want to consider solid front axle rigs.

electronman1729

04-16-2014, 21:21

Thanks all for the great help and info. I looked at a wrangler tonight at a dealer but the suspension felt really soft. Looked real clean but felt the deal too good to be true. I might just but a stock wrangler and modify my self.
Ill keep everyone posted om what happens.

If any one has a stock wrangler they want to get rid of PM me.

Jeffrey Lebowski

04-17-2014, 05:50

Looked real clean but felt the deal too good to be true. I might just but a stock wrangler and modify my self.

Definitely do that. Better to learn yourself and start from scratch than fix someone else's problems. $0.02

Aside: I think the beloved black (obviously used) TJ Sahara I bought was stolen at one point. I accidentally started it with my YJ key and, "What the hey…?" I could start it with the key half-way in, I could take the key out while driving it, etc.
Replaced that.

How hardcore of trails do you wish to go on? For the less than hardcore, the Liberty is just as capable and will save you a lot of money. If you are looking at really hardcore trails, then you may want to consider solid front axle rigs.

Maybe not this, IMHO.
I remember being on a Jeep Jamboree in Tellico when they first came out and the guides just could not get those things over ANY of the trails out there. Man, they were whining.

rockhound

04-17-2014, 05:57

the Liberty is just as capable .

that a good one............[ROFL2]

you guys make me me laugh everyday.................

streetglideok

04-17-2014, 06:20

that a good one............[ROFL2]

you guys make me me laugh everyday.................

Typical responses from those who don't read what I type in its entirety. For most trails that are less than hardcore, not real hard to grasp there is it? OP already stated about lifting, etc, and with that said, that puts the KJ on par with others, for less investment, and it rides better. I could say more, but it's like I'm talking to a liberal, why waste my time?

Bailey Guns

04-17-2014, 06:36

I don't really have any constructive input or advice...mostly because I guess I don't understand the whole "Jeep thing". If I were looking for something not new, I'd go with one of the original Broncos...late 60s or early 70s model. I've owned 2 or 3 and always liked them. But I don't do major mechanical work. When I put the money down, I want something that works...not something I have to constantly fix or tweak. I also like the old Land Cruisers.

rockhound

04-17-2014, 07:37

Typical responses from those who don't read what I type in its entirety. For most trails that are less than hardcore, not real hard to grasp there is it? OP already stated about lifting, etc, and with that said, that puts the KJ on par with others, for less investment, and it rides better. I could say more, but it's like I'm talking to a liberal, why waste my time?

in colorado even the mildest of trails can turn into a difficult trails, i have done hundred and hundreds of miles of offroading on everything from penrose to boreas pass, a simple outing to go fishing can turn into a major headache with a snow storm or rain a snow filed that has not melted yet a smal rock slide from early spring thaw or whatever, dont get butt hurt, but saying that mall crawler can be just as capable even on less than hardcore trails is crazy, go prepared,

a bone stock cherokee will walk circles around that thing even if you modify it, the aftermarket support is not there either.

one other item to consider is that everyone i know that enjoys their offroad experience will continue to grow their rig and its offroad capability. the other platforms have way more support from vendors for parts and accessories.

blacklabel

04-17-2014, 07:40

A Liberty, not ideal by any means and not something that I would recommend, with a decent lift, good tires and proper protection is a fine mild rig. My 05 got us around just fine. I'd prefer an XJ or Wrangler of course but a Liberty can be fun.

hghclsswhitetrsh

04-17-2014, 07:42

Buy a Suzuki samurai. It's a cheap thing, you wouldn't understand.

http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a441/RamboZuki84/DSCN1274.jpg

meatman

04-17-2014, 07:48

Don't forget about the full size Jeeps (SJ's) including the Wagoneer, Cherokee, and J-trucks. They're a bit more comfortable than the CJ's and can be just as capable (though larger).

Zundfolge

04-17-2014, 09:02

As for the Liberty, I wouldn't recommend that thing as an in-town grocery getter. I've known 3 people that bought them and ALL of them have had constant trouble with them and none of the offroaded them either. Its just not the most quality item Jeep ever made (note that these were all KJs, not the new KK so maybe they aren't crap).

Ah Pook

04-17-2014, 10:51

Buy a Suzuki samurai. It's a cheap thing, you wouldn't understand.

http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a441/RamboZuki84/DSCN1274.jpg
Doesn't that belong in the Smart car thread? [LOL]

Samis are pretty good little runners. Not much room. Spidertrax used to offer just about every upgrade imaginable.

The old EBs are ridiculously expensive. Lots of aftermarket support though. Love the old Rovers but they ain't cheap either.

As far as a "soft" suspension, Jeeps are not Porches.

hghclsswhitetrsh

04-17-2014, 10:59

Doesn't that belong in the Smart car thread? [LOL]

Samis are pretty good little runners. Not much room. Spidertrax used to offer just about every upgrade imaginable.

