What Wrangler should I buy?

[dandyferg]

Looking for a wrangler under 9k, Currently I have a side by side which I do enjoy the ride however I think I would make better use of a jeep, mostly go down forest service roads and an occasional side road, some rocky roads, will be an occasional use in small town and off road (small town of about 200 people).
Drove my friends 1995 YJ all stock with 6 ply tires, ok on forest road however way too rough off road, he would sell but it rides to rough. My question is would I notice much difference with a TJ ? I know it will never ride like my side by side, however the YJ would kill me.
Thanks in advance for your opinions.

 

[Apparition]

Go test drive one

 

[Wildman]

Looking for a wrangler under 9k, Currently I have a side by side which I do enjoy the ride however I think I would make better use of a jeep, mostly go down forest service roads and an occasional side road, some rocky roads, will be an occasional use in small town and off road (small town of about 200 people).
Drove my friends 1995 YJ all stock with 6 ply tires, ok on forest road however way too rough off road, he would sell but it rides to rough. My question is would I notice much difference with a TJ ? I know it will never ride like my side by side, however the YJ would kill me.
Thanks in advance for your opinions.

By far a TJ rides better than a YJ because of the coil springs over the leaf springs. You can find a TJ for under $9K but you'll have to be looking and wait. Or find one that needs work. Now you can make a YJ ride better but it takes new springs and getting good shocks to go with it. But it will never ride as nice as your SXS or a TJ IMO.
When you say the YJ was too rough off-road what do you mean and how fast were you going?
I don't know OR laws but can you license a SXS to drive on the street?

 

[P man]

Welcome to the forum first off

I personally would stick with a tj if a nicer ride is what you are after. I have owned and driven lots of yjs and have never described the ride quality as good.

Your budget of 9k and where you live means you will need to act fast if you want a good one.

 

[dandyferg]

Thanks, yes we can use our side by side in town, There just so noisy and I have about the quietest one made, a jeep would be more convenient. I wasn't able to go over 5 miles an hour in the yj, I know it's not the same however my half ton truck I would consider much smoother on the same road.. The road wasn't what most people would call bad. Also had the load C tires aired down to 22psi.

 

[Wildman]

Thanks, yes we can use our side by side in town, There just so noisy and I have about the quietest one made, a jeep would be more convenient. I wasn't able to go over 5 miles an hour in the yj, I know it's not the same however my half ton truck I would consider much smoother on the same road.. The road wasn't what most people would call bad. Also had the load C tires aired down to 22psi.

Well when off-road most air down to 10PSI or lower which helps some also.

As already suggested go test drive a couple TJ's to get an idea if you like the ride.

 

[dandyferg]

One more point, how stiff should the suspension be? I weigh about 200 pounds when jumping on the front or rear bumper it barely moves an inch

 

[dandyferg]

Your right best to try one out, however it's about a 6 hour round trip drive to a town that might have one and hopefully they would have a like road to test on.

 

[lBasket]

One more point, how stiff should the suspension be? I weigh about 200 pounds when jumping on the front or rear bumper it barely moves an inch

Not familiar with YJs but my jeep is definitely bouncier than that. Sounds pretty stiff

 

[dandyferg]

Also while doing 5 MPH on a not so bad road it was so jarring It was hard to hold the gas pedal steady.

 

[Wildman]

One more point, how stiff should the suspension be? I weigh about 200 pounds when jumping on the front or rear bumper it barely moves an inch

Is this the YJ? If yes then it has stiff springs on it. I'm guessing it's lifted?

Your right best to try one out, however it's about a 6 hour round trip drive to a town that might have one and hopefully they would have a like road to test on.

Baker or Ontario are that far away? I'd find a potholed road which isn't the best representation but would show some what.

All we can tell you is that yes a TJ will ride better than a YJ but not as well as a SXS. BTW I had a Artic Cat Wildcat so I have a idea of how they ride. Also have driven Rzr 800 & 900 before.

Also while doing 5 MPH on a not so bad road it was so jarring It was hard to hold the gas pedal steady.

Yes that is way stiff.

 

[dandyferg]

The yj is all stock no lift, 145k miles mostly towed.

 

[Chris]

The TJ is going to be far superior both on-road and off-road with coil springs.

 

[Wildman]

The yj is all stock no lift, 145k miles mostly towed.

WOW then I don't know. That seems really stiff and I don't remember mine being that stiff on stock springs. Now after the lift and crappy shocks then yes it was.

 

[Fishtaco]

Get one that does not have a computer

 

[dandyferg]

what does not have a computer mean? specific year?

 

[bromel]

In this market, you're going to be hard-pressed finding a TJ with no rust that's not a mechanical basket case for under $9k.

 

[Mrholland]

What kind of wrangler you ask....IMHO, save your money and look for a 2004 wrangler unlimited sport

 

[2001slvrstntj]

What kind of wrangler you ask....IMHO, save your money and look for a 2004 wrangler unlimited sport

With a 9k budget….agree that is a good option but not going to be anywhere near 9k of decent

I see you said save your money…got it

 

[Mrholland]

With a 9k budget….agree that is a good option but not going to be anywhere near 9k of decent

What kind of wrangler you ask....IMHO, "save your money" and look for a 2004 wrangler unlimited sport