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Post by Jon on Sept 9, 2009 15:54:23 GMT -8
And I am having a heck of a time trying to figure it all out. One advantage to the FJ Cruiser is because it doesn't have decades of history, all the info you';d ever want to know is all condensed in to one area. Need to to know max tires stock can handle, wham. Need to know wheelbase wham, need to know bumper options wham. So I am looking at jeeps for a few reasons.... and got a few narrowed down. The one I wanted sold while I was pulling trucks off the race track. Its ok though, there are more. I have found an 03 (so thats a TJ right?) that seems like a pretty sweet set up. My question for now, how big of tires can I shove under a TJ with a " Rubicon Express 4-Link System long arm lift kit, " Its sitting on 33's now, but it looks like it would take 35's without rubbin. Course I haven't seen it in person. Whats the sahara get me that a X or Sport dont? they all seem to have the 4.0l 6 cylinder. I heard the 4 cylinder is not so good. True ? False? What should I make sure I get? Whats the most important thing to look out for? I want a JK - but can't afford it, but since I have you all here... whats the thoughts on the JK. I'd like the 4 doors and extra room. Looks like the 07 was the first year? Hey BCHUTCHENS - get in here. ;D Did you look at the white one in Bend? 2002 Sahara? Its got the tan interior which I believe your wife said was no bueno, so maybe you didn't. It looks pretty nice though.
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Post by racincowboy on Sept 9, 2009 17:05:50 GMT -8
Be still my heart. Jon is looking for a jeep?
Well onto the good stuff. You are correct an 03 would be a tj if I am not mistaken. I dont know exactally what the differences are between the sport and X. If I were to guess I think the sport is the stripper model (minds out of the gutters folks). Any how the sahara is basically just a "package" I believe. Hopefully someone can elaborate fully on these. I am just taking a guess on the above.
Now something I know first hand. I have the 4 banger in my jeep. I have never driven nor wheeled a 6 cyl before but here is what I have noticed with mine. 1. Dont be in a hurry in the mountains 2. Properly geared the 4 banger does well on the trails 3. Gas milage is around 13-16.5 depending on what your doing 4. When the 4 banger goes its time for a V-8
If I were to do it again I would go with a Rubicon unless you want to change axle's on your own. From everything I have read is you dont want to run over 33's on the stock tj axles without issues a 33 is about the limit to stay relatively safe.
If you want to build it yourself buy a stocker and go from there. If you want one that is already on its way to a good trail rig they are out there. If it was me I would look for one with a rubicon express lift or old man emu lift. Stay away from skyjacker lifts they are more for looks then flex and ride on the trail according to my brother and his skyjacker equipped jeep that he sold because of the ride.
If it still has a stock jeep radiator sooner or later it will leak or come apart around the seams of the plastic tanks if it has not been replaced already. I have a source for an all aluminum radiator fully welded and shipped to your door for less then 200 clams. It also has a lifetime guarantee and stock replacement with 2 core options available. All the guys on the jeep forum are happy with them. No more plastic tanks to leak that way.
That is as I know it.
Lance
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Post by Jon on Sept 9, 2009 20:59:14 GMT -8
I knew I would find details here!! Thanks Lance...
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Post by fivendime on Sept 9, 2009 21:20:13 GMT -8
Shoot if this were an XJ I'd be your source, but in this case I will only comment on what I know first hand.
I have seen the 4cyl in a wrangler, and in my personal opinion don't waste your time, If your going to be pushing 35" tires, it would be wise to stick with the 4.0L straight 6 which has tons of torque and mildly good horsepower around 190 in stock form. The transmissions whether it be a stick or an auto, you cant go wrong. Guys are getting well over 300K on both setups. Plus another thing a well maintained 4.0L will get at least 300K. I personally know of a few running around including my dads, and it still has plenty of power. Keep the miles as low as possible on the rig as always. Dont be afraid to wait for the right one. It took me over 6 months to find my XJ and boy did I get a sweet deal, and it was just what I wanted. Otherwise good luck with the hunting! If you need someone to come take a look at it with ya let me know, I have bought and sold many used rigs so I can usually spot funky stuff.
YES folks he said JEEP....you can only understand if you have one. lol
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Post by iceman on Sept 9, 2009 23:07:00 GMT -8
I really like the Jk because you don't have to put as much lift under them to get a bigger tire. But they are really expensive and the parts seem to be as well. I like the TJ especially the "LJ" or long TJ. They have a little more room then the TJ but are harder to find. Although you can't go wrong with a YJ either only because of the price. You can find a YJ with a lift and winch and other goodies for 5k or less. Although you don't have a very good (leaf's) and they probably don't have as much flex as a TJ. I know my dad's has little to no flex but it seems to do really well (lockers front and rear) even with the 4 banger. I am glad to see you are looking into other options but I do think the cruzier is very cool and can be a great wheeler with the right parts.
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Post by trdoffrd on Sept 10, 2009 9:32:36 GMT -8
an one more toyota guy moves to the dark side
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Post by Jon on Sept 10, 2009 10:07:00 GMT -8
Well now I haven't moved just yet.... and have to admit I am also looking at FZJ80's or a Taco. Jeeps are pretty cheap though... Kind of a compelling argument. Toyota seems to be Japanese for "charge more, they will pay"
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Post by oltmann on Sept 10, 2009 10:32:29 GMT -8
Not sure what you are looking to spend, but this seems like it might be a good deal. portland.craigslist.org/clk/cto/1366926590.htmlMy YJ is a '94 with the 4.0. I've been happy with that motor. If I were shopping now, I'd probably look for a TJ with the 4.0. Links and coils ride a lot nicer than leaf springs.
