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Happy New Year News - she said go buy a NEW Jeep. QUESTIONS!

1K views 8 replies 9 participants last post by  BlueBabySound 
#1 ·
Happy News. Yesterday my wife said we can afford a new jeep, after giving up my 1976 DJ-5D to my daughter. Long story there, the 1-ton Ford van is needed for transporting show dogs (www.vonbonehenge.com) and the Toyota is the high-MPG daily driver. The DJ was a 12-year project that stalled about 5 years ago when I changed jobs. It was the least used vehicle in the house, although it did run fine. It just needed some body work and paint.

Anyway, she says I need to buy a NEW jeep, something that will not be a project. Buy it, fill the tank, and drive it. I take care of my vehicles, who do you know that got 333k miles on a dodge mini-van with the Mitsubishi 3.0? I did.

So it looks like a JK-Unlimited Rubicon Hard Rock may be in my future. If we find the right deal, we can probably swing it with straight cash, no bank financing.

I am very much leaning toward the automatic transmission, with 4:10 axles. Once the 32” OEM tires are worn, I can see 33” or MAYBE 35” replacements, so I believe the 4.10 is the right choice.

In addition, from time to time I will need to tow an off-road pop-up camper that when fully loaded with water and gear will approach the maximum 3500 pounds towing capacity of the JK-U. It may need to go as much as 1500 miles on highways before going a lesser number of miles off-road. I will be using a weight distribution trailer hitch. A friend who runs a competition transmission shop says the 3.6L motor, Automatic-trans and 4:10 gears can handle the 3500 pound trailer, it is the chassis length that is the limiting factor of the JK Wrangler. TRUE?

Another friend is trying to push me into a Ford Raptor, telling me it is much better suited for towing my trailer. True, but I don’t think it is as off-road capable. I think it is too wide to go the places I want to go.

My question is, does anyone see any glaring flaw in my thought process here? Some detail I am missing? I do not want to rush into this without a lot of careful consideration. And I very much appreciate the combined knowledge, wisdom and experience within the forum.

Thanks Much. Happy New Year.

Mike-5, El Paso, Texas.
 
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#2 ·
Yes true the chassis length is the limiting factor of the JK Wrangler. Power axles and transmission wise it is rated for 5000 lbs in other vehicles(Durango, Grand Cherokee).
A JKU with 4:10 and auto will make a fine towing vehicle for under 3500 lbs.Like anything else the taller campers will catch more air and make for more difficult driving so a pop up under 3500 should pull good.

I highly recommend premium leather seats and the premium sound if you are going on long trips it will make the miles go by better.
 
#3 ·
Mike-
I like how you're thinking for the most part. You have your work vehicle and daily driver covered, so the Jeep will basically be a fun vehicle.

I have had project vehicles for the last 32 years, and I can tell you that having a new Jeep is great. I sold off my last 2 vintage Land Rover restorations and bought my 2014 Rubicon X. I've never had so much fun with a vehicle before!!

If we find the right deal, we can probably swing it with straight cash, no bank financing. ... My question is, does anyone see any glaring flaw in my thought process here? ... I do not want to rush into this without a lot of careful consideration.
Here comes reality. IMO, don't buy a fun vehicle unless you can really afford it. Even though it may be something you really want, be honest with yourself about this. Typically, there are a lot of other financial bases to cover before dropping $40k on a toy.

However, you're in a tough spot. You've gotten the go-ahead from your wife, so you almost need to take advantage of that. I think most people here will advise you that the Jeep is the right choice, and I agree. If you are considering a Raptor, go drive one in the real world and see how you like it.
 
#5 ·
It depends on where you want to offroad. In a prairie somewhere the raptor's size won't matter. Through winding wood trails it'll be difficult to maneuver.

I personally hate leather seats, too hot in summer and cold in winter and when they wear out they crack and look awful. But i definitely agree with the upgraded sound system, but you could do better after market than chrysler stock or alpine upgraded for the cost.

yes, you are correct about the towing.
 
#6 · (Edited)
Happy News. Yesterday my wife said we can afford a new jeep, after giving up my 1976 DJ-5D to my daughter. Long story there, the 1-ton Ford van is needed for transporting show dogs (www.vonbonehenge.com) and the Toyota is the high-MPG daily driver. The DJ was a 12-year project that stalled about 5 years ago when I changed jobs. It was the least used vehicle in the house, although it did run fine. It just needed some body work and paint.

