It's been fun but the JT had to go

[dfwxjer]

Thanks to everyone on this forum for the help and friendly atmosphere. While out on the trails I nearly broke the rear LED taillight and realized it was just too much of a compromise all around for my specific needs. Having $55k wrapped up in a "do it all" truck while driving 3-4k miles a month made me realize it just wasn't excelling at anything. Truly a great vehicle overall and it'll certainly be missed. The interior and ride quality are by far the best factory open top Jeep I've owned to date.

15mpg coupled with the super long wheelbase and rear overhang drove me to finally take my dealership up on an enticing trade offer.

I was able to trade it in for more than I paid despite putting 25k miles on it, and got a great deal on this 2014 Rubicon X thanks to the 2 door manual transmission falling out of favor with the general public. The price difference between the two allowed me to buy a Lexus CT200h as a daily driver and still pocket thousands toward the upcoming JK mods.

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[dfwxjer]

I went from a 2 door JK to the JT so I understand. It’s one hell of an adjustment, especially offroad, but so far I’m enjoying the challenge. All the easier trails I was bored with are fun again. Good luck and enjoy the short wheelbase.

If I wasn't putting so many miles on it I would have loved to lift it higher and run some 40s but that just wasn't in the cards for my daily driving needs. My local group is mostly Wranglers, a square body Suburban on tons, and some buggies. Most of the time I was running some of the easier trails and then parking it and riding with the others.

I've seen some amazing builds on here, but unfortunately I didn't have the budget for a full build and a separate daily.

 

[jac04]

Oh, yeah, I've got a 2014 Rubicon X auto that I use for all the fun off road stuff. You can certainly get crazy with the JK as far as lift & tires, but it amazes me where this little thing will go with a 2" lift and true 33s (255/80R17).

 

[dfwxjer]

Oh, yeah, I've got a 2014 Rubicon X auto that I use for all the fun off road stuff. You can certainly get crazy with the JK as far as lift & tires, but it amazes me where this little thing will go with a 2" lift and true 33s (255/80R17).

Great looking combo!! I would have loved to keep my Mojave.

I agree with the 33" sentiment. I'm planning to start with something similar to get familiar with it, and have fun without stressing the stock drive train.

 

[dfwxjer]

This is where a 2 door JT would fit perfect. I knew I wasn’t the only one LOL

Man, that would be so nice! I doubt they'll ever put one out but I'd buy one in a heart beat.

 

[Sonoran_Mohavey]

The white wheels on blue was fire!!

 

[dfwxjer]

The white wheels on blue was fire!!

I certainly agree with you

I definitely loved the way it looked and it's greatly missed.

 

[dcmdon]

Sorry for my ignorance, but what are "tons". I'd imagine they are impressive if they allow a suburban to out-trail a Gladiator.

***edit - holy crap. Suburban wheelbase is 134", Gladiators is 137"!!!

 

[bleda2002]

Sorry for my ignorance, but what are "tons". I'd imagine they are impressive if they allow a suburban to out-trail a Gladiator.

***edit - holy crap. Suburban wheelbase is 134", Gladiators is 137"!!!

Tons are 60 series axles, AKA for 1 ton trucks

 

[Jeeperjamie]

I'm thinking about buying a 2 door jeep or building a 2 door bronco, on the fence on what route I want to go. The Ford dealership close to me told me whatever price the bronco builds for on the site is what I'll pay for that they ain't marking them up. I built a nice 2 door for under $47,000 with some nice options and 35 from the factory. Still on the fence on which way I want to go at the moment but I'm keeping the Gladiator.

 

[RCKLNDR]

Thanks to everyone on this forum for the help and friendly atmosphere. While out on the trails I nearly broke the rear LED taillight and realized it was just too much of a compromise all around for my specific needs. Having $55k wrapped up in a "do it all" truck while driving 3-4k miles a month made me realize it just wasn't excelling at anything. Truly a great vehicle overall and it'll certainly be missed. The interior and ride quality are by far the best factory open top Jeep I've owned to date.

15mpg coupled with the super long wheelbase and rear overhang drove me to finally take my dealership up on an enticing trade offer.

I was able to trade it in for more than I paid despite putting 25k miles on it, and got a great deal on this 2014 Rubicon X thanks to the 2 door manual transmission falling out of favor with the general public. The price difference between the two allowed me to buy a Lexus CT200h as a daily driver and still pocket thousands toward the upcoming JK mods.

Can’t really blame you under your circumstances. I got into a JT out of a 2 door hard rock and they’re things I definitely miss but it wasn’t practical as a single vehicle. Sounds like you are in a perfect position now.

For what it’s worth; 35s, chopped flares, and a 1” lift is a great modest setup for that wheelbase.

 

[TotallyReasonable]

It doesn't sound like you made out poorly, and that JK is gonna be very fun to play with. Nothing beats a two door imo.

 

[brianinca]

There is indeed a huge gap between a 2dr Wrangler and a JT of any stripe, I get it. There was never a question of trading my YJ for a JTR, it would be like using climbing shoes for construction work. Fortunately my wife's Honda covers the "safe and sane" end of the duty list, so the Jeeps are safe in my house. Have fun with that Wrangler!

Thanks to everyone on this forum for the help and friendly atmosphere. While out on the trails I nearly broke the rear LED taillight and realized it was just too much of a compromise all around for my specific needs. Having $55k wrapped up in a "do it all" truck while driving 3-4k miles a month made me realize it just wasn't excelling at anything. Truly a great vehicle overall and it'll certainly be missed. The interior and ride quality are by far the best factory open top Jeep I've owned to date.

15mpg coupled with the super long wheelbase and rear overhang drove me to finally take my dealership up on an enticing trade offer.


I was able to trade it in for more than I paid despite putting 25k miles on it, and got a great deal on this 2014 Rubicon X thanks to the 2 door manual transmission falling out of favor with the general public. The price difference between the two allowed me to buy a Lexus CT200h as a daily driver and still pocket thousands toward the upcoming JK mods.

 

[jac04]

Great looking combo!! I would have loved to keep my Mojave.

I agree with the 33" sentiment. I'm planning to start with something similar to get familiar with it, and have fun without stressing the stock drive train.

Thanks!

It's a bunch of fun with 33s, especially in Rubicon X form. Very unassuming.

I'm fully armored, HD steering components, with a Prorock 44 up front and a custom-built HD Dana 44 out back (thicker tubes, HD brackets, fully welded center/tubes). Speak softly but carry a big stick.

 

[shrinkhead]

have fun flipping over in that short little Jeep

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