Traded my JT for more power

[ShadowsPapa]

You talk as if everyone parks like that or it's always a major issue. I know in some lots, unless you pull in, and back up back into traffic to try to get it perfect centered and straight, you have a problem, too.
Here, the issue is the spaces are narrow. They built these shopping strips where there was very little space for parking and cram as many spots as they can into that space.
Also in some lots you almost have to be able to make a "square turn" to get in - you can't swing out and drive straight into the spot - not with a real truck. So you are swinging out either into the next row of cars, or traffic coming at you, trying to get aimed into a spot.
you also have no idea if the person is handicapped or old who isn't perfectly centered, still within the lines, but a bit off center.
So I must assume some people here are perfect, perfect drivers, never ever park even an inch off center.
Sounds like the kind of person who's vehicle might get keyed around here for pulling shit like that.

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[Hemy5587]

You talk as if everyone parks like that or it's always a major issue. I know in some lots, unless you pull in, and back up back into traffic to try to get it perfect centered and straight, you have a problem, too.
Here, the issue is the spaces are narrow. They built these shopping strips where there was very little space for parking and cram as many spots as they can into that space.
Also in some lots you almost have to be able to make a "square turn" to get in - you can't swing out and drive straight into the spot - not with a real truck. So you are swinging out either into the next row of cars, or traffic coming at you, trying to get aimed into a spot.
you also have no idea if the person is handicapped or old who isn't perfectly centered, still within the lines, but a bit off center.
So I must assume some people here are perfect, perfect drivers, never ever park even an inch off center.
Sounds like the kind of person who's vehicle might get keyed around here for pulling shit like that.

Right, if they are in within the lines... they are parked correctly, even with a little NW, SE action. I try not to be an inconvenience to others although that cart zip tied to the handle approach mentioned previously did make me laugh a little. I used to have "business cards" that I bought off Amazon that said you parked like an asshole and for what reason that I would leave under their wipers sometimes but that was more so if I came back, even centered in my spot and I still had to crawl through my passenger side. Good times. However you hit the nail on the head, spots are too narrow. They try to cram as many they can into an establishment but the vehicles keep getting bigger and bigger also.

 

[Zachanadandy]

Right, if they are in within the lines... they are parked correctly, even with a little NW, SE action. I try not to be an inconvenience to others although that cart zip tied to the handle approach mentioned previously did make me laugh a little. I used to have "business cards" that I bought off Amazon that said you parked like an asshole and for what reason that I would leave under their wipers sometimes but that was more so if I came back, even centered in my spot and I still had to crawl through my passenger side. Good times. However you hit the nail on the head, spots are too narrow. They try to cram as many they can into an establishment but the vehicles keep getting bigger and bigger also.

The zip tie thing only happens when you're a real douche, like centered in 2 parking spots. Even tires on the line I'll let go, but there's a difference between accidentally missing the spot and feeling entitled to multiple spots because you think you're special.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

They try to cram as many they can into an establishment but the vehicles keep getting bigger and bigger also.

They seem to base the spots on 1980s vehicles, even 1990s.
My F250 had crap for a turning radius - it couldn't turn sharp if you pushed it sideways - but, it was a more narrow and shorter truck than my Silverado. First time I tried to put that Chevy in the garage - yikes! Now the doors hit stuff getting in and out, and I could no longer put the mower behind the truck. Unreal how "fat" and long a 2011 Silverado 1500 was compared to a 95 F250 HD truck.
And trying to maneuver my car hauler with those other trucks - messy, a lot of back and forth, 20 point turns. Not so with the JT - the turning radius and wheel base allow me to park that trailer into that narrow spot between my shop and the property line with greater ease.

The zip tie thing only happens when you're a real douche, like centered in 2 parking spots. Even tires on the line I'll let go, but there's a difference between accidentally missing the spot and feeling entitled to multiple spots because you think you're special.