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Post by Jon on Sept 10, 2009 11:24:58 GMT -8
Thanks man - not sure I could handle a yellow vehicle though
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Post by pistonschick on Sept 10, 2009 14:20:07 GMT -8
Hey Jon,
That Rubicon has your name all over it! Although, we are still searching for the elusive orange m&m...
We think TJ's are the way to go unless you got the moola to buy the LJ (more room).
You might not be happy with the 4-cylinder - go for the 4.0 liter 6-cylinder for the maximum Jeep experience. Some guys go ahead and save the bucks buying the 4-cylinder and then bide their time until it gives up and drop in the V8.
I think Sahara, Sport and X are merely trim and interior packages - they don't necessarily add to the capability of the vehicle. Sahara is almost always "earth tones" ie tan interior.
Only the "Rubicon" status adds lockers and 44 front and rear differentials. Make certain that it is a "TRUE" Rubicon if you're paying extra for it - some posers will add the sticker to a standard TJ that DOES NOT have lockers or upgraded diffs. Do your research!
We've seen 97-2001 TJ's run between $6-11k depending on upgrades and condition. You can expect Rubicons to be in the $12-16k range. I don't have any good numbers on LJ's because they are so hard to find (likely $12-16k).
Of course these are just my thoughts (some gleaned from Darel) - feel free to give us a call if you would like a second set of eyes for something you're interested in...
Happy hunting - Jeep boy!
Crystal
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Post by Jon on Sept 10, 2009 14:30:20 GMT -8
Wait? I can just get a Rubicon sticker??? Hmmm.... Just kidding.... I'm kinda stuck looking through dealer lots so I can trade in and finance what ever is rest. Maybe though I'll just put the FJ up for sale and then once it sells start the hunt again. The good thing about working from home is not needing a car to get to work I've been looking and looking and looking. Not alot on lots around here, but I did see a TJ in Kent and one in Bend. Polar opossites - making it tough to just drive down and kick the tires. A rubi would be nice, but those things seem spensive.
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Post by Jon on Sept 10, 2009 16:22:30 GMT -8
OK Heres a couple I have my eyes on... First up is the 2002 Sahara. The guy I spoke with doesn't know a heck of a lot about it, but doesn't think it has lockers, so I'd need an ARB. He also doesn't know what kind of lift is on it, but from what I've read you can't get 35's on there without something. Doesn't look like theres much room in the wheel wells so its probably not much. It's got a smitty built winch, but I'd probably keep mine Warn if possible due to its history with me. This is the one I want, and hopefully I can make this work. They'll ake trades, but they dont do financing so the logistics of this one is a bit of a challenge. I talked with a loan agent and its one of those catch 22 things, can't get a loan because I have a loan. Hopefully I can work out a contract with the dealer though and then get the loan and then drive this thing home. Its an 03 with all the bells and whistles. I think it even has a skittles dispenser. "Rubicon Express 4-Link System long arm lift kit, Engine guard plate, WARN tank guard plate, sway bar disconnects, front and back differential guard plates, SYE kit CV drive line, Rancho adjustable chocks, steel braded brake lines, WARN rock sliders, WARN front and rear bumpers, WARN synthetic rope winch (9K lb.), 33in. oversized tires, tinted hardtop, AM/FM radio, CD player, black cloth interior, rear seat, Metallic blue, automatic, 87,590 miles, tilt-wheel, air-bags, " Its my fave so far. The 33's should be fine for now and I'd think if I wanted to go to 35's later I could. (The 33's look kinda small on it now). I like the color, I like the look and its got all the toys... It doesn't mention a locker, but I think theres one there. The rancho's would need air, so I imagine its got onboard air also, which would drive an ARB also. I also like its got the hard top... That'll come in handy this winter. Last is this Red 02. The more I look at it, the more I consider it, but thats probably just the impulse buyer in me. It's got some sort of a lift, and maybe 35's, but other than that it looks like I would be starting over again. I'm not against that, but it would be nice to avoid it if possible. It is the cheapest of the bunch so far though, so it would make it quicker to pay off and quicker to fund upgrades.... Like I said, the more I look at it the more I consider it. I could always find a cheap stocker and start there and while I haven't completely ruled that out, I can't quite get my head around getting a truck that has less than what I have now. Theres also this beast, and its just sweet. They only want 38K?!?!?! ;D I've also got my eyes on a 06 Rubi, basically stock, so again starting over but who knows... Anyway, thought I would share some pics
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Post by iceman on Sept 10, 2009 16:38:02 GMT -8
It's a whole lot cheeper to start with some of the goodies. I have started from the bottom twice and allway's wonder why I do that. Becuase in the end I can't get anything close to what I have in it. Plus it allway's seems to take for ever to get it there. But I guess it is the way that I want it CUSTOM.
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Post by iceman on Sept 10, 2009 16:38:56 GMT -8
Oh I like the Blue one.
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Post by Jon on Sept 10, 2009 16:47:17 GMT -8
It's a whole lot cheeper to start with some of the goodies. I have started from the bottom twice and allway's wonder why I do that. Becuase in the end I can't get anything close to what I have in it. Plus it allway's seems to take for ever to get it there. But I guess it is the way that I want it CUSTOM. I hear ya there and I've already got my head around the fact that I am not going to be able to explain to the car dealer that theres 3K in suspension on my FJ, or how its an $800 bumper, or that LCA skids are x, nylon rope is Y and sliders cost this much. I knew going in those things don't appreciate, and are only appreciated by those who use them. I'm also waiting for the "well its been taken off road so we had to knock X off your trade"... Oh well, its all part of the game. No one ever said it was a cheap hobby. Maybe I should take up knitting? It would have to be like hard core extreme knitting though. ;D I couldn't make it through the whole video... I was skeered.....
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