Jerry McG

Ok, I got an idea. Let's design our own TJ replacement! Everyone toss in
their ideas anmd let's see what we come up with. Here's my thoughts to
begin:

Styling to reflect traditional Jeep themes, grille, fenders, etc. Two basic
models, short & long wheelbase. 4cyl, 6cyl & V8 options. Solid axles front &
rear, Dana 44 rear axle standard, no D35 option (kill the curse). Expand on
current coil over design w/ refinements.

Four basic trim levels on SWB, two on LWB.

SWB: Base model (bare bones), rubber floor mats, minimal trim, however
available with all upgraded powertrain options incl. 4:1 xfer case, D44
front axle, V8, etc. (This one would be great for builders.) Sport & Shara
as current. Rubicon High Performance model (same as current), to incl. V8
option w D60 rear axle upgrade.

LWB: Sport & Rubicon options as above.

Next!

L.W.(=?iso-8859-1?Q?=DFill?=) Hughes III

http://www.off-road.com/~early/history.html
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Jerry McG wrote:
>
> Ok, I got an idea. Let's design our own TJ replacement! Everyone toss in
> their ideas anmd let's see what we come up with. Here's my thoughts to
> begin:
>
> Styling to reflect traditional Jeep themes, grille, fenders, etc. Two basic
> models, short & long wheelbase. 4cyl, 6cyl & V8 options. Solid axles front &
> rear, Dana 44 rear axle standard, no D35 option (kill the curse). Expand on
> current coil over design w/ refinements.
>
> Four basic trim levels on SWB, two on LWB.
>
> SWB: Base model (bare bones), rubber floor mats, minimal trim, however
> available with all upgraded powertrain options incl. 4:1 xfer case, D44
> front axle, V8, etc. (This one would be great for builders.) Sport & Shara
> as current. Rubicon High Performance model (same as current), to incl. V8
> option w D60 rear axle upgrade.
>
> LWB: Sport & Rubicon options as above.
>
> Next!

L.W.(=?iso-8859-1?Q?=DFill?=) Hughes III

http://www.off-road.com/~early/history.html
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Jerry McG wrote:
>
> Ok, I got an idea. Let's design our own TJ replacement! Everyone toss in
> their ideas anmd let's see what we come up with. Here's my thoughts to
> begin:
>
> Styling to reflect traditional Jeep themes, grille, fenders, etc. Two basic
> models, short & long wheelbase. 4cyl, 6cyl & V8 options. Solid axles front &
> rear, Dana 44 rear axle standard, no D35 option (kill the curse). Expand on
> current coil over design w/ refinements.
>
> Four basic trim levels on SWB, two on LWB.
>
> SWB: Base model (bare bones), rubber floor mats, minimal trim, however
> available with all upgraded powertrain options incl. 4:1 xfer case, D44
> front axle, V8, etc. (This one would be great for builders.) Sport & Shara
> as current. Rubicon High Performance model (same as current), to incl. V8
> option w D60 rear axle upgrade.
>
> LWB: Sport & Rubicon options as above.
>
> Next!

L.W.(=?iso-8859-1?Q?=DFill?=) Hughes III

http://www.off-road.com/~early/history.html
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Jerry McG wrote:
>
> Ok, I got an idea. Let's design our own TJ replacement! Everyone toss in
> their ideas anmd let's see what we come up with. Here's my thoughts to
> begin:
>
> Styling to reflect traditional Jeep themes, grille, fenders, etc. Two basic
> models, short & long wheelbase. 4cyl, 6cyl & V8 options. Solid axles front &
> rear, Dana 44 rear axle standard, no D35 option (kill the curse). Expand on
> current coil over design w/ refinements.
>
> Four basic trim levels on SWB, two on LWB.
>
> SWB: Base model (bare bones), rubber floor mats, minimal trim, however
> available with all upgraded powertrain options incl. 4:1 xfer case, D44
> front axle, V8, etc. (This one would be great for builders.) Sport & Shara
> as current. Rubicon High Performance model (same as current), to incl. V8
> option w D60 rear axle upgrade.
>
> LWB: Sport & Rubicon options as above.
>
> Next!

