First Time Buyer/Owner Help!!
 

I am looking into getting a Brand New 2013 Jeep Wrangler. My big question is the model differences and are they worth there weight? I know the Rubicon is the monster, and I won't be venturing that way for my first Jeep.

But I was looking at the Sahara, I know it's got the heavy duty shocks etc in it, and comes with some toys i don't really need. What I am looking for is an affordable starting cost, and modifyability (if it's not a word i just made it!) So the Sahara options all i wanted was the 3.73 rear axle gearing, I've read alot of really good things and heard it's the option to get if I want to do some offloading (which i will) But not so severe as the 4.10 as i can still get to work in it.

But I did compare the Wrangler Sport S Model comes with some good options, even with the Hard Top Option, 3.72 gears, Power Package, and upgraded audio to apline, it's still quite a bit cheaper! I figured the major upgrade was the heavy duty shocks. So I got to thinking, hmm well i want to eventually lift it anyways, how much is it to replace the shocks and lift it? Kits i saw were around 1 - 2 grand or so, plus i'd assume install is very close to that price also.

So in conclusion (im sure your tired), the Sport S with upgraded shocks (saw some really nice Skyjackers) with some air lockers after market, is it the same as if you did it to a Sahara? Does the Sahara have some suspension components left on after the upgrade? Because paying for a 2 - 3 grand less for the Initial buy and put that towards upgrading the tires and suspension later (i know the sport has 17" and sahara has 18") would basicly turn out the same vehicle in the end?

Thanks for your Help Guys!

Re: First Time Buyer/Owner Help!!
 

I think you've already got this worked out for yourself, but I'll put in my two cents worth in anyway.
If you don't need the painted fenders/hardtop, power window/locks, overpriced 18" rims/tires and AC, there is no reason to order a Sahara over a Sport. They are the exact same vehicle, and if your planning a lift, there is no reason to pay for the "heavy duty suspension" ( a OEM mis-nomer is there ever was one!). I ordered the Sahara because those were (most of) the upgrades I wanted. I have since swapped out springs (JKU tow package into and no tow JK), change bumpers and swapped wheels and tires for 16"ers.
So, if you don't need those upgrades, use the money you save, to built a Sport into what you want your Jeep to be.
Topbanana

Re: First Time Buyer/Owner Help!!
 

Thanks, I appreciate your 2 cents. Like I said, this will be my first Jeep. I will also change my front bumper, i'd like to replace it with a winch and maybe a tire pump also. I thought so also, but even with the Power Package (windows, locks and remote) added to it it's still alot cheaper then the Sahara is for sure. I was looking at possibly 3.5" lift in around a year or two after buying it maybe. Not sure, need to spend some time with it off road and find out what works for me.

Again thanks.

Re: First Time Buyer/Owner Help!!
 

3.5 lift? That's some serious lift for 35"+ tires and it's gonna run you into some differential angle issues as well as gearing issues (if you go 35's). 33"er on a set of aftermarket, properly backspaced rims will get your through a lot of offroading, using the money you didn't waste on those Sahara 18'ers.
Plus, 33's will fit without paying for a lift. My two cents (again) is, you've been reading too many Jeep forums and not done enough (any?) real world "Jeepin' ". Start with a set rims and 33's, and go have some fun and see just what you really do and don't need!
topbanana

Re: First Time Buyer/Owner Help!!
 

should i be worried about driving shaft angle issues with a 2.5 bb lift?

im about to get a rough country 2.5 lift and still going with the OEM 32 tires and rims

Re: First Time Buyer/Owner Help!!
 

that's what I was really looking to do, just test it out and see whats what before i decide anything. Your jeep does look pretty aggressive, how much clearance is that aprox? And i could always look into a suspension system with differential ride high adjustment system, similar to coil overs with adjusters. Like i said, offroading is new to me but i am super afraid of scraping. I see the JK-Project guys have 3.5 Inch Lifts so that's why i am assuming that's the best way to go. I don't need a tank, but I don't want to get to a bit of trail and second guess if I am going to make it across without scraping my diffs.

https://www.jeepscanada.com/attachme...ine=1360037010

Similar to this, it's fitting a 3.5" Lift on it, not sure what the tire size is though.

EDIT:
http://jalopnik.com/5620613/the-secr...-jeep-warranty

This really made me think twice.. Might go with a 2" lift and 33" tires like he did to be safe. I wouldn't want a brand new jeep wrangler to void the warranty.

Re: First Time Buyer/Owner Help!!
 

