Hi all. I'm about to pull the trigger on a new '10 JK.

My original plan was to get the 6spd manual, but the wife has since informed me that she will not learn to drive it. Since her having the ability to drive it when needed is probably important, I'm guessing the decision has been made for me.

I'm wondering what I'm going to gain/lose with the automatic? Anything? Is towing better with an automatic? The automatic comes with the 3.73 gear ratio, so with that, is there any reason to go with the factory tow group (includes hitch receiver, sway damping, and wiring at $270 MSRP)?

Any opinions on the Trak-Lok limited slip rear differential? Is that worth the $295? If it works the way I expect, then it should prevent me from getting into an incident like the one where, in my old YJ, I had drive tires spinning on ice with no traction, and the other tires buried in snow...net result, 0 movement despite being a 4x4. Took me a whle with a shovel to dig out.

I know the vast majority of this group is DIY with the know how and tools...but that's not me, so some things are gonna have to be factory.

Plus, Goldstein is offering lifetime powertrain warranties...so that's a draw.

Thanks for any advice!

-Try to convince her on the 6 Speed. Tell as many lies as you need to get her to accept it over Automatic. In all honesty its all about preference ive heard happy people with either transmissions.
-Try to find a Rubicon. I have never heard a person regret getting one especially if you want to go on some pretty technical trails. The 4:1 Tcase, 4.10 gears selectable lockers and electronic disconnects are great and F/R D44s are great strong axles.( selectable lockers are also better in the snow because you can toggle them on and off where as with an LSD you get to fish tale around every turn.
-If you are sold on the X or Sahara The Limited slip is solid and absolutely worth the 300. It is gear driven instead of clutch driven and operates very smoothly and effectively. They are no rock-right or selectable but i have see them prove very capable.

Oh, I'd love a Rubi. It would be a stretch, money wise, is the only problem. I'm not sure I can afford one. The $27k mark is pretty close to my limit, and with Rubi's hitting $29k-$33k...doesn't look good. I'm probably close enough to try, though...heh. The Commanders and Grand Cherokees have $4k cash allowance incentives, but the Wrangler is still only $750.

I've never been much for the Sahara. Too much money goes to fancy stuff on those!

Thanks!

Chris, not to persuade or dissuade you from a limited slip or not, but an '10 JK should come with traction and stability control.

These systems will make driving on road much nicer in bad weather, but could also frustrate you off road.

There's usually a switch to turn them off, though, right? I know on my current car, there's a button to turn all that off. I quickly learned when that's needed, when trying to drive up a slippery hill a couple years ago...every time the wheels spun, it kicked in, and I lost momentum...did this a few times before I finally remembered that button.

Yes.

Thanks for the replies.

I tried wrapping the budget around a Rubi, but it just wasn't going to happen.

I "built my own" on the site, but it looks like there are slim pickings on the Wranglers right now. Both Goldstein and Armory only have a few. Goldstein has about 2 Sports, and 4 or so Saharas (I don't recall the ratio of Unlimited/Regular).

So, all that, and I happened across a used TJ. I didn't plan on buying used, but this thing must have been waiting for me.

06 TJ Sport - Certified Used. Only 20800 miles on it.

It is in near perfect shape. kbb.com values it at 20,900, I got it for 15,990. It had been sitting on the lot since May, waiting for me, I guess.

So far, I've only driven it for the test drive, and the drive from the dealer back to work, so looking forward to the drive home now!

I'm glad to, once again, be a part of the "Jeep Thing".

All is once again right, within my universe.

Now - on to the lift, tires, armor, etc...

Hah! That is my thought...but it will be a slow process. Money and time are both tight with a 19 month old, and my priorities are to save up for a hitch and trailer, and tires. Thing is, I'll need tires before I can afford a lift, so while I'll be upsizing them, it won't be any huge amount. I'm guessing I'll probably go to 18" tires.

The nice thing is, I know it's capable without that, so I'll be having fun with it in the meantime, too!

Congrats. I like TJs better anyway... When you say 18" tire that would be downsizing lol. Unless you meant rim/wheel in which case i wouldn't let you. Your TJ has 30"x9.5" R15 tires stock 30 is the diam. 9.5 is the width and 15=15" rim size. At stock height you will only be able to squeeze in 31 and still be comfortable. 32" req. a 2" budget boost, 33" 3"-4" some like to do a 2" bb and 1.25 body lift cuz it doesn't hit the wallet hard, no need for an SYE CV and with 33s a TJ can do some pretty amazing things. 35s 4"w/1"BL-6" in this area your looking at nothing but wads of cash to do things right. 35s and up you start needing stronger EVERYTHING.Upgraded Axles, Steering, Brakes, Bad ass Decals. You know. Stuff like that...

Oh...I apparently don't have a clue what I'm talking about, so thanks for the pointers.

So it sounds like, unless I save up money to do tires and a budget boost at the same time, I'm fairly limited. Based on what you've told me here, I don't see myself going beyond 32" tires and the 2" BB, not while it's still a daily driver. I wasn't originally planning a boost, but based on this, I probably should just do it with the new tires. I don't see any mention of replacing the rims, so I'm assuming I can just stick with what I have?

Maybe when I get a new Rubicon in 2015 or so (or the equivalent at that time), I'll start looking at doing more with the TJ.

Thanks a ton for the info, I actually sorta feel like I know what I'm talking about now.

Er, I'm gonna have to look up what a SYE CV is.

Thanks!

If you are not in any hurry, I will have lots of parts for you this spring. I am rebuilding mine from the ground up. I'll have 2" springs, 2" BB, shocks, and maybe more.

Eric

No, definitely not in any hurry...heh. I'm not even sure I could do much come spring, but please do keep me in mind, depending on my circumstances at the time, and cost, I could be interested, even in some of it, if not all.

Thanks!