Old timer advice

[agpr2016]

HALF DOORS

By far my biggest regret was not buying these factory. Got lucky to pick up a brand new set for a good price and was up for a road trip. Still had to have them painted, though. If you decide you don't really want them or won't use them, you can unload them to a forum member for the cost of the option (if not more) in a heartbeat.

Also, if you're not sure what you're going to do with it, I would get the most capability you can reasonably afford. Beefier axles and lockers are a lot more convenient (and potentially more cost effective) from the factory AND it preserves your warranty. If you don't know that you want the Rubicon, the new Willys with front/rear Dana 44's, and a rear locker is a killer value option, and I may have considered this route had it been available.

And if you're going manual, 4.88's! Have yet to hear anyone regret the lower factory gearing.

Half doors are probably the only add on package I will get with the Jeep. They truly are priceless!

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[agpr2016]

So now that we know you’re heading toward a manual and factory lockers, these will be useful for you:

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...testing-by-advanced-clutch-technology.111416/

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/act-jp6-hdss-clutch-kit-install-review.114460/

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...-manual-jeep-wranglers-and-gladiators.109588/

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/locker-position-sensor-potting-dana-44.59581/

Assuming you can still get a 3.6 without eTorque (I sure hope so):

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/jumperless-aux-battery-bypass.95945/

Also assuming you don’t want to use ESS, especially if you take the AUX out of the picture per above, you will want:

https://www.smartstopstart.com/ (Steve is on the forum and gives us a discount)

If you will have any desire for a programmer, you’ll want:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JFRFJG6

https://ecri.app/products/ecri-security-module-bypass-2018-jeep-ram

https://jeepsnapcaps.com/products/c...azer-and-security-gateway-bypass-module-mount

https://www.zautomotive.com/product/z_sgw_ext/

https://jscan.net/

Lastly, here is the note I keep on my iPhone to help me remember important maintenance things:

Engine Oil
5q 0w20

Transmission & T-Case
ATF+4 - 5qts total

Diff
75w140 - 3qts
"Flex Fill" bags are the way to go:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08KB5LTJM/

Oil Filter
MOPAR MO-349 68191349AB/AC
Mobil 1: M1C-456A



Air Filter
MOPAR 68257030AA
WIX WP10371
Fram CF12450

Cabin Filter
MOPAR 68301863AA

Sockets
22mm lugs
13mm drain plug
24mm oil filter cap (torque to 18lbs - too tight and it'll crack)
8mm air filter
Torque diff drains to 25lbs

UConnect
Pull F97 to reset
Hold driver's side temperature up, temperature down and front defrost buttons simultaneously to enter dealer mode (to see version numbers)

Hold the power and tune buttons together for about 15 seconds and release, then hit the power button again to reboot the system. (Or hold volume and tune?)

JEEP FACTORY DIRECT LINE# 877-426-5337

TSBs
TSB 18-092-19 Needed so Jeep will crank on second try if AUX is dead. Don't say ESS because that TSB doesn't mention it. Say the A/C fan is too loud.

ESS AUX Battery
Pull fuse F42 (10a) and AUX battery negative cable to remove AUX from operation.


Main Battery
Northstar 48 or Odyssey 94R (94R only confirmed to fit Rubicon with tow package)

Tires
BFG KO2 (stock - 285/70-17)
BFG KO2 315/70r17 KO2 (wider)

Fuse Array
68368854AA - 100 Amp (tow package)

Locker Sensors
68544629AA Sensor Kit, Axle

Fix seat if it won't recline
68485522AA Insert-Seat Position Return
68485519AA Insert-Seat Position Return

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...ld-and-lock-into-position-june-20-2019.34614/

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...ld-and-lock-into-position-june-20-2019.34614/

Jeep Wrangler JL Gladiator Factory OEM Stainless Lug Nuts (Set Of 5) 6509422AA

This comment is the greatest gift I've gotten today ?? knowledge is power. Thank you!!!

 

[agpr2016]

Got him! ?

My only advice would be don’t buy the base model in hopes of building it up to be something else. By the time you do lift, led lights, upgrades to audio equipment, power doors, etc. you’ll be into it way more than you would’ve if you’d just bought the next model up.

Also, don’t listen to a single person on here about gearing until you’ve driven one yourself.

Thank you.

 

[Blues Fan 30]

Don't ever join a Jeep forum.

This has been the most expensive free membership ever.

