Retirees...a ride question.

[2nd 392]

I had just checked on eBay and there are a lot of SRT front seats. Time to investigate a little further

A quick look and it appears that they will mount if the spacing is the same (standard ?). Naturally the screws appear to come up from the bottom to make it more difficult. Except front center.

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[richk225]

If you looked on eBay did you notice that some seats had a lean to them? I’m sure it has to do with the mounting position compared to a Wrangler. I started looking at some aftermarket seats too from several high end manufactures and there are a lot of choices there too. Extreme terrain has quite a few available but how do you find a place to try them out? PRB,Corbeau, looking for manual slider adjustment, heated and possible vented and no other electronic adjustments, butt again lol, how do you know how it’s going to feel, stationary is one thing but on the road and trail is another story.

 

[sixspeed]

I am asking retirees since we most often worry about ride quality and I need an opinion.

My wife's 2 door 2018 S (see avatar) is now in darn near showroom shape after all the repairs. She's going to trade it in in 2 years for her new car. When I retire in 2 years, I thought with 2 years more depreciation, I'd buy it from her and keep it in the family. Us it as my retirement daily driver. But the ride is OEM with 35s. A bit harsh and bouncy. It has 5" less wheelbase than my Renegade. And my 6 speed Renegade rides far better as a DD, but has to go then.

Guess my question is... if it's likely to be your last vehicle, would you buy a 8 YO Wrangler in perfect shape but breaks your teeth with its Wrangler ride, OR not have it as a retiree's DD. One option is to soften the ride on a retirees budget.

Opinions?

I am 68 and have gotten used to all of the quirks and ride issues with a Rubicon. Ask me again in 10 (or 5) years.

I think having an older model in very good shape would be fun and have a good resale value if you ever got rid of it.

 

[DogsRule]

Thanks all for the replies. Lots of ideas. FYI... I did another quick look at the tires and she's got P285/70R17 BUT its an "Standard Load" SL 4-ply tire. Not a C or E range. Sumitomo Encounter AT. Amazing. Never woulda figured. The wheels are Fuel Titans but -12 backspace. Not a huge face that far out. So I think in 2 years, I'll get it from her for $20k and put on softer shock. Son's at Summit Racing and he says Fox shocks. Figure out which at that time. Past that, I'll just enjoy the ride so long as she goes strait and true.

I’d have to agree with that advice. Shocks and tires play the most important role in handling and feel. Find a nice plush shock (I hear people say the Rubi Fox shocks are too soft, might be a start) then find some nice all season type of tire and enjoy the ride.

That's the plan!

Not knowing all the details that play into your hypothetical question I'd say if you're a 63 y/o retiring in 2 years this will allmost certainly not be your last vehicle. Money reasons aside, I'd say if you enjoy owning the Jeep, ride quality and all, then buy it and enjoy it. If it was never your cup of tea then buy what will make you happy! You'll be retired and should celebrate by driving whatever you want!
My biggest concern is you state a lot of repairs went into the Jeep already. Perhaps unloading it on a dealer is best at this point.

Well, 10 years ago the Drs said I had 5 years. I can't fold into and race the Subarus anymore, the 6speed Renegade's been great for a DD, but at least the Wrangler I don't hit my head climbing up and in.
Most all of the repairs have been recalls and bad PO management, but I'll give them credit for a great choice in the tires. Just wish they were Rubi offset.

I'm retired and old. Been a jeep man all my life.Another thing to consider is as mentioned above getting in and out of your vehicle. I. personally prefer to pull up or step up into a vehicle. It's a lot easier on your knees and lower back. Over the years of getting in and out of my low sports cars and work cars, has taken its tole . Don't know your age but every year we all get older and things just happen.

Yup. See above.

If you’re confident with its reliability, I’d keep it. You know what you have.

Another BIG factor. I know this thing inside and out. Can't find another used car like that in near new condition.

First thing you should do is check your tire PSI and drop it down to 30 or 32 and that alone will change your ride quality. What tires are you running C Range?
What tires are you running 315/70/17 or 35x12.50x17?

285/70R17 51max, 35 on the placard, but the chalk test says 29# and that's where she runs best.

