Thinking the unthinkable

[aldo98229]

"I don’t like Subarus; they look like shit" I was going to suggest a WRX. They are quick, nimble and easy on fuel. I have owned 3 of them between '02 and '22. From the inside, while driving they look pretty good.

Sponsored

 

[aldo98229]

Then It’d a shame if you got rid of that prefect Jeep of yours, I mean you took it next level with regearing and all….. and I believe that just like me, it is totally paid for, so just imagine the price your build would cost today on a 2023.

Maybe we get bored when we are technically ‘’done’’ with a build with nothing to look forward to mod wise. I know I tend to… that’s what happened to most of my toys. Once done I get bored.

You have a totally awesome Jeep. Just enjoy it, even if it just means on occasions. The enjoyment will come back.

Been watching this thread because I am in a similar situation. While I don't have my wrangler anymore, I may be looking to get back into one. I've owned a golden eagle TJ, JKR, JKU, and recently a JLU. I loved each one and also fell out of love of each one. I loved the looks of all of them and the capability. I loved being able to drop the top, pop the panels off, or pushing a button with the SOT. I love not having to shovel the driveway or dig my car out of the city streets. I also loved that it was rugged that I could beat up on it. I love the aftermarket support, and the community. Out of the batch I've owned my worst one was my 07 JKU sahara because it had electrical gremlins.

Now while I did love them, there were things I absolutely hated that come with the territory of owning a Jeep. I hated not being able to hold a conversation at higher speeds, the rough ride wearing down on me when driving daily, lack of modern touches that the JL sort of addressed. Can't really change the MPG problem either.

I'd have a hard time picking my favorite because I love the space, and ability to carry people of the 4dr, but love the maneuverability of the 2dr. Looks were a moot point for me as I think each has their own distinctive characteristics. Part of why I sold my wranglers was because I was not doing wrangler things with them. The last 2 jeeps I owned didn't leave the pavement and they were probably the most capable ones. Thinking of planning a family has me locked into getting a 4dr again, but I think I'd pick a 2dr over a 4dr if it were just me and the wife.

Part of me wants to make a move into one now, but given the interest rates and crazy high pricing of wranglers now I may hold off. 60k for a similar trim JLUR that I owned back in 2019 is insane!! I can't see myself dropping that kind of cash for a wrangler. I also want to see what the refresh may bring along with trying the Bronco out. Also curious what the next gen 4runner will bring. Part of me is also looking back into the JK generation - one that I'm very familiar with but it's kind of hard to take a step back in tech and comforts when coming from the JL generation. As you can see I'm all over the place because I'm trying to find that perfect vehicle that combines practicality, reliability, fun, affordability, and utility... haha it's a lot to ask.

Anyway after my long winded story, maybe you'll find a way to relate and look at your wrangler in a new light. What did/do you love about it? Are you doing Jeep things with it? Do you want to do Jeep stuff with it?

Edit: The TJ was fun to drive and super maneuverable but hate that my foot kept getting caught in the tub. My 07JKU sucked ass b/c of the electrical gremlins and the 3.8 was a dog; 10 ruby red JKR manual was awesome - supercharged it but still didn't match the 3.6 pentastar imo; 12 JKR call of duty MWR edition was possibly my favorite jeep, I just hated black after a while; 19 JLUR 3.6L was my most loaded jeep ever and tied for my fav jeep so far - loved the SOT, auto starter, sharp looks, definitely needed that dead pedal from quadratec.

Yes. Both of you are right.

I just need to take a break and a deep breath, and all the things that I love about owning a Jeep will come right back.

 

[aldo98229]

I came to say, you can leave... but you'll be back.


Jeep ownership is like the mob, nobody can ever leave, at least not for long.


Maybe it's changed, but back in my CJ days, I'd frequently have random people coming up to me and talking about how they used to own a Jeep and how much they missed it.

Yes. Resistance is futile.

I’m hooked. Jeep has me by the balls...

“My name is Aldo and I am a Jeep-oholic.”

 

[2nd 392]

Yes. Resistance is futile.

I’m hooked. Jeep has me by the balls...

“My name is Aldo and I am a Jeep-oholic.”

“Hi Aldo”- from a fellow lifetime Jeeps Anonymous member. Since the mid 60’s I was on the no Jeep wagon for 6 years, using a GC as a crutch , our addiction has no cure.

 

[Bulletbill]

I’ve been trying to talk my wife into getting this little gem. Unfortunately, she doesn’t want me to have another project. Be a fun vehicle to fly out and grab and then road trip back to WA.

https://harrisburg.craigslist.org/cto/d/enola-1998-jeep-wrangler-40/7579401152.html

 

[Kyanche]

From reading what everyone else said, I have to wonder: Why not just switch out some of the mods and undo others, if you're looking to simplify things? It's probably still going to be cheaper than trading in. Why can't ya run stock tires with a 4.88 rear? :O

 

[2nd 392]

From reading what everyone else said, I have to wonder: Why not just switch out some of the mods and undo others, if you're looking to simplify things? It's probably still going to be cheaper than trading in. Why can't ya run stock tires with a 4.88 rear? :O

2165 rpm at 65 mph with 33’s, 2232 with 32’s, mpg would suffer, increased engine wear.

 

[Bergie1]

Buy a slightly used Mini. Jeep and minis are a thing.

 

[aldo98229]

Buy a slightly used Mini. Jeep and minis are a thing.

Actually, just the other day I saw a lightly used 2022 Clubman JCW with only 4,000 miles for $38,000!

That’s a far cry from the $51,000 the Mini dealer wanted for a new one.

 

[aldo98229]

From reading what everyone else said, I have to wonder: Why not just switch out some of the mods and undo others, if you're looking to simplify things? It's probably still going to be cheaper than trading in. Why can't ya run stock tires with a 4.88 rear? :O

According to charts I’ve seen, at 70 MPH the V6 would be cruising at 3,300 RPMs on 32-inch tires.

 

[2nd 392]

According to charts I’ve seen, at 70 MPH the V6 would be cruising at 3,300 RPMs on 32-inch tires.

Refigured numbers for manual (prior auto) at 70mph from the chart in gears section— 2583 rpm. What chart ( or my fuzzy math) is wrong. Although 3300 is close to my CJ on 33’s with 5.38’s and Warn OD. Nevertheless, 2583 is still too high.(if correct)

 

[Jebiruph]

You already have a sporty car that a 2 door JL can't compete with. What you need is one of these.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...mplete-shes-coming-together.31053/post-518338

 

[Opus]

Aldo, deep down you want a Jeep but you're searching for the feel of your Fiat... The 4-door just doesn't have the power and agility you're looking for. It's painfully obvious that the answer to your conundrum will be nothing short of a 2-door Sport with a 392 engine swap. Make the Jeep that Stellantis is too much of a pussy to make...

 

[aldo98229]

Refigured numbers for manual (prior auto) at 70mph from the chart in gears section— 2583 rpm. What chart ( or my fuzzy math) is wrong. Although 3300 is close to my CJ on 33’s with 5.38’s and Warn OD. Nevertheless, 2583 is still too high.(if correct)

Currently, at 75 MPH my JL cruises right at 2,500 RPMs on 4.88 gears and 35-inch tires.

 

[2nd 392]

Currently, at 75 MPH my JL cruises right at 2,500 RPMs on 4.88 gears and 35-inch tires.

Which would be ~ 2330 rpm at 70 mph, with a little over a 200 rpm difference between 32’s and 35’s (per chart). So ~2583 rpm at 70 mph, and I’m stickin to it ? fun project ?

Sponsored