Anyway, she says I need to buy a NEW jeep, something that will not be a project. Buy it, fill the tank, and drive it. I take care of my vehicles, who do you know that got 333k miles on a dodge mini-van with the Mitsubishi 3.0? I did.

So it looks like a JK-Unlimited Rubicon Hard Rock may be in my future. If we find the right deal, we can probably swing it with straight cash, no bank financing.

I am very much leaning toward the automatic transmission, with 4:10 axles. Once the 32” OEM tires are worn, I can see 33” or MAYBE 35” replacements, so I believe the 4.10 is the right choice.

In addition, from time to time I will need to tow an off-road pop-up camper that when fully loaded with water and gear will approach the maximum 3500 pounds towing capacity of the JK-U. It may need to go as much as 1500 miles on highways before going a lesser number of miles off-road. I will be using a weight distribution trailer hitch. A friend who runs a competition transmission shop says the 3.6L motor, Automatic-trans and 4:10 gears can handle the 3500 pound trailer, it is the chassis length that is the limiting factor of the JK Wrangler. TRUE?

Another friend is trying to push me into a Ford Raptor, telling me it is much better suited for towing my trailer. True, but I don’t think it is as off-road capable. I think it is too wide to go the places I want to go.

My question is, does anyone see any glaring flaw in my thought process here? Some detail I am missing? I do not want to rush into this without a lot of careful consideration. And I very much appreciate the combined knowledge, wisdom and experience within the forum.

Thanks Much. Happy New Year.

Mike-5, El Paso, Texas.
:welcome: to the Forum..:wavey:

If you purchase a Wrangler, then equipment wise your plan looks good.
With one exception, 4.10 ratio with 35's on the heavier Unlimited, plus pulling a trailer (towing the max) is just not a good match.
You can try it, but save your money for a re-gear to a 4.56!!!!!!

As for the Raptor, verses a Wrangler. Since you are on a Wrangler Forum, then most are going to recommend guess what, :D a Wrangler....:happyyes:

It would be wise on your part to go out and drive both of them. Based on your likes, or dislike's, then purchase the one of your choice........:thumb:

HAPPY HUNTING!!!!!!!!!!!
 
#7 ·
I have owned 3 F150 Screws in the past 5 years ('10 Platinum 5.4V8, '13 Limited 3.5EB, and now a '14 FX4 3.5EB). Looked at a Raptor but my buddy has one and gets 9-11mpg (no thanks).

I also just picked up a '15 JKU Sahara w/ 3.73 & Max tow package.

On a regular basis I tow a 2,000lb trailer as much as 150 miles. The F150 is an amazing tow vehicle and great family hauler especially for long rides. It has tons of room and drives like a caddy even with a trailer behind it, but it's LONG.

Having driven my Jeep now for a couple of months I'm not overly confident that I would hook my trailer up to it for a long ride. Don't get me wrong, it's the most fun vehicle I've ever owned but would hop in my F150 for towing / long rides any day of the week over it. Plus I'm scared to think what the JK would do when you hit uneven pavement and that trailer starts swaying on the JK short wheelbase.

Don't mean to be a wet blanket but that's my $0.02.
 
#8 ·
Happy News. Yesterday my wife said we can afford a new jeep, after giving up my 1976 DJ-5D to my daughter. Long story there, the 1-ton Ford van is needed for transporting show dogs (www.vonbonehenge.com) and the Toyota is the high-MPG daily driver. The DJ was a 12-year project that stalled about 5 years ago when I changed jobs. It was the least used vehicle in the house, although it did run fine. It just needed some body work and paint.

Anyway, she says I need to buy a NEW jeep, something that will not be a project. Buy it, fill the tank, and drive it. I take care of my vehicles, who do you know that got 333k miles on a dodge mini-van with the Mitsubishi 3.0? I did.

So it looks like a JK-Unlimited Rubicon Hard Rock may be in my future. If we find the right deal, we can probably swing it with straight cash, no bank financing.
Looks like the first "Jeep" accessory needs to be something really nice for the Missus! You have a good woman there!

:worthy:
 
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