L.W.(=?iso-8859-1?Q?=DFill?=) Hughes III

http://www.off-road.com/~early/history.html
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Jerry McG wrote:
>
> Ok, I got an idea. Let's design our own TJ replacement! Everyone toss in
> their ideas anmd let's see what we come up with. Here's my thoughts to
> begin:
>
> Styling to reflect traditional Jeep themes, grille, fenders, etc. Two basic
> models, short & long wheelbase. 4cyl, 6cyl & V8 options. Solid axles front &
> rear, Dana 44 rear axle standard, no D35 option (kill the curse). Expand on
> current coil over design w/ refinements.
>
> Four basic trim levels on SWB, two on LWB.
>
> SWB: Base model (bare bones), rubber floor mats, minimal trim, however
> available with all upgraded powertrain options incl. 4:1 xfer case, D44
> front axle, V8, etc. (This one would be great for builders.) Sport & Shara
> as current. Rubicon High Performance model (same as current), to incl. V8
> option w D60 rear axle upgrade.
>
> LWB: Sport & Rubicon options as above.
>
> Next!

c

"Jerry McG" <gmcgeorge.remove@frontier.net> wrote in message
news:cacijv02q3i@enews1.newsguy.com...
> Ok, I got an idea. Let's design our own TJ replacement! Everyone toss in
> their ideas anmd let's see what we come up with. Here's my thoughts to
> begin:
>
> Styling to reflect traditional Jeep themes, grille, fenders, etc. Two
basic
> models, short & long wheelbase. 4cyl, 6cyl & V8 options. Solid axles front
&
> rear, Dana 44 rear axle standard, no D35 option (kill the curse). Expand
on
> current coil over design w/ refinements.
>
> Four basic trim levels on SWB, two on LWB.
>
> SWB: Base model (bare bones), rubber floor mats, minimal trim, however
> available with all upgraded powertrain options incl. 4:1 xfer case, D44
> front axle, V8, etc. (This one would be great for builders.) Sport & Shara
> as current. Rubicon High Performance model (same as current), to incl. V8
> option w D60 rear axle upgrade.
>
> LWB: Sport & Rubicon options as above.
>
> Next!
>
>

OK, since I like engines, I'll start there. Not sure if a V6 or inline 6
would fit the bill better, but I would like to see an engine with a lot of
grunt. Something in the high 4 to low 5 litre range with a long stroke, high
flowing heads, tubular exhaust manifolds (headers) that don't crack. This
would be the standard engine. There should be 2 V8 options including the 5.7
Hemi. The other one could be a bit more docile and fuel efficient.

Transmissions - 5 speed manual or 4 speed auto with overdrive. Even a 6
speed with the Hemi would be really cool, but I think the length might be a
problem there. In any event, the trans should have a low first gear (at
least 3:1).

I like the idea of D44's as standard axles with a D60 upgrade. Both should
be available with multiple ratios. I also like the 4:1 transfer case. the
axles should be available with some type of locker that can be controlled
from the dash (electric or air), 4 wheel disc brakes with anti-lock that can
be disabled for serious off roading.

Long travel coil-over shock suspension using a triangulated 3 link setup
with adjustable shocks. If this was done right, the stock Jeep could be
supplied with 30 or 31" tires, and be capable of 33s or "maybe" 35s with
just a spring change. The aftermarket does this, so the factory should be
able to without a problem. I'm sure this won't happen, but it should keep
the Wrangler as one of the top factory off road vehicles.

An option that may be neat would be onboard GPS, but I think most people
have a handheld so they can switch vehicles and take the GPS with them. A
factory spare tire rack that will hold a 35" tire would be nice too.

In all seriousness, this thread brings up an interesting point. Years ago,
the auto makers used to listen to feedback from the public as to what they
wanted their vehicles to be equipped with. The was very obvious in the
muscle car days, when people were buying the cars that were winning on the
drag strip and in NASCAR. These days we get more options that are made for
soccer moms then we do for functionality. Does a 4x4 really need a built in
DVD player in the back seat, or an in dash camera to use for backing up
without hitting something? I guess my point is that if you can't back up a
vehicle without an in dash camera to show you the way, then get the hell off
the road.