The old EBs are ridiculously expensive. Lots of aftermarket support though. Love the old Rovers but they ain't cheap either.

As far as a "soft" suspension, Jeeps are not Porches.

Lol the Sami is the OG of smart cars.

Zundfolge

04-17-2014, 11:01

Samurais are often derided and under rated but really are decent budget alternatives to Jeeps.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aey6Y1PvB58

And if you've got a little over an hour, Captain Slow has a pretty good time with his Tin Top

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLeBVoeWC58

cap'n cook

04-17-2014, 11:54

any jeep that is lifted is going to feel "soft" unless it has a crap lift on it. soft is what you are looking for in a offroad rig. the TJ has coils front and rear which is an awesome suspension. make sure the sway bars are connected if your looking for a tighter more road handling drive. the sway bars on lifted jeeps usually have disconnects.

my old boss bought a liberty for his wife. they put i think 31/10.50's on it and took it through the Rubicon in Ca so its ok, but thats not saying much seeing as there are easy bypasses for the hard stuff like the little sluice. that being said DO NOT buy a jeep liberty they suck. i mean i guess their not that bad,but a cherokee is waaaay better. i used to drive the liberty on errands sometimes and it felt like i was in a vw beetle. it was a cramped little cracker box car. and one of those cars built the " new style" i guess where the dash and door panels are extremely oversized to insure minimal visability and minimal room for the occupants.

cap'n cook

04-17-2014, 12:06

tmleadr03

04-17-2014, 14:52

samuris are neat awesome little rigs, but with a sami you are working with like 87 hp which for wheeling in low gear is ok, but it completely sucks on the road. all my rigs and rock crawlers have been toyota trucks which are around 110 hp or something. and again fine on the trail shitty on hills on the road. you really cant beat a jeep for a cheap rig. here are what you get with a jeep i challenge anyone to find a vehicle with as much that can be had from $1,000 and up

solid axles front and back
one of the best motors ever made
coil spring front suspension (coils front and rear on a tj)
the best after market support
all that and your still getting 20 mpg with 190 hp

a toyota land cruiser is solid axles on coils with a great inline 6, but they weigh more, have less aftermarket support, and dont get quite the fuel mileage. lots of vehicles come close but the best cheap rig is a jeep.

A lot of that depends on what the goal is. Personally I don't want to build a rock crawler. And I am not truly worried about fuel economy. What I want is a vehicle that I can load up with camping gear, possibly pull a trailer, hit the trails and make it easily up 90-95% of the them. Not interested in the last 5-10% of the trails.

The Land Cruiser I am getting has a 2.5 inch OME lift, bigger tires and lockers front center and rear. With that I am good. And the ability to carry a metric ton of stuff (It is a Toyota, if it was american it would be a standard ton).

Zundfolge

04-17-2014, 15:51

Here you go, just get this and be done with it.

http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/4399013829.html

http://images.craigslist.org/00o0o_fszTiT1HT7T_600x450.jpg

Its only thirty seven grand. :D

Irving

04-17-2014, 16:27

Defender D90

Zundfolge

04-17-2014, 16:36

Defender D90

No, this one's a 1965 Series II (the Defender didn't come out until the 80s) but it looks like its been upgraded to about the same specs as a Defender. Also a Defender will probably cost a little more. Land Rover's is expensive.

[edit]A quick search of Craigslist comes up with 2 '97 Defender 90s ... one's about $36K and the other almost $50k

Irving

04-17-2014, 17:10

Og I knew that one was old, I was suggesting a Defender. That way OP could still work on it all the time, but not feel like he cheaped out on a Jeep.

electronman1729

04-17-2014, 21:01

Buy a Suzuki samurai. It's a cheap thing, you wouldn't understand.

http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a441/RamboZuki84/DSCN1274.jpg

I have considered a Samurai. Looks of sweet looking builds out there. But the down side is I cant drive a stick that well.

Irving

04-17-2014, 21:05

But the down side is I cant drive a stick that well.

If the issue is that you haven't had practice, one weekend will take care of that for around town. Three weekends will take care of it for the trails.

electronman1729

04-17-2014, 21:05

Has anyone heard of a guy of of Monument called Dream Jeep?

tmleadr03

04-17-2014, 21:43

Here you go. Already built Jeep.

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/4427476676.html

ZERO THEORY

04-18-2014, 09:50

Here's my old ZJ. 4" Zone kit w/ short arms and 33x10.5-15 KMs.

http://i1030.photobucket.com/albums/y368/LAWLER89MISC/PickleGulchScenery2_zps867a23e0.jpg
http://i1030.photobucket.com/albums/y368/LAWLER89MISC/PickleGulchScenery_zps714a5ff2.jpg

dirtrulz

04-18-2014, 13:10

Here you go. Already built Jeep.

