Missing my targa so I thought I'd buy another open top vehicle...

[cantdrv55]

Hey Wayne, won't you consider carrying Jeep parts? Wranglers have a huge following and owners are modification addicts. Jeep stands for Just Empty Every Pocket.

Here's my new to me 2002 Jeep Wrangler TJ. It has a 5 speed manual, inline 6 cyl - 4.0. I just put on the 33" tires and Rubicon wheels. The stock wheels and tires were 30s so a big jump up. I'll be putting on a 1.5" coil spring lift plus taller Rubicon springs and shocks, effectively raising the suspension by 3". I've already replaced the rear bumper to accommodate a swing arm spare tire carrier. Also installed a new head unit and replaced all four speakers. Last mod was the cargo net so that my kid won't fall out. This thing is a blast to drive especially with the top down/off. Can't wait to lift the Jeep so that I can get 'er dirty without the tires rubbing.

My kid loves it. My wife is all smiles in the Jeep. happy wife, happy life!

[MMiller]

Nice! Great color too!
I have owned both a TJ and a LJ, fantastic Jeeps. Take your time before deciding on a lift. I would recommend doing a long arm lift. Not only do they look cool but more important they add stability to a very short wheelbase vehicle.

Regardless there're a lot of smiles to be had with that ride!

[cantdrv55]

Thanks.

I test drove one that wasn't set up properly and they ride was scary wobbly so I understand about stability issues with the short wheelbase.

[BeyGon]

I bought a 99 Sahara, black like that and shipped it to Costa Rica, I liked it except after awhile I thought I should have got the automatic. Similar, raised it and put some bigger tires on it before shipping.

[cantdrv55]

Nice Jeep Beygon. I think if I feel I should've gotten an automatic, I'll just sell this one and buy another. Jeeps maintain their value but not outrageously so like air cooled 911s.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Nice, I love Jeeps! I've had three and would love another one. Pull off those doors, it's an experience without equal on a nice day.

[Seahawk]

That is exactly the direction I am headed! I'll probably go newer or new.

I love the 560SL but I need a DD since I am putting huge miles on my Tundra.

Congrats!

[cantdrv55]

Thanks Paul. If you're going to DD, keep in mind mpg is poor. I'm getting about 14 mpg after mounting the big mud tires on.

[Seahawk]

I'll go with little less aggressive tire set, although I love the way yours looks.

I am going to continue to drive my Tundra or a rental to North Carolina. The Tundra is a pleasure on long trips. Once I get there I drive maybe 5 miles a day.

Here I average 30 miles a day for a DD, more if I have DC trip, but I get reimbursed mileage for those.

So, anything close to the 16/17 I average in the Tundra is bueno!

Hw did yo find your jeep and, if you don't mind sending me a PM, what did you pay?

Best.

[cantdrv55]

PM sent Paul

[vash]

NICE!!

i probably wouldnt run spacers on a rig i plan on taking off road. i was always told they are tough on bearings. dunno.

[cantdrv55]

Originally Posted by vash

NICE!!

i probably wouldnt run spacers on a rig i plan on taking off road. i was always told they are tough on bearings. dunno.

Im not going to be doing any hardcore rock crawling but ill check on that. Thanks for the warning.

[MMiller]

Originally Posted by cantdrv55

Im not going to be doing any hardcore rock crawling but ill check on that. Thanks for the warning.

I wouldn't worry about running quality spacers like Spidertrax or others. When I was wheeling seriously in the four corners area lots of guys were beating hard on rigs with spacers. Let's face if you go from factory 7 to 7.5" wide rims and 30" tires to 9 to 10" wide rims with 33,35,37 inch tires...you are going to tax the drive train. I found that overall the TJ's hold up pretty well. Sounds like you are not going there so again I would not give it a second thought.

[porsche930dude]

I heard autos get much worse milege atleast on the highway because they dont have overdrive. Dont know how true it is

[cantdrv55]

Originally Posted by MMiller

I wouldn't worry about running quality spacers like Spidertrax or others. When I was wheeling seriously in the four corners area lots of guys were beating hard on rigs with spacers. Let's face if you go from factory 7 to 7.5" wide rims and 30" tires to 9 to 10" wide rims with 33,35,37 inch tires...you are going to tax the drive train. I found that overall the TJ's hold up pretty well. Sounds like you are not going there so again I would not give it a second thought.

Thanks for the reassurance MMiller

[cantdrv55]

Originally Posted by porsche930dude

I heard autos get much worse milege atleast on the highway because they dont have overdrive. Dont know how true it is

My mpg dropped when I put on the mud terrain tires.