I know some of these ideas may seem far fetched, but there would be a lot of
people willing to pay a bit more for something like this because it would
save them modifying the vehicle later on. Most companies offer option
packages for some of their vehicles. I guess this would be something like
the Rubicon package for the Wrangler. It would be a good chance for DC to
set the standard in off road vehicles if they wanted to. It would also keep
the Jeep off road standards a cut above the rest.

</dreaming>
Chris

c

"Jerry McG" <gmcgeorge.remove@frontier.net> wrote in message
news:cacijv02q3i@enews1.newsguy.com...
> Ok, I got an idea. Let's design our own TJ replacement! Everyone toss in
> their ideas anmd let's see what we come up with. Here's my thoughts to
> begin:
>
> Styling to reflect traditional Jeep themes, grille, fenders, etc. Two
basic
> models, short & long wheelbase. 4cyl, 6cyl & V8 options. Solid axles front
&
> rear, Dana 44 rear axle standard, no D35 option (kill the curse). Expand
on
> current coil over design w/ refinements.
>
> Four basic trim levels on SWB, two on LWB.
>
> SWB: Base model (bare bones), rubber floor mats, minimal trim, however
> available with all upgraded powertrain options incl. 4:1 xfer case, D44
> front axle, V8, etc. (This one would be great for builders.) Sport & Shara
> as current. Rubicon High Performance model (same as current), to incl. V8
> option w D60 rear axle upgrade.
>
> LWB: Sport & Rubicon options as above.
>
> Next!
>
>

OK, since I like engines, I'll start there. Not sure if a V6 or inline 6
would fit the bill better, but I would like to see an engine with a lot of
grunt. Something in the high 4 to low 5 litre range with a long stroke, high
flowing heads, tubular exhaust manifolds (headers) that don't crack. This
would be the standard engine. There should be 2 V8 options including the 5.7
Hemi. The other one could be a bit more docile and fuel efficient.

Transmissions - 5 speed manual or 4 speed auto with overdrive. Even a 6
speed with the Hemi would be really cool, but I think the length might be a
problem there. In any event, the trans should have a low first gear (at
least 3:1).

I like the idea of D44's as standard axles with a D60 upgrade. Both should
be available with multiple ratios. I also like the 4:1 transfer case. the
axles should be available with some type of locker that can be controlled
from the dash (electric or air), 4 wheel disc brakes with anti-lock that can
be disabled for serious off roading.

Long travel coil-over shock suspension using a triangulated 3 link setup
with adjustable shocks. If this was done right, the stock Jeep could be
supplied with 30 or 31" tires, and be capable of 33s or "maybe" 35s with
just a spring change. The aftermarket does this, so the factory should be
able to without a problem. I'm sure this won't happen, but it should keep
the Wrangler as one of the top factory off road vehicles.

An option that may be neat would be onboard GPS, but I think most people
have a handheld so they can switch vehicles and take the GPS with them. A
factory spare tire rack that will hold a 35" tire would be nice too.

In all seriousness, this thread brings up an interesting point. Years ago,
the auto makers used to listen to feedback from the public as to what they
wanted their vehicles to be equipped with. The was very obvious in the
muscle car days, when people were buying the cars that were winning on the
drag strip and in NASCAR. These days we get more options that are made for
soccer moms then we do for functionality. Does a 4x4 really need a built in
DVD player in the back seat, or an in dash camera to use for backing up
without hitting something? I guess my point is that if you can't back up a
vehicle without an in dash camera to show you the way, then get the hell off
the road.

I know some of these ideas may seem far fetched, but there would be a lot of
people willing to pay a bit more for something like this because it would
save them modifying the vehicle later on. Most companies offer option
packages for some of their vehicles. I guess this would be something like
the Rubicon package for the Wrangler. It would be a good chance for DC to
set the standard in off road vehicles if they wanted to. It would also keep
the Jeep off road standards a cut above the rest.

