Check out some used jk Rubicons. My insurance dropped when i went to the jk just because its safer.

sent from my otterbox'd jeep camera

The JK hydrolocks pretty easy...but I guess that is getting old.

Anyway, I would get a JK...much better ride then the TJ..

How's the power on the "older" JK's? I'm definitely going to stick with a manual transmission which should mitigate some of the power issues, but is there any concerns over performance? Are there any gotcha's I should watch out for when looking for a JK? I've been around the block with the KJ, TJ, and YJ models so I know what to watch out for there, but haven't really dug into the JK much.

matt keep the jeep last time i talked to you did you not say that you found the jeep that you want to keep for ever????

That was before the engine started to tick. Technically the engine likely only has a lifter and cam problem, but I don't like to do things half way and I may have an opportunity which affords me the ability to choose whether to completely trick out my existing Jeep or just get a new one. If I trick out my existing TJ then the entire interior is being replaced, the engine, and suspension are getting an upgrades, the soft top will be replaced, refresh the paint job, and of course I'll regear and add larger tires, among other things.

Given everything I want to do to the TJ I'd be in over $15K when the project was done. Using that money and trading in my TJ I could buy and build a nice JK with far fewer miles and better sound insulation. I know, I could insulate the inside of the TJ and buy a sailcloth soft top, but there's no guarantee that will get me anywhere near the sound levels of a JK.

Plans change and I'm still trying to make my decision so I'll keep you all posted. If I do sell the TJ I'll probably be asking $11,000 with everything staying on the TJ (winch, bumpers, high end radio, CB, 32" Mickey Thompsons, etc.). I'll continue to keep you posted and thanks to everyone for the input. It really helps.

The jk is cheap to mod. 3.5 inch lift is more than enough ($7-900), new drive shafts (900), and a few skids. I'm in under 4000 on mine and i don't think there is much i can't do

sent from my otterbox'd jeep camera

What size tires are you running and how stable does the JK feel in off camber situations? I'm thinking of running 33's with a 3.5" lift, but since the ride height varies between the TJ and JK I've heard I might even be able to run 35's while still maintaining full flex of the suspension. Would love to hear your thoughts and experience with rig setup.

just a suggestion, but with some metal cloaks and "proper bumpstopping" you can run 37's on a jk. I'm not sure what metal cloaks definition of proper bumpstopping is but that sounds like a pretty mean setup, not to mention 37's on a three inch lift would prolly be very easy and you would not lose much if any travel, i do know, however that the rear wheel wells are not made for a 37in. tire, and dumb@55 dealership near me had a 07 traded in with the 6 spd it was traded in with 35's and recentered h1 rims they sales manager decided he didn't like the 35's or the rims and got a set of 18in. whatevers and 37's (cant remember the make) the jeep was sittin on maybe 3 in. body lift and the rims had wwwaaayyyyy too much backspacing and would rub tire on the frame on the drivers side at full lock and when i hit a speed bump i heard a crunch and got out and the rear tire had bounced into the sheet metal body and bent it all to hell,(i was in the parking lot still) i took one look at the fat sales manager standing about 15 feet away and walked off he asked me what was wrong as i was walking back to my tj and i said ur an idiot, got in my tj and left... I have seen that jeep all over this post with different ppl driving it (i'm guessing taking it for a test drive for a day or whatever) but i don't think it was ever purchased. now i said all that to say this, the jk's have a lot more room for tire on them, and you can darn near fit 35's without modifying it at all (leveling kit and go) so I would say give the older jk a chance, by the way that jk had stock gearing in it and it took off with little problem (6sp).

There is no comparing aTJ to a new JK. I have an 03 TJ and love it. But I'd dump it in a heart beat if I could get a new JK. The JK with the 3.6 and manua Trans has plenty of power. If you go the JK route get the leather seats. Much more comfortable than the stock seats.

As an added bonus, I know a guy that will hook you up with a control number that will get you a new Jeep below dealer cost. Part of Chrysler friends and family program.