Modding a Wrangler to Match Land Cruiser Reliability?
- Thread starter KlausVanWinkle
- Start date
Comanche Scott
Expedition Leader
:beer:
I figured you'd just missed that.
I think you also make a good point on "common sense". It can be our undoing... (I know this from first hand experience :elkgrin
:beer:
I think you also make a good point on "common sense". It can be our undoing... (I know this from first hand experience :elkgrin
Axles rarely break themselves..
cool video though. those Toyotas are sweet. @11:30 lol
Last edited:
swift7777
°.lllllll.°
In defense of the 3.8, I have to say that my 11 JK has been incredibly reliable. Sure some days in pings and rattles under load, and loves to burn as much oil as gas but it always gets me where I need to go and home again.
Most of the trucks in Ronny's videos are diesel based and kitted out to the gills, so for a lowly gas JK to keep up with minor issues I think speaks volumes.
As others have stated I think the real key to JK reliability is to keep it as close to stock as possible and learn to drive it as best you can.
Most of the trucks in Ronny's videos are diesel based and kitted out to the gills, so for a lowly gas JK to keep up with minor issues I think speaks volumes.
As others have stated I think the real key to JK reliability is to keep it as close to stock as possible and learn to drive it as best you can.
Longtallsally
Adventurer
How about a different tack? I strive for self reliance above all else. In the abstract that focuses more on self recovery (winch, high lift, etc.).
Looking deeper, though, many of these items are going to be based on experience with your individual vehicle and driving style. For example, the D35 in the back of the YJ was supposed to be total junk and very fragile. Multiple runs through the Rubicon, most all of the 4+ trails in Moab, all sorts of stuff in CO (including a trail aptly named "Carnage") had me snapping one shaft. And the reason for that was crappy driving by me and inappropriate gearing for the tire size.
However, I made sure that I carried as many spares as relevant to my driving: U joints, yokes, drank and rear driveshafts, steering components, etc., in addition to all the tools to perform those repairs (including an on board air system allowing me to run air tools).
My point is that I could fix any of the weak links that could have broken and the only thing I was missing was a welder. Therefore, experience tells you what may be possible to be prepared for (i.e. weak links in the drivetrain) and I don't necessarily think "beefing" those components will keep you out of trouble. Having the tools and spares to sort it out no matter what would be more important in my opinion. Now this makes carrying cool guy stuff like a refrigerator and big propane stove and such a little harder, but then that gets into the use case of the type of travel that is going to be done.
Looking deeper, though, many of these items are going to be based on experience with your individual vehicle and driving style. For example, the D35 in the back of the YJ was supposed to be total junk and very fragile. Multiple runs through the Rubicon, most all of the 4+ trails in Moab, all sorts of stuff in CO (including a trail aptly named "Carnage") had me snapping one shaft. And the reason for that was crappy driving by me and inappropriate gearing for the tire size.
However, I made sure that I carried as many spares as relevant to my driving: U joints, yokes, drank and rear driveshafts, steering components, etc., in addition to all the tools to perform those repairs (including an on board air system allowing me to run air tools).
My point is that I could fix any of the weak links that could have broken and the only thing I was missing was a welder. Therefore, experience tells you what may be possible to be prepared for (i.e. weak links in the drivetrain) and I don't necessarily think "beefing" those components will keep you out of trouble. Having the tools and spares to sort it out no matter what would be more important in my opinion. Now this makes carrying cool guy stuff like a refrigerator and big propane stove and such a little harder, but then that gets into the use case of the type of travel that is going to be done.
Comanche Scott
Expedition Leader
I think KVWs question can be answered in large part by looking through on going, build/adventure threads.
The nice thing about reviewing these threads is there is usually information on usage, as well as durability.
Review enough, and the insight yields consistencies on certain components based on usage and modifications.
For instance, someone running 33" tires may need to consider 1/4" armor, but not need to upgrade ball joints. A person running 37" tires may get away with light weight aluminum skid plates, but have to upgrade ball joints.
Of the seven 4x4 rigs I've had, this is the first vehicle that has such a large volume of really useful information.
I can't thank those folks enough, who take the time to document their builds, and use with unbiased information. They are a huge benefit to the community! :beer:
The nice thing about reviewing these threads is there is usually information on usage, as well as durability.
Review enough, and the insight yields consistencies on certain components based on usage and modifications.
For instance, someone running 33" tires may need to consider 1/4" armor, but not need to upgrade ball joints. A person running 37" tires may get away with light weight aluminum skid plates, but have to upgrade ball joints.
Of the seven 4x4 rigs I've had, this is the first vehicle that has such a large volume of really useful information.
