expert on jeeps, new to the Toyota world

I've owned several jeeps and currently have a lifted Cherokee on 35's, arb lockers, etc. I also have a Comanche with a similar setup....Problem with these are I need something economical for commuting so am looking to buy a 97+ Tacoma. I've been lingering around the site as a guest and thought I'd join and try to expand my knowledge as much as possible so I buy the right things.

 

welcome to the site!

 

Hi, I'm new to this site also. Funny thing is, I'm a Toyota expert looking for my first jeep! I've had several 4x4 toys over the years, starting from 1979 and a new one every four years bringing my to my present 2008 taco access 4x4. This is the year so I've been out looking and I think I'm going to buy a 2012 wrangler rubicon. There's only cosmetic changes to the new taco, and the ABS brakes, and lousy fuel mileage still piss me off and it's been four years already!!!! Which brings me to my point. Don't buy a 4.0 litre taco unless 18-19 mpg is all you expect. I did get 20mpg one time on a 300 mile road trip driving 45-55 mph, but who does that all the time? And i still think i just didn't top off the tank that time. The norm for me is 80-85 mph. Our speed limit is 75, and 80. I typically get 16 mpg, which I think sucks!! My dad and my brother both have 2012 F-150's 4x4 crew cabs with the twin turbo Eco boost engine. They both get better mileage than me just by a little bit,(we all drive the same) but the power and interior are far superior to my taco. I'm not pushing fords because I think a taco built in Texas is more American than a Canadian ford but I can't ignore all the features they have and I don't!!
Anyway, what do you know about wranglers? This won't be my first jeep (actually will be #5) 1-4 were all cj5's, 1972-1977. I'm not dead set on a 2012 rubicon, but I do want a rubicon.

 

Im looking to get the 3.4 v6 and although I said something more economical, I mostly meant something more comfortable for the highway so basically just something that does okay on gas, but mostly just a better ride quality then a lifted jeep. As far as jeeps go for you, Id have to agree the Rubicon is the way to go but I personally wouldn't buy that new of a jeep even if I had the money. I've been driving off road since I could reach the peddles and have go through the Rubicon at least 3 times a year since I was 16. Because of this, I see the weak points in newer jeeps, points that you don't want and I see this a lot in te newer jeeps. If its purely for pavement, then it wont matter as much but If you plan to wheel it at all, id get the generation that ran from about 98-06. They had the 4.0 inline six which is a great motor and a lot less plastic making up the vehicle. Not only that, but it was more intended for off roading and had that true "jeepness" to it and now they seem to be going towards the yuppie soccer dad type of people that 4wheel sometimes. Now, with a few grand into it...suspension, after market flares FOR sure and maybe new bumpers, then they are back to being a jeep again. I know a lot is opinion based but from a jeep person, that's my criticism

 

x2

 

Thought Id share what my current vehicles are....seems wrong on a toyota forum but oh well...First is my first car/weekend car. Second is my daily driver...which explains why its not that great for commuting. 1998 Cherokee. 1988 Comanche.

 

The yellow is sick!

 

Esteem... sorry if this seems like it's not my business, but how old are you man?

I'm in Folsom 4 days a week

 

Only good thing about the Rubicon's is the Dana 44 up front and the e-locker, only real difference too. I had a '98 Wrangler Sahara. D44 in rear, D35 up front, both with chromoly shafts. Ran 35x12.5's on it, ARB's front and rear, 4:1 T-Case, 4.56's front and rear.

If you're getting a Jeep, my .02 is.... if you're gonna do any real wheeling. Grab an older one. Don't drop all the coin on a newer one and then be scared to scratch it.

My '97 Wrangler Sport



My '98 Wrangler Sahara. Beast on the trail

 

I'm 20...looked at your profile and I definitely went to school with you at some point, saw your picture of you in the wrangler and then the name dean confirmed it. Went to oak chan, folsom middle, fhs. Im guessing you went to at least one or two or those.

 

Whats your name man?

I'm Dean Perkins

Oak Chan, FMS, then moved a week before my Freshman year started

 

Just sent you a friend request on fb. Chance you might recognize me. name is Peter Long

 

I definitely recognize the face man. You woulda been a year younger than me

 

for sure. You all toyota now or any jeeps left over?

 

All Toyota now... but I miss 'em. I sold my '98, and it now lives in Utah. Loved hittin the Rubicon on that thing. I moved from Folsom to Cool, so I was there all the damn time. That Inline 6 was a fucking monster too.

I"ll get another one.... one day... haha

I saw those pics of your XJ, that thing is nice man.

 

Rubicons come stock with a 4:1 t-case, 4:10 gears, f/r lockers and D44. They're a pretty big step up from a Sahara or a Sport (X) model.

Buying an older Rubicon is the best way to go if you don't plan on upgrading the axles to 60's or running anything larger than a 37" tire.

 

Lol you literally repeated what I said. I'm not knocking on the capabilities of the Rubicon edition. I've been in them. They rock. Just saying, is spring for my Sahara again if I had the chance. Thing was an absolute tank. IDK what the prices are now, but back when I had mine, you could get a brand new Dana 44, with gears, from mopar for something like $1200-$1500. Bolt right into the Jeep. Something to consider.

 

The point I was trying to make is that even if you upgrade the front axle of a Sahara you're still missing a rear e-locker and the 4:1 Rubi t-case.

 

I understand