Just getting back into it.

Hello everyone. I am headed all sorts of directions but I know one is back to a jeep. I had a 1975 Renegade CJ-5 back in the early 80's. Yes, I am old, 62 this year. I have had 4X4 pickups all this time but an hoping to retire and do new things. Jeep Wranglers have come a long way with the vehicle itself and the new parts and accessories is awesome. I am looking a 2 door that I can afford and be able to put it together the way I want it to look.
I am wanting input on the best JK years, Is Rubicon really worth it?, lift kits vs. no lift kits?, and I have an idea of what I am looking to do with it, offroading, Camping, beaches, and driving long distances, tires 32 vs 33? and other stuff. I have until the winter to get it so I just want to know my best options. Thanks

 

IMO besides setting a "relatively firm" budget, stick with a later model JK with less miles in stock condition so you can spend more time jeeping rather than rebuilding. Rubi are worth it especially if the Rubi off-road features will be needed and used but they will command a higher price. There will be plenty of opportunities for lifts should you find the need and time for building your jeep as the stock configuration is quite capable too. Building your jeep to your specs is the fun part of J.E.E.P. (just empty every pocket)

 

If 33s are your goal, you can run them on a stock JK with flat fenders. You won't need to spend a lot of money on a lift. Just a programmer to set your computer for the new size tires, flat fenders, and rims and tires. If you keep the original wheels you will likely need 1.5inch spacers.

 

I heard that a 2013 Rubicon would be a good buy. I am having problems finding a 2 door hardtop? I can go to 36K but would like to stay closer to 25K? Question; why are there so many Sahara's for sale on good car sales sites like carfax, kbb, car gurus, car true or the like? I want to put some new fenders on it eventually like the originals but thinner looking and tough?? Is Sahara's an option? I doubt I ever climb rocks in Moab?

 

The Sahara model has more of the options for the daily driver. Gets a bunch of people into jeeps until they realize it isn't the "SUV" they want. Others decide they may want more capability and trade up. Really depends on what your plans are as the Sahara could be a great trail rig, mall crawler or DD.

 

Hello Pete, welcome from Oklahoma.

 

Rubicon get:
4:1 transfer case
Electronic front sway bar disconnect
Front and real electronic locking differentials
4:10 gearing
Belly skids
Stock 32” tires

All of this can be done aftermarket but you will end up paying cash for it vs finance when you buy a vehicle already equipped.
If you want 33s the 4:10 gearing is perfect, the Jeep won’t feel underpowered on and off-road with the slightly larger tires. The 4:1 transfer case is amazing and paired with front and rear lockers makes it much harder to get yourself stuck.

 

What part of Oklahoma? I spent time working in Muskogee working at Fort Howard paper company. It is probably something else now. I was in my 20's and 62 now. Long time but I liked it there.

 

RC Jeep I read what you are saying and understand the gear ratio but I am no where close to the knowledge you have in the wrangler industry? I also had a 1987 Jeep Grand Wagoneer and pulled a 19foot Aqua sport center console. It was hard to work on? Off to get ice melt boys

 

I live north of OKC but am familiar with the Muskogee area as I spent many days at Camp Gruber.

 

Don't let not having a hard top stop you from buying a jeep. I bought my like new hard top for $800 for my 2009 JKU. They are out there for cheap if you look a while.

 

If you're on the East coast just wait until the Winter season is over. Once it gets warm the hard tops will start to pop up as jeepers want to get naked but have no place to store the hard top.

 

So what about the power source to the brake light in the hardtop? I think I can get away with a 2017 used Rubicon if all works out for retirement. What would be a good deal on one of those? Gas mileage? and what else would I need to look at when buying? I always get a carfax no matter who it is that I am dealing with

Prerunner1982 I was a hellyun back in those Muskogee days. I hung Iron and fitted pipe for a powerplant and was off the charts with doing bad stuff. I do not remember that fort but I do remember that the police station had a pay window and anyone that was drinking and needed to cash a check was sent drunk through the police window and most were either stopped at leaving or asked to come in. I have never seen a police station like that in any of my travels?

 

Camp Gruber is just a few miles SE of Muskogee across the Arkansas River, north of Greenleaf state park and just outside of Braggs. WW2 German POWs were held nearby. I find it interesting that Oklahoma had POW camps in at least 26 counties.

X marks the spot.

 

I was not aware of a brake light in the hard top. I believe it's mounted to the back door over the spare tire.

 

Generally the hard top just needs switched power for the rear defroster and wiper. The third brake light is mounted onto the tire carrier

 

I use to stripper fish in that river. That river gets low, ever run in that with your jeep?