A Sport with limited slip and decent tires will go pretty much anywhere (except “extreme” off road), rides decent and has plenty of space with the back seat removed.

Thankfully she has the ltd slip rear but with 4 ply she'd ride nice but after Moab I'm not sure they'd be the same tires getting me home.

Its a JL and I have owned 2 JLRs both with 35s and I think its a comfortable ride. I also have a spine full from top to bottom with Arthritis...from carrying 150 lbs on my back half my life in the US Army Infantry. When was the last time you replaced your SHOCKS?

Boy's setting me up with some Fox soon as I get the wife's diamond grip off owning it. In the 40's my Dad carried a heavy 30 across half of Europe and he liked stepping up into the cab. He calls my JL a "GP". Says the seats are better now.

I think having an older model in very good shape would be fun and have a good resale value if you ever got rid of it.

I'll keep her to wrench on forever and the kids can fight over it. They won't fight for the Renegade. So I think I'll keep her and get some Foxs on there. Make a great retiree's friend.

 

[Old Jeeper]

Thanks all for the replies. Lots of ideas. FYI... I did another quick look at the tires and she's got P285/70R17 BUT its an "Standard Load" SL 4-ply tire. Not a C or E range. Sumitomo Encounter AT. Amazing. Never woulda figured. The wheels are Fuel Titans but -12 backspace. Not a huge face that far out. So I think in 2 years, I'll get it from her for $20k and put on softer shock. Son's at Summit Racing and he says Fox shocks. Figure out which at that time. Past that, I'll just enjoy the ride so long as she goes strait and true.


That's the plan!


Well, 10 years ago the Drs said I had 5 years. I can't fold into and race the Subarus anymore, the 6speed Renegade's been great for a DD, but at least the Wrangler I don't hit my head climbing up and in.
Most all of the repairs have been recalls and bad PO management, but I'll give them credit for a great choice in the tires. Just wish they were Rubi offset.


Yup. See above.


Another BIG factor. I know this thing inside and out. Can't find another used car like that in near new condition.


285/70R17 51max, 35 on the placard, but the chalk test says 29# and that's where she runs best.


Thankfully she has the ltd slip rear but with 4 ply she'd ride nice but after Moab I'm not sure they'd be the same tires getting me home.


Boy's setting me up with some Fox soon as I get the wife's diamond grip off owning it. In the 40's my Dad carried a heavy 30 across half of Europe and he liked stepping up into the cab. He calls my JL a "GP". Says the seats are better now.


I'll keep her to wrench on forever and the kids can fight over it. They won't fight for the Renegade. So I think I'll keep her and get some Foxs on there. Make a great retiree's friend.

By the time Vietnam rolled Infantry was a bitch:

Typical rucksack for Infantry, 1st Cav weighed 151 lbs. In that 151 you have a small pouch with letters from home, some shaving gear and that was about it, maybe 3-4 lbs.

So how did it get to 150 lbs?

Every man carried the same things:
81mm mortar, Willy Pete, HE, and a nite light (81 with a parachute and a burning bush to light up the battlefield around us)

2 Claymore mines
300 rds of ammo loaded into about 20 mags

2 Prick 25 radio batteries

1 Belt 7.62 MG 100 rd belt

2-3 canteens of water

4-6 hand grenades

4-6 trip wire X2 with flares and HE

C Rats

Set of Rucksack shoulder straps, we could wear out a set in 30 days

4 flashlight batteries

40mm Granade rds x 10


On and on: WHY? you get scattered when hit so everyone needs everything in order to resupply, the mortars and dead batteries (we changed Prick 25 batteries every 24 hr or less if we were under fire, every 12 hr.

The average weight of an Infantry combat soldier was 147 lbs. We carried on our back as much as we weighed.

The rucksack combat weight has remained at 151 lbs +/- 7 lbs since Vietnam as per 3 studies done over the years...

 

[roaniecowpony]

My guess is that a Jeep won't be your last ride. Many people live a couple decades after retiring. As we age, physical limitation dictate activities. At 68, I have no illusions that I'll always be hopping up in my jeep that is fully 6" higher than when it was a stock Rubicon. Likely, I'll sell it to make way for something that is low enough to sit down in easily, when my mobility is limited.

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