rk911 wrote:
yrusoslo wrote:
You can't tow a older jeep, no matter if it is 4wd or not. Even putting the tranfer case in neutral will not help. On long towes, you will smoke the tranny. Trust me, I towed for a living,for 27 yrs.
please define "older jeep".
rk911,
"Older" can mean many things to many folks. Older, in terms of Jeeps, most likely means the "CJ" models. The "CJ" basically meaning Civilian Jeep, was derived from the military versions used primarily during WWII, Korea and even most of Viet Nam. Some "Nam" versions were what's known as the M51 "MUT". Those jeeps were a disaster. They thought they'd attempt a version of a Jeep with A-arms and coil springs for suspension that would replace the infamous leaf springs. Well, after several thousand rollovers and some deaths, they basically yanked them out of existence.
Unless you had an "in" some place, they were NEVER SOLD to the civilian population due to the inherent dangers. So the CJ model continued to be used. The basic ones are the CJ-5 units. And, there were two versions of those too. One was a really short wheel base and the other, not all that much better but, some. There were several other versions of Jeeps that lead up to the CJ but, almost none were ever sold as "Civilian" units like the CJ was.
The CJ became very popular in the very late 60s with a few versions for different applications. There was a CJ-5, a CJ-7 and a very limited amount of what's known as a CJ-6. That version had a long wheel base and a longer body but, never really caught on. Then Jeep created the CJ-8 "Scrambler". The body was as long as the CJ-6 but, the wheel base was closer to the CJ-7. In other words, it had a bit of an "overhang" on the rear. Those because seriously popular in the late 80s and 90s.
And then, due to changing times, and somewhat "ergonomics", Jeep, in it's infinite wisdom, decided to "remodel" the Jeep Wrangler for 1987. That was the first year for what's known as the "YJ". The fenders were "Squared off" and, the infamous SQUARE headlights were added. They, like the CJ models, had both 4 cylinder engines and 6 cylinder engines. The four cylinder units are for the most part, really rare. As they should be, they can't get out of their own way.
The Jeep, was manufactured by Willys for quite some time and, in or around the early 70s, (I used to know the exact date) American Motors purchased the rights to manufacture Jeeps. So, "AMC" was badged on them up to about, '87, plus or minus when Chrysler took over as the manufacture of Jeeps. In the AMC days, the main engine in about 99.9% of the Jeeps manufactured by them was the infamous 258 in line 6 cyl. That was a great motor. Very smooth and very dependable. That engine, was also used in multiple AMC cars as well. So, you could (and possibly still can) go to a junk yard, and find some old, AMC cars, and procure engine parts that will bolt right onto your Jeep CJ model.
Jeep/AMC also tried to keep up with the "Jones" and, installed a few V-8s in the CJ-5 models. It was the 304 Cu. in. engine. A good, semi-strong, minimal torque V-8 that made quiet a few Jeep owners happy.
But, due to times changing, smog requirements getting seriously more strict, the 258 had to be fitted with smog equipment that was prone to malfunction and, caused a ton of erratic engine running conditions. They were some of the first to use a very primitive version of a "computer controlled carburetor". What a mess. Very seldom did it perform flawless. You were one of the few lucky ones if your engine ran like it was supposed to.
So, on and on and on, like many other vehicles Americans get their hands on, like VW, American pickups, and more, Jeeps began showing up in show rooms with air conditioning, carpet, TWO ARM RESTS! rear view mirrors, and more.
But, the CJ model, while still around, is dwindling fast. Less and less parts availability, including smog parts and, with the evolution of the "TJ" with a seriously better and more outstanding performing suspension, (Yeah, Chrysler and Jeep got it right, after the "MUT" thing) the CJ and the Square head-lighted YJ, are falling into the wasteland of the Jeep grave yards. Yep, you'll still see a few of them but, by far, the Jeep TJ is the dominant toad out there at present.
The newest model in the line of Jeeps, the JK model, has been around since '07. The first years, using a left over v-6 from I think, a Chrysler mini van, as absolutely horrible in power and gas mileage. Many have been sold and are being used but, lots of complaints about the power situation. Many have claimed the 4.0 straight six, used in the '91 and later YJs, and all the TJs, was a better performer and had better low end torque. Well, I've never even been in a JK so, I cannot compare the two.
But, as I understand it, the JK was outfitted with a new engine platform in 2011. A much stronger, newer, all redesigned V-6. It's supposed to be somewhere around 80-100 HP more than the previous V-6 mini van motor and, supposed to get better fuel mileage.
So, in the end, again, a smart, good move to obtaining a Jeep Wrangler for a toad and fun, quality off roading without modifications after the fact, a 2004-2006 short or, standard version Rubicon will fit the bill. The prices will be considerably lower than a newer version and, the trailablity will be just as enhanced right from the factory.
A side note, I personally recommend the shorter version due to the fact that there is more of them, they're not as heavy (for towing purposes) and, if you venture into the off road scene, they maneuver considerably easier in tight situations than the "LJ" versions. Just a preference here. Good luck.
Scott