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/4427476676.html

He spent all that money and still has crappy axles. Another rig built to look cool. Lots of money in lockers and gears in axles that you shouldnt run anything over a 31 on.

hghclsswhitetrsh

04-18-2014, 13:19

Here you go. Already built Jeep.

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/4427476676.html

Yeah id sell my Sami way cheaper than that.

Irving

04-18-2014, 13:28

Problem with Sammis is they are too long and really need to be bobbed to shine on the trails.

tmleadr03

04-18-2014, 13:36

Problem with Sammis is they are too long and really need to be bobbed to shine on the trails.

Truth.

hghclsswhitetrsh

04-18-2014, 14:45

Problem with Sammis is they are too long and really need to be bobbed to shine on the trails.

Too long? Are you serious?

spqrzilla

04-18-2014, 14:49

[ROFL2]

newracer

04-18-2014, 19:43

He spent all that money and still has crappy axles. Another rig built to look cool. Lots of money in lockers and gears in axles that you shouldnt run anything over a 31 on.

Actually those are decent axles. Easily handle up to 35s.

hurley842002

04-18-2014, 19:49

He spent all that money and still has crappy axles. Another rig built to look cool. Lots of money in lockers and gears in axles that you shouldnt run anything over a 31 on.

Yeah not true, the 8.25 especially is plenty for 33's.

T-Giv

04-19-2014, 15:47

Yeah not true, the 8.25 especially is plenty for 33's.

Especially since I have wheeled with the Jeep in that ad....35's are no problem for it and it'll run whatever trail you think are good enough to take it on. If I had the cashola I'd buy that XJ.

condoor

04-19-2014, 16:52

if you can drive the dana 35 is a fine axle. 33" or smaller tires.

seeing as the 35 is the stock axle for oh i dont know, about 2.5 million jeeps, staying away from it will be almost impossible

i know plenty of guys who have wheeled the crap out of a dana 35 with no issues, you can brake any axle, i have seen 60s snap going over a 12 inch shelf

best bang for the buck is a cherokee, 1996 and newer are safer, that is when they went to a structural roof, anything older you will want a roll cage if you do ay serious wheeling at all. i know this first hand. :)

+1 the Cherokee. I think it's one of the best values in a 4x4. If you bump to a 97 or newer model with the 8.25" rear axle you get 29 splines instead of 27 and strength approaching a Dana 44. (Late 96s had 29 spline as well). A cherokee on 31s with a drop in locker like a Spartan will take you lots of places and get your feet wet wheeling until you find out what you really want.

condoor

04-19-2014, 17:10

He spent all that money and still has crappy axles. Another rig built to look cool. Lots of money in lockers and gears in axles that you shouldnt run anything over a 31 on.

To the OP:

The Jeep in the linked ad is mine. If you or anyone else has any questions please feel free to PM.

You can save a ton of money buying a built rig. I added up my "mods" Friday and they came to just under 13K, and blue book is somewhere in the 5-6K. That said, I priced my Jeep very high for what it is. My jeep is NOT a "good deal", but it's a solid rig cheaper than you could build the exact similar rig yourself.

Building a 4x4 is not unlike building an AR - there are 100s of different directions you can go. Look at what you want and intend to do with the rig and build from there. A 20" barrel and 10x scope isn't the tool for room clearing, likewise an SBR with red dot isn't a 600 yard champ. Middle St Vrain and Cooney Flats isn't much fun on 40s, but it's a hoot on 31s. I built my rig for the trails I like to do and it's done well. My interests have shifted to two wheels offroad, so I threw an ad up to sell the Jeep.

The internet is full of great information and opinions and, just like with an AR - take it all in with a grain of salt. Most people consider the 8.25" rear axle with 29 spline shafts very similar in strength to a Dana 44. The low pinion Dana 30 found in the 2000 Cherokee, while not as strong as the high pinion 30s found in the SWB Jeeps and -99 Cherokees, is more than adequate for 33s if you wheel with some common sense. If you add alloy shafts to these axles as I did, the general consensus is that they are good for 35s with a light skinny pedal. That said, I still carry spare shafts for front and rear.

Good luck with your purchase - welcome to the addiction.

31s crossing the Golden Crack in Moab -
43837

tmleadr03

04-20-2014, 08:07

To the OP:

The Jeep in the linked ad is mine. If you or anyone else has any questions please feel free to PM.

You can save a ton of money buying a built rig. I added up my "mods" Friday and they came to just under 13K, and blue book is somewhere in the 5-6K. That said, I priced my Jeep very high for what it is. My jeep is NOT a "good deal", but it's a solid rig cheaper than you could build the exact similar rig yourself.

