| Author | Message | ||
     Wolfridgerider |
I have a 2003 Ram 1500 4x4 short box that I am thinking about trading for a Jeep Wrangler. Should I, or shouldn't I ?? I like my truck, it has less than 73,000 miles on it... but I've always wanted a Jeep. I don't do any hauling and only pull my trailer once in a blue moon. If I do, what should I be looking for? What goes wrong with them? | ||
| Gunut75 |
I had a 93 wrangler, and regret getting rid of it. It was a little 4 cylinder 5 speed with little knobby tires. It was the only vehicle that would chase the Lull through commercial masonry jobs. That little truck would go through anything. I have never owned a 6 cyl jeep, but they are notorious for being bulletproof. Plus, if something goes wrong with the jeep, you can get parts anywhere. A jeep wont have the comfort of the Dodge, but it's a jeep. More of a utility vehicle. I have owned a Dodge 1500, and a wrangler, and I am partial to the wrangler. | ||
| Nukeblue |
watch out for 2000-2001 4.0l's they had weak head castings & were known to crack right in the middle. it could take the whole engine out if left unknown for too long. other than that... i say get a newer one, the new body styles are AWESOME! | ||
| Spank |
I have had both as well. I have owned two 1500 Rams and now I have a truck and a Grand Cherokee. Loved the Jeep for what it was, wish I had the 6 cyl, mainly cause it didn't have ANY passing power. Your gas mileage will more than likely be the same, if that is a consideration. Although like I said it would have a bigger engine and the hardtop. The soft top on the highway drove me nuts!! So I guess my answer to you would be, that it depends on what you need... If you need something that can haul, keep the truck. If you need something that can go through anything, and is small enough to fit just about anywhere, get the Jeep. I someday want to get a Wrangler again. | ||
| Damnut |
I've been the proud owner of a 90 Wrangler Sahara for ~15 years now. It's got ~140K on the clock and they haven't been easy miles, One thing folks sometimes can't get used to when they get a Wrangler is space....... or lack of. DON'T GET A 4 CYLINDER!!! The MPG difference isn't much and you'll be soooooo happy you didn't get the 4 cylinder the first time you get on the highway. Wranglers are definitely something you have used to but if you like it, you'll LOVE it. My Jeep is getting some lovin beginning in about a month. Installing a H.O 5.0L EFI 302 W/E303 cam, C6 trans, Borg Warner 1345 TC, 8.8 rearend w/disk brakes, 5" RC suspension lift w/33's.  If you have any particular questions PM me or give me a buzz. | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
Hey Shawn, you guys have any in stock? looking for a 2003 or newer Red 1st choice Black 2nd choice Silver 3 rd choice Sad to say,I'm not a big fan of the new body style But if they came out with a Scrambler version.... | ||
| Kyrocket |
I assume with an '03 truck you're looking at getting a newer model Jeep. If you go with an old one check the frames, especially where the rear leaf spring hung. They were known for rusting out. I had an 80 CJ5, it wouldn't win any races but was a blast to drive. I think it was 0 to 60 in like 4.3 minutes. | ||
| Kenney83 |
I have had a number of Jeeps, I would get a Jeep that still had the 4.0 6 cyl. I have driven a couple of the new Jeeps and the V6 just doesn't have the same power. I think you would be happy with a Jeep. I believe the 03 and newer also had a 6 speed manual trans. | ||
| Nukeblue |
we've got an 09 with 11,000 miles for just under 20k might have an 08 being traded real soon, four door hard top, manual trans. that would be a good deal. (they hold their value really well) unfortunately we don't have any older body styles for you to check out. if you're gonna tow at all i would look at the new body style. they are much more stable & ride WAY nicer. and after going to the jeep jamboree last year i can tell you those things are awesome off road! | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
I just don't like the look... plus the $$$$.$$ I just wanna be able to haul the dogs around... drape a deer over the front end... climb a tree  | ||
| Oldfartnbuell |
Bought a "05" long wheel base TJ new, has 99,000 miles, no issues yet. Get the 4liter! They are bullet proof and scads of torque. That said the gas mileage is horrible but I knew that when I bought it. Also yes the hard top is the way to go in my opinion. I much prefer the inline to the v6. Have been very happy with the 6speed manuel tranny. | ||
| Johnnymceldoo |
They are said to start production on the gladiator this fall as well as fitting the wrangler lineup with pentastar v6's. Based on that there's no way in he'll id buy now. Otherwise you may be happier with an fj cruiser. | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
my truck has been getting about 13 mpg Thats one of the reasons it only has 73,000 miles on it and the 06 Uly has over 55,000 | ||
| Johnnymceldoo |
Yep. My 06 xterra is getting about 15 right now and only has 44k miles. The buell will bring some needed fuel efficiency here in week or so. | ||
| Nukeblue |
the 4.0l will be about the same mileage. thats what my friend gets with his cherokee | ||
