Less stupid truck choices?

So in an outrageous tear of the space time continuum the significant other is considering the joint purchase of a jeep to satisfy my trail riding desires and her convertible desires. The issue is we would need to make it capable both on and off road AND inexpensive enough that a trail accident doesn't break the bank.

So, if you had 6k to spend and needed a jeep with good trail capability, good road manners, a hard top and bikini top, an auto trans, and good cheap parts availability what woul you look for in regards to year and model?

The problem you will have is the automatic, none of them have been that great being Chrysler product. I would honestly try to get a manual. A TJ from 2000-2004 has a great and durable NV3550 manual, a reliable 4L I6 and is about the most customisable vehicle on the planet. The older YJs have a problem with rust and ride absolutely terrible. If you absolutely need an automatic, you need a 2003 and up, thats when the 42RLE 4 speed was introduced which is not terrible, whatever you get, make sure its a 4L, the 4 cylinders are pretty underpowered for any highway travel. Also, the rear axle, a Dana 35, does not like lockers or bigger tires, if you can, try to score a rig with a Dana 44. If none are available with a Dana 44, its not a huge deal as there are many options for inexpensive swaps. Id also highly recommend getting air conditioning as sitting in traffic with the top off in the sun gets very hot. Enjoy them, they are a fun vehicle to own and wheel.

I am not generally a fan of automatics. But on my last trail ride along the folks with autos did much better with the big rocks. The guys with manuals seemed to have issues keeping consistent wheel speed while bouncing up the hills. The significant other also does not drive stick. So getting her buy in is going to require an auto. Are there any years that are better than others pre say 1996?

I agree an I6 is preferred. 2003 and newer is going to be really difficult on our budget though. Early 90's seems to be the cap for anything that doesn't say "project" in the listing.

What years and models had the 44? And how can you visually tell the difference?

This is the easiest way to identify the rear axle. As for earlier, get the newest YJ you can find. Something after 1991 anyways then you will get a 4L HO instead of the 4.2. As for the tranny, its going to be a 3spd auto. I would honestly try to get an earlier TJ, the ride is oh so much better, leafs suck on the highway and offroad leave much to be desired. A 97-2000 TJ should be doable on your budget, you still get a 3spd auto but the vehicle is much better. You could go classic and get a CJ but unless frame rot and carbs are your cup of tea.....

Thanks for the input. It sounds like 97 to 2000 is the target. I haven't found anything in that range yet but I will keep looking.

Are the leaf spring versions that much worse? Can a big sway bar and disconnects fix the leaf spring issues?

If you remove the track bars and sway bars it helps the ride. The problem isnt sway, its the fact that they ride as if the axles were welded directly to the frame. You can get a lot better aftermarket leafs that will improve the ride immensely but the coils on a TJ will always ride better. No problem, I love Jeeps

So we found a 95 with enough niceties that the significant other is interested. Going to look at it this Saturday. What should I look at closely?

Corrosion, any kind of grinding in the tranny, if the t case engages or makes any kind of funny noises, put it in 4Low and check for any severe binding and noises.

I'm not sure if you can touch an LJ for $6k yet or not, but if you can find one that's close, I'd jump all over it.

No LJs are not $6k yet. If they were I would beat him to it.

I'll echo what Fobroader has said.

97-02 TJ with 6cyl and an auto is going to be your best option if you need an auto. By far. Honestly, if you have to have an auto I wouldn't even bother looking at anything else.

YJ will have leaf spring suspension. TJ will have coil suspension. You and your wife will both like the TJ suspension better.

If you are doing any offroad stuff make sure it has the D44. They are the way to go.

And remember Jeeps are like legos, find a good base and you can build it anyway you want. I prefer doing this instead of dealing with someone elses mods or hack jobs.

Woody wrote: I'm not sure if you can touch an LJ for $6k yet or not, but if you can find one that's close, I'd jump all over it.

LJs demand a really high premium as they are in high demand. Besides being the TJ to have because of the extra cargo room, they come with a D44 axle. For $6K....you might get a rolling chassis. Again, go try the YJ, but seriously, the TJ is a much better vehicle. Also yes, what Octavious said, unless you really know what you are looking at, a modified Jeep to me is scary. Worn out stock is better than hack job new and shiny.

the tear in the space time space continuoum has closed. confronted with the reality of what a trail ready jeep really looks and drives like she has abandoned the shared jeep idea. you may go about your regular lives.

back to the original stupid truck tricks.....