Building a 4x4 is not unlike building an AR - there are 100s of different directions you can go. Look at what you want and intend to do with the rig and build from there. A 20" barrel and 10x scope isn't the tool for room clearing, likewise an SBR with red dot isn't a 600 yard champ. Middle St Vrain and Cooney Flats isn't much fun on 40s, but it's a hoot on 31s. I built my rig for the trails I like to do and it's done well. My interests have shifted to two wheels offroad, so I threw an ad up to sell the Jeep.

The internet is full of great information and opinions and, just like with an AR - take it all in with a grain of salt. Most people consider the 8.25" rear axle with 29 spline shafts very similar in strength to a Dana 44. The low pinion Dana 30 found in the 2000 Cherokee, while not as strong as the high pinion 30s found in the SWB Jeeps and -99 Cherokees, is more than adequate for 33s if you wheel with some common sense. If you add alloy shafts to these axles as I did, the general consensus is that they are good for 35s with a light skinny pedal. That said, I still carry spare shafts for front and rear.

Good luck with your purchase - welcome to the addiction.

31s crossing the Golden Crack in Moab -
43837

You forgot to put a price on the thread in expo forums.

electronman1729

04-20-2014, 13:25

To the OP:

The Jeep in the linked ad is mine. If you or anyone else has any questions please feel free to PM.

You can save a ton of money buying a built rig. I added up my "mods" Friday and they came to just under 13K, and blue book is somewhere in the 5-6K. That said, I priced my Jeep very high for what it is. My jeep is NOT a "good deal", but it's a solid rig cheaper than you could build the exact similar rig yourself.

Building a 4x4 is not unlike building an AR - there are 100s of different directions you can go. Look at what you want and intend to do with the rig and build from there. A 20" barrel and 10x scope isn't the tool for room clearing, likewise an SBR with red dot isn't a 600 yard champ. Middle St Vrain and Cooney Flats isn't much fun on 40s, but it's a hoot on 31s. I built my rig for the trails I like to do and it's done well. My interests have shifted to two wheels offroad, so I threw an ad up to sell the Jeep.

The internet is full of great information and opinions and, just like with an AR - take it all in with a grain of salt. Most people consider the 8.25" rear axle with 29 spline shafts very similar in strength to a Dana 44. The low pinion Dana 30 found in the 2000 Cherokee, while not as strong as the high pinion 30s found in the SWB Jeeps and -99 Cherokees, is more than adequate for 33s if you wheel with some common sense. If you add alloy shafts to these axles as I did, the general consensus is that they are good for 35s with a light skinny pedal. That said, I still carry spare shafts for front and rear.

Good luck with your purchase - welcome to the addiction.

31s crossing the Golden Crack in Moab -
43837

Thanks for the offer! I think I would like to stick with a wrangler or samurai. (once i learn to drive a stick)

Firehaus

04-23-2014, 11:28

How much of an advantage would it be to have a diesel in a wrangler?

http://www.bruiserconversions.com/jeep-wrangler-diesel-conversion/

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

tmleadr03

04-23-2014, 12:30

How much of an advantage would it be to have a diesel in a wrangler?

http://www.bruiserconversions.com/jeep-wrangler-diesel-conversion/

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Saw a thread on dieseltruckresource.com where the guy did a 4BT in a Wrangler and was getting about 30 on the freeway.

Firehaus

04-23-2014, 13:48

Saw a thread on dieseltruckresource.com where the guy did a 4BT in a Wrangler and was getting about 30 on the freeway.

That would be my main motivation for doing it.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

ZERO THEORY

04-23-2014, 14:50

How much of an advantage would it be to have a diesel in a wrangler?

http://www.bruiserconversions.com/jeep-wrangler-diesel-conversion/

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Turbo diesels get better fuel economy, put out exponentially more torque, can handle insane amounts of stress and abuse, and can be run for free with a weekend and a nominal startup investment.

hurley842002

04-23-2014, 16:11

Turbo diesels get better fuel economy, put out exponentially more torque, can handle insane amounts of stress and abuse, and can be run for free with a weekend and a nominal startup investment.

Yup, irritates the crap out of me that we can't get the diesel imports that most other countries get.

Danimal

04-23-2014, 16:30

Deleted

rockhound

04-23-2014, 17:38

the modern diesel engine is great until they start having issues, do a little google searching for fuel related issues in the 2003 and newer diesel motors, when you start chasing a truck that has fuel system issues that can run 10,000 dollars or more just in parts you will never want another diesel engine. I have been down that road and after having several good diesel vehicles in the family that ran forever, I will never own another one.

everyone i know that ever had a newer diesel truck that is running the high pressure fuel systems 23K psi, are starting to have issues with them at the 175K mark, even reman injectors for a newer cummins run $2500 for parts and that is doing the install yourself. new injectors are $7700 installed at the dealer.

i can replace my entire 8.1 liter motor with a factory built crate engine for 1/2 the cost of the dealer cost to replace injectors on my 2005 cummins

electronman1729

04-24-2014, 20:06

Well kind of found a jeep i like, looks nice but has over 175,000 miles on it? It is a 1997 wrangler. Should i be concerned about the mileage? How well are the engines built?

