Calgary Jeep Association

4x4 Related Groups => General Talk => Topic started by: IgniteTJ on January 15, 2012, 08:56:43 PM

Title: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: IgniteTJ on January 15, 2012, 08:56:43 PM
Hey all.. Well after selling my jeep I haven't been able to get them out of my mind still and I've always loved the idea of cruising around in the summer with the doors off and top down.. But besides that, and if you had to choose a jeep to build from scratch which way would you go? The newer TJ with the 6 speed manual or a Jk with the 3.8L and whatever tranny it came with.. I'd also like to go the newest and lowest KM I can for a reasonable price though too...
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: TL-Iguana on January 15, 2012, 09:14:34 PM
Id go with another XJ  ;D
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: JackstandJohnny on January 15, 2012, 09:14:59 PM
2 door basemodel X JK.  with the 6speed.  
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: Jrama on January 15, 2012, 09:19:15 PM
Honestly I have seen some killer deals on 2 door Rubicon JK's with the 6 speed. If i could do it again that is the direction I'd go in a heartbeat.
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: IgniteTJ on January 15, 2012, 09:19:46 PM
I should have been more specific, yes the 2 door JK and preferably not an LJ since I don't like that stretched out look =p Whats the reasoning behind the jk?
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: JackstandJohnny on January 15, 2012, 09:23:35 PM
if you're not picky, you can find an X relatively cheap.  and if you grab a barebones one, you can upgrade all the stuff you want anyway. 

i'm always tempted by them cause you see em under 20k quite a bit....
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: IgniteTJ on January 15, 2012, 09:27:46 PM
I wouldn't mind the base model X because then I can build what I want off of it
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: TL-Iguana on January 15, 2012, 09:29:24 PM
I wouldn't mind the base model XJ because then I can build what I want off of it


Fixed it for ya  :D

Anyways... productively, I would go with the JK. Just newer, and almost if not more options available for it now aftermarket :)
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: IgniteTJ on January 15, 2012, 09:32:36 PM
XJ's are too hard to take the doors and top off on a sunny day =p
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: raf2379 on January 15, 2012, 09:48:37 PM
4 door JK.
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: Rubi03 jef on January 15, 2012, 10:02:24 PM
find a 98 99 TJ 4 banger with a blown engine .. strip everything out and build a 4BT cummins with a dodge diesel tranny ATLAS t case and custom long arm dana 60's


thats where i would start
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: Jrama on January 15, 2012, 10:21:43 PM
Second thought I'd start here......

 http://forum.calgaryjeep.com/index.php?topic=24349.0
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: SwampSinger on January 15, 2012, 10:23:55 PM
what's with you guys and the piece of crap Caravans.... JKs?


I would go with the latest TJ or even Rubi and build something solid with the torquy I6...unless you want to go to the mall with the family then a 4 door JK would be best.


 :P
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: BUKI on January 15, 2012, 10:26:31 PM
Now that's a tight ride. Although getting financing could be interesting, not impossible but interesting.  The wife had a jk Rocky mountain edition. Basically an X. What it did stock I was amazed.  A little bit of money, sweat and tears and it would be sweet
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: Waytec on January 15, 2012, 10:28:02 PM
If I where to do it agene or someone give me roughly what I am into my XJ for. I would start with a YJ, in the end it would be wild, and I would have money for beer after.
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: IgniteTJ on January 15, 2012, 10:43:21 PM
I just like the Tj's and Jk's over the Yj's for looks (subtle differences I know but hey I like what I like) though I do lean more towards the Jk's
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: BUKI on January 15, 2012, 10:57:49 PM
I just like the Tj's and Jk's over the Yj's for looks (subtle differences I know but hey I like what I like) though I do lean more towards the Jk's

What are you saying, WRONGlers are cool ;D.   They're like the love child of a cj and a reliant k
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: IgniteTJ on January 15, 2012, 11:11:46 PM
I'm sorry I'm just not cool enough for the square headlight crowd, I like my round lenses =p
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: apeman on January 16, 2012, 12:11:21 AM
2dr xj with a 4.0l and auto...tube doors...and a sunroof..good enuf.
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: BlackYJ on January 16, 2012, 07:56:38 AM
For me, I would start with a LJ rubi and convert the suspension to leaf springs  ;D
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: jeepgrl on January 16, 2012, 09:20:47 AM
what's with you guys and the piece of crap Caravans.... JKs?

don't be hating the JKs!!  The only thing I would change is the transmission... I wouldn't go automatic again.  I love my JK.
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: Pookapotamus on January 16, 2012, 09:53:37 AM
I did start over from scratch, found the model of xj I wanted, found another with the computer system I wanted, bought the engine I wanted, Bought the suspension I wanted. and now I spend my weekends building the Jeep I want.

