Hi there,
I’ve recently driven a 2Dr JK on Moreton Island and I’ve got the JK bug. I’m currently in the research phase for an Auto jk Rubicon unlimited. My thoughts were to be patient and try to get a great deal by waiting till the end of finanacial year sales, and possibly the launch of the JL (I think later this year?) I know how they drive, I know they are thirsty. What I need to know is there any issues that I need to be aware of? I heard there was an auto gear box problem?
I do know the rubicon is probably slightly over kill, however it will spend time off road as I’m sick of being a passenger!
I love that the Jeep I borrowed was a real drivers car and had character!
to the OP I've had a TJ wrangler for the past 13 years since new and done heaps of bush work so know there strong points and week points
the JK is a lot different to the TJ but still share a lot like axles, transmission etc
first of all, dont listen to anyone's advice who has never owned one. speak to owners when you see one pulled up for petrol. people often ask me when filling up, especially in back country areas
the Rubicon is a good choice with solid dana44 axles front and rear with lockers on both as standard
it has a much lower ratio transfer box than the standard Wrangler when low ratio 4x4 is selected
it sits a little higher
compared to the TJ it has stronger panhard and control arms
the current six speed manual is the same as whats in mine. its a Mecedes Benz box that was problematic at first, but they seemed to be ironed out the bugs and have been the standard box since 2005. before that they had NV boxes and before that AISIN Jap boxes. the auto is a NV transmission as far as I know still and rarely seem to give trouble by all accounts
if you get the short wheel base not much room to stash stuff, but the rear dicky seat just clips out and mine is rarely in there
it shares many electrical parts from well known makers, like the starter in mine in Nippondenso, a Bosch fuel pump and so it goes
parts are easy to get, just dont use the dealers. buy on line from yankee vendors like Rockauto, Jeepsrus, Morris4x4, etc. they often have close out sales that are too good to pass up. like the wheel cylinders I bought recently for $5.00 each even though didnt need any
so far I have accumulated a spare fuel pump, axle seals and bearings, brake parts etc eec for cheap as, for just in case, but as yet havent used any, just keeping them as spares
except for a radiator that crapped out on me. got another on line for about $150
down side is they suck fuel, at least mine does. but it has the last of the old AMC straight sixes. now they have a Chrysler Pentestar V6 that by all accounts isnt quite as thirsty, they have a 72 litre tank so if you go outback a jerry will be needed. depending on who you talk to I reckon the straight six is better having seen examples of well over 400,000 clicks, but the V6 certainly has more power
the auto trans issue you mentioned is probably the six speed box problem mentioned above
the diesel version is not too flash with clutch problems
they have a few funny little quirks but are fairly easy to work on. most of the problems come about when people over modify with a big lift and 35" tyres etc
JK's have a lot more electrickery than the TJ's and the new JL will be even more so. and thats the way it goes with all makes of cars
I've had two Land Cruisers and a current model Landcruiser twincab, I kept my Jeep because I like it too much. and for when going solo in the bush. I would take it anywhere, even a light run through the Kimberley
for heaps of info go to ausjeep online or one of the yankee forums. they have lots of write ups and are a wealth of info
and they are good with river crossings. below Humffray river Vic