Now that makes sense................... accidents or difficulty happen, but that's just plain ARROGANCE.

One reason I like the cameras on these is - I have no depth perception, and barely see out of my right eye. Kind of bugs my wife because it takes 5 extra seconds parking - but I literally pull into a spot, and put it in reverse to trigger the rear camera to see where I am in the lines. I try hard "not to be that guy" - and compensate for my lack of perfect vision.
I also like the Jeep because you can see where things are - save for the ass-end but that's the same with any truck. I can look down and tell - if I see this line but not that one, I'm too far over.
I watch people - and nothing worse than a couple parking next to some moron and an 80 year old woman struggles to open the door enough and get out.
There's ALWAYS someone worse off than me - so if I have difficulties, I know some others will be having major troubles in parking lots.

 

[GeekJT]

I agree with most everything said here. For me I’d describe the power output as ”adequate” given the weight of the truck, and I believe most on here have described it the same way. Now if I’m spending in the 40’ s for this truck then adequate is ok, but when one starts to cross over into the 50’s then “adequate” is not the adjective I want to be throwing around. I won’t even go into the fact that the competition offers more powerful power trains. Just one man’s opinion.

Im not beholden to a Hemi, just give me anything with a bit more power, an in-line or v6 or , gasp, a “highly stressed” in-line 4.

I feel ya. I wouldn't really need it to be more than 320hp, the other side of more power also equals more breaky things, so things have to be made stronger and all of that = more cost.

The jeep is very much purpose built, and has a very unique look and convertible. All those things to make and assemble have costs. The ford raptor ranger can only offer that ecoboost engine, BECAUSE you are not getting any of the other things. It's not a convertible, and nowhere near as modular / customizable as the Jeep Gladiator. Like yeah, they are great trucks, but Jeep is different. Even the bronco doesn't have the same feel as a jeep. like it's a great ford suv, but it's not a jeep.

For example, my front steel bumper, from the factory i can make it a stubby or full size. Like that's a nice touch, gonna go do more rock stuff, make it a stubby and get that extra approach angle. No other truck offers it. Even a winch is a pita in most other trucks.

So yeah, they all price around the same, (my thinking is in rubicon / mojave vs their competition) I'm a huge ford guy, I've owned at least 7-8 fox body mustangs, a 2006 gt, 2011 gt and now a 2024 gt, I've owned a lifted 7.3l excursion, lifted 2004 2500 silverado i bought new and did a 12 inch lift on, several f250s, (apart from jeeps i've owned) and none of them were as good as my jeep off road. Yeah, they could do the same things, but not in the same way.

I guess if being able to take the top and doors off isn't important to you, there are a few trucks to consider, but if Jeep life and the jeep culture and history is important to ya, yeah how do ya walk away from it. The jeep meets, the people and family.

There is so much more to it than "what power it makes". The power the 3.6L gets pretty much any off-road job done and with mods, literally can do anything and do it with style and fun.

Most of the price stuff is inflation. A 2010 Jeep Rubicon unlimited was $33,895, take into account inflation, it would be $50,200 today. I paid 52k for my mojave, so yeah, it's about the same as 2010 prices and no one was complaining then.

What OG guys like you and me are thinking in 2010 or 2000 money. My hummer h2 in 2006 was 50k. Very pricy for the time. That's 75-80k in 2025.

Today, 52k for a jeep in 2025, is like paying $34k in 2010. Don't hate jeep, hate the 20 trillion we did in the plandemic in inflation. That's why it's such a sticker shock. And only something like 60% (maybe 70%, id have to research) of that inflation has even hit us, it's gonna get worse over the next 5 years.

$50-60k for a fully loaded, fully optioned out Jeep today isn't bad. I paid 52k fully optioned, Mojave X. Yeah I'm not surprised it has a 285hp N/A gas engine. at that price point.

When you take into account inflation, it's about right. It sucks because our dollar isn't what it was worth in 2010, and I totally complain about it just like my dad used too.

