Hello from North Cakalacky!

[NCJeeper]

Hey all!
Recently found this forum and I gotta say I'm really digging it so I'm signing up! This site is set up very nicely layed out and sooo much great info, I really appreciate the amount of effort put into the FAQs and databases. Looks like a lot of work and a ton of knowledge was involved in starting this up. Thank you to those who made this possible.

I bought my first Wrangler just over a year ago after over 2 years of off and on searching and searching, missing out, giving up, then back in the hunt, cat and mouse until I finally found what I was looking for with almost no compromise.

Of course a Rubicon tops the list but was out of reach with the budget and my 'no compromise list' being that the milage vs price just didn't jive for a Rubicon.

Anywho... I was dead set on 3 things...
'97-'06
4.0l
Under 100k
My research led me to the TJ. Classic looks with modern function and feel, yet still simple and utilitarian without a bunch of techy mumbo jumbo. JKs just don't do it for me...too much modification to take out the ugly, and a bit larger than I prefer. Plus the inline 6 was basically the beginning of my 'no compromise list. I know my wife and daughter wouldn't appreciate long trips to the beach or mountains on a YJ suspension, thus leading to our beloved TJ

Finally I found her...2006 X 4.0 72,250
Silver with black interior, 6 speed, very clean!



My only compromise was the doors, which after the fact I've found half doors really have their perks being able to break them down and toss in the back if I wanna. Not even looking for full doors any more.



In the past year we've had many great trips and fun adventures. No mods yet or really planned although the want list is infinite. it came with the front bumper and roof rack. I caught it fresh on the back lot the day after it arrived, still dirty and all. The dealer replaced the top and (after we made deal) tossed in 4 new tires! 31s at that!



So, yeah, I've been a happy Jeeper and looking forward joining the group!

 

[Chris]

First off, thanks for the compliments on the site! That was my goal when I created it. I wanted to have a site that was purely dedicated to TJ owners and enthusiasts. I think that the older these vehicles get, the more people you'll have gravitating towards them. To me the TJ represents the last true Wrangler.

Secondly, what a great looking (and clean!) TJ! Looks like you take good care of it, and enjoy going topless (and doorless) as the rest of us.

That's the one thing that makes these things so much fun to drive... The fact that you can pretty much just take everything off. It gives you that sense of freedom that only a motorcycle can come close to.

Once you get that bug to start modding it... That's where it never ends. Sheesh, I've probably put 15k into mine so far just in mods. It's so easy to do!

 

[NCJeeper]

Thanks Chris!
I also feel that about the TJ.
This is pretty much the vehicle I've always wanted and was a bit saddened when the JK came out with its giant plastic fenders and bumpers, and raked grill. Then the extra 500lbs and a mini van motor...
Of course these are just my opinions, I know they are still great rigs but I feel a bit of tradition was lost and it looks like the 2018 will be even more so.

Everything Jeep is all JK it seems, so I'm really glad to find this little spot for TJ fans!

I strip her down every chance I get. We live in the sticks so anywhere is at least 20 min one way so we enjoy it. Drive throughs are a lot more fun lol. And that first time on the highway between two big rigs will never be forgotten!

I was really surprised how much my wife likes it. I honestly thought she'd hate it but quite the contrary. She asks for Jeep rides frequently, esp after when she's had a bad day at work and it's nice out. Of course i oblige

I did get greedy though and aimed at finding a manual over an auto, knowing that only I could drive it hehe. But, hey, I like a stick.

 

[Chris]

I'm with you on the JK. The huge plastic fenders were just ugly, and then the smooth lines I just didn't care for. All-in-all, I know they're very off-road capable, but I simply don't care for them. Not to mention their much harder to work on engine wise. Tons of electronics!

You're right too. Everywhere you look it's JK this and JK that. I still believe that more-and-more people will come to appreciate the TJ, and eventually they'll gain even more popularity.

Funny you say that about drive thrus. Going through the drive thru with the doors off and the top off is really exciting for some reason!

As for the wife... I was surprised, because she loves ours too. At first she didn't want me to get one, but now it's all she wants to drive.

 

[CasterTroy]

Welcome from another NC native

 

[Frank]

Again,,, welcome from another NC Jeeper.

 

[Palehorse]

Welcome I like the beach pictures, I hope to enjoy mine on the beach when I move to Florida.

 

[Stinger]

I'm with you on the JK. The huge plastic fenders were just ugly, and then the smooth lines I just didn't care for. All-in-all, I know they're very off-road capable, but I simply don't care for them. Not to mention their much harder to work on engine wise. Tons of electronics!

You're right too. Everywhere you look it's JK this and JK that. I still believe that more-and-more people will come to appreciate the TJ, and eventually they'll gain even more popularity.

Funny you say that about drive thrus. Going through the drive thru with the doors off and the top off is really exciting for some reason!

As for the wife... I was surprised, because she loves ours too. At first she didn't want me to get one, but now it's all she wants to drive.

Women are funny like that. When I met mine she hated golf, motorcycles, and jeeps. She is now in a golf league and is always the one wanting to go play. She is the one that suggested our Alaska motorcycle trip and now what's to do it again. Hates Stinger because I put an automatic in it and destroyed her ability to row the gears-—-go figure!