New Liberty 4wd - some comments after six weeks of use.

paullgj · **Posted:** Sat Apr 21, 2007 11:47 pm

Six weeks ago I ended a 40 year (that's right 40 years!) tradition of owning Chevy SWB 4wd pickups when I traded in for a brand new 2007 6 speed 4wd Jeep Liberty. Here's some observations after six weeks of use - #1 - my stiff neck from backing up the Chevy pickup is gone! The Liberty, much easier, both in the parking lot and the trail to turn around.

I haven't really put the Liberty to severe use off road, but here are some quick comments. The Chevy used brute strength to get to places off-roard - torque, ground clearnce, and 32 inch tires. The combo of torsion bars and leaf springs bounced over rocks. The Liberty uses finesse - the coil springs conform to the terrain, providing better traction.

Looks like I'm eventually going to have to go to some sort of lift - 4 coils all the way around, 'cause I need a little more clearance under the body. The stock tires were immediately replaced by 245/70 x 16 Geolandars. I haven't had a chance for the traction control to kick in yet, so I don't know how effective it is in the really rough stuff. I do plan on taking the Liberty into the mountain trails of the Sierra Madre Oriental of northeast Mexico. This will involve steep, rutted, and rocky roads of very sharp limestone. One thing I really like about the Liberty is the 6 speed - good crawl ratio and a very tight, precise shifting pattern. It's a sports machine compared to my Chevies. I definitely drive by gears, downshifting a lot, be it a freeway off-ramp or a mountain trail. Love quick engine braking.

The Liberty is very well-built and quite easy to handle - it's like a mini-Suburban. Speaking of that, the Liberty gets trashed in a lot of reviews - well, it isn't a car-based cross-over SUV, wish people would quit comparing it to one.

Actually, I bought two Liberties - a 4wd for me, and a 2wd Limited for my wife - all for $5,000 less than the price of one Tahoe! I am dismayed at all the news of doom and gloom for Chrysler being put on the block by the parent company, Damiler. The workmanship on the two Liberties is exemplary. Just hope that Jeep manages to stay afloat after all this bad economic news.

Just some thoughts after finally joining the Jeep family after all these years.

spencevans · **Posted:** Sun Apr 22, 2007 1:27 am

Congrats and welcome to the club. I wish I could buy two libbies. As far as lifts go I recommend the Frankenlift.

ctr05kj · **Posted:** Sun Apr 22, 2007 10:54 am

Welcome to a great place to learn more about your libby.. I didn't discover this site until after I bought my Liberty Renegade. But I'm glad I bought the Liberty.. Very comfortable to drive, (my only complaint is the seats in the Renegade).. too stiff. Other than that, driveability, performance, gas milage(beats my old 01 Grand Cherokee w/ 4.7 V8 and Quadratac drive).
So welcome to our community... and enjoy.

sandracer · **Posted:** Sun Apr 22, 2007 12:56 pm

Yup, the manuverability is great. Getting my boat on and off the boat ramp is so much easier with my KJ than with any pickup I've owned. It actually feels better towing with the KJ than with my last truck. The wife and I love our KJ.

With the price of gas where it is, we're leaning toward just going with OME springs front and rear with OME struts and shocks for a mild lift. I don't want to give up too much MPG, currently 18 to 19 City, 21 to 24 Highway and 15.7 towing the boat.

Welcome to the Jeep side.

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Sun Apr 22, 2007 1:00 pm

The lift isn't going to do much to your mpg. It is the bigger/heavier tires that kills mpg.

D.M.B.K.J.52 · **Posted:** Sun Apr 22, 2007 1:18 pm

Congrats on the twins (well almost). Also welcome to the world of Libby's. I too feel the need to go up with my Liberty, thats why I'm lucky to have stumbled upon this site. It has helped in more ways than one for sure. The only problem is deciding which to go with. So many people are happy with their Frankenlifts and other swear by their Rusty's kits. Not to mention the other numerous kits available out there. All I can say is do your research and good luck. Welcome!!!

sandracer · **Posted:** Sun Apr 22, 2007 7:46 pm

Tokyojoe wrote:

The lift isn't going to do much to your mpg. It is the bigger/heavier tires that kills mpg.

That's what I'm counting on. I plan to only go up to a 245/65/17 from the stock 235/65/17 unless someone comes out with a good 235 by the time I'm ready for tires.

myjeepwalks · **Posted:** Sun Apr 22, 2007 8:34 pm

Glad you like your jeep. I love mine. I still hear from guys at work every day "but it's a girls jeep". :evil:

Cant wait till next month when the mt/r's and lift go on.

New Liberty 4wd - some comments after six weeks of use.

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