Which model years for Jeep Wranglers were most reliable?

"TurboSloth" (TheTurboSloth) 11/24/2013 at 20:18 • Filed to: None

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My dad's looking for a winter beater/something that can hall stuff, and we're looking on craigslist for a cheaper Jeep Wrangler. Don't ask why Jeep specifically, but that's what he asked me to look for. Anyway, which model years should I stay away from, and which model years were more reliable than others?

dogisbadob > TurboSloth 11/24/2013 at 20:24

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If he has to ask, he's better off with Toyota haha

The best one would be brand new or maybe CPO. At least it's under warranty. Remember, Jeep stands for Just Empty Every Pocket. Can he wait a couple years when we finally get diesel power on a Wrangler?

Maybe a Chevy/Geo Tracker/Suzuki Vitara might be a better idea.

Sn210 > TurboSloth 11/24/2013 at 20:24

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You wouldn't get any trouble from the 4.0, but Jeep does stand for "just empty every pocket". Stay away from the 4 cylinders if you're looking to haul stuff.

(Owned a 93 YJ wrangler)

Party-vi > TurboSloth 11/24/2013 at 20:29

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Get a TJ ('96 to '04 I think). If you're lucky you can find a Wrangler unlimited with 4x4 - it has a stretched wheelbase and more storage in the back. The 4.0L will never break and with two solid axles they're dead-simple to work on yourselves. All of the TJ bodies should be galvanized so rust shouldn't be an issue, but look for any rust under the tub (it's what Jeep calls their bodies), around U-joints and axle parts, etc.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > TurboSloth 11/24/2013 at 20:30

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A xj jeep Cherokee would be a better choice for a winter beater. The 4.0 straight six is bulletproof, you don't need to find a hardtop and it can haul more than a wrangler. Oh and it's cheaper too.

Team6.1 > TurboSloth 11/24/2013 at 20:34

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TJ Wranglers. 97-2006. The 4 cyl is underpowered and struggles on the highway. Much better with a 6 cycl. Dana 30/35 axles are rock solid. One with lots of modifications has probably been beat to shit (mine sure has). Focus on the condition of the soft top, or budget for a replacement. They are stupid simple to work on. Check for speed wobbles when driving. Check Quadratech. You can litterally buy every single part ever for it.

Team6.1 > TurboSloth 11/24/2013 at 20:34

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TJ Wranglers. 97-2006. The 4 cyl is underpowered and struggles on the highway. Much better with a 6 cycl. Dana 30/35 axles are rock solid. One with lots of modifications has probably been beat to shit (mine sure has). Focus on the condition of the soft top, or budget for a replacement. They are stupid simple to work on. Check for speed wobbles when driving. Check Quadratech. You can litterally buy every single part ever for it.

JalopJeep > TurboSloth 11/24/2013 at 20:35

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TJ Wrangler 97-06 with a 4.0 and the ax-5, 5 speed transmission, Dana 44 rear

XJ Cherokee 1984-2001 with the same specs as above, although I can't remember right now if you could get an XJ with the 44, I think you could but not sure. The chryco 8.25 is your best rear axle option otherwise for the XJ. The AW-4 auto trans is also quite reliable.

Those, in my opinion, are your best options. Also the NP231 and NP242 transfer cases are best. Full time in NP249 is nice, but the VC often causes issues.

JalopJeep > Team6.1 11/24/2013 at 20:42

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This is not good info on the axle part. The D30 is fantastic however the D35 is called the Turdy-5 for good reason. A weak C-clip axle. My roommates right axle shaft on his TJ completely ejected itself from the axle tube taking the hub and tire along with it. This was under normal driving conditions. Also, Quadtratec is not the best bet for purchasing parts. Very often over priced and I've heard many horror stories associated with them.

desertdog5051 > TurboSloth 11/24/2013 at 20:48

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Any of the ones that came with the 4.0L 6. Bulletproof. So that means a Cherokee I think.

Team6.1 > JalopJeep 11/24/2013 at 20:50

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For a winter beater DD it's fine. Or drop way more cash and get a rubicon with Dana 44's. My D35 had 135 thousand miles on it with no problems, and even after I put lockers in they lasted. I only mentioned quadratech because it is a single source. Of course you can check a bunch of sites to find the best price, but I never had a problem with them.

JalopJeep > Team6.1 11/24/2013 at 20:52

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I understand. For most applications the D35 is just fine. Just kind of took issue with you calling the 35 "rock solid".

Team6.1 > JalopJeep 11/24/2013 at 20:54

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Yeah. Rock solid was a poor choice of wording.

JalopJeep > Team6.1 11/24/2013 at 20:56

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No worries! There's just so much misinformation out there about Jeeps I felt obligated to clarify!

Team6.1 > JalopJeep 11/24/2013 at 21:10

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I have a 99 4 cyl TJ and lots of the jeep club here have new jk rubicons, so I'm always like, anything you can do I can do better

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > TurboSloth 11/24/2013 at 21:34

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trick question.

GRawesome > desertdog5051 11/24/2013 at 22:08

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The Wrangler had the 4.0 I6 too.

GRawesome > TurboSloth 11/24/2013 at 22:10

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I agree with everyone here who is saying TJ Wrangler with the 4.0 I6. I had one, a 2000, it was extremely reliable, inexpensive parts, tons of aftermarket support.

Can't go wrong with a Cherokee with the I6 either. I am looking for one now with a manual trans.

Blaze > Sn210 06/09/2016 at 15:47

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The 2.4 DOHC with 6 speed is a great combo.

It does fine on the interstate and gets good MPG.

It does better off road than the 4.0.

The 4.0 is heavy, under powered and out dated.

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