BajaNomad

Jeep Unlimited-I'm shopping around

Hook - 1-9-2008 at 11:29 AM

Can anyone give me their opinions on the Unlimited models of the Wrangler? I understand they have an 8 inch longer wheel base and more cargo capacity behind the rear seat. Are there any other options associated with this or is it dependent on which model (X, Sport, Sahara, Rubicon) this chassis is on?

Is the on-highway ride in the Unlimiteds considerable better, all other things being equal (shocks, wheels, tires, suspension)?

I am looking at a Sport Unlimited that has a 6 speed manual, 4.56 gears in front and back, 35 inch tires. It also has some aftermarket modification to the steering up front to accommodate the increased tire and wheel sizing. Is that very advantageous? I'm also concerned at how well the power steering pump will handle the increased turning friction, the weight up front (also has an aftermarket bumper up front that is heavier). Is this an issue?

This is a later model Wrangler with the four coils. It's got a Pro Comp 4 inch lift on it. What is the ride gonna be like on the highway with this setup? I dont plan on driving great distances with it............just commuting my 7 miles and toodling around on dirt roads in the desert and mtns.
Will it beat the living crap out of me if I take it over 100 miles on road? Of course I plan on test driving this thing.

Any issues with these manual trannys OTHER THAN THE SYNCRO RECALL THAT THE OWNER ALLUDED TO?

In fact, this is a 2005 model. Any issues with these I should know about? Owner claims that this year has a TRANSFERABLE 8yr/100k drivetrain warranty that is not offered in later models. True or false?

Finally, the owner talked about some kind of driveshaft or driveshaft coupler modification it has that he says solves the problem of a lifted tranny/transfer case being higher than the pumpkins in front and back. What is that thing?

Thanks for any advice..............and I hope the moderator wont delete this purely offroad post.

If so, I'd like to add the question of how this might handle on the Pole Line Road?...........:biggrin:

David K - 1-9-2008 at 12:14 PM

Hook, as a former Jeep owner (but still a big fan) I would seriously consider the Rubicon package to make it more off road ready from the get-go. Do check out http://www.Jeep.com to look at it (new models, of course). The Wrangler TJ became even bigger in '07 with the introduction of the JK model and the longer Unlimited now has four doors.

See Ken Cooke's trip report photos from his Baja Grande, Mission Impossible, and Pole Line Road group trips... seems to me there was an Unlimited Wrangler in there.




[Edited on 1-9-2008 by David K]

Hook - 1-9-2008 at 12:32 PM

I should have mentioned that I am not in the market for a new one, David. I never buy new unless they are about giving them away.

Definitely considering the older two-door Unlimiteds.

David K - 1-9-2008 at 12:44 PM

Understood, however the longer Unlimited wasn't made on the YJ (square headlights) Wrangler, just on the more recent TJ (round lights) Wrangler as an option. The Rubicon was available on the TJ Unlimited...

Bob H - 1-9-2008 at 12:55 PM

Does anyone know what year the last Jeep with a V-8 motor was made? I'd look for one of those if you can find one.
Bob H

Hook - 1-9-2008 at 01:10 PM

190 horses in a vehicle that light is plenty of power for me, Bob. It's not about going fast; it's about getting there...........wherever THERE happens to be. I think gearing and traction stop Jeeps long before lack of power does.

Besides, I thought all the V-8s in the Wrangler style were drop-ins and generally only fit in the really old ones. The ones with crappy suspensions.

David K - 1-9-2008 at 01:15 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bob H
Does anyone know what year the last Jeep with a V-8 motor was made? I'd look for one of those if you can find one.
Bob H


1986 was the last year of the CJ Jeep (CJ-7) and the 304 (5.0 litre) V-8 was available in the CJ-5 and CJ-7 (usually the Renegade models). Baja Angel had a 1979 CJ-5 Renegade V-8. I think 1981 was the final year for the CJ-5.

The new, wider, square headlight 1987 YJ Wranagler and later Wranglers did not offer a V-8.

Cypress - 1-9-2008 at 01:45 PM

Jeeps are like those Timex watches, they just keep on going.:)

Hook - 1-9-2008 at 02:22 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Cypress
Jeeps are like those Timex watches, they just keep on going.:)


Yeah, but my kidneys dont. I want coils on all four wheels!!:lol:

Cypress - 1-9-2008 at 02:27 PM

Hook! That's a good point to consider.:)

Ken Cooke - 1-9-2008 at 08:56 PM

The Unlimited LJ rides much, much more smoothly than does the short-wheelbase TJ. The difference is night & day. I know this because I drove this rig pictured below.


This is Victor Chacon's LJ pictured just south of the Summit road in December '07. It has 4" of Rubicon Express suspension lift and 35" Mickey Thompson MTZ tires. You won't get the "head bob" on the freeway since the wheelbase is much longer, tameing those inherent Jeep characteristics. The coil suspension is soft and is not bumpy like the front and rear leaf spring suspensions of yesteryear.

Mickey Thompson 35" MTZ Tires on Pole Line Road.