Yep, that is a sweet ride! And I can see why you would like to have yours look like it. Bumper's an
ARB or RockHard, (I think). Love the look, but the price is hefty. I went with chopping a spare stocker and adding new end caps (from Rough Country). Appears the guy (gal?) kept his stock 18" Gladiator
(Sahara) rims and put on Toyo's, not an inexpensive option. I'd kill to get his OEM (factory) half
doors, yet another BRUTALLY expensive option.
I'm not exactly sure on what lift kits do for/against your warranty. Cat in this forum named JeepCaCares, is our "inside man" at Jeep who can give you the lowdown there.
I opted to install springs from a 4dr JKU with the tow package into my 2dr (with no tow package) and
this gave me about an 1" lift all the way around and it's all factory parts. Guy in town put a lift kit into
his 4dr and gave me a hell of a deal on the stock springs, ("Get them the hell outta my garage!").
Again, just my two cents - of which our Canadian goverment phased out Feb 4th - Dickheads!

Re: First Time Buyer/Owner Help!!
 

I did look up Rough Country's stuff and it's pretty decently priced. I watched this youtube video, it's a pretty light lift but with the bigger tires it really does get the look i want. I think the most expensive thing will be labor and the tires. Rough Country Sells some really nice lift kits using Gas Shocks for less then $500. The stock 2013 Jeep Wrangler Sport S comes with Hydraulic Shocks, I read that they heat up pretty badly if you go on very bumpy road and they end up stop working after extended use. So gas shocks is the way to go (makes sense since the Rubi and Saha have gas shocks) But i figure.. 500 bucks for the shocks and a couple hundred for labor, it's totally worth it for sure!

This video shows installing a suspension/shock system that is displayed on there site for less then $400! I know to properly fit it may need a few extra parts, but the site is very good about showing you the possibles.
Rough Country Suspensions 2.5" Lift Kit for Jeep JK Wranglers With Performance 2.2 Shocks - YouTube

I will definetly talk to JeepCaCares about voiding the warrenty with a lift kit. also talk to my dealer when i have the sit down with them next monday to see if I can get it ordered.

Re: First Time Buyer/Owner Help!!
 

Checked out the video, and I gotta admit it seems to be a well designed kit and simple to install.
I'd maybe do a forum search to see if anybody else has installed it and what their ride impressions
were after. You've got all the time in the world for researchin' as you don't have your Jeep yet.
I just seem to recall some people having issues with this kit, it could have been an older form of the kit or just my beer addled brain misfiring on a couple of cylinders. lol.

Re: First Time Buyer/Owner Help!!
 

https://www.jeepscanada.com/jeep-jk-...stions-124139/

4th post he seemed to have pretty good things to say about it.. But i really need to brush up on my mechanical suspension lingo. I'm no good at this right now, I am still extremely basic.

Re: First Time Buyer/Owner Help!!
 

Better off with a more complete Lift like the TeraFlex 2.5". It has all the parts you need to lift properly with no issues at a reasonable price.
Too many different tires and applications to suggest something for you but we can start with a good basic all around tire, the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac. Procomp makes some nice black alloy wheels that are affordable. Look for either 16 or 17"x8" with 4.5" backspace to fit 35" tires.

As for gears, if you are going for 35" tires try and get 4:10 gears.

Re: First Time Buyer/Owner Help!!
 

ive alot to learn about all these terms and parts needed etc. I am quite new to the mechanics of suspension work and offroad suspension especily

Don't know if i want to get to big of a tire, I will probably try to get involved in the local community and look at other jeeps modifyed in person before i start modifying my own. I will probably start my upgrade 6 months to 1 year after ownership. Really i am just learning right now. But thanks for your input I will research that brand

Re: First Time Buyer/Owner Help!!
 

Just home from a couple of weeks in Barbados, and with a tall glass of their finest rum mixed with our local Pepsi, I have took the time to seach the various Jeep forums on line, with regard to the Rough Country 2.5 lift kit, you were proposing to use. DON'T. Apparently the kit does not install anywhere near as easy as their promo video suggest. The video is like watchin' the TV rednecks on Extreme 4X4 or HorsePower TV - all bulls**t for the camera!. They're all posting the kit doesn't stand up to any kind of REAL 4X4in'.
However if your "mall crawlin" it's fine. The forum poster's words not mine, but gotta love the phrase!
Is that like rock crawlin' over teenagers? Sorry that's the rum talkin'!
Everybody posts, like JTPhoto did, TeraFlex is kit you want. Your gonna pay more for it but you get what you pay for, a dependable lift kit that's going to stand the test of time and real use!
Topbanana (mixed with rum and pepsi)

Re: First Time Buyer/Owner Help!!
 

Like i said i have alot of learning i need to do before i do any installs. I do not want a pavement princess, i will be getting dirty for sure. Also wondering on the side if many jeepers use CB. I really wanted to get one put into mine, i saw a really nice one on amazon, 130$ capable of monitoring two channels at once. Very cool. I know CB is dying, but that just means we got it all to ourselfs! The one i saw was a Cobra, had a screen on the mic with all the controls pretty cool

Re: First Time Buyer/Owner Help!!
 

