Almost left it. Power steering pump started complaining. Had to come off the mountain in 2wd.You just left it sitting up there like that? How did you get home?
2 Ramchargers
Subaru Brat
Suzuki SJ410
Kia Sportage (Gen 1, body on frame, RWD/4WD/4WL)
3 Suzuki Sidekick/Geo Trackers
Does the Suzuki SX4 count?
It has AWD with a locking center differential
I like the JL, but if Suzuki was still in the US and they had a convertible Jimny, I probably would not own a Wrangler.
I am not a serious "wheeler" I just need 4WD/AWD capabilities and like going topless.
Love it, that old Jimmy looks like it took you on all kinds of adventures. Thanks for sharingFun thread. I never took the time to reflect on my 4wd history. I’ll list the vehicles that I truly put through the ringer off road. Started with an 87 GMC Jimmy. Special place in my heart for this one. First off-road trip was 3N93 in Big Bear. I didn’t know any better. Apparently now you can earn a badge for it. Completed it bone stock except for 33” tires. Then I was hooked and completed nearly every trail in the San Bernardino Mountains. I also explored the entire Baja peninsula with that thing, and man I went through a lot of tires.
Next up was/is a 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 Megacab. Not your typical off road vehicle, but being involved with search and rescue, it has taken me places it shouldn’t have gone. And most importantly, brought me back. And it has a 500+ mile range. Despite the 160” wheelbase (battleship) it performs amazingly well in varied terrain. The torque of the diesel is a joy off road. Obviously there were a few places that I couldn’t go mainly because of the turning radius. Discretion is the better part of valor, but this beast truly makes me grin when in 4L.
And now, the 2018 JL that I purchased in April of this year. No desert pinstripes yet. It’s still a baby, but looking forward to seeing what it can do. Friends ask “What are you going to do to it?” My response is always “Let’s see what it can’t do stock and add from there.”
and the cycle starts again, anew.I also have to say, I get it, albeit from a bit of a different angle. I got my first Wrangler in 2003 when I was 19. a few years later, i starting building. And going on trail rides with a local Jeep group. And building. and breaking. And building. and building some more. Getting more seat time on the trail. Choosing better lines. Following guys with way more built rigs to places that I had no buisness being, with a little TJ on 33's. Doing some Intro to off roading stuff with my Jeep club. I loved all of it.
I worked office jobs. Wrenching was a hobby for me. I ended up buying another vehicle (2, actually) to drive daily. But I would always come back to driving my Jeep. Friday? I should drive the Jeep to work. Snowing? Take the Jeep. Nice day? Take the Jeep. I don't want to get out of bed because I hate this job and it's going to be hell today? I could drive the Jeep- that might make it a little better. I'd peel out of my cubicle containment hell for the day, throw my backpack in my Jeep, pull the top down, and hammer out of the parking lot. Sometimes co-workers and neighbors would ask questions. Some assumed I had money and paid for all the work (I didn't). I'm sure some thought worse of me because I was in the driveway clanking and cursing every 10 minutes for at least 4 hours while trying to fix/ install something. Or I show up to work on Monday and the Jeep is still dirty from the trail I had just been on Sunday. I'd get looks. Some were envious. Some were curious. Some were scoffing. But I didn't care. Those people didn't get it.
Now, approaching middle age, with a wife and a son, and a totally different career in a technical field (fixing machines), I find myself here again- starting over, but this time with a strange new brightly colored Jeep (with 4 doors? what is this?). It may be a Rubicon, but won't see as much trail time as my TJ's did; Not due to lack of wanting, but lack of time thanks to career and family obligations that come first. I've spent money on parts to make it trail ready and I still haven't been on the trail. My wife argued I didn't need this one. I wouldn't be able to go out as often. I'm going to "ruin this Jeep like the last 2"- the last two were old Jeeps, and I was young and... not as wise. I drove them that way for a reason: because I liked pushing the envelope. This is easily the nicest vehicle I have ever owned. Still, I guess She doesn't get it, either. EDIT: She does... just isn't as enthusiastic about it because of my ham fisted driving of the last 2.
But your story, the reasons you got a Jeep? Those are the reasons I pulled the trigger on this one, knowing that Even if I can't spend as much time on the rocks in the mountains as I really want to, I'll at least be able to drop the top, and drive home at the end of a long shift. I'll be able to explore a little more. And maybe I'll be able to get back out there more often... with my son. Even though he's only 2, he loves dad's Jeep. He shouts and points out all the Jeeps whenever we are driving. He knows what a winch is and the sound it makes. He "Helped" me install mine last Thursday. He gets it too, I think. And that's reason enough for me.
Sorry for the long post.