Its a lot of work, but in the end I think it will be work it. Just having difficulty dealing with wheeling withdrawal.  :'(

Pook
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: morerpmfred on January 16, 2012, 10:22:20 AM
Mine would be a 2a or 3a flatfender with small v6 or tweaked 4 cylinder with granny low four speed. 33s, locked, a winch and maybe a heater for the winter. Light weight as much as possible. Max 2500 pds. Ohh damm this is an tj or jk thread.
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: Jrama on January 16, 2012, 10:25:25 AM
 The wife had a jk Rocky mountain edition. Basically an X. What it did stock I was amazed.  A little bit of money, sweat and tears and it would be sweet

Very true, I was really impressed, I doubt a YJ or TJ on 33's could outperform it by much if any. Between the LSD and traction control (yes traction control) it refused to quit, clawed its way up and through everything.


TJ= More of a Toy (impractical), build it up, Cheaper

JK= More daily driven, very capable (more so than TJ stock for stock) reliable wheeling rig.
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: IgniteTJ on January 16, 2012, 11:20:15 AM
I'm looking for something to use as a daily driver for now, and build it up as I go type thing.. I don't want to buy something built already I enjoy working on my own stuff too much for that
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: SwampSinger on January 16, 2012, 11:26:50 AM
don't be hating the JKs!!  The only thing I would change is the transmission... I wouldn't go automatic again.  I love my JK.

I knew you were going to say something LOL....

I have never driven a JK so I can't really say anything about them. I was just trying to get a rise out of some folks.

Cheers!
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: cLAY on January 16, 2012, 11:46:19 AM
For myself if it was going to be hardcore it would  be an xj. However my next build I want a totally streetable trail machine. New 4 door jk with the new pentastar motor. Max 33s.  I'm not going to buy one with a 3.8. I like the 3.8 in my minivan, it's been extremely reliable but it's not overly efficient or powerful.
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: specialk on January 16, 2012, 11:55:21 AM
What would I want to build?  Depends...  Do you I want a mild wheeling machine to use as a DD or a trailer queen?

If I was going mild (and I can't believe I saying this), I would go with  the JK. Even the lifted ones I've rode are nice on the road. Lots of fancy schmancy for the nancy add-ons are available.  I would like to start with new engine though which means $$.  Consumer reports has some not nice things to say about some of the earlier JKs.  And it would be a 2 door for sure.  

If it was for the trailer queen, it would be a TJ for sure... stretch it, big arse engine, etc.

All that being said, the MJ we are building is going to be pretty damn sweet... even if has square headlights.

Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: IgniteTJ on January 16, 2012, 12:08:49 PM
I like MJ's but I don't have a garage to do a long term project like that yet =p I want a DD thats mild to moderate on the off road.. Maybe down the road I can build it into something more serious =)
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: AstraX on January 16, 2012, 12:09:25 PM
Are you financing or buying with cash?

If you are financing, and if you are seriously considering going with a JK I would look into the 2012's...  I think the base model starts at just over $20k, but financing on a new vehicle is cheaper then on used.  The new engine is great... tons of power, getting amazing reviews.

If you want I can hook you up with my buddy and he can get you a smoking deal on a new JK or you could talk to Rob as well, I'm sure he can hook you up.
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: frenchy on January 16, 2012, 12:18:35 PM
Are you financing or buying with cash?

If you are financing, and if you are seriously considering going with a JK I would look into the 2012's...  I think the base model starts at just over $20k, but financing on a new vehicle is cheaper then on used.  The new engine is great... tons of power, getting amazing reviews.

