ProspectorTim

Nice!

I'm looking at Jeeps - but not a NEW one.
I'm looking for something I can use as a daily driver (park the diesel dually when I'm not HAULING something), and be able to "explore" forest service roads in Colorado.

I think I want something like This, but wonder if I should get a stock one and do the upgrades or take my chances that one that already has this kind of stuff might be abused.

Would this be a good choice? (I honestly don't know much about Jeeps, other than they are usually in the way when I'm ATVing!)
Does the price seem ok?

streetsmoker

It's a tad high, but well within the normal range of prices with those mods. That particular Jeep with those types of rims probably never got wheeled hard. Main this to look at is underneath the Jeep Where rocks are likely to hit the low spots. Take a close look at the skid plate, lower control arms, diff covers, and rear shock mounts. If they are dented and scraped up, you know it's been wheeled. Even then, I wouldn't shy away from buying it...........just gives you a case to talk down the asking price. These things are tougher than you think, and as long as everything is tight and works properly.........then you know it's been well maintained even of it has been wheeled. Try to look for one with a Dana44 rear end though..........you'll save yourself alot of headaches in the long run.

I would much rather buy a Jeep that has a few "character" marks dents and dings that was owned by a dedicated off-roader who takes pride and care in his rig, than a pristine pavement pounder owned by a clueless person that has never left the blacktop. In my experience, those are the ones which give you more problems once you start working them hard the way they were built to work.

ProspectorTim

Another friend suggested that I limit my search to 1997 or newer, because that is when they switched fro leaf springs to coil springs. What is your opinion on that?

What are "features" that I should look for or avoid?

streetsmoker

He's right. Stick with the post '97 years. If going with auto, realize they didn't have overdrive until 2003 I believe. Stay away from the 4cyl, and do your best to find one with a rear Dana44. In the earlier years, it was a stand alone option and quite rare. Later on, especially after about 2001, they became part of the off-road group option package. Rubicons, are most sought after and more than just stickers. On those, you got a 4to1 t-case, Dana44 front&rear with ARB type selectable lockers and 4.11 gears. Along with a few other upgrades as well.

Everything else, is personal preference. I personally like the long wheel base option they offered only from 2004-2006 and are all called the Unlimited model. Hardtop, soft top........manual/auto, its all up to you what you want.

sloth

the rubis also come with a 6spd

streetsmoker

Only for 2005 and 2006.........and for all jeep models, not just the Rubicon. But, in 2001 they did upgrade from the AX-15 to the much better NV-3550 5spd.

sloth

learn something new everday i suppose

ProspectorTim

Good info, Thanks!
I'm also studying this page
Jeep Wrangler

ProspectorTim

Man this thread is DEAD!

Y'all wake up!

2141pete

Holy cow it is dead in here!!!!!!!!!!
I did get rid of my blue truck a while back. I guess I could show the new truck

sloth

ive heard stories about your "old man truck", she looks good, id like to see it in action

2141pete

Aaaaah it's nothing special. It is actually in pieces in the shop right now waiting for a new timing cover seal to get here in the mail.

hawaiianbro

Badass rig man. I'll look for ya cruisin around Gulfport.

2141pete

It's all back together now and I'm out and about in it a few times a week. If you see me make sure to say hey!!!!!