hi there jeep world,new to it all here and wanted to ask opinion on what year of jeep would be best for my wife and i down in the baja cabo san lucas area as we see them all over here,we know we want a 4x4 automatic v6 with more of a comfy coil suspension/AC and be able to take the roof off,not sure about hard top/soft top or having both and thats about it,not sure on 4 door or 2 door,any info would be helpfull as his would be our first jeep,were both late 40's and enjoy venturing off road,thanks

 

I just came back from a month down there in SJD, I did notice also allot of jeeps and there must have been a big sale on BFG's seems that's the only tire in large size I saw on everything. Like the way one can drive his 4by4 with the wheels over shadowing the fenders, some really nice machines down there and endless area's to play, its an offroaders paradise. You say 4 or 2 door, a 4 door would give more comfort and more room to store junk. I had as my first jeep a used 89 xj 4 door std which rode like a cady, what I have now is a 2 dr tj coil springs, b/4 the lift it rode beautifully, after the 4" lift he rode harder, could be the shocks, shorter wheel base so the ride is a little harder, but not unlivable. With a 2 dr your get into smaller places is easier than a 4 dr. If the jeep is your only vehicle, then may be u would rather have a 4 dr for that extra carring space seats and luggage. What year I'd look at above 2006, then theres what jeep model a ruby is full equiped with lockers and heavy duty susupension etc, while the Sahara ( if i am not mistaken has dana 44 in the rear and dana 30 in the front with 3.73 or 4.11 gears) while the Sport model is dana 35 rear and dana 30 front with 3.07 gears) this might have changed on the 2007 and up.. but its something I' d would suggest you find out before buying. 3.73 are a nice gearing.. 3.07 is low (I had this gear and changed for 4.11) big difference offroading.

 

I know with the Sport S model for sure the stock is Dana 44 rear axle, and Dana 30 Front Axle with 3.23 gearing. Option 3.73 gearing for 95$ for the new 2013s for sure.

My two cents is if you plan to modify it heavily go with the Sport S, but if you don't want to touch it go with the Sahara or the Rubicon depending on how hardcore you want to go offroad.

As far as 2 door or 4 door, depends do you need the back seats? As far as comfortability there both measurably the same, the advantage to the 2 door is the break over angle is better it's slightly lighter (better fuel) and better turning circle. 4 door is better for steep climbs on long shelfs it has better traction going up and down steep hills, and of course more cargo room and 2 full seats.