Newbie Needs to Know Which Jeep?
- Thread starter AdventureHare
- Start date
AdventureHare
Outfitting for Adv
Wow, thanks for the responses.
It appears the WJ is becoming the consensus pick but the WK is hanging tough. And the XJ people are defending them 'til they die. :victory: I appreciate the enthusiasm.
I'm going to have to research swapping of the transfer case since there were 2 recommendations to do so. The cost of a WJ here is actually quite reasonable and a few extra upgrades might be justifiable.
It's a shame The Big Comm isn't getting any love. It's a beast of burden that could easily do the yeoman's work for what I'm doing. I think if one pops up that's a good value, I may consider but essentially, it's moving down the list. Guess I won't be able to name it Bond, Commander Bond.
The Liberty is disappointing, especially given how close in price an '08 is to an '05-'06 WK or Big Comm.
It appears the WJ is becoming the consensus pick but the WK is hanging tough. And the XJ people are defending them 'til they die. :victory: I appreciate the enthusiasm.
I'm going to have to research swapping of the transfer case since there were 2 recommendations to do so. The cost of a WJ here is actually quite reasonable and a few extra upgrades might be justifiable.
It's a shame The Big Comm isn't getting any love. It's a beast of burden that could easily do the yeoman's work for what I'm doing. I think if one pops up that's a good value, I may consider but essentially, it's moving down the list. Guess I won't be able to name it Bond, Commander Bond.
The Liberty is disappointing, especially given how close in price an '08 is to an '05-'06 WK or Big Comm.
AdventureHare
Outfitting for Adv
Thanks for the heads up. I had read thru your build and did catch those items. I'm not deterred by such stuff. Flashing the ECU of any diesel is almost a requirement. I work in the aviation industry and I routine have to think about how things fail. The swirl valve failing in a catastrophic mode is just poor design, but there are workarounds.
It's quite well documented and a great vehicle. A quick survey of WJ aftermarket shows there is a choice for most everything I'm thinking of needing. The hidden winch you're using is outstanding and would be a no-brainer for what I want. If I get a WJ, I'll definitely be reading it again and taking notes.
Comanche Scott
Expedition Leader
Jeepinaaron made a good point about the Select-trac in the WJ with the 4.7. They were available. I looked for a year, and only found them with Quadra-trac out here, but you may have more luck in your neck of the woods.
If I found one, I'd want to look close at the undersides of the Jeep to see how it was used though.
"If" you go WJ, there are some things you want to look close at. So when you get ready, you might want to query that.
Things like the blend door, sticking clutches on the QD transfer case, Power steering pump issue on the 4.7, etc. That way you get to spend your money on mods, not repairs. :victory:
If I found one, I'd want to look close at the undersides of the Jeep to see how it was used though.
"If" you go WJ, there are some things you want to look close at. So when you get ready, you might want to query that.
Things like the blend door, sticking clutches on the QD transfer case, Power steering pump issue on the 4.7, etc. That way you get to spend your money on mods, not repairs. :victory:
BCobe
Adventurer
Going along with Commanche Scott, check the battery cables to. When I had mine the previous owner over tightend the bolt and nut so much that they were embedded into the clamps, this seems like a semi common issue. If you find one with a 6 CD changer ensure it works, if not you might be able to further talk the owner/dealer down.
If you get one with Quadra drive see if there is any documentation of the owner/dealer using some sort of "friction modifier" gear oil for the clutch packs in the 44A. If not it could cause them to fail and you could lose the coveted vari-lock differential. The previous owner on mine also neglected this so mine didn't work.
The blendoor is a easy fix if you dont mind losing dual climate control.
If you get one with Quadra drive see if there is any documentation of the owner/dealer using some sort of "friction modifier" gear oil for the clutch packs in the 44A. If not it could cause them to fail and you could lose the coveted vari-lock differential. The previous owner on mine also neglected this so mine didn't work.
The blendoor is a easy fix if you dont mind losing dual climate control.
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My parents have a WK with 150,000ish miles on it. It's a Laredo with Selec-trac, and it gets used similarly to what you describe. They've not had any issues and have been happy with it. I've driven it a time or two, usually through rougher sections where my mom loses her nerve. I am a staunch JKU guy, but I'll begrudgingly admit their WK handled things better than I expected--bone stock at that.
screwball48
Explorer
One thing to keep in mind that I have not seen mentioned about the commander is the rear seat. If you ever plan on having a car seat placed behind the driver then make sure the steering wheel is in a flavor you like. I had a 2007 and had to sell it one week after receiving the free and clear title on it because there was no way I could fit a car seat in the back (had twin babies on the way).
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AdventureHare
Outfitting for Adv
A quick perusal of CL netted a couple 4.7L w/ ST, although I still have to understand the advantage over QT/QD especially if swapping the xfercase.
I think I've come across these during my research but I appreciate the advice.
It sounded like it hurt you to say that. Thanks for enduring the pain and for sharing.
Hmmm, that's unexpected. I won't go into detail about my situation, but the two (kids and Commander) won't coincide. I read some discussions about the rear seat space was compromised to accommodate the 3rd row, but that's just a fail. My neighbor has a Mini Clubman (3-door) and he could put in a rear-facing baby seat. That would explain why it didn't catch-on if it couldn't meet it's primary objective of carrying a family.
Comanche Scott
Expedition Leader
On the QD, QT and ST
http://www.wjjeeps.com/tcases.htm
http://www.wjjeeps.com/tcases.htm
AdventureHare
Outfitting for Adv
Thanks for all the replies.
