Window Shopping

[neodude112320]

This is one of those "Researching before I buy" kind of threads, if there is a sticky or any other posts that will help me feel free to link me!

I've been toying with the idea of getting a Wrangler since I sold my Feroza a couple of years ago but I cant seem to answer all of my questions so I'm going to come to you!

1. What are part prices like here in Australia? Lead times? I Work on all my vehicles and bikes so not interested in labout costs, just part prices compared to say a Landcruiser or a Patrol. Also am I going to be waiting weeks for parts to be ordered in.

2. Are the hubs in a TJ Auto locking or are they Manual Locking?

3. I'll have roughly $20k to spend on a Jeep so as I see it I have 2 options, get an early JK for $20k Or a Decent TJ for $12-15k and build it up. Keeping in mind this WILL NOT be my DD and will be used for 4WD'ing and camping.

I Know alot of 4WD'ing skill comes from the driver but as long as the vehicle will be as capable as the rigs in our club i'm happy (80 Series Landcruiser, 70 Series land cruiser, TD5 Discovery, GU Patrol and an MQ Patrol - None of which are stock but aren't exactly decked out)

So should I go for a JK Or a TJ?

4. I've found the differences between the Trim levels for models that where sold in the US but is there a list like that for models that were sold here in Australia? Mainly the Sport, Extreme Sport, Renegade, Renegade Extreme Sport and Unlimited Sport?

5. Short of all of that, Is there any specific year or model I should Avoid?

Thankyou all very much!

[Ando_13]

Well coming from a small 4x4 you are already aware of the space issues that come with a short wheel base vehicle.
TJ vs JK mmmm never gets old...

A smaller lift will yield the ability to run larger tyres on a JK than a TJ (generally speaking without body mods of course)...

TJ - 9k or under for pre 2000, 10k and over 2001+ - main diff is the Auto which was initially only 3 speed.
TJ - Sport vs Renegade...nothing that adds offroad ability.

The biggest buggerance with TJ's is the fact they came to Australia with pissy small tyre size around the 29" range, whereas JK's came into Australia with around 32"ish tyre size.

JK Rubicon on 35's with 2" lift would be great - Rubicon has 4:1 transfer case and 4.11 diff ratios (plus lockers as std) to help with not having to regear diffs. But s/hand price probably starts around 22k

Probably cost 5k for ratios and lockers within a TJ, could equate to 17k total; therefore 5k difference - but you wont be able to run 35's on 2" lift in a TJ (without being crafty....).

enough rambling...

[low ranger]

I love my TJ so obviously I would recommend one, but if finances allowed, I would buy a JK in a heartbeat. There are a few well modified Jeeps for sale that would save you a lot of coin. (you never seem to get your money back when modifying any vehicle). Check here, E-Bay & Gumtree.
cheers,
Rick

[furkew]

There are a couple of heavily modded TJ's up for sale on this forum at the moment, and that will save you heaps.

If you go JK, as mentioned you "might" find a stock/lightly modded one for your budget, and then you are probably looking at another $10k if you want it lifted, bigger tyres, aftermarket bars front & rear, lockers etc etc (and thats fitting it yourself.

I love the JK, but have been wheeling with some tricked out TJ's and if its for mainly for offroading, they are extremely capable & strong.

As for parts, there are 5-6 very good jeep specialists here in Oz that carry a wide range of aftermarket parts, and they try to be as competative as they can in comparison to the US parts suppliers. I have also used a few overseas Jeep specialists, and 5-10 days and parts have arrived.

The possibilities are endless if the mod bug bites.

[neodude112320]

Yes I'm very aware of the lack of space but having to pack my stuff in someone else's car with there stuff when camping? I'd rather have no room in my own car hah.

At most I'd probably only want to run 31's, 33's at most. Because this will be more of a weekend car I'm probably leaning towards the TJ, I've done some research and people don't seem to keen with the JK's 3.8. In saying that though, The JK does look better, Im not to keen with the TJ's rear end, too 'rounded' for my liking, though thats purely looks. Oh and I answered my Hub question too.

Thanks for all your input, I'll be ready to buy in a few months so in the mean time, More research!