Anyone ever own a Jeep Wrangler (or old TJ, CJ)?

[rrsquid]

My brother-in-law has 2 CJ7s right now and usually has 1 other he is selling. His are accessorized for off-road use. I wouldn't want to drive one everyday. I think even a stock Jeep would get tiring if it was your only car.

If you want a fun recreational vehicle, Jeeps are great. Think of a 2 to 4-person ATV. There's too many was to spend money if you get to customizing.

Mark

 

[rocky2]

I've owned MB's, CJ5/7/8's. The only one I didn't have was a square headlight YJ (Yuppie JEEP). My current TJ's suspension is a vast improvement in ride and stability over the old brick tied to a rollerskate leaf setup. It's still nice when you look and see if you take off a few of the modern technologies...it's still a CJ...right down to the engine. I'd like to be able to buy 'em new like I used too, just a JEEP with a (maybe)ragtop, no carpets, no radio, no spare tire, no frills. Add some aftermarket stuff of what you want.

 

[OkeeDon]

My son has had 2 CJ7's and a Wrangler. He loved them. He'd have one now if he didn't have a company car and no spare time. The last one he had was really clean; the buyer shipped it to the Bahamas for guests to use at a Bed & Breakfast. The others were rust buckets. None of them were any fun at commuting speeds on the Interstate; they were OK for highway travel as long as you weren't in a hurry. When he took a trip in the Wrangler he usually searched out the back highways and enjoyed the travel as much as the destination.

 

[Steven]

bought a new 1980 cj5 and when it got to 16000 miles I added a 4" body lift and 3" suspension lift. changed gearing and put 38.5" monster mudders on it an that thing would go any where. that was the best thing to drive around in with the top off. sold it with 32000 miles for what I paid for it. I would love to have another one but I liked the old cj style better than the ones today. I would like to get a new unimog, now those look nice. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[LWFrisk]

I have a CJ 6 Cyl 4 Speed. Used it this spring to pull four trees down, then pull the roots out (see attached photo)

 

[r0GuE]

W O W !!!
Thanks for all the replies! Everyone seems to have very favorable memories. I drove a buddies 2002 for 2 1/2 hours Sunday with the doors off. I've been shopping ever since. I like the look of the 31" tires on the Rubicon. I don't need the lockers, but it seems like I will pay about the same to get a sport with a Dana 44 and put a 4" lift on it with some 31" Micky Thompsons. I think the Rubicon will be worth more in resale based on the name alone.
I will mostly commute to work. I want the roof and doors off when the weather is nice and I want the 4WD when the weather sucks (most of the year in Butler PA, home of the very first Jeep, the Bantam!)...(Yes, Willies DID NOT make the first jeep, they got the plans handed to them by the Govt,...n such thing as a patent in 1941 I guess).

 

[F350Lawman]

I had a 79' CJ-7 with the 304-V-8 from AMC, the Turbo 400 tranny from GM and eletronics from Ford. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

This was when AMC was going down and getting parts from everywhere.

I loved the CJ-7, it was red with tan soft top and a hardtop 31" tires and full time Quadra-Trac four wheel drive. I think it started life as a "Golden Eagle" model but was painted red when I got it.

It was a BEAST off road, unstoppable. I would get so much water on the motor it would die, I would climb out of the car, stand on the fenders (so not to drown) and wipe the wires off with a rag and she'd fire right up...always!

Had to give it up, wife, kids...you know the story /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[RanchMan]

Jeeps - gosh - there's way to much to say in this area, so I'll give just a few thoughts

1) While it's true Jeeps won't ride like a Caddy or have the climate control of a Lincoln, quite frankly, if those things are critical to the buyer, they shouldn't be looking at Jeeps in the first place - that's not what they're about after all.

2) Jeeps can be addicting - especially if you get involved in the Jeep "culture." (yes, there is a Jeep culture out there - it's almost cult-like, but in a good way. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif)

3) There are entire companies that exist only to provide stuff for Jeeps - nothing else - and once you get hooked, it's hard to stop getting stuff for your buggy. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

4) There's a lot more to the Rubicon than the name - I won't get in to the details other than to say that there are a lot of people who spend multiple thousands to upgrade their buggies to meet some of the same specs of the Rubicon - it goes way beyond tire size (you can always put 31's on a non-Rubi Jeep if that’s all you want). Just don't discount those lockers so quickly - they can be a REAL help in certain places.

5) Get involved with a club and learn - tons of stuff out there from both historical and technical perspectives - there's way to much to talk about than could be covered in this post (along with lots of varying opinions!)

6) Last and most important, do yourself a BIG favor and BUY A JEEP! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Then use it - and not just for the highway. Take it wheeling to Colorado, or Moab or even just go someplace local. You'll have a blast and learn what your machine is really capable of doing (a helluva lot!). Best of all, you’ll generate lots of good memories like the folks on this thread have mentioned. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

BTW, here are a few links I thought you might find interesting - well, if you like Jeeps that is. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Official Chrysler Jeep Jamboree page

Jeep info 1

Massive Jeep links page

 

[r0GuE]

Just wanted to let you all know that I took the plunge /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif! I bought a 2004 Rubicon on Saturday! I got the Sienna Pearl (maroon) with the Khaki top, AC / Full Doors / 7 Speaker and sub woofer / deep tint windows. I bought it in Irwin PA. Quite a haul, but they had the combo I was looking for and the price was excellent (for a Rubicon).

Thanks for your advice. It is always good to get the straight scoop from someone who owns one.

 

[RanchMan]

Great! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Now comes the easy part -- having fun! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif