Unlimited 4 door

[TINSEAST]

Looking at maybe trading for a wrangler 4 door. Probably a Sahara model. I would like to get some feedback from 4 door owners. What do you like, what don''t you like? Any common or recuring problems from the factory? Any recalls? Your opinions would be greatly appreciated.

[b1pig]

there have been a few recalls....
two on the 6spd and one or two on the auto.

i have taken mine to the dealer for:
overheating
reflash to stop stall-bug
replace driver seat frame (recline)
replace passenger bottom seat foam


others have had recurring issue with the SAS (steering angle sensor) which is a part of the ESP. I had it a couple times, but nothing big.

there have been isolated issues from owners that modded their rigs. I heard of one with a X (3.24 gears) that lifted and added 35s.. and then grenaded the ring and pinion in the D30.... but to the Jeep's defense, he was buried in thick mud and was "rocking" the Jeep.


Here are my likes on the 4dr.
-There is surprisingly ... alot of room in it. Adults fit fine in the back seat.
-The seats are comfortable. I think I am spoiled to 6-way-power, but the Rubi seats are nice and comfy.
-The BFGs on the Rubi are really quiet.
-You can load groceries without folding down the rear seat.
-The 6disk radio can play DVDs (with mods for vid output)
-The lockers (rubicon) are USEFUL
-Swaybar disco is cool. i dont care who ya are.
-the removable panels on hardtop can be installed as hard-bikini when the rear is off.
-With the doors off, it looks goofy at first... but it grows on ya.
-Keyless entry and power windows... GET IT it's still a 4dr.
-D44 axles. Oh, yes. LOCKERS
-Decent skid plate coverage... (wish they'd at least make an oil pan with an extra plate on it to prevent punctures.)

things i DONT like:
-I hate the CAN-BUS electrical system... hard to mod
-lots of wind noise... (hardtop) bufeting over top of windsheild
-dont like the plastic bumpers. they bend and dent pretty easily... and the plastic discolors when bent.
-CV drive shafts... personal preference
-Not enough light from the dome lights in the front.... needs map lights. (i added LEDs on the floor)
-poor visibility.. due to rear head rests and the rear window wiper motor assy
-I HATE the programming on the tranny!!!
(HEAR THIS JEEP INC.!!!!)
change the damned programming on the torque converter. Why the hell does it need to lockup in 3rd gear as soon as it shifts??!! (see below)
-The engine doesnt make any real power until about 3,000 RPM...
-Sometimes the hood will lift at highway speeds while passing big vehicles.. heavy wind, etc... easily remedied by a few ways.
-edit: Breakover angle. the wheelbase is longer than my ZJ... and that is LONG.


if you need some more room, still want a Jeep and honestly carry 4 adults in there with NO trouble.. then get it. it carries 3 kids in the back with no trouble. I have waited for a 4dr since the Dakar Concept.... I am pleased.

[PJ4X4]

I recently sold my 07 Unlimited, I needed money for other restoration projects but I would buy another used one someday.

I did like the creature comforts: firm, yet comfortable seats; quiet ride, great sound system (including Sirius radio), good heat and A/C. I didn't take it off road though, so I can't tell you how they do 4 wheeling.
Mine was a six speed which had the clutch disc replaced under warranty due to annoying chirping when engaging the clutch and also had the ABS computer reset.

Don't expect great acceleration and it takes getting used to a "drive by wire" go pedal, there seems to be a split second lag from foot to engine response. I did average 20.5 mpg, though.

[b1pig]

yea, the engine is NOT as peppy as the 4.0 engine. the 3.8 is a revver and makes it power higher up in the RPM range where the 4.0 is happiest between 1000 and 2500 RPM.

[XJGUY]

The peak of the TQ curve for the 3.8 is right around 4,000 RPM. I cant remember off the top of my head what it was for the 4.0 but i believe it was quite a bit lower.

[Knuckelhead]

Lower = better for off road...IMO

[Eirene]

I traded in a Dodge Durango (gas-guzzling hemi) for my Rubicon; which I've had now about 6 months, my boyfriend has had his Sahara a little over a year.

This is the third Jeep vehicle for me. Although I love the 2-door Wrangler as a single mom I couldn't be happier with the 4-door. Especially when traveling half way across country with a 4 year old. Just over a week of owning it I did a 2500 mile drive, I have to say I was extremely impressed!! I never became uncomfortable while driving and the wind-noise was minimum compared to some older models.

Originally posted by TINSEAST:
Any recalls? Last month there was a recall, the brake timing when coasting up hill. :confused: Not that I cost up hill and need to jam the brakes often but...ok. So far this one has been it for me.
motor trend (http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2007/jeep/wrangler/unlimited_rubicon_utility/1863/recalls/)

The dealership took about 30 minutes to take care of it and that was that.

[b1pig]

welcome to the forum...


and yes. i forgot about the brake recall... it was a reflash to the ECU.

Knucklehead, I agree with your view on the powerband of an engine. torque numbers that are lower in the RPM are typically better for offroad rigs, especially crawlers. My ZJ has done an awesome job offroad. The Rubicon has only had some light wheeling due to limitations in places to go down here, but it has shown it's gifts and it's short comings.

I needed to add one thing to my list anyway. smile.gif

[Eirene]

Thanks and I love the blue line on your Rubicon. ;)


Oh, another thing. Not sure what everyone else is getting gas milage wise. Locally I'm running about 16-16.5 and I have a few hills here and there. HWY, I've had mine as high as 20. I've seen the boyfriend's as high as 22.3. Of course both of these HWY readings were after 2 days of driving.

[bentleg]

Just bought an 08 Unlimited X with a hard top, all was well until the first rain.... my roof leaks. Brought it to the dealership three times to replace the seals on the front panels, still leaking! anyone else?

[b1pig]

usually, this can be resolved by removing the front panel and reinstalling them. sometimes, they have to call in a leak specialist. (yes... they actually have them) it is a convertible after all... and the likelihood that water will find it's way inside is pretty high.

I feel lucky. My first convertible was a 76 MGB. ;)
shower, anyone? :D :D

oh, yea.
welcome to the forum. smile.gif

[JeepDiver]

Originally posted by bentleg:
Just bought an 08 Unlimited X with a hard top, all was well until the first rain.... my roof leaks. Brought it to the dealership three times to replace the seals on the front panels, still leaking! anyone else? Make sure you put the top on just like the owners manual says, and double check that the gaskets don't get pinched. Mine leaked after the first rain, but since checking how to seat them, no more problems.

The seal on my passanger front door did come loose one time and caused it to leak. Just popped it back in place and haven't had a problem yet.