I can't thank those folks enough, who take the time to document their builds, and use with unbiased information. They are a huge benefit to the community! :beer:
KlausVanWinkle
Explorer
A lot of great ideas and opinions in this thread. This is why I love ExPo. On other forums this would have turned into a train wreck. I agree with most of the sentiments expressed here. My build plan has always been to keep it as stock as possible but as modified as necessary. So far so good. I bought a rubicon so I wouldn't have to do endless mods to get down difficult trails.
To MTSNs point about NVH, I haven't driven one but I've heard that the 70-Series aren't super cozy either. The JK seems like the enthusiast version of a 70-series. Ha. But I agree. I wish Jeep would make a special edition of the JK with better build quality and 25-year components to meet UN specs.
Of the things mentioned above, just carrying spare bushings, u-joints, axle shafts, and installing a fan kill switch is probably enough to get most of us home.
I do wonder about the front axle. It seems unnecessary for moderate wheeling with 35s, but a prorock with upgraded ball joints would solve a lot of these axle issues in one fell swoop (balljoints, brackets, bent Cs, and bent axle housing).
My philosophy has always been that for the money you can buy a land cruiser half way through its service life or a brand new rubicon. I bet the reliability at that point is very similar if not in the jeeps favor.
Also agreed with everyone mentioning the jeep in ronnys videos. It's amazing what that thing does without lockers or even a LSD.
To MTSNs point about NVH, I haven't driven one but I've heard that the 70-Series aren't super cozy either. The JK seems like the enthusiast version of a 70-series. Ha. But I agree. I wish Jeep would make a special edition of the JK with better build quality and 25-year components to meet UN specs.
Of the things mentioned above, just carrying spare bushings, u-joints, axle shafts, and installing a fan kill switch is probably enough to get most of us home.
I do wonder about the front axle. It seems unnecessary for moderate wheeling with 35s, but a prorock with upgraded ball joints would solve a lot of these axle issues in one fell swoop (balljoints, brackets, bent Cs, and bent axle housing).
My philosophy has always been that for the money you can buy a land cruiser half way through its service life or a brand new rubicon. I bet the reliability at that point is very similar if not in the jeeps favor.
Also agreed with everyone mentioning the jeep in ronnys videos. It's amazing what that thing does without lockers or even a LSD.
Last edited:
zigsrig
Adventurer
Cool video!
One think, from a jeep owners perspective, is that I think each company builds them for different overall purposes.
I think most would agree that Toyota builds the cruisers for traveling longer distances in remote areas ( though most here in the states only really ever see long trips to the mall
) where as Jeep has been building the wrangler for the North American off-road experience. I don't see too many jeeps packed up and going across the globe... Except here on the portal of corse.
I'd be curious to see how the 2012 and newer jk's pan out in the long run.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
One think, from a jeep owners perspective, is that I think each company builds them for different overall purposes.
I think most would agree that Toyota builds the cruisers for traveling longer distances in remote areas ( though most here in the states only really ever see long trips to the mall
) where as Jeep has been building the wrangler for the North American off-road experience. I don't see too many jeeps packed up and going across the globe... Except here on the portal of corse. I'd be curious to see how the 2012 and newer jk's pan out in the long run.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Kmrtnsn
Explorer
toylandcruiser
Expedition Leader
UN Specs? The UN doesn't seem to have an issue with JK's.
Those aren't standard jks you can go to the dealership and purchase.
Dan Grec
Expedition Leader
...and a reinforced frame, D60's front and rear, 2.8vm diesel, crazy-high efficiency air filter, etc. etc.
-Dan
Omar Brannstrom
Adventurer
Its a Jeep J8. Based on a 2 door wrangler and have 8 seats . They have 4 doors to.
Picture here http://www.jk-forum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=131163&d=1298767412
Probably this one http://www.jgms.com/resource/f5cb3b959d854959bf871a8ac33b4bc7.pdf
There are specs. Front D44, rear D60. The tires are rather small BF Goodrich Rugged Trail On/Off road LT 245/70R17E with less ground clearance than a regular wrangler.
There are different ones http://www.jgms.com/
Picture here http://www.jk-forum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=131163&d=1298767412
Probably this one http://www.jgms.com/resource/f5cb3b959d854959bf871a8ac33b4bc7.pdf
There are specs. Front D44, rear D60. The tires are rather small BF Goodrich Rugged Trail On/Off road LT 245/70R17E with less ground clearance than a regular wrangler.
There are different ones http://www.jgms.com/
Last edited:
Omar Brannstrom
Adventurer
Omar Brannstrom
Adventurer
Another jeep J8