Need suggestions on which Jeep to get.

[rb70383]

Wife's wants a newer Jeep. We are trying to decide between a 08ish diesel GC, a Commander, or now in the mix a Rubicon. Going up in the woods here, (Wa) our RC wouldnt have fit on some of the jeep trails.

That raised the concern about the GC and Commanders being to big and thus reraising the interest in a Ruby. Thing is our dogs take up lots o room. Well one does, the other is like a 1:10 scale lol

We want something for smaller trails then our Fullsize can go, as the Ramcharger would basically be the base camp.

What would you recommend for something trail rated. I like the strength of a solid axle but we arent rock crawling. Just northwest trails, so an IFS rig would work. However I am old school and stuck on solid axles.

She loves the way her 98 GC rides so she doesnt mind the solid axle ride.

I love the Commanders, expecially the Overland models. I like the boxy shape, as does the wife. Hence the the Ramcharger. :sombrero:

How are the Diesels in the GC's?

Thing against the Ruby's is the $$

Here is link my idea of a Commander:

http://www.expeditionswest.com/equipment/SEMA_05/expedition/thurs/index.htm
http://www.expeditionportal.com/adv...412-arctic-ocean-expedition-trip-updates.html

 

[Doctor W]

This was back in 2005, hence the superseded TJ Unlimited.....AEV have worked wonders with JK Wranglers of all types.

The 2nd Commander shown is much less gaudy and looks like a really useful expedition/exploration/generally useful vehicle for those that dwell on these pages..........the Hummer H3 is now long gone, never was well supported and generally regarded as unsuitable for our general uses.

If you and your wife like them go for them......one last item, be aware that the Commander did have IFS if that is going to be something that matters to you, also you can do your research as for the Year Model equivalent Grand Cherokee on which they were largely based.

 

[BIGdaddy]

Commanders are not much wider than the standard cherokee. Standard cherokee's are very capable on even the tightest trails. I'm sure that 4" wouldn't hinder you at all. The 10" in length is probably rear overhang, which could probably be mitigated with a modest 2" lift and a size-up in the tire arena.


Cherokee

Curb Weight - Automatic (lb.) No data
Curb Weight - Manual (lb.) 3028
Wheelbase (in.) 101.40
Length (in.) 168.80
Width (in.) 70.50
Height (in.) 63.30
Track Front (in.) 57.00
Track Rear (in.) 57.00
Ground Clearance (in.) No data

Commander

Curb Weight - Automatic (lb.) 5239
Curb Weight - Manual (lb.) No data
Wheelbase (in.) 109.50
Length (in.) 188.50
Width (in.) 74.80
Height (in.) 71.90
Track Front (in.) 62.60
Track Rear (in.) 62.60
Ground Clearance (in.) 8.60

 

[Yuman Desert Rat]

I would go with a 2004-06 LJ Rubicon or not, doesn't really matter but the rubi would be a plus. (Stock LJ's have 3.73 gearing and a D44 rear axle; very capable) Of course you would need to do upgrades to it based upon your needs and offroading style. If it's just the two of you and you're not adding any crumbsnatchers or tricycle engines (kids) to the equation you can lose the rear seats and have plenty of room for goodies. Of course, I am biased because I have one and finally have it outfitted to a point of satisfaction (for now). Just keep in mind what J.E.E.P. really means..... "Just Empty Every Pocket" Goos luck in your quest!

 

[Jim K in PA]

We have a 2007 Commander with the 5.7 Hemi and QD-II. Fantastic off-road, despite the limited wheel travel with the IFS. The diffs will go to full lock when you put a wheel in the air. That said, my 2005 LJ Rubicon is what we are building for our extended off- and on-road travels. If you must take the dogs, then you will want the space that a Commander offers. If you like the ZJ, why change?

 

[Rubicon]

I've got an '04 TJ Rubicon w/lots of goodies. Of course Jeep came out with the LJ about 3 months after I picked up my TJ, otherwise I would have sprung for the slightly larger LJ. Just wifey and I camping & the TJ (with off-road gear, and camping gear) can get tight even with back seat pulled & we don't have dogs (yet)!

My next door neighbor (and my dad) both have the Rubi JK Unlimited and love them. Lots more room with the two extra doors - and I've heard some great things about the "new" engine in the 2012s, but they do cost $$$.... I'm thinking of upsizing to a JK Unlimited one of these days - picking up a "mall crawler/soccer team-delivery vehicle" & start working on it - lots of Rubicon JKU's around here that have and will never see dirt - a plus and minus of living in So Cal.

Don't know if it helps, but that's my $0.02...

 

[rb70383]

The wife likes the extra room of the Commander. The third row will mostly be folded down if not removed. From my research the Commander is basically a rebodied GC. We like the Overland model as stated its gets the hemi, and the lockers. Similar to the Ruby, in that why start with a base model and build up to something the factory offers already.

We arent getting rid of the ZJ now, she just wants something a little newer.

Do the tops on the jeeps leak? I have read here and there about them leaking. Havent been able to find anything other then a recall for the seal around the top of the windshield iirc.


We both laughed at the tricycle engines. Ours is 14 now and not too interested in camping and exploring. something about cell phone reception? Or lack of. The dogs are a 1:10 scale. One is about 100lbs and the other is only around 10. LOL Funny to watch them play.