BPTactical

04-24-2014, 20:12

Well kind of found a jeep i like, looks nice but has over 175,000 miles on it? It is a 1997 wrangler. Should i be concerned about the mileage? How well are the engines built?

The 64$ question.
It depends.
175k of well taken care of or 175k of not so well taken care of?

hurley842002

04-24-2014, 20:59

Well kind of found a jeep i like, looks nice but has over 175,000 miles on it? It is a 1997 wrangler. Should i be concerned about the mileage? How well are the engines built?

I've seen not well taken care of 4.0's go 290k+, they are literally built like tanks. With that said, I'd still want something that was taken care of.

condoor

04-30-2014, 09:04

Well kind of found a jeep i like, looks nice but has over 175,000 miles on it? It is a 1997 wrangler. Should i be concerned about the mileage? How well are the engines built? So did you buy it? I had a 97 TJ - great rig and motor. Notorious for cracked exhaust manifold and rear main seal leaks, but otherwise very solid vehicles IMO.

Danimal

04-30-2014, 16:31

Deleted

Aardvark

04-30-2014, 18:20

TJs are great with the 4.0l engine. I've had a 97 w/145k, a 99 w/178k and now a 2002 w/130k. All manual transmissions if that makes a diff. I've seen many over 200K still running the hiways and trails. The Cherokees put on more miles, probably due to being better for long trips (creature comforts). Check the rear main seal for leaks (common, not engine ending) and the throw-out bearings (listen to it when clutch is depressed and released). On a 97, check for leaks on the floorboards: could be heater, could be the cowl drain is plugged. 97's had a different cowl than the 98s on up. ....sadly, selling the '02 due to torn ACL on my clutch knee.

rockhound

05-01-2014, 06:17

I just spent an entire week working on my dads 7.3 last month. It would just randomly die while traveling highway speeds. Started with the CPS. Not it. Then the lift pump. Not it. Took it to the dealer, and they could not find anything wrong with it and it ran great through all of their tests. It died on the way home. So we replaced like five more fuel pressure sensors, and then the valve cover gaskets (they have feed through for the fuel injector harness) and then finally after cleaning and applying dielectric grease to all the terminals for the entire engine harness I found a connector for the hi press pump discharge pressure sensor that was bad and had an intermittent connection. No trouble codes the whole time. Diesels should be simple they don't even need electrical timing or spark plugs, so why the hell do they need like five different pressure sensors for just the fuel?

sensors are at leat checp and the 7.3 was a lower pressure motor so injectors etc are way cheaper. i saw a quote fro a duramax owner that was on his third set of injectors, "what good is it to have a motor that will last 400K miles if i am going to spend $20,000 on injectors to get it there"

Irving

05-01-2014, 08:43

Why does diesel stuff cost so much?

rockhound

05-01-2014, 10:30

they had to change the injection systems etc, to meet new emissions standards. the new technology is overrated in my opinion. I wish i had bought my 8100 vortec instead of my diesel. I would have $20,000 extra dollars in my pocket.

stodg73

05-01-2014, 13:32

I like Diesels. Owned mine since '01.

BushMasterBoy

05-01-2014, 14:44

I'd just buy a CUCV like those on steel soldiers...we got a Wrangler X, you can at least sleep in the back of a K5 Blazer!

Zundfolge

05-01-2014, 15:35

There's times I think putting a 5 cyl Mercedes turbo diesel in my CJ5 (along with Unimog axels).

mindfold

05-04-2014, 22:03

This really should turn into a Jeep thread. Here is my 66/72 CJ5. Weekend one in the books. FYI, I am using it only for the tub. I am putting a different tub on it and selling it ASAFP. Cool thing it has a PTO.

http://s1369.photobucket.com/user/mindfold1977/library/

rockhound

05-04-2014, 23:07

I like Diesels. Owned mine since '01.

All the ones I kjow that are having issues are the newer higher pressure systems 2003 and newer we lo ed disels also had sever tbat were awesomeb but that was years ago

Hound

05-04-2014, 23:27

I'd just buy a CUCV like those on steel soldiers...we got a Wrangler X, you can at least sleep in the back of a K5 Blazer!

You can sleep in the back of a JK too ;)

Ah Pook

05-05-2014, 10:56

Well kind of found a jeep i like, looks nice but has over 175,000 miles on it? It is a 1997 wrangler. Should i be concerned about the mileage? How well are the engines built?
This thread went in a lot of different directions. [Scramble]

What's the word on the Wrangler?

Not being a Jeep fanatic but owning a Jeep, 175K on the odometer isn't too bad. What kind of maintenance it has seen is more important. The I6 is a stout motor that will last a long time. Pretty easy to work on too.

electronman1729

05-05-2014, 19:28

tmleadr03

05-05-2014, 19:33

BPTactical

05-05-2014, 21:40

You can't drive a manual?
Submit your Man Card to the nearest vagina for revokation.

