New rig

[american_zero]

Well, after losing my XJ to a drunk driver back around Thanksgiving (see here http://naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1074411&highlight=smashed), I have found a replacement. After much debate and searching, I decided to go with a WJ (Thanks srmitchell). It's a 2004 Overland with 51k miles and extremely clean. I spent a little more than I had originally wanted to, but I think it was well spent. It has the up-country package with all the skid plates, factory rock rails, tow hooks and springs - this alone will save some money and time. It also has the Quadradrive system which has auto-locking type differentials front and rear. I think with a spacer lift and new 32" tires this thing will be as capable as my XJ was and about 100x more comfortable. Only issue is I don't want to scratch it! :dunno: But I was honest with myself and realized that I will be DD'ing this thing 99% of the time and most of the trails I visit will be pretty tame compared to what most of you drive on.

This thread is worthless without pics, I know, but I'm killing some time at work and thought I would let y'all know. :dunce: Just picture a super clean silver WJ with all the trimmings. Pics to follow this weekend or maybe a quick stop by the fun factory on Saturday morning.

EDIT >> And the 4.7HO is a dream to drive!

 

[Alex E]

Sounds awesome man! Post up some pics!

 

[Jeep450r]

Good to hear you got a new rig.. Sorry to hear about your last one.

Post up some pics so we can all drool over it!

 

[JeepFreak21]

Nice! Congrats man! I loved my WJ... those were the most comfortable seats EVAR!
Billy

 

[NorCalChris]

Very nice choice!

 

[blondejoncherokee]

im getting ready to buy a WJ myself. what should i look for ?
found a bunch on craigslist for under 5000 that look pretty decent but i want skids , towhooks and posi s (and a beefier rear end?) what are the best ones? the overland?

 

[Mike1331]

Nice i love the 4.7HO's. Super fast and decent mileage.

Jon are you looking for a dd? Why not something that can safely tow your xj to the trail?
(by safe i mean proper wheel base)

 

[american_zero]

Some cell phone pics to chew on until I get the real camera out. Can anyone tell just by the pics if this has the up-country springs? It has the windown sticker and I glanced at it and I think it says heavy duty supspension. This puppy was $41k when new!!!!

 

[american_zero]

im getting ready to buy a WJ myself. what should i look for ?
found a bunch on craigslist for under 5000 that look pretty decent but i want skids , towhooks and posi s (and a beefier rear end?) what are the best ones? the overland?

When I was looking around for the same information, I was continually directed to this site http://www.wjjeeps.com/jmenu.htm. You can find info on all of the different models, all the TBS and recall issues listed by year, etc. You'll notice that the later years (03, 04) have the least common problems.

The Overland has all of the goodies you want, but they usually command a premium. If you want the Vari-lock axles, you need to look for a Quadradrive model. All these options are explained on that website. Skids can be found on other models, the Quadradrive is also optional, I think. I'm actually not too familiar with the axles, D44A in the rear on most, maybe?

The dual climate control in the Limited and Overland models pretty much has a 100% failure rate and will require you to dig into the dash to replace the cheap flaps that break. I've seen some aftermarket kits that allow you go simply remove the glove box, cut into the hvac ducting, replace the flaps with better ones, then patch up the hvac with aluminum duct tape. Much easier than removing the entire dash.

And I would bet that srmitchell could answer some of your questions. He was really helpful in pointing me towards the WJ and listing some of the common problems.

 

[Mike1331]

:eyes:Not to give you any ideas or anything but have you seen this guys WJ? I've seen it on the con a couple times. bad ass
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=844410

 

[Johnnie Walker]

jon.. bhicks from socal may know, he has a WJ.

 

[rocknxj]

Excellent choice for a replacement rig. I loved my 2000 WJ Loredo and love the trim and power of mmy2006 WK Overland. I sold my 4.7 lifer Loredo before I had the chance to modify it but it served me well in every way. Good luck with the build plan.

 

[blondejoncherokee]

im not set set on the vari lok or skids. i can make or buy skids and also buy a posi for the rear and maybe lock the front if i get one with a 242. the blend door fix doesnt bother me, what concerns me is the tranny and t case. was there only one tranny in the WJ or was there a better one?

also, id prefer to get tcase with a 2wd so i dont have to be AWD all the time(like with a 242) .
i really want the 4.7 limited model. ive found them as low as 3500obo with about 150K .

 

[american_zero]

From what I saw, the AWD cases (247) are very common on Limiteds and Overlands. I only saw a few 242's in my searches, but they are out there. Out near Sac you seem to have more Jeep's available in general though.

For my needs, the vari-lock axles and up-country package was perfect. I'm not wheeling hard at all and this should work great for me. For you, sounds like open axles and adding a aussies or whatever will work better.

 

[american_zero]

In case anyone is curious, I got around 13.9mpg on my first tank. That was almost all commuting to work and stomping on it to show my friends the 4.7 HO power ;-). Filled it up and drove to the coast and back, overhead console was showing 19+ mpg. I'm still finishing off that tank with commuting, but its above 16mpg at the moment and may end up around 17mpg. 16 is better than I was getting with my last XJ pretty much all the time so I'm happy.

Also getting new tires in the next day or so. Ordered up some 255/65/17 Hankook RF10 all-terrains - not quite the equivalent of a 31x10.50x15. About as big as I can go at stock height and should work nicely with a 2" BB I have planned.

 

[american_zero]

For anyone wondering, I had the tires installed and I like them so far. Very quiet except over the rougher spots I've been on, still have a fairly aggressive A/T pattern, handle good, great traction in the rain so far, and I think they look good. Also saved some clams over BFG A/T's, GY Duratracs, or the like.

I previously had the Falken Rocky Mountains in the 31x10.50x15 flavor on my XJ which I really liked too (very similar in feel to the new Hankooks), but they did tramline on the highway for me. I haven't seen others complain about this issue online though, so it may have just been my specific setup. YMMV.