New JK owners?

Are there any JK or JKL owners out there that would like to comment on your new Jeep?  

Ok so what is my opinion worth? Ive owned 4 YJs and 3 TJs and last week I picked up my JK. Mods Ive done already are a set of 285/70/17 Cooper STT mud tires and new american racing rims. She will go in for a full tint job on thursday. I was concerned about the new 3.8 before I bought it. I ordered this jeep so I bought it sight unseen and without the benefit of a test drive. I did get the 4.10 gears and the limited slip. My review is as follows: I still own a 2002 TJ and I can barely stand to drive it and I am a die hard jeeper. My new JK is better in every single way. I have the hard top (with T-tops) and it is so quiet inside we can wisper. It handles great, is a blast to drive, and has quite a bit more interior room. I love the new dash as well. I dont know if I need the new anti-roll/tractions control/brake assist/electronic stablility, but I guess maybe someday that might save me. I am not very impressed with its 3.8L power and I would have opted for the new 4.0 V6 used in the Dodge Nitro, but I have also not tached in past 3000 yet. I will say though it is fast enough for me. (i do recommend the 4.10s) I think she is great to look at has so many upgrades from my TJ that my TJ feels obsolete. From the stiffer frame to the bigger axels, stronger transfer cases to the ability to fit 33" tires without a lift, I am in love. Here name is Elektra.  

crawling under a jk rube last week, I immediately noticed the smoother line front to back due to tucking up the control arms. the center of gravity is much lower due the frame, though ground clearance is the same, just no more huge tj skid plate. Cool sway disconnect up under the plastic flap.  

Bought an X a few days ago.

Impressions:

I think it'll be dead easy to put on a lift.

Because it's relatively new to the market, I ran into unknown territory concerning the largest size tire I can fit on the stock steel rims. I plan to lift it in the spring but for now use stock equipment.

The dealer told me one size up from whatever came on it(225-75R16's) I knew that some came with 245's but supposedly only fit with the alloy rims? Well, I put 235's on it and I'm happy enough til spring anyhow.

I went back to the dealer to have them adjust the speedometer as they suggested and they found the only available computer settings were 225 and 245 so I'm guessing it is possible to put 245's on the steel rims. Certainly looks doable.  A lift kit and 33's on my JK for spring mud season will make the point moot besides.

Anyhow, there's alot about it I like better than my old TJ. It's quieter on the road maybe because of the slightly curved windshield.  It's much easier to fold the back seat forward for additional storage space in the back. I had taken the back seat out of my TJ. Doubt I'll find it necessary now.  Door handles are nicer. Mirrors are plastic so they won't rust. they might fade but they won't rust.

I'm trying to find a hoop-style grill guard for it.

i bought a '97 TJ that was built in '96.  from my experience ... i wish you good luck on owning a vehicle that was built in first year of production.

maybe i'll buy it used when i finally get rid of my tj ... but then, what i don't spend in payments can be applied to upgrades.

oh well, i'm sure they're nice.

Well Pete,

 I'm selling my 98 4-banger TJ and I'll use the cash for upgrades.   Like Jeepinoutwest, I can't drive another vehicle now...I love the JK so much, I just want to go out driving it which hasn't happened to me since I owned a Miata back in 94.  Yes, my wife and I can also whisper on the highway and hear each other, even with the stereo going!

My only negative so far is that the auto-transmission shifter seems a bit flimsy, although I want to upgrade that to a nice walnut-handled shifter the second I find one I like. 

A couple other reasons for getting the new one was that I didn't have hard doors, A/C, or auto tranny... which I needed since the wife can't drive a manual trans. Although she has a Cherokee I've tried to get her to agree to lift it.

Hey Jeepinoutwest, did you put the 285's on an X model or do you have the Rubicon?

I picked up a JK 4dr 4x4 4.10 gears "X" w/ the hard top on the 14th of Nov.  I love it.  Talked on the phone while doing 80 mph on I-10 and the other end could just barely hear the wind noise.  I put almost 400 miles on it the first day because I made a 16 hour round trip to trade my Nissan Titan and pick up my Jeep.  So far my first move is going to be larger tires.  It came with 225/75R 16 street tires and that ain't good enough.  My 7 year old daughter even said it needed bigger tires.  So far I have more plans than money, but has always been the problem.  I have owned a '97 TJ and an '81 CJ7 in the past, but this is by far the coolest stock Wrangler I have had.
I am looking at getting 31" or 32" tires but since it is so new I am not sure how to adjust the speedometer.  Does any one know if I need to get a different speedometer gear or does it need to be reprogramed?  
I also think a higher performance computer chip will greatly improve the response and power and thay may be my next upgrade.  Any suggestions on the chip?

Edited 11/21/2006 7:02 pm by Robar (Robar7)