</dreaming>
Chris

c

"Jerry McG" <gmcgeorge.remove@frontier.net> wrote in message
news:cacijv02q3i@enews1.newsguy.com...
> Ok, I got an idea. Let's design our own TJ replacement! Everyone toss in
> their ideas anmd let's see what we come up with. Here's my thoughts to
> begin:
>
> Styling to reflect traditional Jeep themes, grille, fenders, etc. Two
basic
> models, short & long wheelbase. 4cyl, 6cyl & V8 options. Solid axles front
&
> rear, Dana 44 rear axle standard, no D35 option (kill the curse). Expand
on
> current coil over design w/ refinements.
>
> Four basic trim levels on SWB, two on LWB.
>
> SWB: Base model (bare bones), rubber floor mats, minimal trim, however
> available with all upgraded powertrain options incl. 4:1 xfer case, D44
> front axle, V8, etc. (This one would be great for builders.) Sport & Shara
> as current. Rubicon High Performance model (same as current), to incl. V8
> option w D60 rear axle upgrade.
>
> LWB: Sport & Rubicon options as above.
>
> Next!
>
>

OK, since I like engines, I'll start there. Not sure if a V6 or inline 6
would fit the bill better, but I would like to see an engine with a lot of
grunt. Something in the high 4 to low 5 litre range with a long stroke, high
flowing heads, tubular exhaust manifolds (headers) that don't crack. This
would be the standard engine. There should be 2 V8 options including the 5.7
Hemi. The other one could be a bit more docile and fuel efficient.

Transmissions - 5 speed manual or 4 speed auto with overdrive. Even a 6
speed with the Hemi would be really cool, but I think the length might be a
problem there. In any event, the trans should have a low first gear (at
least 3:1).

I like the idea of D44's as standard axles with a D60 upgrade. Both should
be available with multiple ratios. I also like the 4:1 transfer case. the
axles should be available with some type of locker that can be controlled
from the dash (electric or air), 4 wheel disc brakes with anti-lock that can
be disabled for serious off roading.

Long travel coil-over shock suspension using a triangulated 3 link setup
with adjustable shocks. If this was done right, the stock Jeep could be
supplied with 30 or 31" tires, and be capable of 33s or "maybe" 35s with
just a spring change. The aftermarket does this, so the factory should be
able to without a problem. I'm sure this won't happen, but it should keep
the Wrangler as one of the top factory off road vehicles.

An option that may be neat would be onboard GPS, but I think most people
have a handheld so they can switch vehicles and take the GPS with them. A
factory spare tire rack that will hold a 35" tire would be nice too.

In all seriousness, this thread brings up an interesting point. Years ago,
the auto makers used to listen to feedback from the public as to what they
wanted their vehicles to be equipped with. The was very obvious in the
muscle car days, when people were buying the cars that were winning on the
drag strip and in NASCAR. These days we get more options that are made for
soccer moms then we do for functionality. Does a 4x4 really need a built in
DVD player in the back seat, or an in dash camera to use for backing up
without hitting something? I guess my point is that if you can't back up a
vehicle without an in dash camera to show you the way, then get the hell off
the road.

I know some of these ideas may seem far fetched, but there would be a lot of
people willing to pay a bit more for something like this because it would
save them modifying the vehicle later on. Most companies offer option
packages for some of their vehicles. I guess this would be something like
the Rubicon package for the Wrangler. It would be a good chance for DC to
set the standard in off road vehicles if they wanted to. It would also keep
the Jeep off road standards a cut above the rest.

</dreaming>
Chris

c

"Jerry McG" <gmcgeorge.remove@frontier.net> wrote in message
news:cacijv02q3i@enews1.newsguy.com...
> Ok, I got an idea. Let's design our own TJ replacement! Everyone toss in
> their ideas anmd let's see what we come up with. Here's my thoughts to
> begin:
>
> Styling to reflect traditional Jeep themes, grille, fenders, etc. Two
basic
> models, short & long wheelbase. 4cyl, 6cyl & V8 options. Solid axles front
&
> rear, Dana 44 rear axle standard, no D35 option (kill the curse). Expand
on
> current coil over design w/ refinements.
>
> Four basic trim levels on SWB, two on LWB.
>
> SWB: Base model (bare bones), rubber floor mats, minimal trim, however
> available with all upgraded powertrain options incl. 4:1 xfer case, D44
> front axle, V8, etc. (This one would be great for builders.) Sport & Shara
> as current. Rubicon High Performance model (same as current), to incl. V8
> option w D60 rear axle upgrade.
>
> LWB: Sport & Rubicon options as above.
>
> Next!
>
>

