Jeep Advice

[Rem]

So, I've come to realize in my complete ignorance that FAT AMY, is pretty good on most meek and mild trails and is great for overlanding but certainly lacks the ability for anything too challenging. So I've started sniffing around for a second hand jeep after looking at some other options. I'm sure there is probably a thread somewhere and lots of advice but I searched the forum and couldn't find much - sorry if there is Manny!. Please could I get some input from those in the know... 2 door or 4 door, 3.6 auto or manual, I guessing the 3.8 and diesels aren't really an options for the fun stuff. Although the manual seems very scarce. Rubicon spec? Anything I should look out for and any general advice would be appreciated.

[Trolly Fan]

Hi Rem

Some thoughts form a non-Jeep driver

The Rubicon is pretty much designed for rocks. And a pass like Baboons is right up its ally.

Thus far I have preferred to drive more of a 'sleeper' in the form of a 40 year old Safari, that can do almost all of what a Rubi can do.
At a fraction of the price.
Years ago, Manny challenged the Jeeps with his Fortuner. There was one final obstacle the Fortuner could not do.
The point proved was that you have to go pretty extreme to justify the Jeep.

Driving something less optimal than a Rubicon, means that if you ever struggle to follow them, you can always blame your tools.
Once you drive a Rubicon, you have no more excuses. Think about that when ever you go out on a trip with an experienced Hilux / or Patrol driver...

Having said all of that, after our last trip to Lesotho, I have to concede I also started to look at second-hand prices of Rubis . But I am not quite ready to make that leap yet.


If you already have a touring vehicle, then I would go for 2-door. Shorter turning & better cross over angle.
You can put in a 3/4" lift, put on 37" and a software patch for the ECU to tell it is is on 37"s.
That's it, nor further mods.
Henk (admittedly a very experienced driver) went to Carnage and drove to the Beach without breaking a sweat. He was in a 2-door Rubi, and I think only 33" tires. He made it all look ridiculously easy...

As for engines, I am no expert, but I understand the 3.6 is the more modern engine and performs a lot better.
The 3.8 models are cheaper but just as good on trails.
I was also told to stay away from the CDI diesels. Americans are more petrol heads.
Auto is easier, but some would argue its cheating.

[Mad Manny]

You need to chat to guys like Muller, Johan swift etc
But they prefer FB to Forums.

The only Jeep to get is the Wrangler Rubicon.
It is crap at everything:
No space
Heavy on fuel
Not for overlanding
Being a Heterosexual Icon
The open road.


But it does one thing better than any other vehicle:
Difficult Trails.

They are outstanding trail vehicles

[Mad Manny]

What is your Budget Rem...? I assume you'll keep the Ranger....

[Erin]

I have the 3.6 V6, albeit it in a Grand Cherokee. Absolutely love this motor. Coupled with the 8-speed auto box, it's the best engine I've had the pleasure of owning in a vehicle. Put your foot down and it responds beautifully, and will happily cruise at well over the speed-limit.

Highway driving it can do 9l/100kms quite easily, but it does punish me at the pumps, when driving in town - I'm averaging around 15l/100kms as most of my driving is in the city.

Obviously the Wrangler doesn't have the air-suspension that the GC has, which is a good thing. I replaced just about everything on mine (with genuine Jeep parts), and it's now creaking and knocking alarmingly again. R60k flushed down the toilet, and if they can't sort it out, will seriously consider converting to coils.

The motor remains a gem though.

[Trolly Fan]

I replaced just about everything on mine (with genuine Jeep parts), and it's now creaking and knocking alarmingly again. R60k flushed down the toilet, and if they can't sort it out, will seriously consider converting to coils.

Maybe than as Manny said...

The only Jeep to get is the Wrangler Rubicon.

[Rem]

I'll definitely keep the ranger for touring. And I'm pretty set on a Rubicon...I've got two shortlisted.

I did have a GC a while back and it was great but it wasn't a tourer and it's wasn't a hard core 4x4 either...felt stuck in the middle of nowhere..

Must say I also had issues with air suspension when I came from the west coast which cost a fortune ..one of the reasons I parted company with her.

I managed to get quite a bit of advice from Leon and Muller on choices.

[grips]

Like everyone said the Rubicon is a nice trail vehicle BUT only after you have emptied your pockets on loads of aftermarket mods.
For real extreme stuff it is hard to beat a modified Rubicon. Now the modify side. Modifying a Jeep to make it a good Off-Road tool you need to spend about the same amount on it as for wheat you have bought it for.

[jakeslouw]

A post 2012 3.6 Rubi will do the job.

The JKRU (JK Rubi Unlimited, the LWB) will have enough space for mild touring and it will be more stable at speed. The wheelbase isn't an issue once you've gone to 35"+.

Very little goes wrong if it hasn't been abused. Anything can break if pulled through the arse.

[Trolly Fan]

Also, talk to the Jeep guys about the mods necessary.
You can go overboard on items that are not essential for it to be a trail beast.

[JohanSwift]

Definitely Rubicon. If you're looking for trail vehicle and not necessarily an overland vehicle, don't need to tow something heavy and you have a limited budget, go for the older 3.8 Rubicon 2dr 6spd manual - you can buy a decent 2011 2dr for under 200k. First gear low range it will idle up Koos Se Klim without touching the pedal. You can also go down Koos Se Klim, stop at the steepest angle, put it in reverse and let go of the clutch and it will reverse backwards without needing to touch the gas pedal.

If you need more space or have the budget, go for a 3.6 4dr Rubicon.

In general, you can get away with a cheaper, less expensive suspension lift in a 2dr as you have a better break over angle.

[jakeslouw]

And if you want a blank canvas that is cheap but extremely capable: an older TJ Wrangler.

They came into ZA only with the 4.0 inline 6, but that engine is unbreakable. I'd find a manual, as the auto in that version wasn't the greatest.

Modifications are relatively cheap and easy to import, as this Wrangler has a cult status in the USA.