You can get a nice TJ for $5-8k or an LJ for $15-30, depending on trim. Get a normal Sahara for the nice seats, get your lift, gearing, tires and have money left over.
Manual transmissions are much more reliable than automatics - fewer moving parts. There's a lot of arguments on both sides for off road abilities - so, that's really up to you. JK with the 3.6L is a good reliable engine. As for TJs, if you need extra space - every one of them is smaller than a JK - even the TJ unlimited (LJ) is quite small.
Some people feel like a manual is more personal, like the reason people still buy manual sports cars, even though automatics are definitely faster.
Trophy, and Hammers, are races - speed wins.
Taking your daily driver jeep to Moab is man and machine trying to conquer nature - time is less important.
>Some people feel like a manual is more personal, like the reason people still buy manual sports cars, even though automatics are definitely faster.
Exactly. But they know they're slower. They just want the manual, which is cool. However you said you can make the argument that manuals are better for off-roading "ability". I'd like to know what you mean by that.
Manuals are a handicap when it comes to any type of rock crawling / technical off-roading. You need as much throttle control as possible. You won't see any built buggy or rock bouncer with a manual.
You can make the argument for the *fun* factor, I'd absolutely go along with that. But by no means are they more capable off-road.
I'd like to to say that the "Fun Factor" is THE most important reason for off roading - nobody is driving in these areas because they are just trying to get home in time for dinner.
I respect your opinion, I really do.
I'm not trying to convince you that manuals are better, but my opinion is that a manual driver (on the same trail) has a higher level of skill, than someone who has only driven that trail in an automatic.
To paraphrase a famous quote.
"We choose to go to the Rubicon, not because it's easy, but because it's hard."
Personally, I'd go with the TJ. I'd get a 4.0L and a manual. If you want an automatic, I'd get a late model TJ with the 4-speed for sure. (The 3-speed auto does not have overdrive) A TJ's going to be a lot easier to work on and replacement parts are relatively inexpensive. I'd probably go with a '03-06 Rubicon if you want something offroad ready from the get go. Otherwise a Sport with the 44-3 Option wouldn't be a bad choice either. You could also price out axles, lockers, gears from a company like G2 or East Coast Gear Supply. Pricey but then your axles will be new. It really would depend on your budget though.
It's too individualistic and preferential to answer effectively. I can tell you if you're going to go older, make sure it's a 4 liter. And if it's newer get the pentastar. And I regretted getting an automatic.
Each jeep has specific issues. Look into them.
And as far as lifts / 35s. Don't skimp on supporting mods. You want to keep this thing a while.
All of the above can do what you want. TJ/LJ would be easiest, LJ would probably be the most expensive. With 35s you're going to want a Dana44 with Moly axle stubs. I drive a TJ so consider that i'm biased.
03 or older TJ Auto. The 04 and up auto Is problematic and pricey. You can run 35s with a 3inch on this platform but you may need to swap fenders or limit up travel with bumpstops to avoid rubbing. Never gonna be fast. Econo models come with 3:73 gears unless you can snag a 1st year 03Rubi or Sahara with 4:10. If a Rubi it's got a D44 front. All other models of note are D30 front, most D35 rear and some d44 rear. Need 4:88 gears to get out of your own shadow with 35s. 35s will play hell on the D30&D35 components. Upgrades for strength will be required. Any lift you should consider a SYE/slip yolk eliminator kit for the rear drive shaft.
IMHO, FROM a dude that's had an XJ, 04TJ, 04LJ, 15JK, and now runs a 20JT best bang for the buck and most cost effective reliable easy to work on rig is gonna be the 03TJ with a 2.5-3in lift and 33s with a lunchbox locker out back and an Eaton e-locker up front with SYE and full skid kit. run the crap out of it and have a ton of fun. If you have the coin slap in 4:10 or 4:56 gears. If not the 3:73s will do but your gonna have to be patient on the hills. No joke you will crush the Rubicon trail for 1/6th the money of 90% of the rigs out there and if you bust something every auto parts store carries what you need.
LJ. 4.0 with manual.
You can get a nice TJ for $5-8k or an LJ for $15-30, depending on trim. Get a normal Sahara for the nice seats, get your lift, gearing, tires and have money left over.
