What older Jeep Wranglers to avoid
Hi, I am looking to pick up an older jeep wrangler to use as my toad. I understand as long as it is 4wd it can be towed 4 down both auto and manual. Looking between late 80's to 2000 due to not wa...
Forum Discussion
trnfla,
Well, first off, stay away from anything pre-'91. The primary reason, Jeep/Borg Warner finally developed a transfer case that is actually Flat towable. You could tow earlier models but, they were not designed for long distance towing. The '91 models, equipped with what's called a Model 231 transfer case, is an aluminum case, that's chain driven. And the really good part about it, it has an oil pump, just inside the output of the back of the case. That oil pump actually pumps oil throughout the transfer case, whether you're driving it or towing it. That's real nice.
OK, now, as for suspension, the leaf sprung jeeps, all the way from the beginning of time, WWII through 1995, which includes all models of CJ,--5, 6, 7 and 8, and, the YJ (Square headlight version), are for the most part, a bit of a rougher ride. Most of those units, be it a CJ or YJ, are now getting harder and harder to find all the smog parts for.
The "TJ" started in '97. There were no "96" model jeeps due to the factory re-tooling and prepping for the new "TJ" models. The TJ models, which include the standard and what's called the "Unlimited" (which is a longer version of the standard but, not a four door) are the nicer of the later model years. They do have coil suspension which, is a smoother acting, much more forgiving style of suspension due to it's primary design.
Some like the longer version due to the added space for various reasons. On and in serious trail taming, the Unlimited can, and often do get "hung up" more in certain situations. But it doesn't really stop them. People just have to work harder to get them through various obstacles that the shorter ones flow right over/through.
Now, as has been stated, the TJ Rubicon is a nice unit to have. They are set up from the factory with Dana 44 both front and rear differentials. Both of them are "locking" differentials too. In that, in severe limited traction situations, as in rock playing, snow, some sand conditions, some mud conditions etc. you can actually "lock" both differentials so that you have actually "TRUE" FOUR WHEEL DRIVE.
Also, the TJ Rubicon is outfitted with a seriously well designed limited slip rear differential. So, locking it, for the most part, is rarely needed. It all depends on the driver's capabilities, the way the Jeep is setup with type of after market suspension, tire pressure and more.
One more thing, the TJ Rubicon has it's own transfer case that the other models of TJ do not have. It's called the model 241OR. That transfer case, is also aluminum but, it equipped with what's called a 4:1 low range. That's some seriously nice low range crawling speed gearing for quality off roading. It allows for easier traversing over all the obstacles you'll be attempting. And, another benefit of it is, in serious down hill situations, the engine braking is outstandingly enhanced due to that 4:1 ratio. You will not find that in any other model of Jeep transfer cases unless someone has installed an after market set of gears.
We've owned (7) different Jeep wranglers. All of them built to do anything we asked of them. The only ones I cannot advise you on are the '07 and newer JK models. I've not been too fond of those for various reasons. But, that's a preference thing.
The smartest move you could do, in my opinion from owning all those Jeeps and towing them all over the planet, is look for the cheapest TJ Rubicon, that's completely bone stock. That way you've got a very nicely setup Jeep right from the factory that will make you a very nice toad and, is very, very capable of quality off roading in most situations. Good luck and good Jeep hunting.
Scott
Well, first off, stay away from anything pre-'91. The primary reason, Jeep/Borg Warner finally developed a transfer case that is actually Flat towable. You could tow earlier models but, they were not designed for long distance towing. The '91 models, equipped with what's called a Model 231 transfer case, is an aluminum case, that's chain driven. And the really good part about it, it has an oil pump, just inside the output of the back of the case. That oil pump actually pumps oil throughout the transfer case, whether you're driving it or towing it. That's real nice.
OK, now, as for suspension, the leaf sprung jeeps, all the way from the beginning of time, WWII through 1995, which includes all models of CJ,--5, 6, 7 and 8, and, the YJ (Square headlight version), are for the most part, a bit of a rougher ride. Most of those units, be it a CJ or YJ, are now getting harder and harder to find all the smog parts for.
The "TJ" started in '97. There were no "96" model jeeps due to the factory re-tooling and prepping for the new "TJ" models. The TJ models, which include the standard and what's called the "Unlimited" (which is a longer version of the standard but, not a four door) are the nicer of the later model years. They do have coil suspension which, is a smoother acting, much more forgiving style of suspension due to it's primary design.
Some like the longer version due to the added space for various reasons. On and in serious trail taming, the Unlimited can, and often do get "hung up" more in certain situations. But it doesn't really stop them. People just have to work harder to get them through various obstacles that the shorter ones flow right over/through.
Now, as has been stated, the TJ Rubicon is a nice unit to have. They are set up from the factory with Dana 44 both front and rear differentials. Both of them are "locking" differentials too. In that, in severe limited traction situations, as in rock playing, snow, some sand conditions, some mud conditions etc. you can actually "lock" both differentials so that you have actually "TRUE" FOUR WHEEL DRIVE.
Also, the TJ Rubicon is outfitted with a seriously well designed limited slip rear differential. So, locking it, for the most part, is rarely needed. It all depends on the driver's capabilities, the way the Jeep is setup with type of after market suspension, tire pressure and more.
One more thing, the TJ Rubicon has it's own transfer case that the other models of TJ do not have. It's called the model 241OR. That transfer case, is also aluminum but, it equipped with what's called a 4:1 low range. That's some seriously nice low range crawling speed gearing for quality off roading. It allows for easier traversing over all the obstacles you'll be attempting. And, another benefit of it is, in serious down hill situations, the engine braking is outstandingly enhanced due to that 4:1 ratio. You will not find that in any other model of Jeep transfer cases unless someone has installed an after market set of gears.
We've owned (7) different Jeep wranglers. All of them built to do anything we asked of them. The only ones I cannot advise you on are the '07 and newer JK models. I've not been too fond of those for various reasons. But, that's a preference thing.
The smartest move you could do, in my opinion from owning all those Jeeps and towing them all over the planet, is look for the cheapest TJ Rubicon, that's completely bone stock. That way you've got a very nicely setup Jeep right from the factory that will make you a very nice toad and, is very, very capable of quality off roading in most situations. Good luck and good Jeep hunting.
Scott
