Corpusfishing.com

Tyler · Site Admin Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 12865

Looking at a "toy" third car for Kelle and me. A 1998 Jeep Wrangler with a lift, 4 cylinder, auto, 33X12.5.15 tires same as my suburban.

I test drove it the other day and it didn't seem so underpowered as everyone says they are.

I don't plan to do any hill climbing, towing anything or any long highway trips except to maybe South Padre in it.

I had heard that the 4 cylinders were great in the high banks since they are light and can creep over the soft stuff without getting buried.

Any thoughts or experience with a similar jeep on PINS? I don't know what the gearing is on it. I guess I need to run it on the highway up the harbor bridge and back.
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Chef Lefty · Posted: Sun Jun 03, 2012 4:34 pm Post subject:

Let your "18 year old" instinct take over and buy that puppy! Sounds like an opportunity you need to jump on! Cool

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BishopRyan · Posted: Sun Jun 03, 2012 5:16 pm Post subject:

I don't believe there is enough weight difference to make a difference. But I don't think you're really sacrificing a whole lot going with the 4 cylinder. I've had and been around Jeeps for a long time. There's certainly some advantages with the v6 out on the highway and around town but that doesn't typically translate over for slow crawling and general beach debauchery. You're not full time bashing here. A weekend 3rd vehicle right.

I would check all wiring. As wiring is the first to go in Jeeps in coastal towns. Corrosion and so forth. Crawl underneath and look over the suspension real closely. Bushings and so forth. What kind of lift is this? Body or suspension. Did they install a SYE? A good article about the importance of that upgrade when putting lifts on Jeeps. http://www.jeepfan.com/tech/what-is-a-slip-yoke-eliminator-and-why-do-you-need-it/. Is the engine light on? Has the engine light been disconnected?

You may not even need to re-gear it.

If its in good shape and its the right price I say go for it.

critter getter · Posted: Sun Jun 03, 2012 7:47 pm Post subject:

i have had both 4 n 6 theres no way i would ever go with a 4 banger again they with 33 on it and a good head wind you'll do good to get out of 4th gear. keep looking and buy a 6. I may a trip to houston in mine and i have never been so happy to get out of a car. Just my 2

BamaRed54 · Posted: Sun Jun 03, 2012 8:00 pm Post subject:

As long as it is kind of an "in town/beach" jeep you can't go wrong with that 4cyl. Just keep it serviced and wash it after beach trips and it will run forever!
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Stinger-A · Posted: Sun Jun 03, 2012 8:28 pm Post subject:

I currently own a 98 jeep tj 4cyl and can tell you all the good and bad about it. Highway driving is horrible, top speed is 75, downhill with the wind at your back. But off road at the PINS, it's the best, light enough to stay on top of the soft stuff and enough torque to get you out of any jam. Out of any 4x4 I've owed, I feel the safest off roading in my jeep. I've also pulled other trucks out with it. If you are purchasing because you want to travel, then I would say no. If you are purchasing because it's a cheap, reliable, fun, kickarse off roading machine, then I say go for it!!!

Stinger A

REEL BEAST · Posted: Sun Jun 03, 2012 8:30 pm Post subject:

Three decisions when buying a jeep, motor, transmission, rear end. Six cylinder without question if you ever go to the beach or oversize the rubber. I prefer manual transmission but auto can work. I like a 3.73 rear end but the 3.41 is minimal and of course a 4.11 is just a beast.

I have had all combinations and was never satisfied with the four cylinders. The rear end is really everything. Find out what gear ratio it is. The four cylinder just cannot push you down the beach and down the freeway both adequately, it is geared for one or the other.
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shorty · Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2012 5:02 am Post subject:

remember that silver one i had ? it was a 4 banger,auto.was a great beach ,fishing buggy,only problem i had was i had to play the Fred Flintstone if i wanted to get on the freeway at any type of speed,but then again,they aint made for speed.i will suggest this ,check the frame !
i looked for over a year for that one.couldnt find on in Corpus that had a frame left under it,they was all rotted,some guys even under coated over rusted frames just to hide it.if you do find one with a good under carrage,under coat the crap out of it.i pulled the stink carpet out to and under coated the inside,drilled a few drain holes.miss that jeep,only reason i sold it was the insurance was killing me on 2 boys under 21 listed as drivers.it was a real Sex Machine !!

workinbird · Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2012 6:28 am Post subject:

My son has the exact same Jeep! He loves it as long as he is not highway driving! <*/)))><

Tyler · Site Admin Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 12865

flounderjig · Horse Mullet Joined: 12 Nov 2009 Posts: 115

Got a 2006 and love it. Goes over 80mph on four cylinders. Used at the beach and hunting lease I previously had up near Marble Falls. I will keep it till it dies and then get another engine for it. Quite happy, if I run across an older model I will go there too.

ward438 · Horse Mullet Joined: 12 May 2011 Posts: 102

J.ust E.mpty E.very P.ocket. That being said I'm on my second Jeep. I feel like I rule the sand. With the stock 4.10 gears, don't go any bigger than 33's.
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Tyler · Site Admin Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 12865

ward438 · Horse Mullet Joined: 12 May 2011 Posts: 102

shorty · Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2012 2:41 pm Post subject:

it had 31 and a halfs,not really over sized,but big enough.kept it pretty much stock.4 cylinder is just fine for what your doing.just dont get in a hurry.