OK, since I like engines, I'll start there. Not sure if a V6 or inline 6
would fit the bill better, but I would like to see an engine with a lot of
grunt. Something in the high 4 to low 5 litre range with a long stroke, high
flowing heads, tubular exhaust manifolds (headers) that don't crack. This
would be the standard engine. There should be 2 V8 options including the 5.7
Hemi. The other one could be a bit more docile and fuel efficient.

Transmissions - 5 speed manual or 4 speed auto with overdrive. Even a 6
speed with the Hemi would be really cool, but I think the length might be a
problem there. In any event, the trans should have a low first gear (at
least 3:1).

I like the idea of D44's as standard axles with a D60 upgrade. Both should
be available with multiple ratios. I also like the 4:1 transfer case. the
axles should be available with some type of locker that can be controlled
from the dash (electric or air), 4 wheel disc brakes with anti-lock that can
be disabled for serious off roading.

Long travel coil-over shock suspension using a triangulated 3 link setup
with adjustable shocks. If this was done right, the stock Jeep could be
supplied with 30 or 31" tires, and be capable of 33s or "maybe" 35s with
just a spring change. The aftermarket does this, so the factory should be
able to without a problem. I'm sure this won't happen, but it should keep
the Wrangler as one of the top factory off road vehicles.

An option that may be neat would be onboard GPS, but I think most people
have a handheld so they can switch vehicles and take the GPS with them. A
factory spare tire rack that will hold a 35" tire would be nice too.

In all seriousness, this thread brings up an interesting point. Years ago,
the auto makers used to listen to feedback from the public as to what they
wanted their vehicles to be equipped with. The was very obvious in the
muscle car days, when people were buying the cars that were winning on the
drag strip and in NASCAR. These days we get more options that are made for
soccer moms then we do for functionality. Does a 4x4 really need a built in
DVD player in the back seat, or an in dash camera to use for backing up
without hitting something? I guess my point is that if you can't back up a
vehicle without an in dash camera to show you the way, then get the hell off
the road.

I know some of these ideas may seem far fetched, but there would be a lot of
people willing to pay a bit more for something like this because it would
save them modifying the vehicle later on. Most companies offer option
packages for some of their vehicles. I guess this would be something like
the Rubicon package for the Wrangler. It would be a good chance for DC to
set the standard in off road vehicles if they wanted to. It would also keep
the Jeep off road standards a cut above the rest.

</dreaming>
Chris

c

I can't speak for the capabilities of the Rubi, but judging by the feedback
I have heard here and elsewhere, it seems to be quite capable off-road. I
guess I was just using that as an example for a "package" type option. I was
also building the Jeep I wanted, LOL. I would lve to see the leaf spring
Jeeps come back (i.e. CJ, YJ), but that is not going to happen. Leaf springs
are functional and simple, and don't require track locators, sway bars, etc.
Ford and Chevy have both done the retro car thing this year, so why not
Jeep? Good idea Bill.

