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Activities and vehicle modifications appearing, described, recommended, or linked to on this web site may be potentially dangerous. We do not endorse any such activity for others or recommend it to any particular person. These are simply the experiences and opinions of the writers. If you choose to engage in these activities it is by your own free will and at your own risk. Any and all modifications will likely cause a vehicle to behave differently than stock - some modifications may significantly increase your risk for an accident or equipment failure when driving the vehicle or be dangerous in some driving situations. Use common sense when engaging in any activity or making any modifications. Do not take unwise risks, consult a certified professional if you are not sure of something, if you are uncomfortable with your mechanical ability, if you don't have the experience to do a project, if you have not received proper training and education for the job you are thinking about doing, or if you do not have the proper tools, equipment or safety devices to do the job you are considering.

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A header image that contains the text 'Jeep Expeditions ™: Exploration, Education, Conservation & Preservation.......... Live The Adventure'

The YJ Wrangler - the CJ Replacement


Picture taken on the Sluce near Chivo Falls, Tucson, AZ

If I had the money for only one off-road rig that also had to be my daily driver and were on a budget, this would be my choice. Now by budget I mean you want to spend less that $5000 total including the cost of the Jeep. While you will have to add to that figure for custom front and rear bumpers, you can put a nice rig together for $1500 to $2500 if you shop right and do the work yourself or get some buddies to help. Other than gears and lockers you can easily do the rest. I always have people who ask me why not a TJ? Well it’s a matter of preference for me. I like TJs, I like the round headlights better than square ones but there are something’s I don’t like. The TJ dash is overwhelming and takes up personal space unlike the CJ and YJ I like the extra leg and knee room in a YJ. I also do not like air bags and the TJ has 2 of them. A TJ will set you back a few thousand more than a YJ and will cost you 3 to 3 times or more as much money to lift it inch for inch. Never saw typical lift kit for a YJ over $1000 but I have seen TJ lift kits for $2500 and even over $5000. You want to spend money or you want to wheel every month ? And never buy a 4 cyl Jeep. They are hard to sell, won’t keep their value as much and you will not by happy in the long run. Get yours with the 4.0 HO motor 1991 to 1995.

People have asked me how I determine price and value for a Jeep and how I get my Jeeps so cheap. Simple, Ebay ! I have bought my last 10 or 12 Jeeps on Ebay many of them 2000 miles away and to answer your next question, no I have never gotten ripped of.

I watching prices on Ebay over the last month or so a stock YJ in good condition and less that 125K miles are going for 2500 to 3500 if they are selling. Sure you are going to see the one that is priced at $5000 with no bids, the one with a lift and big tires for $5000 and the occasional crazy at more than $10,000.

My gut feeling tells me to buy a stock one. The stock one probably was never off-roaded and probably not abused. Also I find it good to know what has been done to a Jeep and with what parts just in case I need to replace anything.

Now a good start to building up a YJ is to do it in stages as you have the time or money. The 1st thing you want to do is determine what lift you want and how big you want your tires to be. Again, for typical Expedition driving a stock Wrangler can do it. One with a 3 to 4” lift and 33” tires is perfect and will look good too. One of our members has a 2” lift and 32” tires and he amazes me with some of the stuff he can do so there is no need for overkill. A good lift to start with would be 3” springs and a 1” body lift. This can give you a good foundation to build upon.

I do not suggest going to 35” tires with the stock axles and with 33’s would also suggest that for vehicle dependant expeditions you should carry a spare set of axles for the rear along with a set of replacement spider gears/internals for the carrier.

So you have your lift and tires, now is time for phase 2. Tow hooks or a custom bumper in the front with tow hooks or d-rings and a custom bumper with swing out tire carrier in the rear. These will set you back as little as $400 each to as much as double that depending on how and where you shop.

You are now pretty much ready for the trail, most any trail but you find that with your bigger tires that your speedo is off, you don’t get the mileage you used to get and it seems a little sluggish on the hills. It is time for 4.10 gears with your 33” tires to renew your performance and get your speedo back on track. Yukon Gears have a great reputation. While you got the front and rears open you might as well consider some lockers. On a budget look for a “lunchbox locke” like the Detroit True Track or the Aussie Locker. If money is no object go for the ARB or the OX lockers. No money for lockers yet ? Ok get the gears done now, you can still get lockers later.

Now you have a very capable rig for most types of off-roading and in the next phase as money becomes available buy a winch.




 

Jeep Expeditions is the PREMIERE Jeep Exclusive Expedition/Overland Adventure CLUB Anywhere!

Jeep Expeditions is a non-profit corporation registered in the State of Arizona.  

The state recognizes us as a fraternal organization,  we prefer to say we are a club.  Our members and volunteers are dedicated to the exploration of   this great land  for the educational value, historical value,  scenic beauty, the geology, paleontology, the camaraderie of people who share the same interests and to escape the confines of civilization if only for a few days. Our organization and members adhere to the standards of "Tread Lightly" and "Leave No Trace".

Jeep Expedition Members enjoy adventures that vary in length from one day, a weekend, long weekend, week long, two weeks and like our Arctic Expedition in 2011, a full month. Don't worry, most of our trips are one day and two day trips. We are Family Friendly and we have a number of members who bring their friendly "Jeep Dogs".

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