I need to get a 4wd vehicle due to bad winters and work location(up a mountain). I have currently only owned mustangs so I am more or less clueless about jeeps besides the research i have done on them over the last week. I have a bunch of basic questions that i was wondering about and would appreciate if you could answer any or all of them. I am looking into getting the sahara 4dr 2007.

1. Do Jeeps generally last long and are they reliable (will I be able to keep this for 8+ years and put over 150,000 miles on it)?
2. If i get a 3inch lift kit and 35in tires how would the driving be affected (being that this is my only vehicle would it be impractical to lift it/ i am not worried about mpg being affected)?
3. Which lift kit would you recommend (I was looking at skyjacker vs full traction)?
4. What are the capabilities of this vehicle regarding offroading with only a lift and bigger tires (will i be able to run over curbs/ not that i am going to, just trying to figure out the capabilities of this thing)?
5. I've heard that lift+tires will affect speedometer, if so is it possible to ride around with out changing the speedo (which way will the speedo be affected; reading faster or slower)? If not how could i change the speedo to read correctly?
6. Will the tires+lift make this vehicle not as durable over the years?
7. Anything else you can think of telling someone who is clueless about jeeps + offroading.

Thanks for any help you can give me, I appreciate it.

This is an excellent forum

Paul

 

1. I think the jeeps are reliable. My 95 Jeep Wrangler had 115000 miles on it when it was totaled and it had never been in the shop for anything other than normal things. I haven't noticed any issues (reliability) that I haven't found in other cars I have owned.
2. If you get a complete lift, one with all the arms and everthing your ride shouldn't be affected badly.
3.I think the Fulltraction premium lift is probably the best one out right now.
4.With a lift and 35's you will probably be able to do just about anything you want. You could conquer most of Moab with that setup.
5.You don't have to change the speedo. The speedo will show lower than what it really is. For example, my jeep says it is going 65 when really it is going about 70mph.
6.I haven't really noticed any issues with a lift and tires. If you went really big you might have issues.
7.You will Love it.

 

Good Questions!
#2 should get you into lots of trouble visa-vi #1 though.

I mean you're gona be LOOKING for bumps to play on!

and what curb?????

 

With no lift and the stock 32" tires that came on my Sahara, I've yet to encounter a curb that could stop me.

 

The jeep is right for you, but are you right for the Jeep?

With jeeps comes things you should be aware of:

-Always give your fellow jeeper a friendly hand jesture (you can give hummer owners another hand jesture if so desired).
-Always assist a fellow jeeper on the trail.
-Always leave mud on, Let nature return the dirt and mud by way of rain.
-When on a trial and you brush a limb and get a scratch, dont get upset thats just trail pinstriping!

A jeep will be considerably slower than the mustangs your used to, there about fun and adventure off road, not balls out speed! Also your cornering will be slowed up quite a bit with the jeep lifted and taller tires and a higher center of gravity.

I went from sports cars to lowered trucks and then to a jeep TJ then back to trucks and cars and I have never had such fun in any vehicle as I did my jeep. You will either love it or hate it thats usually how it works. People that love them keep them for ever or if they do give them up they usually regret it and always want another.... People that hate them usually trade them in within 6 months of purchasing.

I know people that gave up there Jeeps for family as they are not to convienient for that and miss their beloved jeep but now the unlimited is bringing them back!

 

Thanks all for your replies. If anyone else has advice on these questions I would appreciate it.

Two more questions I am looking to find out:

1. Will stock breaking be an issue with the 3in lift + 35in tires?

2. I looked into the FT kit as suggested and it appears to be the best one based on reviews I've read. What is the difference between the economy, premium and ultimate kits? Which will give me the best driveability (that is basically what I am looking for)?

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Paul