| Kenney83 |
I have a 98 Grand Cherokee and I get between 16-18 MPG with a 4.0 and a trans that slips. | ||
| Gunut75 |
I just wanna be able to haul the dogs around... drape a deer over the front end... climb a tree Amen Brother!!!! | ||
| Johnnymceldoo |
If I was getting an 06 or older wrangler Id have to consider one of those Brute pickup kits. Those are sweet little pickups. Some people seem to think Fiat will force chrysler to start taking the wrangler serious. The gladiator and pentastar motor will be great additions. | ||
| Herobluebuell |
i drive a 00 wrangler with 4" of lift and 33's daily. (when I'm not riding the Buell). They are great vehicals only things that have ever broke on me were self induced (off-roading mostly) and like stated the 1500 is little more confortable the Jeep is way more fun. Buy a used one with a 4.0 I-6 and never look back. | ||
| Blackm2 |
The Wrangler is fun, better gas mileage, but the short wheelbase is bouncy, and without the hardtop is noisy. The Ram you have a lot more carry room, even with the short box and regular cab. If you go for the Wrangler get at least the unlimited, a little longer wheelbase. Provided of course that most of your time is on street, which most people do anyway. I have the Ram short/reg 4x4 and I've had the Wrangler, I choose the Ram. | ||
| Nukeblue |
i agree | ||
| Ourdee |
02 TJ here. 120k on the clock. I had a 99 Ram with a 360 and automatic, pushed 24 mpg highway on long trips. My Jeep gets 15 mpg highway and 19 mpg has been my best. I had a 77 CJ5 with a built 360 and a 3 speed manual in it. It would pick the front end up in all three gears. | ||
| Strokizator |
If you're looking at new then wait for the 2012's. They'll have the new Penstar V6 with around 280 hp instead of the anemic 210 or so they have now and get better mpg. I want a Wrangler Unlimited but am going to wait at least 6 months before pulling the trigger (if then). | ||
| 09xb12r |
I have owned a JK since 07 and love it would get another one in a heart beat. 2 doors have good power 4 doors lack power would have to buy a ECU management system to up power cause for the 4 door they did not increase horse power to accommodate for the added weight. other wise i love them they have a turn radius that will turn on a dime, and man are they fun off-road | ||
| Andymnelson |
I have an '86 YJ. When looking for one, I highly recommend looking for the following options: - 350+ hp V-8 - 4 1/2"+ lift - 35" + tires - TJ fender flares ....oh wait, none of that was factory...guess you'll have to build one like me!  | ||
| Fast1075 |
If good fuel economy is top of the list, the Jeep don't really hack it. I have owned several. The best I ever did was with a 2.5 Cherokee...18 around town and 20 on the highway...my locked -n-loaded MJ with a 4.7 stroker, 4.88's and 36's got 10mpg in town and 12 on the highway, but it was a BEAST offroad...I had STUPID money in the drivetrain though. I sold it when gas prices spiked the last time. The guy that bought it regularly trailers it to rock crawl with it. A ragtop will drive you insane from the noise. The stock running gear on older models is puny and weak....the manual transmissions on older models are puny and weak... Find one that someone else has Just Emptied Every Pocket (J.E.E.P.) and had all the mods done....but beware, there are MORE squid offroaders that there are motorcycle squids. | ||
| P47b |
JEEP J ust E mpty E very P ocket I found out the hard way with a 87 YJ that had been half way done for the trail. Had a blast with it. My wife was the one who bought it. If I would of been there when she did I would of tried to talk her out of it. A $3000 dollar jeep went to $6000. Read the Jeep forums You will find out what is liked and not liked real fast. If it is stock you shouldn't have any problems with it. Stay away from the AX-5 and the Peugeot Transmissions for the 80's models. | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
the voice of reason.... aka the wife... first words out of her mouth.. "How you going to haul anything?" As I was loading some trash into it this morning to toss in the dumpster at work... "how ya gonna haul anything" pops into my head. There is a 2002 just a few miles south of me that has a hard top, 6 cyl, pretty stock from what I can tell. I'll head down Monday after work for a test drive... but "How ya gonna haul anything" will be ringing in my ears... | ||
| Ceejay |
I've driven trucks most my driving life, and can state that it's a pain in the ass at first going from a truck to a non-truck(car in my case). A jeep soft top or no top probably wouldn't be that bad with the back seat removed. It does make trips to the lumber yard, stone yard etc interesting but if I had land I'd have a nice dump trailer and not worry about it much. | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
another thing to consider is the Jeep would just be the starting point. LineX for the tub is $650 Need to relocate the mirrors so I can run with the doors off... Lights... gotta have some cool light when the tires get warn out it'll need some cool wheels and tires + a little lift Winch Starting to sounds like my Motorcycle habit... |
