TFL Cheap Jeep series

[YGBSM]

2 door 2024 Sport with auto transmission

They tried a tough trail with stock Nexens: Brand New Cheap Jeep vs Extreme Trail - It Did Not Go Well... (youtube.com)

Should be an interesting series.

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[Bryce]

While they needed some tugs and to pick lines a few times, it shows you don't need to throw a bunch of mods at a Jeep to have a good time. My advice to folks with a new one is to take it out and try it to see where it's lacking, then figure out your list. Too many act like if you you aren't Locked, Lifted and on 37s+, your vehicle isn't capable enough.
For sure a set of AT or MT tires would have helped them a lot. Sway Bar Disconnect would be a cheap upgrade to help keep those front tires on the ground some.
It'll be interesting to see what they do with this one and I hope they do a lot of videos on it.

I didn't see much of the 4Runner on 33s on this trip but in the flashback, it did struggle a bit. The built FJCruiser seemed to be in it's elements.

 

[JHMace9]

tires were definitely the issue with that one. Not sure why they didn't just manually dsconnect the sway bar and tie it up with some zip ties. simple and quick

 

[TFL]

tires were definitely the issue with that one. Not sure why they didn't just manually dsconnect the sway bar and tie it up with some zip ties. simple and quick

We've got disconnects coming! Wanted to show folks out of the box what they can do. This series is intended for non enthusiasts to know what to expect with capability and cost. The kind of folk whose jeep knowledge ends at the color and price ha!

 

[YGBSM]

Wanted to show folks out of the box what they can do. This series is intended for non enthusiasts to know what to expect with capability and cost.

As someone who special ordered a 2024 Sport with zero options, manual transmission, roll-up windows, etc., I will be watching this series.

 

[stretch-bsn]

Love watching the TFL YouTube channel! Helped me in my used JL purchase and gives inspiration and insight on where I’m going !

 

[AcesandEights]

We've got disconnects coming! Wanted to show folks out of the box what they can do. This series is intended for non enthusiasts to know what to expect with capability and cost. The kind of folk whose jeep knowledge ends at the color and price ha!

Thanks for the response. I've emailed a couple of times asking for a slip-test of a Wrangler and the response has been, next time we have one. So, I guess I'll send another email, but just so you know it's coming...it'd be cool to have a Wrangler on the slip-test.

 

[TFL]

Thanks for the response. I've emailed a couple of times asking for a slip-test of a Wrangler and the response has been, next time we have one. So, I guess I'll send another email, but just so you know it's coming...it'd be cool to have a Wrangler on the slip-test.

100% coming soon! I'm trying to track down a base bronco to compare.

 

[flyer92]

Solid video as always, but I still don't consider any JL a "cheap Jeep," given Stellantis's outrageous pricing structure and lack of quality, customer service, etc. .....but that's for another thread.

That said, I would never characterize the Sport or any low-end trim level of any CJ or Wrangler as being incapable. Really just depends on one's use case and experience/ability. I think the gentleman hit it on the head at minute 17:48 when he stated, "The Jeep can do it, but the tires can't." Even in bone stock configuration with the same tires, I was pleasantly surprised by my 2-door Sport's (with LSD) ability to scramble up similarly steep trails, although they were smoother, with large flat rocks and minimal sand. I'm not a rock crawler, but the Sport does exceptionally well for my use case, which encompasses desert overlanding, rough trails, and moderate mountain slopes.

Admittedly, after a couple years of ownership, I slightly upgraded my stock tires for a new set of 32" Willys takeoffs and an Antirock swaybar, which is even better than the Rubi's swaybar IMHO. Other than that, I have no other mods and really don't need them. Seems like the vast majority of Jeepers I meet don't need anything beyond what the Sport has to offer, but choose much higher trim levels for a variety of reasons, often out of sheer vanity instead of a practical use case. No judgment here though...to each his/her own. After all, that's what makes our community so much fun and interesting.

As a long-time CJ and 2-door Wrangler driver, I give TFL a lot of credit for attempting this challenge and sharing the experience with us. While the video offers some good insights into the Sport's limitations in stock form, I just wanted to temper the follow-on discussion with some practical, everyday observations and experience. After decades of driving a wide variety of Jeeps, from Willys MB, to CJ-3B, M38, CJ-5, TJ, and JL, I would still offer that the most important piece of equipment is the driver himself/herself. One's Jeep can be bristling with the most and best offroad equipment in the world, but it's all a waste if they don't have the basic knowledge and experience to safely/effectively drive off pavement. Basic skills first, offroad mods second....

 

[LKG]

tires were definitely the issue with that one. Not sure why they didn't just manually dsconnect the sway bar and tie it up with some zip ties. simple and quick

That's what I was thinkin. Production value perhaps?

 

[AndrewS85]

Stock 2dr jeeps are extremely capable. The only reason I lifted mine and went to bigger tires was the deep ruts/ rocks on the east coast. My aluminum skids were taking an absolute beating.

 

[Zandcwhite]

TFLs biggest complaint about Tommy's cheap Jeep Willys was always the gearing. Jeep finally fixes the shortcomings of the willys with 4.10s and a rear locker. "Let's but a new sport"? I'm no psychic, but I'm willing to bet after they fix the car tire issue, their biggest complaint GEARING. Why make the same mistake over and over?

 

[TFL]

TFLs biggest complaint about Tommy's cheap Jeep Willys was always the gearing. Jeep finally fixes the shortcomings of the willys with 4.10s and a rear locker. "Let's but a new sport"? I'm no psychic, but I'm willing to bet after they fix the car tire issue, their biggest complaint GEARING. Why make the same mistake over and over?

because now the cheapest Willys starts at over $40K... Not so cheap anymore. They killed the Willys sport I had. (mine was like $33k a few years ago...)

 

[Rubi6mt]

because now the cheapest Willys starts at over $40K... Not so cheap anymore. They killed the Willys sport I had. (mine was like $33k a few years ago...)

Are you looking to keep it as stock as possible ie jeep factory ride height etc?

If so suggest a set of rock sliders/skid plates and definitely a steering stabilizer relocation kit.

Here's a pic of my skids after just one outing in my 392:

Here's a pic of my stock steering stabilizer after doing Fern Ridge (BOH trail in AOAA)

Look forward to seeing g what you do with the Jeep. Really like your enthusiasm to push it.

 

[Zandcwhite]

because now the cheapest Willys starts at over $40K... Not so cheap anymore. They killed the Willys sport I had. (mine was like $33k a few years ago...)

I get it, it's just an obvious shortcoming that Jeep finally fixed on the Willys. Are the locker, better tires, better gearing, and high clearance fenders worth the extra price? I'd argue yes. Needing to add $1500-1800 in tires right out the gate isn't exactly cheap either... unless you have a tire sponsor. Gearing will still be a complaint.

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