m3lover1
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Ricky
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2019
- Threads
- 15
- Messages
- 619
- Reaction score
- 1,518
- Location
- Bay Area, CA
- Vehicle(s)
- 2019 Sting Gray JLUR, 2007 Yamaha R6
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So much to say and I don't want to give you a book to read. Short answer is that I still love my 2 door manual, but it isn't the right Jeep for a family in my humble opinion.Krondor-
Now that you’ve had your JL for a year now I was curious how you like it compared to the LJ you had previously. I also have an LJ rubicon on 35’s kinda like your old one. I’ve been pondering the idea of a JLR (not unlimited) or possibly JL base/sport model. Like you said I’m also stubborn that way, the 4 door doesn’t appeal to me, but I do have two kids. The LJ is a perfect size, I’m not sure if the JL 2 door is going to be big enough or if I’ll wish I had stayed with my LJ.
Also wondering how happy you’ve been with the manual. M/T is a must have for me, but reviews have been mixed and the only one I’ve test driven was an early production one and honestly didn’t shift very well. Some of the detents were incredibly stiff. My Chevy pickup was that way as well (not near as bad but still quite notchy). I thought it might break in, but after 15 years it’s still notchy to the point that my wife doesn’t have the physical strength to push it into or out of some of the gears. The MT JL I drove (last year) was considerably worse. Since I haven’t read any complaints on that I’m chalking it up to “early production” but curious how yours has been. That JL also had the wandering steering... bad.
Also curious how the gearing has worked out for you. It kinda seems to me that it would work better with say a 4.56 in the stock rubicon. I see myself running a 285/33” be it on a basic JLR or base roll up windows sport model. 33’s, air compressor, winch and leave the rest alone. Just a simple fun Jeep to go explore in and drive around with the top off.
I shopped around for a bit, but I think MetalCloak sold me in 2016 when I had a ride in a JK 2 door with their system. Impressive flex and even better ride. I had delusions of long arms and coils but I really don't need that. I'll be happy if it does as good as the JK did in my memories. (Idealized maybe? We will see.)I'll be watching this closely. I will be ordering the Metalcloak 3.5 Game Changer lift next week and am planning on running 37's. I couldn't decide between this kit and the Teraflex. I think they are both kits but ultimately decided on the MetalCloak.
Nice write up and Jeep is looking good. This above reason is the exact reason I got a 4 door this time instead of a 2 door like my JK's. It was a challenge just to camp for 1-2 nights with the dog in the back with the seats out and the chairs, firewood, etc. Space is very limited in the 2 doors. Good thing we have options these days.If you find yourself going camping and want a cooler, some chairs, food, and a tent... you would be best served by the room the 4 door gives you. As it is, it's a squeeze for the wife and I with our pup. That's with NO seat in the back.
Likewise for me, but I'm debating between MC (2.5 probably), AEV, and Dynatrac.I'll be watching this closely. I will be ordering the Metalcloak 3.5 Game Changer lift next week and am planning on running 37's. I couldn't decide between this kit and the Teraflex. I think they are both kits but ultimately decided on the MetalCloak.
Those were my on my short list as well, but what sold me on MetalCloak was a memory of how it transformed a JK. The articulation was nutty and the ride was silent and awesomely planted. I'll be giving my impressions and plan to hit trails that I've already done again so I can compare.Likewise for me, but I'm debating between MC (2.5 probably), AEV, and Dynatrac.
Why 3.5 over 2.5?Those were my on my short list as well, but what sold me on MetalCloak was a memory of how it transformed a JK. The articulation was nutty and the ride was silent and awesomely planted. I'll be giving my impressions and plan to hit trails that I've already done again so I can compare.
My regret is that I've not gotten to Moab stock first. So I will not be able to compare that, but I'll do my best.