[bmikes93]

Hey y'all, I'm Brandon and I'm looking to purchase a jeep here within the next few months. But the thing is, there are so may things to consider!! some of the biggest topics that I'm concerned about and am debating about is the carb vs fuel injection, leaf vs coil and shocks, amc vs Chrysler, four cylinder vs six, and if I.do get the six which I am leaning towards, which engine? The 4.2, the 4.0 HO, or any other ones I don't know about.
Just any input and advise from y'all would be great on any of these subjects or anything else that is noteworthy would be great!
oh and I'm only looking to spend maybe up to $7,000 for the initial jeep purchase and ill build it later. Also, I mostly want it for mud, and trial driving.
Thanks guys!!

 

[havasu]

This thread has the potential to explode with who likes what better, but I have both and will say the TJ has a nicer ride and doesn't break down, since it is newer. The YJ looks better, but has a rougher ride and breaks down more. F/I BTW.....all the way!

 

[bmikes93]

What's F/I?

 

[bmikes93]

And I'm kinda hoping that it will explode cause the more knowledge/opinions about jeeps and their characteristics I.can get is good!

 

[havasu]

F/I = Fuel Injection

 

[bmikes93]

Oh.. I feel dumb now lol so why not carb?

 

[havasu]

I guess personal preference but carbs are becoming way old school and have floats that gum up.

 

[bmikes93]

I am leaning towards fi even.before I got this app. Simply for the fact they seem more reliable in different altitudes and elevations. So do you live near Portland?

 

[havasu]

Me? I wish. Just drive South until the primary language is Spanish and the gas prices are twice what you are paying, then you are getting close!

 

[bmikes93]

Jeez!! How much is gas there?

 

[havasu]

$4.35 to $4.90 depending on where you go!

 

[Josh]

I have an 05 tj with the 4.0 and I couldn't be happier coils all the way, and F/I is more reliable at least in my opinion

 

[bmikes93]

That's a really nice jeep! So you haven't had any problems with it? like anything breakin or nothin?

 

[Chris]

If I were to buy another jeep it would be TJ or JK and definitly FI. My jeep was carbed when I got it and those things have more problems then they are worth.

 

[bmikes93]

Chris, what year is your current jeep??

 

[Chris]

1990 YJ but I swaped out the motor and well everything else. Here is the link.

http://www.wranglerboard.com/f6/chris-yj-tj-dodge-ram-infusion-15/

 

[bmikes93]

Dam that's nice! I take it you made your own flat fender conversion? And so from the pictures of you on the rocks, you can get pretty decent articulation out.of the leaf springs? Do you have the front ones reversed?

 

[RikRotorhead]

Opinions vary. YJ owners tend to love them, so do TJ owners.
After 1990 the YJ had fuel injection in all madels until they went to the TJ in 1997. The '87 to '90 YJ four cylinder also had fuel injection.
When they went to the fuel injected motor they switched to a 4.0 liter. Prior to that they used a 4.2 liter.
The suspensions in the TJ are much more complicated than the YJ suspension, but they do ride smoother. Just more difficult to work on and more can go wrong with them.
The YJ leaf springs are pretty bullet proof. They have been using that design successfully since the covered wagon.
MOST YJs don't have AC. It was an option until it became pretty standard in the TJ. Some TJs don't have it.
The TJ is available in purple. Don't know if you roll that way.
The TJ is also available in the "unlimited" version. It's a much desired longer body and wheel base for more storage area and more leg room inthe back.
The YJ that I own is an '88, 4.2 liter in line six, five speed, carbed, with quite a few mods to make it the way I want it. It is VERY capable on the trail. It will keep up with most modded TJs at one fourth the cost.
TJs are expensive to buy as compared to a YJ. YJs have been around longer so depending on your area you may find more body rot from harsh environments like salty roads or salt air.
The '95 YJ was the best year YJ made. Galvanized tub, better front axle, and the FI system is the one they used in the TJ.
From what I hear the '05 and newer TJs were best. I don't know why.

I'm very happy with my YJ. It rarely sees street driving so I don't care about the ride. The only issue with carbs is really steep inclines. They can stall on you. They run great if you keep it in tune which isn't hard.
If I trade mine I'd go for the new JK four door. Not the one with the mini-van motor. The new one. But I wouldn't want to wheel very hard with it unless I had an unlimited income to make repairs to all the plastic on it. They are really nice tho'.
I just wanted something simple, inexpensive, and something I wouldn't cry about if I bent or broke it. That's a YJ.

 

[Chris]

Dam that's nice! I take it you made your own flat fender conversion? And so from the pictures of you on the rocks, you can get pretty decent articulation out.of the leaf springs? Do you have the front ones reversed?

I reversed the springs but I am going back to original. As for articulation I don't see a lick of difference between them and coils. I can flex those like no other. There is nothing wrong with a YJ and I really like mine but I would get a 91 or newer if you were to get one since they will have the FI motor.

 

[Chris]

And yes I made the fenders.