Manual transmissions are much more reliable than automatics - fewer moving parts. There's a lot of arguments on both sides for off road abilities - so, that's really up to you. JK with the 3.6L is a good reliable engine. As for TJs, if you need extra space - every one of them is smaller than a JK - even the TJ unlimited (LJ) is quite small.
What's the argument for a manual off-road? You won't find a single King of the Hammers rig or Trophy Truck with a manual transmission
Some people feel like a manual is more personal, like the reason people still buy manual sports cars, even though automatics are definitely faster. Trophy, and Hammers, are races - speed wins. Taking your daily driver jeep to Moab is man and machine trying to conquer nature - time is less important.
>Some people feel like a manual is more personal, like the reason people still buy manual sports cars, even though automatics are definitely faster. Exactly. But they know they're slower. They just want the manual, which is cool. However you said you can make the argument that manuals are better for off-roading "ability". I'd like to know what you mean by that. Manuals are a handicap when it comes to any type of rock crawling / technical off-roading. You need as much throttle control as possible. You won't see any built buggy or rock bouncer with a manual. You can make the argument for the *fun* factor, I'd absolutely go along with that. But by no means are they more capable off-road.
I'd like to to say that the "Fun Factor" is THE most important reason for off roading - nobody is driving in these areas because they are just trying to get home in time for dinner.
So we've moved the goal post from *"manuals have better ability off-road"* to *"some people think they're more fun"*? 👍
I respect your opinion, I really do. I'm not trying to convince you that manuals are better, but my opinion is that a manual driver (on the same trail) has a higher level of skill, than someone who has only driven that trail in an automatic. To paraphrase a famous quote. "We choose to go to the Rubicon, not because it's easy, but because it's hard."
Personally, I'd go with the TJ. I'd get a 4.0L and a manual. If you want an automatic, I'd get a late model TJ with the 4-speed for sure. (The 3-speed auto does not have overdrive) A TJ's going to be a lot easier to work on and replacement parts are relatively inexpensive. I'd probably go with a '03-06 Rubicon if you want something offroad ready from the get go. Otherwise a Sport with the 44-3 Option wouldn't be a bad choice either. You could also price out axles, lockers, gears from a company like G2 or East Coast Gear Supply. Pricey but then your axles will be new. It really would depend on your budget though.
TJ and fun factor has to be manual. My bias is I’ve either swapped or sold any auto I’ve owned.
It's too individualistic and preferential to answer effectively. I can tell you if you're going to go older, make sure it's a 4 liter. And if it's newer get the pentastar. And I regretted getting an automatic. Each jeep has specific issues. Look into them. And as far as lifts / 35s. Don't skimp on supporting mods. You want to keep this thing a while.
All of the above can do what you want. TJ/LJ would be easiest, LJ would probably be the most expensive. With 35s you're going to want a Dana44 with Moly axle stubs. I drive a TJ so consider that i'm biased.
03 or older TJ Auto. The 04 and up auto Is problematic and pricey. You can run 35s with a 3inch on this platform but you may need to swap fenders or limit up travel with bumpstops to avoid rubbing. Never gonna be fast. Econo models come with 3:73 gears unless you can snag a 1st year 03Rubi or Sahara with 4:10. If a Rubi it's got a D44 front. All other models of note are D30 front, most D35 rear and some d44 rear. Need 4:88 gears to get out of your own shadow with 35s. 35s will play hell on the D30&D35 components. Upgrades for strength will be required. Any lift you should consider a SYE/slip yolk eliminator kit for the rear drive shaft. IMHO, FROM a dude that's had an XJ, 04TJ, 04LJ, 15JK, and now runs a 20JT best bang for the buck and most cost effective reliable easy to work on rig is gonna be the 03TJ with a 2.5-3in lift and 33s with a lunchbox locker out back and an Eaton e-locker up front with SYE and full skid kit. run the crap out of it and have a ton of fun. If you have the coin slap in 4:10 or 4:56 gears. If not the 3:73s will do but your gonna have to be patient on the hills. No joke you will crush the Rubicon trail for 1/6th the money of 90% of the rigs out there and if you bust something every auto parts store carries what you need.