Irving

05-05-2014, 22:49

I have a cheap car he can learn in, I just don't have the time. When I have the time, I'll hit you up electroman.

Ah Pook

05-05-2014, 23:31

Be in Boulder tomorrow afternoon and I'll give you a quick lesson on a 5 speed. It's not hard.

Hound

05-05-2014, 23:45

Still looking around. Found one i like but oil was leaking underneath. I sometimes find ones i like but they turn out to be a manual. I have been debating taking a intro driving course to learn how to drive a stick.

Not that you can't do an automatic in 4x4ing but really? If you are wanting to do the whole 4x4 Jeep thing... Ya gotta figure a few things out first. I don't know you and I am not trying to ding ya too hard but 4x4ing is not just hopping in the truck and running up the mountains. Most people who never learn how to drive a manual are not mechanical, that is bad on the trails. They just take the easy route and go about their business, which is fine...... but not for 4x4ing. When you are up there something will break and there are a lot of circumstances where mechanical knowledge is invaluable in how to read a trail. You need to know how to fix it or read it or things gets REAL dangerous REAL quick (not only for you but those around you). If you don't know how to drive a manual, a little oil is a concern and the 4.0 is a question.......... Either this is not for you or a much better answer is make friends with 4x4'ers, go on SEVERAL runs with them, take up Irving or others to teach you not only how to drive a stick but how to turn a wrench and figure out where you want to go with this.

You are welcome to tag a long with me sometime if/when I am not on travel. Mindfold on here is building a Jeep starting with a frame off (he might be willing to show you a few things, it would allow you to see how simple Jeeps are... Which is a big part of the "Jeep Thing"). My next door nieghbor runs an automatic 4Runner with a nice setup. He would be a great person to talk to (he is VERY mechanical). He has been learning a lot about how to safely 4x4 and loves to help people. I bet several others on here would be great to hit the trails with also. Again, not trying to ding ya, it just sounds like you need to build up a foundation before you spend a lot of time, effort and money doing something that could get you or somebody else hurt.

Zundfolge

05-06-2014, 08:55

Found one i like but oil was leaking underneath.

You know what it means when you find a Jeep that's NOT leaking oil? It means its out of oil.

electronman1729

05-06-2014, 19:21

Be in Boulder tomorrow afternoon and I'll give you a quick lesson on a 5 speed. It's not hard.

THANKS for the offer! unfortunately its hard for me in the week to do things since i have to work

electronman1729

05-06-2014, 19:28

No offense taken here. Thanks for the insight! I would really enjoy going on a trip with someone this summer. I would cover gas of course. A far as what I'm looking for, Iam just mainly looking for a weekend cruiser to drive around with the top down. As far as off road trails Im not looking into anything real hard core. I would be real happy with trails like Rollins Pass and such. As far as the mechanical thing goes i completlely agree with you. (my background is in high voltage power distribution) I can pretty much do my own routine maintenance on my vehicles, but nothing hard core. I will PM you this week about the next time you head up.

Aardvark

05-06-2014, 20:11

[QUOTE=electronman1729;1614269]..oil was leaking underneath. That's probably the rear main seal. A common leak...

tmleadr03

05-06-2014, 20:45

Driving a stick shift or an automatic has nothing to do with abilities on the trail. Or with mechanical abilities on the side of the road.

Vehicle like this:
http://i.imgur.com/8VRswV9.jpg

is an automatic and has been more places and seen more difficult trails then most Jeeps, manual or otherwise.

Not that you can't do an automatic in 4x4ing but really? If you are wanting to do the whole 4x4 Jeep thing... Ya gotta figure a few things out first. I don't know you and I am not trying to ding ya too hard but 4x4ing is not just hopping in the truck and running up the mountains. Most people who never learn how to drive a manual are not mechanical, that is bad on the trails. They just take the easy route and go about their business, which is fine...... but not for 4x4ing. When you are up there something will break and there are a lot of circumstances where mechanical knowledge is invaluable in how to read a trail. You need to know how to fix it or read it or things gets REAL dangerous REAL quick (not only for you but those around you). If you don't know how to drive a manual, a little oil is a concern and the 4.0 is a question.......... Either this is not for you or a much better answer is make friends with 4x4'ers, go on SEVERAL runs with them, take up Irving or others to teach you not only how to drive a stick but how to turn a wrench and figure out where you want to go with this.

You are welcome to tag a long with me sometime if/when I am not on travel. Mindfold on here is building a Jeep starting with a frame off (he might be willing to show you a few things, it would allow you to see how simple Jeeps are... Which is a big part of the "Jeep Thing"). My next door nieghbor runs an automatic 4Runner with a nice setup. He would be a great person to talk to (he is VERY mechanical). He has been learning a lot about how to safely 4x4 and loves to help people. I bet several others on here would be great to hit the trails with also. Again, not trying to ding ya, it just sounds like you need to build up a foundation before you spend a lot of time, effort and money doing something that could get you or somebody else hurt.

