So i think im hooked

[patrickgraven]

So after the cleighorn trail run yesterday and seeing how much fun my boys had, I think I want a jeep now. So what should I look for, with the kids I know I want an unlimited for the room. Any tips on what componets I should look for. Are some models better than others. I know this information is making big boys day as he told me I needed to get a jeep. Thanks ~devil2

[Big boy]

Hook line and sinker ~clap ~clap ~clap

[patrickgraven]

how did i know you would say somthing.  ~clap I was told brennan talked about his trip to the dirt the moment he got to school and all day long. I'm thinking he enjoyed the hospitality of his driver and the cool yellow jeep. ~devil2

[StvDiego]

You've been assimilated. Way to go Big Boy, reel 'em in  ~rockon

So lots of questions to ask first:

Do you want new or used; what do want to do with it, what kind of off-roading, are you going to use it for camping, do you want to tow anything, how many in the family, any pets along for the ride, will you work on it yourself, do you have an idea on what size lift and tires you want to run, and a lot more

For mild family ventures I really like the XJ Cherokees, lots of room, very capable and comfortable.

If you like the Jeep style like Big Boys, I really, really like the new JK 4-door Rubicon Unlimited (but be prepared to spend some $$$$$$, lots of $$$$, all of your $$$$$  ~clown )

In the used Jeep range, I like the Unlimited for the longer wheelbase and interior room. The Rubicon model is nice for some of the features including the Dana 44 axles, lockers and 4:1 transfer case.

In a standard model TJ Jeep, like Big Boys, look for one with a Dana 44 rear axle, you'll appreciate it in the long run. If you find a Jeep that is already lifted carefully check the workmanship of the lift and the manufacturer. A Jeep with lots of stuff already on it could cost more in the long run if cheaper products were used that would need to be replaced over time.

I would stick with 1998 or later. Stay with the six-cylinder engine, avoid the angry squirrels. An automatic transmission is a very nice thing to have at the end of a long day wheelin, my left knee is still sore from last weekend, and an auto can be easier to control in crawling. If I was shopping for a used Jeep, or even a new one, I would get one with a hardtop and a soft top. The hard top is nice in very cold, or hot, weather and those massive SoCal rains. If you decide you want one later plan on up to $1000+ for a used Jeep TJ hardtop, get it first, you can always sell it later.

Take your time, look at lots of Jeeps, take someone with you that knows Jeeps and then let's go wheel it  ~clap

[4x4LOYR]

yeah, what Steve said (above)  ::).

I have two young boys who wheel with me, and I have a SWB (2 door) JK.  It works great, but space is very limited (if I were to do it again, I would (maybe) probably get the LWB (aka Unlimited or 4 door) --> not only is it easier to get into (duh, 4 doors), but the rear compartment is significantly larger (more people = more gear and more crap and more stuff and more food and more beer and more toys, and more etc...)).

As far as the Rubicon model, it adds significantly to the price (of a JK, anyways); all the stuff that comes with it is really bitchin' (Dana 44's front and rear; 4:1 ratio; lockers; etc.), but the "X" or "Sahara" models are pretty darn capable as well.  I have an "X" model and I haven't run into any real obstacles that the Jeep couldn't handle (now, I may not wheel it super hard (like the "Hammers") because I have to drive mine to work on Monday; but the trails I've been on have been a blast, with no real issues.)

just a few quick thoughts . . .

Ty...

[1990JEEPXJ]

im going to say cherokee or even zj or wj grand cherokee due to the fact that you want to carry passengers. with those, you can carry both. but youd have to settle for used. lifting an XJ is simpler sue to the fact it has leafs in the rear. very good all around rigs, especially for a DD.

[mbeardsley909]

I say as long as it has four wheels, 4 wheel drive and a "JEEP" badge.... ~punk

my opinion.....can't go wrong with a rubi but with the kids I would say a unlimited it all depends on how deep the pockets are. On the other hand a nicely built XJ is always hard to beat & you could alway go to the dark side and get one of those ttttoyotas ~dots

[Big boy]

ttttoyotas ~dots

I'm not sure I can allow such language in this thread ;D

[Metal Twister]

Do we have a problem here with Toyotas? ~eek

[hammeredtoys]

We understand the JEEP thing ~oops that why we build TOYOTA'S ~rockon

[mbeardsley909]

that word is really hard to say........

actually I love them I wouldn't mind going to a 4runner with all the goodies and the extra room for my two boys and the normal trail gear (beer chest).

