Gen2.5 vs G3n3, Not Necessarily Logical Edition

[Michael Brown]

Some 5spd trucks had LSD. I swapped an 01 Limited LSD into my 05 last year. Not really needed with traction control, but I needed a replacement 4.3 Rear Diff. Best way to know is look at the label on the back which should say Hyblid LSD if there is one installed. It is a Hybrid Clutch/Torsen diff. The Torsen gears are bulletproof and handle any torque difference slip, but they cannot control free wheel spin. The clutch pack then engages to give enough torque to lock the Torsen gears before releasing and letting the gears do the work.

The 3.5L XLS with 4.9 gears will not have any trouble with 33" or even 35" tires. Many limited owners switch the diffs from 4.3 to the XLS 4.9 ratio for larger tires. I currently have 32" tires on my limited, but I don't have a need to go bigger.

The traction control in a later Gen 3 is hands down the best offroad system I have ever used. My 01 XLS had issues slipping and with wheel spin from open diffs. My 05 makes the Jeeps I ride with envious of how easy I make the obstacles look. The only truck that made it look easier was a 2012 Rubicon Unlimited on 35" tires, but he mostly drove over the obstacles and the rig cost 4 times the price of mine. For me, it is definately worth getting a later 3.8L truck with traction control. You can go almost anywhere on 32" tires with careful driving. I still haven't found a trail that has stopped my rig yet.

 

[montypower]

So the 5spd truck wouldnt have the lsd, then?

Re-gearing i was more wondering power-wise. The 3.8 seems to be fine with 33s and stock gear. 3.5 might not be as "happy?"

It does fine on road. Sucks off road with 4.30s and 33s. I was running 33.5" tires with 4.30s for some time. 4.90s so much better on the trail and stock power on road.

 

[Swank Force One]

Gotcha, thanks!

Doing more research, it looks like my budget would only likely get me a pretty ratty or high mileage early Gen3, so i think the 2.5 might be more realistic. I thought what i paid for my wife's 20th was typical but apparently not.

Anyone here within a couple hours of Indy with a gen2.5? I'd like to check one out/drive to make sure it's the droid i'm looking for. Will bring some craft brew as payment if that's your thing.

 

[plh]

Chicago metro always comes up in my local CL searches. Gen 3s

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/cto/5274824829.html

http://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/cto/5269414924.html

http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/cto/5272991101.html

 

[Swank Force One]

Do all Gen2.5s have the 3.5? I was holding out for a Winter Package 98-99, but there's what may be a really nice 98 base nearish to me, and all i really cared about with the winter package was the locker.

And since i'd be regearing anyways, suppose it's not a huge deal to just stick a whole SR rear under it. But ideally i'd want the 3.5 with the cloth interior, and a locker. Too picky to settle for the 3.0.

Also: What's the actual power difference between 3.5 DOHC and 3.5 SOHC?

 

[Clem]

As far as I know, all gen 2.5s came with 3.5 SOHC. I think the DOHC is +15HP.

HTH,

Clem

 

[Eric M]

All NLs have the 3.5 unless they are from a US territory like Puerto Rico where they still had the 3.0L available.

 

[Swank Force One]

Great, thanks!

 

[jeep-N-montero]

I would hold out for a winter package model, the base model interiors are boring and ugly IMHO, plus heated seats in the winter are very nice to have.

 

[Swank Force One]

I dislike leather and don't really care about heated seats. I know how nice they are, our Gen3 has them.


That said, i'm working on a Winter Package model right now anyways.