That's Victor in front & TW in the back the day before he trashed his rig:


As for steering, you definitely need this beefed in order to run 35" tires. Tires of this size require 1-ton running gear.

That's Victor and I posing in front of his 7-foot tall Rubicon :bounce:


There aren't any issues with the manual trannys to worry about. I drive my '03 DAILY and with 85,000 mi., the vehicle is very dependable and has not given me any trouble. Not with the transmission, nada. I do have the fluids changed regularly as anyone should.

Your Jeep won't beat you up on a 100 mile drive. I take mine to Tijuana and it doesn't hurt my back or neck. I run Load Range 'C' tires at 30 p.s.i. with MX-6 ProComp adjustable shocks. The front axle is set to 'medium' and the rear axle is set to 'soft' - I run the shocks valved for the HARDTOP application.

Your modified driveshaft relates to there being a new fixed yoke output shaft at the transfer case instead of the slip yoke unit that came standard with the 'X' model. The Fixed Yoke is stronger, and the CV-style driveshaft allows for you to run the transfer case elevated rather than dropped which will provide additional clearance on the trail.

The Chassis is the same with the 'X' as with the Sahara and the Rubicon. These are just equipment packages.

The aftermarket bumper and winch will add another ~200# to your frontend. Your coil suspension will soak this up, but will cause the frontend to sag if there are not coil spring spacers up front or or the ACOS Adjustable Coil Over Spacer system. If the rear is matched with the frontend, there's nothing to worry about. This is just a cosmetic issue, nothing more.

I don't know about there being a transferrable warranty. Check with the dealership to verify.

Pole Line Road? This rig will run the Pole Line Road without any breakage - provided that you do not do anything 'SPECTACULAR' for everyone to watch (i.e. - jumping your rig off of boulders, etc.).

As for me leading additional Baja runs, my days are numbered. My soon-to-be esposa in Colombia is already costing me lots of Colombian pesos, and this is coming out of my "Off-Roading General Fund". :biggrin: I'll keep everyone here posted while this develops...

Hook - 1-9-2008 at 10:17 PM

Thanks, Ken. Very helpful info.

Now, what is the guy trying to show me here?


Ken Cooke - 1-9-2008 at 10:26 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
Thanks, Ken. Very helpful info.

Now, what is the guy trying to show me here?




JKS swaybar disconnects with frame-mount in place, 35" X-Terrain tires, steering dampener, Currie(?) steering componentry, and possibly extended bumpstops. That's my guess...

Hook - 1-10-2008 at 03:47 PM

So, are all the things you mentioned with respect to that photo a good thing?

I plan on giving it a look-see this Saturday, if it isnt sold. Anything else I should look for?

Ken Cooke - 1-10-2008 at 05:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
So, are all the things you mentioned with respect to that photo a good thing?

I plan on giving it a look-see this Saturday, if it isnt sold. Anything else I should look for?


Possible issues:
Beefed up brakes - 35" tires will need additional stopping power.

How is the steering? Does it track straight? What aftermarket steering componentry does it have?

Upgraded axles? Dana 35 (front) housing? It will need beefier axle shafts - Alloy, Superior, Yukon, etc. Dana 44 (rear) housing? It will also need stronger axle shafts. Does rear axle have Limited Slip? Locking differential? If so, which one? ARB (best), OX Locker (next-best), Detroit (very good, but full-time, not selectable like ARB or OX).

Shock absorbers: They all work well, but ask what have been installed. Old Man Emu ride smoothly, as do Fox Racing, Edlebrock, Pro-Comp MX-series.

That's about it. With the economy the way it is, don't worry about it already being sold - unless he is asking $10,000.00 for the entire package. People selling Jeeps try to make it sound like you are landing the deal of a lifetime with their pampered pets. Don't fall for the b.s. Just negotiate and ask to see receipts on work completed, maintenance records, etc. Call me on the cell phone if you have any additional question. PM me for my number.

-Ken

Ken Cooke - 1-20-2008 at 10:45 AM

So...did you get it??

Hook - 1-20-2008 at 11:01 AM

I did. It's an 05 Unlimited Sport with a hardtop. Very street oriented, really, no off road accessories.

Didn't like how the one's tricked out for offroad road. Hated the way they "walked around" on pavement as well as the way the tires seemed to absorb responsiveness of the drivetrain. Remember, this will not become my wife's commuter vehicle for the next 6 months till we hope to retire.

REALLY love the added space compared to my friends' standard wheelbase Jeeps.

Ken Cooke - 1-20-2008 at 12:33 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
I did. It's an 05 Unlimited Sport with a hardtop. Very street oriented, really, no off road accessories.

Didn't like how the one's tricked out for offroad road. Hated the way they "walked around" on pavement as well as the way the tires seemed to absorb responsiveness of the drivetrain. Remember, this will not become my wife's commuter vehicle for the next 6 months till we hope to retire.

REALLY love the added space compared to my friends' standard wheelbase Jeeps.


Congratulations. The ride is better than the short wheelbase Jeeps, also, the straight axle is both sturdy and easy to align. Those bigger tires do absorb input from the throttle and can make braking are more difficult. With the hard top, dust will not be a problem as with a soft top messing up the zipper element.