 

[NC_Overland]

How bad are people at driving. Once you put big tires with a little poke the JT is just as wide. Parking at Costco was never a problem in a crew cab super duty. It's bet the RHO gets better mileage than my JT once the 37s went on. If I didn't need my truck to clear right obstacles and articulate it would have been a trx over the JT. I know some people love the smaller trucks, but the JT one built like most Jeepers do is not smaller or more fuel efficient than a full size in any way that really matters in my opinion. A parking spot is a parking spot. Mini Cooper or crew cab with an 8' bed they all park the same.

You realize how much wider those are than a normal full size truck right? All the non Raptor/TRX/RHO full sized trucks are 79.9” wide to fit under normal DOT clearance sizes. Those three lights in the grill of the Raptor and in the hood scoop of the Ram RHO/TRX are DOT clearance lights. They’re like 6-8” wider iirc. It make a difference. I’ve had full sized trucks and everywhere I’ve lived your normal parking spots are so narrow you have to shimmy sideways out in most spots. Even 6” wider would make it very difficult to park in a lot of places I regularly park. If I lived out in the country or in TX, MT, WY a full sized truck as a daily driver would be awesome.

Sorry if this has already been covered.

 

[Zachanadandy]

You realize how much wider those are than a normal full size truck right? All the non Raptor/TRX/RHO full sized trucks are 79.9” wide to fit under normal DOT clearance sizes. Those three lights in the grill of the Raptor and in the hood scoop of the Ram RHO/TRX are DOT clearance lights. They’re like 6-8” wider iirc. It make a difference. I’ve had full sized trucks and everywhere I’ve lived your normal parking spots are so narrow you have to shimmy sideways out in most spots. Even 6” wider would make it very difficult to park in a lot of places I regularly park. If I lived out in the country or in TX, MT, WY a full sized truck as a daily driver would be awesome.

Sorry if this has already been covered.

It's only wider at the wheels/ fender flares. That extra clearance would make getting out easier as there's more room for the door. Sure there are the occasional tight parking lots, but I rarely frequent places like that. The local Costcos have huge lots and we generally go early Saturday or Sunday where it's 3/4 empty. Street parking is available most places and then width doesn't matter at all.

 

[NC_Overland]

It's only wider at the wheels/ fender flares. That extra clearance would make getting out easier as there's more room for the door. Sure there are the occasional tight parking lots, but I rarely frequent places like that. The local Costcos have huge lots and we generally go early Saturday or Sunday where it's 3/4 empty. Street parking is available most places and then width doesn't matter at all.

Stop telling me a TRX might work for me. I want one so badly, but that’s one of the sticking point for me.

 

[Zachanadandy]

Stop telling me a TRX might work for me. I want one so badly, but that’s one of the sticking point for me.

The wife flat refused the idea of 700hp with me driving in the desert. I get enough "that's enough Zach" and "what the fuck is wrong with you" comments drifting the mojave around at 70+ with its poor little v6.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Street parking? That pretty much disappeared last century.

Most of the shopping area have small, packed lots and the parking spots aren't angled like at a Walmart or such - they are straight in, so you have to swing out and make a square turn to get into them. I suppose they figure 2 more spaces doing it that way.

 

[NC_Overland]

Street parking? That pretty much disappeared last century.

Most of the shopping area have small, packed lots and the parking spots aren't angled like at a Walmart or such - they are straight in, so you have to swing out and make a square turn to get into them. I suppose they figure 2 more spaces doing it that way.

You live in Iowa bro. It’s still a thing.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

You live in Iowa bro. It’s still a thing.

What? Street parking? Maybe in some small towns with no reason to go to them, no shopping available there.
They didn't plan for all of the traffic, so basically removed most on-street parking except in some areas.
Where there is street parking in Des Moines, it's downtown (nothing there for shopping) and those all have meters.