If you want I can hook you up with my buddy and he can get you a smoking deal on a new JK or you could talk to Rob as well, I'm sure he can hook you up.
Are they about $40-45k for a rubicon ?
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: IgniteTJ on January 16, 2012, 12:19:52 PM
I'll have a better answer for that tomorrow, I've got a meeting with a counsellor to get things setup to either go north to work on the rigs or work as a pipe fitter apprentice up north.. So we shall see which way it happens =) I'd like to go brand new
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: AstraX on January 16, 2012, 12:21:21 PM
A base 2dr Rubicon starts at $30k I think.  With all the extras you get into the 40's with them.
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: IgniteTJ on January 16, 2012, 12:26:05 PM
Yeah if I go the new rubicon route it will have some goodies, built in sirius and so on =p
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: AstraX on January 16, 2012, 12:27:45 PM
I'll have a better answer for that tomorrow, I've got a meeting with a counsellor to get things setup to either go north to work on the rigs or work as a pipe fitter apprentice up north.. So we shall see which way it happens =) I'd like to go brand new

If you can swing the 2012 I would for sure.  I have a 2010 Unlimited Sahara and a 2012 Rubicon(wife's).  I don't "like" to drive mine as much anymore...feels like a slug.  I have never really had an issue with the old 3.8L, has always seemed to get the job done for me, but that new engine is sweet.  Also, the new 5 speed auto is MUCH better then the old 4 speed.  Also has steptronic (not sure if that's what they call it) so when you are offroad you can select any of the 5 gears.
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: IgniteTJ on January 16, 2012, 12:47:34 PM
If I buy a jeep it has to be manual, yes they suck more in the city but I can live with that.. Yeah the parents minivan had the 3.8L and it definitely sucked on the oomph lol
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: w squared on January 16, 2012, 05:31:05 PM
If you can get a good deal on a 2011 or older JK, don't let the 3.8 stop you from buying it. You can solve the engine issues with a blower. $5K and an afternoon's work, and you've got an engine that will actually put up better numbers than the Pentastar.
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: jeepgrl on January 16, 2012, 08:52:18 PM
I knew you were going to say something LOL....

I have never driven a JK so I can't really say anything about them. I was just trying to get a rise out of some folks.

Cheers!

We can switch Jeeps on the next run  ;)
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: binare on January 17, 2012, 05:17:35 PM
Grannies and Poofsters drive JKs. Metro sexuals too, but thats only cause the ladies they pick up at the bar think they're gettin in an H2. And Women, Women drive em too, even the butch ones that look like dudes, dont be fooled by the facial hair.

And commence butt hurt responses from minivan owners.



In all seriousness. JKs are alot less work to make "trail ready", age wont play as much as much of a factor in maintenance as it will in a TJ. But, JKs look and feel more like Hummers then Jeeps. Spend half on a TJ or XJ of what you would on a JK and you'll have a nice daily driver thats still reliable and kick arse on the trails.



Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: hps4evr on January 17, 2012, 05:38:04 PM
personally, i think the TJ unlimited would be a great platform to start with. if you have the money to go that route. the extar wheelbase helps off road. a tummy tuck, minor suspesnion and body lift with flat fenders, should net you enough room to run a 33 easily or a 35. you get the torquey 4.0L, either trans is a solid unit behind that engine, either t-case is solid, the rear d44 is a good unit and comes in all LJ's. front d30 ok if built properly for up to 35" tires. a rubicon version would be best, upgrade the shafts and you really have a great platform for anything.
a 2door jk could be had for pretty cheap these days. ive seen an 2007 2 door X model for 15G. still alot of moneys but they have a nice ride and can be built pretty easily. keep it light, soft top/soft doors, do some power upgrades and tune the drive-by-wire up for better response. a 2" lift and fender trimming will put 35's on it. do an X model and upgrade the front d30 and you'll have a solid unit.
it may come down to how much you want to spend on purchase price, and then on upgrades. a tj rubicon may be found cheaper then a x model jk.
it all depends on whats out there.
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: SwampSinger on January 18, 2012, 09:57:22 PM
We can switch Jeeps on the next run  ;)


The one I was driving last time we went out was Bonnie's Rubi...
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: mike s on January 19, 2012, 12:09:52 AM
There's just something about going topless...
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: jeepgrl on January 19, 2012, 09:39:05 AM
Grannies and Poofsters drive JKs. Metro sexuals too, but thats only cause the ladies they pick up at the bar think they're gettin in an H2. And Women, Women drive em too, even the butch ones that look like dudes, dont be fooled by the facial hair.