Hound

05-06-2014, 22:37

rockhound

05-07-2014, 08:42

thing about bragging about your trail rig is there is always another rig that would walk circles around your tub. while both those rigs are I am sure competent, they are truly beginner builds.

BPTactical

05-07-2014, 09:21

Y'alls bush league
44451

Hound

05-07-2014, 09:27

thing about bragging about your trail rig is there is always another rig that would walk circles around your tub. while both those rigs are I am sure competent, they are truly beginner builds.

There is always bigger and better but mine is built for what it does. I could not be happier with it, for that there is no better. As for beginner... You don't know what is in mine or the background. Love to see what you have though. I am guessing a dedicated mountain rig. Mine is built to have fun and take the family to those places few people are seen. It was not built to be extreme, just capable.

Hound

05-07-2014, 09:28

Y'alls bush league
44451

Go build on that CJ!!! ;)

tmleadr03

05-07-2014, 09:33

thing about bragging about your trail rig is there is always another rig that would walk circles around your tub. while both those rigs are I am sure competent, they are truly beginner builds.

Neither is mine. Pulled a pic from the internet. And the one I posted is about the level that the OP wants to shoot for. Some light trails, with slight difficulty. He doesn't want to run the Rubicon. He isn't looking to do anything but some exploring and have a vehicle that can do 80% of the trails out there reliably.

BPTactical

05-07-2014, 09:45

Go build on that CJ!!! ;)

Workin on it!
Thought I had that Goodwrench engine in the TP but not to be. Oh well, I will drop the small block that was destined for the hoopty in it. I already found a TH400 GM tranny case that will replace the oddball AMC only TH400 case.
Gonna go with Chevy drive train, lots more options and cheaper. I started pricing out AMC rebuilds and they run about 25% higher than a SBC and you still have to deal with the crapola oiling system. Another thing about a SBC-I like the fact the distributor is at the rear, makes wiring easier and keeps it dry.

newracer

05-07-2014, 12:04

Come back to me when you'er closer to this ;) Nice bumper.... Did you buy it?

When I first bought mine, first weekend out.

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc129/newracer/Jeep/quarry8.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/newracer/media/Jeep/quarry8.jpg.html)

How it looks now.

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc129/newracer/IMG_2433_zps085e9911.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/newracer/media/IMG_2433_zps085e9911.jpg.html)

BPTactical

05-07-2014, 12:10

rockhound

05-07-2014, 12:39

There is always bigger and better but mine is built for what it does. I could not be happier with it, for that there is no better. As for beginner... You don't know what is in mine or the background. Love to see what you have though. I am guessing a dedicated mountain rig. Mine is built to have fun and take the family to those places few people are seen. It was not built to be extreme, just capable.

as i said i am sure they are capable rigs. I have built everything from a trail dedicated rig to way more capable daily driven rigs.

1982 CJ 8, very street friendly, from a stock 6 cylinder to a 400hp sbc 350, truck avenger 750 cfm card, flow master exhaust. 700r4 4 spd auto tranny, custom full coil 3 link front long suspension, custom drive shafts,full width dana 60 rear,width dana 44, rear leaves, SOA lift, rear lock right locker, ox front end, 4.56 gears, 38 inch tires, full soft top, three row seating

from this: 44459 to this: 44461 44463

1998 cherokee

came to me with 32s and a three inch short arm, we installed a full front end leaf spring SOA conversion, Full width dana 44, rear dana 60, AX15 to aw4 conversion, slip yoke eliminator, 4.56 gears, front and rear bumpers with spare tire carrier, 8000lb winch, custom drive shafts, 8 inch rear leaves, rear lock right, 35 inch tires, custom rocker skids, gas tank skid, was used as a daily driver keeping mileage off my diesel

from this44465 to this: 44467

1988 xj

came to me bone stock

custom 8 inch lift and 35s all the other bs also
44471 after we tubed the chasis 44473

Hound

05-07-2014, 17:24

When I first bought mine, first weekend out.

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc129/newracer/Jeep/quarry8.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/newracer/media/Jeep/quarry8.jpg.html)

How it looks now.

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc129/newracer/IMG_2433_zps085e9911.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/newracer/media/IMG_2433_zps085e9911.jpg.html)

Nice setups. How much are you using that stinger? That rock looks familar, just different angle ;). That short wheelbase had to make the last hop a real ride. Looks like you are running 35's? Did you stick with D44's or upgrade? The stinger would say you are doing more rock crawling thus the upgrade question.

Hound

05-07-2014, 17:37

as i said i am sure they are capable rigs. I have built everything from a trail dedicated rig to way more capable daily driven rigs.