The WK and WJ appear to be the best fits for my criteria. I guess it'll come down to IFS vs. SFA, CRD vs. 4.7L, and $$ vs. $$$.
Ahh, I see. Quadra/247 uses the gerotor coupling, while the ST/242 is manually selected. Reduction ratio is the same in both. A QD-WJ w/ vari-lok axles w/ manual transfercase would be ideal. Thanks.
The WK and WJ appear to be the best fits for my criteria. I guess it'll come down to IFS vs. SFA, CRD vs. 4.7L, and $$ vs. $$$.
Ahh, I see. Quadra/247 uses the gerotor coupling, while the ST/242 is manually selected. Reduction ratio is the same in both. A QD-WJ w/ vari-lok axles w/ manual transfercase would be ideal. Thanks.
Bikemobile
Adventurer
I have a lot of experience with the WK vs KK. Back in 2009 a good friend of mine bought a 2008 KK Liberty Sport and I bought my 2008 WK Laredo.
On the way to the Mary Murphy Mine
The KK has the 3.7 engine, it's not bad for the size of the vehicle but the 4 speed 42RLE transmission really disappoints. A part time 2 wheel / 4 wheel / 4lo transfer case is standard in the sport. Have a 2wd option is nice. I've been to some seriously sketchy trails with that KK. With the victim being a mangled gas tank and driveshaft. He chased a O2 sensor heater circuit CEL for a year then traded it for a 2011 XTerra. He loves the X.
My WK however is the opposite. The 305hp 4.7 V8 and the 5 speed transmission is a good combo with 20+ mpg stock and 18-19 mpg modded. I actually prefer the full time 4x4 with 4lo. I have never actually had my WK stuck anywhere. It has never left me stranded and is much more comfortable on long trips than the TJ's, XJ's, MJ and JK that I have ridden in.
The CRD is a neat combo in the WK but I have to say it. I see so many threads on Jeepforum.com about problems with the CRD. It seems like if I had to re-engineer that much of my engine I would drive something else.
The only real drawback of the WK is the lack of interior space. I am 6' and with the driver's seat where I like it, there is little room behind me for biped humans. My wife and I struggle to fit ourselves, a rear facing infant seat, a 35lb dog and all our gear in for a weekend trip to the woods.
I long for a quad cab compact pickup with a topper. Makes transporting wet smelly dogs or gear a breeze. Frontier or Colorado.
Lots of good memories in the WK. It was the first car my wife picked out for herself. The color mostly. I picked the drivetrain.
On the way to the Mary Murphy Mine
The KK has the 3.7 engine, it's not bad for the size of the vehicle but the 4 speed 42RLE transmission really disappoints. A part time 2 wheel / 4 wheel / 4lo transfer case is standard in the sport. Have a 2wd option is nice. I've been to some seriously sketchy trails with that KK. With the victim being a mangled gas tank and driveshaft. He chased a O2 sensor heater circuit CEL for a year then traded it for a 2011 XTerra. He loves the X.
My WK however is the opposite. The 305hp 4.7 V8 and the 5 speed transmission is a good combo with 20+ mpg stock and 18-19 mpg modded. I actually prefer the full time 4x4 with 4lo. I have never actually had my WK stuck anywhere. It has never left me stranded and is much more comfortable on long trips than the TJ's, XJ's, MJ and JK that I have ridden in.
The CRD is a neat combo in the WK but I have to say it. I see so many threads on Jeepforum.com about problems with the CRD. It seems like if I had to re-engineer that much of my engine I would drive something else.
The only real drawback of the WK is the lack of interior space. I am 6' and with the driver's seat where I like it, there is little room behind me for biped humans. My wife and I struggle to fit ourselves, a rear facing infant seat, a 35lb dog and all our gear in for a weekend trip to the woods.
I long for a quad cab compact pickup with a topper. Makes transporting wet smelly dogs or gear a breeze. Frontier or Colorado.
Lots of good memories in the WK. It was the first car my wife picked out for herself. The color mostly. I picked the drivetrain.
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I have a 2door JK 2013 and I put on about 45000km - 55000km/year.
I have 2.5 in lift, quick disconnects, 33" tires, winch, roof rack, upgraded bumpers.
I have found that I can carry all the gear, dog and 1 person with me (that's it)
Mileage gets worse higher you lift it (which only goes to say, hold a 4X8 sheet of plywood in air and it'll stop movement!) I average 13L/100km (I think it works out to about 16 or 17/mpg
I took my rig out wheeling a great deal (some pretty serious winter wheeling included) completely stock! Excellent capability right out of the box.
That's my two cents
Gravel travels with Edgrrrr
I have 2.5 in lift, quick disconnects, 33" tires, winch, roof rack, upgraded bumpers.
I have found that I can carry all the gear, dog and 1 person with me (that's it)
Mileage gets worse higher you lift it (which only goes to say, hold a 4X8 sheet of plywood in air and it'll stop movement!) I average 13L/100km (I think it works out to about 16 or 17/mpg
I took my rig out wheeling a great deal (some pretty serious winter wheeling included) completely stock! Excellent capability right out of the box.
That's my two cents
Gravel travels with Edgrrrr
AdventureHare
Outfitting for Adv
WKs not giving up, but the idea if the KK is now dead and buried.
I'm disappointed to hear you say the space is tight. I know the GC is a mid-size but I'm assuming that less space was a given. But this sounds like it's limited even for a mid-size. I will have to keep that in mind when I look at them, although I'm good with spacial relationships.
Thanks for the input, Edgrrrr. Even the regular JK is beyond my budget.
Take a look at an older model, TJ's are pretty good, especially with the 4.0L engine (indestructible)
Gravel travels with Edgrrrr