We had CB's in our 4X4 rigs for years when I first started off roading, and I've packed and repacked them, unable to admit their just useless electronic that should be thrown out. With Bluetooth phones and their capabilties through aftermarket stereos, CB's are for old truckers and Smokey and the Bandit
reruns.
Topbanana

Re: First Time Buyer/Owner Help!!
 

Pavement Princess, my buddies are gonna love that one. Anything like a Lot Lizard? lol

Re: First Time Buyer/Owner Help!!
 

http://fall06engl306-11-group-a.wiki...FTED_TRUCK.jpg

that is a pavement princess. it's a truck thats been jacked and modified up so hard that it's usless offroad and they keep it on the pavement. Mall Crawlers are Pavement Princesses if you will.

I am still going to get a CB Radio, i am still going to have it in my truck even if i don't use it. I think it's better then not having it and needing it. I know the JK-Project uses them when they are doing trail runs and i think it's important piece of road history you can still buy. So us who appreciate the history of the road and are into CB, should be able to still have fun.

Re: First Time Buyer/Owner Help!!
 

Power to you, brother. Makin' me feel almost nostalgic enough to jury rig one of my old units in, just
to see if there's anybody out there to talk to.
topbanana

Re: First Time Buyer/Owner Help!!
 

maybe when i get my rig put together and all wired up i'll see how far out i can get. who knows maybe you'll catch me with my ears on :P

Re: First Time Buyer/Owner Help!!
 

Make sure to protect your rad with a grille insert guard. Check out http://jwm4x4.com/ New Sale On. Install 15-20 mins. Canadian Made!

Re: First Time Buyer/Owner Help!!
 

I dunno bro that's alot of money for a grill. Don't see a huge issue with stuff going in there. Not sure i like it with the Chrome grill. If anything I would get a black one, but in all seriousness I don't really need a need for it.

Re: First Time Buyer/Owner Help!!
 

While Jwm4X4 might perhaps be bias towards his company's grill guard, (they are nice units), he's not
"bullin' " you on the need for a grill guard to protect your rad. Those trademark "gills" are way big an opening and will let through things way bigger and nastier than dragonflies. Building a grill guard yourself from a roll of Lowe's rain gutter guard is one of the first and cheapest projects to can do to
start customizing your jeep. There's a step by step pictorial "how to" on one of the jeep forums, could be this one, Nicker22 has done it and gave me pointers. Hardest part is waiting for the Gorilla glue to dry properly so you can install it to see how great it looks.
I added Rugged Ridge grill inserts and joined them to the mesh for a more "custom" look.
Topbanana:banana::smokin:

Re: First Time Buyer/Owner Help!!
 

Well i did see this one was pretty cheap. Not sure how i feel about backyarding it making it myself. I don't have a garage to work with to do alot of mods myself, if I want to do any custom work myself I have to do it ether in the go parking on the weekends or in my nasty underground garage.

Just Jeeps :: Grill Inserts & Overlays :: Rugged Ridge Mesh...

This one seemed to be good, and is a little more reasonable in price. But for a grille it seems like alot of money still.

Re: First Time Buyer/Owner Help!!
 

Yep, that'd look sweet against a white front grill.
topbanana

Re: First Time Buyer/Owner Help!!
 

Yeah i am really hoping I get it soon! As soon as i get it, i will be putting pictures up. Already got my VIN and just waiting.. gonna take forever

Re: First Time Buyer/Owner Help!!
 

Understand your there brother, I had to wait 3 years for Jeep to finally bring out a Sahara in Detonator Yellow, before I would pull the trigger (wallet). Helped that I had a Solar yellow TJ Sport to ease the trauma! lol
Topbanana

Re: First Time Buyer/Owner Help!!
 

Thats a cool jeep for sure. Right now i am bored with what i am driving, i am over the fast cars stage of my life. Also done with automatic, need to get back into standard again.

http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphoto..._6580957_n.jpg

Re: First Time Buyer/Owner Help!!
 

Well, I can't say I'm "over" the fast cars, I just drive them a lot slower than I use to. Cops don't let you get away with things like you use to be able to (aka 140 mph in 55, but then again they never caught me. The officer and I held a discussion in the local donut shop a few days later, where it was suggested I do my test runs some place safer - like the race track!). There's nothing like the sound of the sidepipes of a big block vette, goin' through the gears. Kinda like "napalm in the morning", just make sure your standing somewhere safe!

Re: First Time Buyer/Owner Help!!
 

Well I guess I just feel like I'm ready to get into the adventuring offroading and traveling.

Re: First Time Buyer/Owner Help!!
 

Than a jeeps the way to do it. Nothin' beats the thrill of backroadin' with the top down, even if you don't get the opportunity to do a lot of off-roading. New Brunswick and Nova Scotia are great for this. Stateside, New Hampshire, Vermont and especial Maine take it to a whole new level.

My gf used to goto nova scotia all the time, she knows her way down there we may end up going eventually. Since we are going with the hard top we may end up buying a bikini top for summer trips and maybe get a soft top later for longer summer trips.