Hook - 1-21-2008 at 10:25 AM

Ken, after test driving several in my search, it seems that many suffer from a looseness in the steering that, based on other vehicles I've driven, seems like a failing steering stabilizier/dampener. One late model Rubicon I drove actually developed a serious front wobble while decelerating on an offramp in neutral. It felt just like the issues I've experienced in older VW bugs.

Do the Jeeps have steering stabilizer issues? Mine appear to be stock, as well as the shocks which are also shot after 40k miles. I'll be upgrading the shocks in the next two weeks.

Ken Cooke - 2-5-2008 at 08:40 PM

Got any photos of your new baby???

Hook - 2-5-2008 at 09:55 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ken Cooke
Got any photos of your new baby???


I dont yet. Been outfitting it with acoutrements. Got some seat vests, installed the basic Bilsteins (what a difference, no steering or ride issues now!), Huskyliner floor mats fore and aft, a Bestop Windjammer, a mesh top, a 2 inch receiver in back, arm rests. My tow bar for towing it behind the F350 arrives tomorrow. Bought a HT tri-band ham radio today and will mount an external antenna next week in prep for a stock "assault" on the washes around Vallecito wash in Borrego on Prez Day weekend.

One rather embarrasing thing...............it's frickin' Oakland Raider colors; silver and black. :fire:

I plan on wearing my Bolts hat 24/7 whenever I'm in it. :lol:

Ken Cooke - 2-5-2008 at 10:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
Quote:
Originally posted by Ken Cooke
Got any photos of your new baby???
One rather embarrasing thing...............it's frickin' Oakland Raider colors; silver and black. :fire:

I plan on wearing my Bolts hat 24/7 whenever I'm in it. :lol:


Silver and Black looks great on Jeeps. Just...whatever you do...don't put anything with CHROME on it...please?

Hook - 2-5-2008 at 11:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ken Cooke
Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
Quote:
Originally posted by Ken Cooke
Got any photos of your new baby???
One rather embarrasing thing...............it's frickin' Oakland Raider colors; silver and black. :fire:

I plan on wearing my Bolts hat 24/7 whenever I'm in it. :lol:


Silver and Black looks great on Jeeps. Just...whatever you do...don't put anything with CHROME on it...please?


Nope.......no chrome. Never been a chrome guy.

Although I reserve the right to upgrade to some type of brushed aluminum looking wheels. :smug:

Pics this weekend after all the installs.

Ken Cooke - 2-5-2008 at 11:11 PM

There's lots of great wheels out there. Heres a nice-looking pair...

Hook - 2-5-2008 at 11:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ken Cooke
There's lots of great wheels out there. Heres a nice-looking pair...



UHH...........they look kinda CHROMEY to me, Ken. :lol:

I am averse to anything that shines.

jeeps

jimgrms - 2-6-2008 at 03:32 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
Ken, after test driving several in my search, it seems that many suffer from a looseness in the steering that, based on other vehicles I've driven, seems like a failing steering stabilizier/dampener. One late model Rubicon I drove actually developed a serious front wobble while decelerating on an offramp in neutral. It felt just like the issues I've experienced in older VW bugs.

Do the Jeeps have steering stabilizer issues? Mine appear to be stock, as well as the shocks which are also shot after 40k miles. I'll be upgrading the shocks in the next two weeks. [/qute/}


Hook jeeps with lifts if not done properly will get the death wobble more times than not usually caused by installing cheap mickey mouse componets

Hook - 2-6-2008 at 06:01 PM

The strange thing is, Jim, the one with the death wobble as you call it was an 05 Rubicon Unlimited that was stock, near as I could tell.

Of course, the fact that it was a Rubicon maybe takes it out of the stock category. I assume Rubicons come with some kind of lift?

Ken Cooke - 2-6-2008 at 07:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
Of course, the fact that it was a Rubicon maybe takes it out of the stock category. I assume Rubicons come with some kind of lift?


The TJ/LJ coil springs are a higher rate, and they settle with an additional 1" of clearance to cover the 31" metric tires. 1" is still 1" - not enough to make a dent in clearance. When I went from 33" tires down to 31" tires, I felt handcuffed to the road. What a horrible affliction I thought. Now, I'm running 5" of lift on my Rubicon with 33s and I'm kinda satisfied.

Crossing the swamp at Mission Santa Maria - Nov. '07

Pic from this past weekend

Hook - 2-26-2008 at 12:32 PM

The Dropoff between Seco del Diablo and Fish Creek.

Yup, I'm going UP it after going down it.

[Edited on 2-26-2008 by Hook]

dropoff.jpg - 48kB

Hook - 2-26-2008 at 12:34 PM

The narrow defile below The Dropoff.

[Edited on 2-26-2008 by Hook]

dropoff canyon.jpg - 45kB

David K - 2-26-2008 at 02:23 PM

Nice!

Ken Cooke - 2-26-2008 at 08:58 PM

Looks like you're getting youre money's worth out of that stock Jeep!