 

[Zachanadandy]

What? Street parking? Maybe in some small towns with no reason to go to them, no shopping available there.
They didn't plan for all of the traffic, so basically removed most on-street parking except in some areas.
Where there is street parking in Des Moines, it's downtown (nothing there for shopping) and those all have meters.

What is all the shopping in strip malls? Costco, home depot, maybe oreillys. Anything else I need can be ordered to the house. All the places I frequently go either have huge lots or overflow lots with trailer parking available. Even the local breweries seem to understand that. Maybe that's why the whole parking concern is lost on me. Be it the crew cab super duty or my company prius they have all parked everywhere I go. Aside from towing a trailer I've never once gave parking a second thought. Maybe I need to go thrifting or antiquing or whatever people do in strip malls to share your pain.

 

[Hootbro]

It's crazy how often ppl dog the 3.6l I get it, it's not 400hp, it's not "fast".

But some food for thought.

My 89-93 fox body mustangs, stock had 225hp out of a 5.0L v8 and was stamped H.O. (high output).

Whoever thinks a v6 putting out 285hp isn't high output is nuts. Do i wish it was maybe 320hp, yeah that'd be a sweet spot. But a v6 putting out 285hp is pretty dang good and to be as trouble free as it is, is great, i also change my oil at 3000 miles religiously because i know that's how you keep high performance engines going forever.

Is 400hp cool? Yup. Do i need it? Not really. Does it make me wish i bought a raptor ranger? LOL no. That engine is even more high performance, and requires even higher level of care if you wanna make it last.

But the 3.6L is a great little engine. Yup doesn't have a turbo to worry about, it's a solid N/A engine. It's not gutless (cough 3.8l) the 3.6 is fantastic off-road, it has a great powerband, it'll make that mojave move faster than you want across the dunes LOL. There really isn't a time I'm like "oh man i wish it had more power". It's more like "man this thing is moving" On the beach runs it'll run circles around everything else in the deep sand.

It is all relative. I agree that compared to 80's/90's vehicles it is a rocket ship. But that is 30-40+ years ago and unless one is a old fart to have the point of reference, most younger types do not have that frame of reference to cherish what we have.

The true judgement is what it competes against in the segment today and that is ever increasing DI and turbo forced induction engines that have more linear torque and HP curves that come on earlier in the RPM range vs. the Pentastar that peak torque is reached early around 2K rpm with peak HP around 6K rpm. Other engines competing in this segment just have a better off line and up to speed experience.

15 years ago when the OG Pentastar was released, it truly was a big thing and class leading. The last 5+ years, not so much and the writing on the wall says the new 2.0L Hurricane 4 EVO will be replacing it. Which really is a shame as the original design architecture of the Pentastar account for a DI and turbo evolution of it and other than the Maserati 3.0L version, FCA never took advantage of that.

 

[Zachanadandy]

It is all relative. I agree that compared to 80's/90's vehicles it is a rocket ship. But that is 30-40+ years ago and unless one is a old fart to have the point of reference, most younger types do not have that frame of reference to cherish what we have.

The true judgement is what it competes against in the segment today and that is ever increasing DI and turbo forced induction engines that have more linear torque and HP curves that come on earlier in the RPM range vs. the Pentastar that peak torque is reached early around 2K rpm with peak HP around 6K rpm. Other engines competing in this segment just have a better off line and up to speed experience.

15 years ago when the OG Pentastar was released, it truly was a big thing and class leading. The last 5+ years, not so much and the writing on the wall says the new 2.0L Hurricane 4 EVO is will be replacing it. Which really is a shame as the original design architecture of the Pentastar account for a DI and turbo evolution of it and other than the Maserati 3.0L version, FCA never took advantage of that.

And it's a 5k+ pound truck. That's 1500 territory and they've all been available with 400hp v8s for decades. It's barely adequate power in this day and age in stock form.

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