I'm neither a grannie, poofster, metro sexual, I hate H2's, and I definitely don't look like a dude or have facial hair.   It's a Jeep.  Get over it.

Ever tried having nookie in the YJ/TJ?  Doesn't work so well, huh?
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: w squared on January 19, 2012, 09:54:39 AM
Ever tried having nookie in the YJ/TJ?  Doesn't work so well, huh?

He's too angry for nookie. Or maybe he's angry because of no nookie.
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: binare on January 19, 2012, 10:40:55 AM
Lol settle people... dont get so butt hurt, its way to easy to get a rise out of JK owners. Nookie is not an issue, and small spaces work quite well ;-)


I also added Women to the list of potential owners jeepgrl, read the WHOLE sentence please :-)
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: hps4evr on January 19, 2012, 11:31:50 AM

Ever tried having nookie in the YJ/TJ?  Doesn't work so well, huh?

worked very well for me and an old girlfriend in my old yj. she was a little bent out of shape, but she took it like a pro ;)
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: IgniteTJ on January 19, 2012, 12:41:54 PM
Wow haha not the way I was expecting this to go, I expected some Jk bashing but now its off on a new tangent  :D
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: hps4evr on January 19, 2012, 03:31:30 PM
worked very well for me and an old girlfriend in my old yj. she was a little bent out of shape, but she took it like a pro ;)

ummm... yeah, someone may mis-understand my comment. just to clarify, the girl was bent out of shape, the jeep was fine after ;D
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: w squared on January 19, 2012, 05:06:18 PM
Lol settle people... dont get so butt hurt, its way to easy to get a rise out of JK owners. Nookie is not an issue, and small spaces work quite well ;-)


I also added Women to the list of potential owners jeepgrl, read the WHOLE sentence please :-)

If you're havin nookie in a TJ, then mebbe you're the one who's butt hurts? :)
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: binare on January 19, 2012, 05:41:11 PM
If you're havin nookie in a TJ, then mebbe you're the one who's butt hurts? :)

Seriously? Thats what you got for me? atleast try... have another go then ill reply k. ;-)
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: Bnine on January 20, 2012, 09:52:34 AM
97-99 tj is the best platform to start building from. There are more after market options, the aftermarket is more affordable, they have the better motor of pretty much all 4 litres, and certainly better then the 3.8

From mild to wild the TJ is still the most supported platform with the most options available.

Considering most well kept 97-99 tjs are going for 3-6k, when it comes to modifying and creating a part time driver, part time toy, its a bit of a no brainer.

Spending 15k on something that is eventually planned for considerable modification is not really the better of the option.

Dont forget if you go new, and then modify, you're pretty much garrunteed to have warrenty woes. Everyone here has been through that before. You spend 30-40k on a new rig, part of which goes towards warrenty, and when the time comes to use the warrenty you risk not being covered because of the mods you did.

That is never fun.

If you get in with a 4k$ jeep, and dont have a 700$/month payment, and mandetory full coverage insurance, you can afford to pay for those major failures yourself and not worry about being covered or not on a warrenty.

For under 10k you can run beadlocked 32's on a 97-99 tj with a small body lift, small tummy tuck. You will do every trail this club does and out perform stock jk's and rubicons for less then half the money.

I have run and built everything from bone stock tj's, xj's, and zj's to every level of mild to wild that someone can imagine.

for starting from scratch, the 97-99tj wins every time.
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: jeepgrl on January 22, 2012, 08:44:20 PM
worked very well for me and an old girlfriend in my old yj. she was a little bent out of shape, but she took it like a pro ;)

I almost got busted by the cops in the back of a YJ once... interesting story.
Title: Re: If you had to start from scratch..
Post by: NS-jeeper on January 31, 2012, 01:15:59 PM
I'd go for a 2003 TJ umlimited (the 2door one) All the TJ-y goodness just bigger. But Ive always really wanted a CJ8, so I guess I could get a TJ and an AVE kit, of course I'd have to get 6 jobs and a rich sugga-momma or 2 to be able to afford it!.....LOL