If we remastered the TJ and LJ? 🤔
- Thread starter bedhed
- Start date
It was the concept before the soccer Moms in the focus groups picked the Liberty.
What part of adding a Dana 60 makes it ride like shit? Its unsprung weight, correct?
concept touches included a folding shovel integrated into the Jeep Dakar’s front fender
I've seen that mentioned before. That they've built the Jeep with Jeeper wants in mind. But, I couldn't help but wonder who they were listening to, or how the designer and/or engineers wound up with what they did. Maybe they did listen, but their thinking went off into left field in the process? Too many bells and whistles for me. On the interior anyway. I like my manual windows. I like looking around the cab and not seeing plastics covering the exposed metal. But, the best of all those things is not having the extras to break, fail, crack, or fade. Less things to worry about once she's been roughed up a bit and gotten some age under her belt. Oh, and if the need arises for whatever reason, I like the thought of being able to hose down 95% of the interior and not having any worries.
Joe-Wrangler
New Member
I'm right there with you. My wife and I passed up new vehicles since they're just too big!
That would be an interesting comparison. I want older, simpler tech. That's part of the appeal - I can work on my TJ and my motorcycle. The car? Not so much... Plus, I can park in my old western town's parking spots... they're small. I don't need to make it harder than it already is.
The only upgrade/change I plan to make to my radio is an input of some sort. Probably an aux so I can plug in my phone (and listen to podcasts on the daily commute). I grabbed a USB charger from the junk drawer and it lives in the cigarette lighter.
Man, I've said that about the tablet so many times. It doesn't even take the next model for tech to be out of date. Half of it is out of date when it hits the lots!
I do laugh sometimes - I remember planning out how to install a mini desktop in my truck back about 2001. A little touch screen mounted in the dash and all the music I wanted on my hard drive. Plus, it could be a media center and play movies/etc. Now a tablet offers more capability and I don't want one in my vehicle!
I would want a locking storage box under the rear seat so you could keep EDC items (snatch strap, small tool bag, bottle jack, etc) secured when going topless. Maybe make it removeable (release inside the box). 3 piece top like the JL's. Mirrors that work with the doors on or off. Headlights that work. Aluminum doors to make handling them easier. (All aluminum tub would be nice but could increase cost too much. Think of the corrosion resistance!) Independently selectable AC (useful for dehumidifying). Optional Torsen style LSDs on non-rubi models instead of clutch style. LJ's get torsens front and optional lockers in the rear. Doors that have simple arm rests with window closed.
I agree with the drain holes, rust resistant frame, stock 33's and 2" lift.
I agree with the drain holes, rust resistant frame, stock 33's and 2" lift.
Not_Invented_Here_
TJ Addict
For what it's worth, I just went ahead and got a plug in charger/bluetooth adapter - I went with Anker Roav. It was between $15-20 on Amazon and works flawlessly so far. That tech has come a long way since I first used cassette adapters in my old XJ and other early model BT adapters. Took all of 1 minute to plug it in and pair my phone. I likewise use it for charging and podcasts, radio for NPR (come at me Wrangler TJ forum) or music.
I haven't even considered a new head unit because like you, all I want is an aux input and mayyyyybe bluetooth. I absolutely hate 99% of the aftermarket radios I see though and much prefer a stock look. @Chris I think found a Continental model that was very close to OEM and slick with basic features but you definitely will pay for it.
Not a fan of the JK lines, I do like the TJ and JL. I would have liked a barn door or drop down tailgate.
Right there with you. I'm a 37 y/o with an old soul that's battling my inner tech interests. My old soul saying, "Why are you even fooling around with that? It's barely practical.", while the 37 y/o is attempting to argue the "need". Thankfully, the simplicity wins out with most.
I did/do like my OEM headunit. But, I will say that my interest in burning CDs has dwindled. I wouldn't want anything fancy like the new vehicles have though. Simply because those units wouldn't be able to keep up with the times, and die out like the RB1 units did.
Those damned pneumatic tires!
I've wondered this same thing. I see many my age that are part of the flashy lights and laser beams group, but I find myself relating to my elders more. In more ways than this one, unfortunately. I feel like I'm watching simplicity gradually fade away. But, then I can only assume it's no different than Goatman's Dad when pneumatic tires began replacing horseshoes.
My changes for this hypothetical Jeep (in a nutshell):
- Address the common TJ issues. The issues that are problematic and/or detrimental for longevity. Anything from problematic aesthetics to detrimental mechanics.
- With gas prices climbing, make some improvements or changes to help in these modern times, while not skimping on power. This, with a bit of emphasis put into the models with the automatic transmission. It stings a bit when I ride with my Dad and see his 4dr 2017 Silverado getting 28mpg.
- After addressing those, then move on to critiquing the others. It's a Jeep, guys. Maybe include a small shovel with every purchase, but don't use one as a skid plate.
I agree. The simplicity of the TJ is something that I like most. I'm over exaggerating a bit, but the simplicity is at a level where we can make a quick trip to a hardware store to fix and/or upgrade some things. Simple fixes and changes would be a cake walk for them at this point.
You can get a factory TJ radio that has bluetooth and/or aux from a company that modified the OEM radios like the RBK radio that comes stock in a lot of late model TJ’s/LJ’s.
This RBK has bluetooth added.
https://www.1factoryradio.com/chrys...2-10-radio-02-07-am-fm-cd-player-w-bluetooth/
The only aftermarket radio I have found that builds off of the OEM look and appearance is the Clarion M508. It has what I believe to be a white backscreen.
check out this thread where both options are discussed.
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/looking-for-a-new-radio.7866/
The issue I have with the Continental is the hideous ORANGE back lit screen and buttons. Its a huge clash with the factory TJ/LJ dash.
Also worth mentioning is the Clarion M508 is designed for boats. It’s sunproofed so you can see and read the screen with the top off the Jeep. Its also built to withstand water, naturally being that it is designed to be in a boat.
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Which requires advanced computers, sensors, and technology.
I guess it does have it’s benefits.
I was doing the same thing within the past year. I picked up a "BlackWeb" FM modulator for my power outlet, and eventually tore it down and hardwired it in behind my glovebox just because I hated the way even that thing looked.
I'm behind the times, but finally came across the drop-in units that run off of Android operating system. It fits by needs perfectly and it's appearance is 98% tolerable. Being able to access the OBD2 through it and have everything displayed right there on the screen is nice too. Killed two birds with one stone.
Dammit. Well, that's where you come in.Which requires advanced computers, sensors, and technology.
I guess it does have it’s benefits.
We would want it to function off the lot, so I'll stand aside when that topic comes up.
Note that the refurb radio from this company WILL NOT give you hands free calling. It's only for bluetooth streaming.