 

[dz6t]

I bought my 2nd Wrangler in October 23, after owning and still own a 18 JL.
Here is my list:
1. List out all the options you need now, then buy them from the factory, such as Select Track (4H auto). The Sport S trim is very well equipped, the 4xe Sport S trim is more like the Sahara for gas only models. The idea is to buy factory options as much as possible.

2. The 4xe is entirely different beast than gas only models, if you don’t want to pay for the 392, 4xe still can give you the 470 lb-ft of torque.

3. With the complex design of JL Wranglers, don’t expect to do a lot of mechanical modification and still expect reliability. JL in stock form is pretty reliable, once you show it a wrench, it falls apart.

 

[Eyeball]

3. Purchase the Wrangler for yourself, not for the next owner. Don't think or worry about resale valuations until it's necessary to do so.

This!

 

[Koolkarguy]

Find yourself a really nice low mileage, one owner TJ, and never look back! ?

I was waiting for that I have 2 Gladiators, 2 Jk's and a Jlu a 1978 Cj7 but my Tj was always my favorite still is been looking for a nice one since the day after I sold my last one

 

[Koolkarguy]

For those that have had their jeeps for a while and have been a part of the forum community for a long time, what advice would you give to those looking to order their first Jeep within the next year or two?

What's something you would have done differently in your Jeep journey?

Obviously how we order our wranglers from the factory and how we MOD it depends on our end goals which are individual and differ from others, but still, what's the most important thing you have learned that would benefit new comers?

I would say as I have owned 30 + Jeeps find out how your gonna drive it and the end purpose and order accordingly. Look for things that will get you more smiles per mile mine are automatic a loud color good stereo and ecodiesel I can build from there lol Good luck getting your new Jeep

 

[wibornz]

Two-door, manual trans, 4.88 gearing and 3.6L is the answer. I don't remember the question, but that's the answer.

That sounds great until you do big rough steep climbs that require a longer wheel base and start and stops during the climb or you plan to hook up to a camper that weighs 3000 pounds and is longer than your 2dr and then tow it across the country.


This is why it is important to evaluate what you plan to do with your Jeep.

 

[Bandit59]

Also, buy some ducks. You'll make most other Jeep owners smile and piss off the rest. Both are gratifying.

Yes I have a bad full. Haven’t gave out many but received some also. Always enjoy doing both

 

[driventoadventure]

Check out your local car rental agencies - see if you can rent one for a week or so, both during the Rainy season and the less rainy season you get down there. That will really let you personally experience one.

 

[NWJeepr]

My advice?

Enjoy the hell out of your Jeep. You can't buy a wrong one and they're all plenty capable, right from the factory. The rest is all preference and small details.

Save all the money you can. There's no sense in owning a Jeep if you can't afford to put gas in it, enjoy it, and go amazing places with it.

 

[wibornz]

Jeeps are vary capable stock and good for most trails and off road situation. With that said, buy it for what you anticipate to do with it. My plan is always to built it to the point that I routinely use about 70% of the vehicle capacity. Why, 70%.... Well this then lead to higher reliability (I would hate to walk 60 miles out of the desert or mountains) and you are less likely to break down or get stranded. Also at 70% of capacity, you still have room to push it if needed occasionally.

The 70% capacity does change as you modify your Jeep. for instance 70% capacity of a stock Jeep is different than a Jeep on 37s or Jeep on 40s, and so on.


What I am saying is have a plan, know what you are wanting to do and then build it with just a bit more capacity as your plans may change. Then plan epic Jeep trips.

 

[CaJLMetalHead]

I'm considering a two door 3.6L manual soft top. Will be a daily driver and very moderate off road use.

In all honesty a Sport would suffice, the 3.45 gearing however has me worried based off the comments from the other forum members.

Get a Rubicon model, don't waste money upgrading the axles on a Sport model... the Rubicon model has stronger, wider and better geared axles, better geared transfer case, lockers, Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect... if you buy a Sport and then start mudding /off-roading, then you will quickly start wanting bigger tires, lockers, sway bar disconnect, lower geared transfer case, etc...

You will already have all the mechanical advantages on a Rubicon model, but trying to upgrade a Sport model or even a Willis model to Rubicon levels will cost you a lot of $$$, time, frustration, and even then it will never be a Rubicon.. LOL. ... just my two rusted cents..

 

[AcesandEights]

... even a Willis model ...

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