Chris


"William Oliveri" <wuji@bigvalley.net> wrote in message
news:2iuggsFrbo0eU1@uni-berlin.de...
> Well, they just built the Rubicon. If it's so wonderful then why change
it
> so fast?
>
> I think simplicity is elegance. So keep it simple. Why not take a CJ as
a
> base model and beef it up
> with axles, lockers, on board air, currie twin sticks, autometer gauges,
4"
> lift, 33" tires, engine/transmission of choice, etc, etc, etc.
>
>
> It'll never happen which is why the after market for jeeps will get better
> and better. Probably the only way we'll have what we want in the future
is
> by mail order kit.
>
>
>
> Bill
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> "c" <c@me.org> wrote in message
> news:MHnyc.12594$Fd.4688@twister.rdc-kc.rr.com...
> >
> > "Jerry McG" <gmcgeorge.remove@frontier.net> wrote in message
> > news:cacijv02q3i@enews1.newsguy.com...
> > > Ok, I got an idea. Let's design our own TJ replacement! Everyone toss
in
> > > their ideas anmd let's see what we come up with. Here's my thoughts to
> > > begin:
> > >
> > > Styling to reflect traditional Jeep themes, grille, fenders, etc. Two
> > basic
> > > models, short & long wheelbase. 4cyl, 6cyl & V8 options. Solid axles
> front
> > &
> > > rear, Dana 44 rear axle standard, no D35 option (kill the curse).
Expand
> > on
> > > current coil over design w/ refinements.
> > >
> > > Four basic trim levels on SWB, two on LWB.
> > >
> > > SWB: Base model (bare bones), rubber floor mats, minimal trim, however
> > > available with all upgraded powertrain options incl. 4:1 xfer case,
D44
> > > front axle, V8, etc. (This one would be great for builders.) Sport &
> Shara
> > > as current. Rubicon High Performance model (same as current), to incl.
> V8
> > > option w D60 rear axle upgrade.
> > >
> > > LWB: Sport & Rubicon options as above.
> > >
> > > Next!
> > >
> > >
> >
> > OK, since I like engines, I'll start there. Not sure if a V6 or inline 6
> > would fit the bill better, but I would like to see an engine with a lot
of
> > grunt. Something in the high 4 to low 5 litre range with a long stroke,
> high
> > flowing heads, tubular exhaust manifolds (headers) that don't crack.
This
> > would be the standard engine. There should be 2 V8 options including the
> 5.7
> > Hemi. The other one could be a bit more docile and fuel efficient.
> >
> > Transmissions - 5 speed manual or 4 speed auto with overdrive. Even a 6
> > speed with the Hemi would be really cool, but I think the length might
be
> a
> > problem there. In any event, the trans should have a low first gear (at
> > least 3:1).
> >
> > I like the idea of D44's as standard axles with a D60 upgrade. Both
should
> > be available with multiple ratios. I also like the 4:1 transfer case.
the
> > axles should be available with some type of locker that can be
controlled
> > from the dash (electric or air), 4 wheel disc brakes with anti-lock that
> can
> > be disabled for serious off roading.
> >
> > Long travel coil-over shock suspension using a triangulated 3 link setup
> > with adjustable shocks. If this was done right, the stock Jeep could be
> > supplied with 30 or 31" tires, and be capable of 33s or "maybe" 35s with
> > just a spring change. The aftermarket does this, so the factory should
be
> > able to without a problem. I'm sure this won't happen, but it should
keep
> > the Wrangler as one of the top factory off road vehicles.
> >
> > An option that may be neat would be onboard GPS, but I think most people
> > have a handheld so they can switch vehicles and take the GPS with them.
A
> > factory spare tire rack that will hold a 35" tire would be nice too.
> >
> > In all seriousness, this thread brings up an interesting point. Years
ago,
> > the auto makers used to listen to feedback from the public as to what
they
> > wanted their vehicles to be equipped with. The was very obvious in the
> > muscle car days, when people were buying the cars that were winning on
the
> > drag strip and in NASCAR. These days we get more options that are made
for
> > soccer moms then we do for functionality. Does a 4x4 really need a built
> in
> > DVD player in the back seat, or an in dash camera to use for backing up
> > without hitting something? I guess my point is that if you can't back up
a
> > vehicle without an in dash camera to show you the way, then get the hell
> off
> > the road.
> >
> > I know some of these ideas may seem far fetched, but there would be a
lot
> of
> > people willing to pay a bit more for something like this because it
would
> > save them modifying the vehicle later on. Most companies offer option
> > packages for some of their vehicles. I guess this would be something
like
> > the Rubicon package for the Wrangler. It would be a good chance for DC
to
> > set the standard in off road vehicles if they wanted to. It would also
> keep
> > the Jeep off road standards a cut above the rest.
> >
> > </dreaming>
> > Chris
> >
> >
>
>