First timers offroad Jeep help

[Jman4X4]

Hello Aus Jeep Offroad forum,

Hello Jeep forum,

As you guys can see from the title Me and my friends are looking into ditching our bikes and all putting some cash togeather to get a jeep. Our plan was to buy one that needs a little love but the engine is in pretty sound condition so we could mod her up (bigger tires, higher suspension, snorkel etc). We have found many online here http://www.used.forsale/australia/ just a site we use, so finding one is not a problem. But as this will be the first 4x4 that any of us has owned so we are looking into getting some research done before jumping into the project. In terms of the engine and any mods we are adding on, we should be all good in this are due to us all doing our own work on our bikes and if we get stuck I have seen a section on this forum where it looks like we can get help. Where we are needing help is actually purchasing one at the right age and spec, this is where you guys come in.

What year would you guys say is the best for reliability and off roading in general (best traction etc)? Once we have that we will need to look for one and when we find one what do we look for when we go to view the Jeep?
Is there anything renowned for going wrong with the Jeeps you guys have (hopefully are going to) suggested and pretty much anything else we should look out for when viewing the Jeep. All and any information would be greatly appreciated. Really looking forward to speaking with you all and getting me and the boys out off roading.

Thanks

We have something like this image below in mind
http://cdn.drivingline.com/media/706420/007-2007-jeep-wrangler-jk-silver-trail-grapplers.jpg

[Mace1]

Welcome,

Whats your budget?

Where are you?

:)

[Nanook]

There are a couple of threads going at the moment that might answer some of your questions or raise others.

Don't tell the boss but I'm bored shitless at work at the moment so here are a few for you to read.

http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148336

http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148480

http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148497

http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148384

http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148280

http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148195

[st_za]

The short answer: Get a JKU Rubicon 3.6 Auto (4 door), replace the rear diff cover and do the steering stabilizer flip, get 2.5" lift and good 33" AT tyres. If money is an issue, work your way down to a 2 door JK 3.8 Sport and if they are still out of your price range, get a late model TJ.

If it's really your first 4WD, then I would actually suggest buying a cheapie Suzuki Sierra or Daihatsu Feroza. I know what you are thinking... On a Jeep forum, that is blasphemy! I think it is good to learn off-road driving and working on something simpler and cheaper but I suppose that describes a TJ.

[Jman4X4]

Welcome,

Whats your budget?

Where are you?

We are living in Aus, Melbourne and we don't really have a budget this is going to be a first time run to get a feel for everything.
:)

There are a couple of threads going at the moment that might answer some of your questions or raise others.

Don't tell the boss but I'm bored shitless at work at the moment so here are a few for you to read.

http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148336

http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148480

http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148497

http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148384

http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148280

http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148195

Thanks for the links!! And brilliant, I'm doing the same right now!!

The short answer: Get a JKU Rubicon 3.6 Auto (4 door), replace the rear diff cover and do the steering stabilizer flip, get 2.5" lift and good 33" AT tyres. If money is an issue, work your way down to a 2 door JK 3.8 Sport and if they are still out of your price range, get a late model TJ.

If it's really your first 4WD, then I would actually suggest buying a cheapie Suzuki Sierra or Daihatsu Feroza. I know what you are thinking... On a Jeep forum, that is blasphemy! I think it is good to learn off-road driving and working on something simpler and cheaper but I suppose that describes a TJ.
it is blasphemy yes haha but it also makes a lot of sense. If we can save a little cash learning I don't see any harm in that. Thanks for the tips on what I should mod once we purchase the 4x4

Thanks for the replies guys. Going to do a little research and check out them links and I will be back

[Nanook]

This ones a very large thread but have a look through it as it will give you an idea on what others here have been doing to theirs. It might give you an idea in what direction you want to go it if you do purchase a JK.

http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/showthread.php?t=85505

[Mace1]

A cheaper way to learn the ropes and drive a Jeep instead of a Suzuki/diahatsu :)

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/coburg-north/cars-vans-utes/1997-jeep-xj-cherokee/1146558821

[Tyvokka]

Make sure you get a LHD Jeep.

Aussie ones won't be much use there. ;)

[Jman4X4]

There is a lot more option than we thought from the Jeeps build year down to mods and different capabilities. More research is needed thanks for the extra links guys i will check them out now