[Big boy]

We understand the JEEP thing ~oops that why we build TOYOTA'S ~rockon

Do we have a problem here with Toyotas? ~eek

Awe C'mon guys, don't be so sensitive ;D ;D If us Jeep guys can't make fun of you than who can??  ~batman

that word is really hard to say.......

I noticed you were stuttering a little bit when you said t-t-t-toyota.



Actually I would have bought an FJ cruiser had they not been so expensive. ~punk

[84socal]

We understand the JEEP thing ~oops that why we build TOYOTA'S ~rockon

Do we have a problem here with Toyotas? ~eek

Awe C'mon guys, don't be so sensitive ;D ;D If us Jeep guys can't make fun of you than who can??  ~batman

that word is really hard to say.......

I noticed you were stuttering a little bit when you said t-t-t-toyota.



Actually I would have bought an FJ cruiser had they not been so expensive. ~punk

fjs are over rated
its ok   
i caught ur jeep thing     now it hurts when i pee

but ur serious about going from toy to jeep     tsk tsk   





rigs are built  not bought

[hammeredtoys]

rigs are built  not bought  ~rockon


[/quote]

[mbeardsley909]

but ur serious about going from toy to jeep     tsk tsk  

read again.........


[/quote]

[patrickgraven]

thanks for all the info. Im not sure what im going to do at the moment. I like the jk, but if I was going to spend all that money I would just get the fj like I want. I 'm leaning toward and unlimited because it would be close in price to what I could get on trade on my 4runner (its also 2wd). I have toyed with the idea of just doing a sfa swap on my prerunner and calling it done. Its paid off and I could probably do it for what I would spend on lift and parts on a jeep.
And if I was going to buy another used sport utility I would probably get a first gen 4runner or an fj55, fj60 or 80. One thing is for sure though, I did totaly enjoy the family friendly atmosphere that you guys in the 4wd crowd have.  ~punk

[Metal Twister]

One thing is for sure though, I did totally enjoy the family friendly atmosphere that you guys in the 4wd crowd have.  ~punk

Nice to Hear! It seems that there are plenty of in your face sites that are fun for adults. But very few family, So. Cal., Non Discriminating (Rig Makes), 4x4 Forums out there.  I must admit I get a lot of people That don't want it to stay this way. They just dont understand why they cant fly a soft porn avatar. ~eek  I refer them back to Pirate, or Rock brawlers for their Forum fix. Just hearing that your experience with your family was a positive one is enough of a reason for us to keep it the way it is, despite the urging to change. Thanks for being here, and being active on the forum.

[ON-THE-ROCKS]

If your looking for a capable trail rig, there are some things to consider. motor options would be first on my list. I would pick a vehicle that has power to turn big tires at freeway speeds. Next I would look at axles, You don't want to spend a ton of money polishing out that turd just to break anyways. I would also stay away from IFS suspensions. If you have a big family you would have to pick a vehicle with enough seating and storage.
In conclusion I would get a Rubicon LJ. DANA 44 front and rear with factory lockers, Motor with lots of upgrades available, long wheelbase for those up hill climes, lots of storage, and last but certainly not least its a JEEP!!!

[05MoabTJ]

I'm glad you enjoyed the trip out to Cleghorn, I hope you find that right Jeep or rig for you.  Having clean fun radio chatter on the trails is also a good thing to practice when wheelin.  The lil ones don't need to hear vulgar conversations or cussing over the speaker.  Teaching tread lightly, and take out more than you brought in are also good practices to teach. 

[Metal Twister]

I was just thinking to myself...  I remember going to the desert as a young kid and wheeling with my folks and there friends. I'm 53 now and still remember those times as some of the coolest of my life. I hope we can do the same for your kids and your family's. It is memories like those that you will carry close for the rest of your lives. It may not seem like a biggie to you young guns now, but believe me it's  golden when your looking back on what you've accomplished for the family.   ~clown  Consider yourselves lectured.  ~clown ~punk I know ~offtopic