1982 CJ 8, very street friendly, from a stock 6 cylinder to a 400hp sbc 350, truck avenger 750 cfm card, flow master exhaust. 700r4 4 spd auto tranny, custom full coil 3 link front long suspension, custom drive shafts,full width dana 60 rear,width dana 44, rear leaves, SOA lift, rear lock right locker, ox front end, 4.56 gears, 38 inch tires, full soft top, three row seating

from this: 44459 to this: 44461 44463

1998 cherokee

came to me with 32s and a three inch short arm, we installed a full front end leaf spring SOA conversion, Full width dana 44, rear dana 60, AX15 to aw4 conversion, slip yoke eliminator, 4.56 gears, front and rear bumpers with spare tire carrier, 8000lb winch, custom drive shafts, 8 inch rear leaves, rear lock right, 35 inch tires, custom rocker skids, gas tank skid, was used as a daily driver keeping mileage off my diesel

from this44465 to this: 44467

1988 xj

came to me bone stock

custom 8 inch lift and 35s all the other bs also
44471 after we tubed the chasis 44473

I did a frame off full rebuild with a 77' CJ5 (Rancho suspension, rebuilt 304, etc), had TJ's, Scout 800A, K5's all with varying mods. I even have a 90's Pathfinder (Automatic) I have been building for the wife to have something to play with. My JK bumpers started off as a 6"x10" 1/4" thick tube in front and a 6"x6" tube in back. Full air to all 4 wheels, front and rear winches, etc. All built in my garage ;). The JK makes a great daily driver, 4x4 and camper for my family. We need to go play sometime. Nice builds... I like!!

brianakell

05-07-2014, 17:49

Come back to me when you'er closer to this ;) Nice bumper.... Did you buy it?[ROFL3]

Try moving over a car width.

Nice 80 tmleadr. I was really pondering one, and swapping in a 5.7 or 5.3, more power and mileage. But get them happy, tune-up etc, and dont drive like a race car, and they can do halfway decent on fuel.

tmleadr03

05-07-2014, 18:11

[ROFL3]

Try moving over a car width.

Nice 80 tmleadr. I was really pondering one, and swapping in a 5.7 or 5.3, more power and mileage. But get them happy, tune-up etc, and dont drive like a race car, and they can do halfway decent on fuel.

It isn't mine, but I am supposed to pick one up this weekend.

This is how the one I am getting sits now.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t312/Bushmaster6/Lexus%20and%20Yota/148615_10200209881599540_137132305_n_zps01d7bab5.j pg

newracer

05-07-2014, 18:47

Nice setups. How much are you using that stinger? That rock looks familar, just different angle ;). That short wheelbase had to make the last hop a real ride. Looks like you are running 35's? Did you stick with D44's or upgrade? The stinger would say you are doing more rock crawling thus the upgrade question.

I have yet to use the stinger except for tapping fellow wheelers spare tires. Almost a few times in Moab though. It is a dedicated rock crawling rig but it does see some snow bashing. Currently running 37s. Rear is a super 44, 35 spline chomoly shafts with ARB locker, front is a cut down high pinion 44 with Yukon Super joint universals, chromoly shafts, ARB, and high steering.

Here is my other one, technically the wife's but she is getting a new car soon.

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc129/newracer/Moab%202009/IMG_4382.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/newracer/media/Moab%202009/IMG_4382.jpg.html)

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc129/newracer/Moab%202009/IMG_4107.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/newracer/media/Moab%202009/IMG_4107.jpg.html)

electronman1729

05-12-2014, 20:52

as i said i am sure they are capable rigs. I have built everything from a trail dedicated rig to way more capable daily driven rigs.

1982 CJ 8, very street friendly, from a stock 6 cylinder to a 400hp sbc 350, truck avenger 750 cfm card, flow master exhaust. 700r4 4 spd auto tranny, custom full coil 3 link front long suspension, custom drive shafts,full width dana 60 rear,width dana 44, rear leaves, SOA lift, rear lock right locker, ox front end, 4.56 gears, 38 inch tires, full soft top, three row seating

from this: 44459 to this: 44461 44463

1998 cherokee

came to me with 32s and a three inch short arm, we installed a full front end leaf spring SOA conversion, Full width dana 44, rear dana 60, AX15 to aw4 conversion, slip yoke eliminator, 4.56 gears, front and rear bumpers with spare tire carrier, 8000lb winch, custom drive shafts, 8 inch rear leaves, rear lock right, 35 inch tires, custom rocker skids, gas tank skid, was used as a daily driver keeping mileage off my diesel

from this44465 to this: 44467

1988 xj

came to me bone stock

custom 8 inch lift and 35s all the other bs also
44471 after we tubed the chasis 44473

How well do the Cherokee compare to the wrangler? Do the engines last as long as the wranglers?