Buying a Jeep is either the best decision you’ve ever made in your life or you now drive a Toyota. Either way, with the help of our friends at the Triad Jeep Club we bring you the top then things they never tell you about owning a Jeep.
10. Death Wobble -Jamie
If your idea of a high quality suspension lift is buying the most expensive hockey puck you can find at your local sporting goods store, you’re probably going to have a bad time. I’ve never experienced it, but it’s generally caused by poor alignment, unbalanced tires, worn ball joints, and busted steering stabilizers. Whether you’ve experienced it or not, you’ll definitely hear about it when people start drinking around the campfire.
9. Sooner or later you will have the wet ass. -Shawn
If you’re like our good friend Mike and believe that real Jeeps are always topless (Jeep owners get wet a lot), then you probably should carry an extra set of pants in a dry bag. You’ll probably also want to chain that dry bag to your Jeep so it doesn’t walk away or bounce out of the truck while on the trail. Your other option is you can just wear Guy Harvey swim trunks 24/7 then you just have to deal with looking like a douchebag.
8. The Jeep Wave -Bo
From what I’ve seen there’s only two groups of people that consistently wave at each other; Jeep owners and motorcycle riders. So if you buy a Jeep, be prepared to wave more than Vanna White, and to be as angry as John McEnroe when your fellow owner doesn’t return the courtesy.
7. Never buy a “modded” Jeep. -Everyone who ever bought one
Buying a modded Jeep is like watching the Redskins on Sunday, everything sounds good on paper throughout the week, but come game day you may or may not blow it in the 4th quarter. Now if you’re a Redskins fan, you know they’re going to blow it. What’s the takeaway? While you can get a good modified Jeep on the used market, you’re more likely to inherit someone elses problem, and RG3 is still a terrible quarterback.
6. You’ll get excited about getting 14 MPG. -Chris
You’re telling me that adding 35″ mud tires and a lift to something that has the drag coefficient of a mobile home in a Texas tornado isn’t going to result in stellar gas mileage? A little known fact is that modified Jeeps can rival a Hummer for the worst gas mileage award, so if you’re in double digits you’re doing alright (or you probably drive an XJ).
5. Always make sure your door strap is connected. -Cody
Have you ever wanted to put a giant dent in your door? Well the quickest way is to not secure your door straps. While the straps make it very easy to remove your doors, they are also easily kicked off, which can then result in your door mimicking a screen door in a hurricane. It’s also a good way to face plant when your opening the door and expecting it to stop, your wife will especially love that one.
4. You are never “finished” with your Jeep -Matt
35″ tires getting to small? Your 2.5″ lift not cutting it on the trail? Are the lack of available half doors for your XJ making you want to become a master with a sawzall? This one you won’t realize until it’s too late, but by then you’ll be blowing up a cliff at King of The Hammers. The great philosopher Notorious B.I.G. once said “Mo Money Mo Problems”. Now if this was a song about Jeeps it would be “Mo Money Mo Modifications”.
3. It’s something that will never go out of style. -Clayton
CJ, YJ, TJ, JK, and even XJ (they built over 2.5 million of them so stop crying fan boys), they’ve built so many Jeeps over the past 70 years that you think they would have figured out a better way to secure a door rather than a strap (see #5). Regardless, Jeep owners will never get tired of broken windshields, wet seats, and crappy headlights.
2. You never have an excuse not to get to work because of the weather. -Cody
Oh there’s 5 feet of snow on the ground? It’s raining like crazy with a chance of Sharknado? You still better get to work on time, because even if you’re boss can’t make it to the office in his rear wheel drive German sled, he knows you drive a Jeep, so your ass better be there.
1. It comes with one of the best support groups ever. -Terrell
I’ve never been to a Land Rover meet, but I imagine that it consists of a group of men passing around Grey Poupon and swapping stories about how well they know their local AAA tow truck drivers. Although I have seen several Jeep clubs, and I don’t think you’ll find a more dedicated group of enthusiasts (possibly Miata owners, because Miata) that are willing to help everyone from new owners to lifelong junkies. They also fart, smoke, and tell raunchy jokes, you’ve been warned.
Special thanks to the Triad Jeep club for helping with this post and for providing some of the photos. I’ll finish by saying that my takeaway from Jeep ownership so far has been that you’ll either love it or hate it, but regardless you’ll always remember the experience. Oh and the next time I wave, your ass better wave back.
I’ve been asked if leaving the doors and roof off of my 2001 Tj is a security concern… I tell them it’s one of a kind, easy to I’D, a fast get away could be dangerous and 2018 and they don’t teach kids to drive stick anymore so I leave it in gear while parked.
I have a Patriot that’s been in the dealer for more then 7 times about to be 8 times. When I get in to start the Patriot it’s like there’s a dead battery but if i touch the clutch it starts right up. Doesn’t make any sense. Now i have things breaking inside the vehicle. I am in the middle of working on doing a lemon law with an attorney.
CANT WAIT TILL I GET OUT OF THIS JEEP!!! WILL NEVER BUY A JEEP OR RECOMMEND ONE!!!!
Bbbwwwaaaahhhhaaaahhhaaaaa AND WE DON’T WANT YOU SO GO BUY A PRIUS!!!
On a wrangler, you will replace multiple windshields.
Got my first taste of how much Wranglers ‘attract’ rocks with only 253miles on the odometer. SMH. Thankfully, it was only a chip. A quick trip to the auto parts store for the superglue repair kit solved the problem. At 80Kmiles, sporting 4 chips, but still have the OEM windshield. (And in stating this, I have just doomed myself to needing a new windshield before the end of the month).
You too!? I thought it was just a problem with my Ruby. I’m on my fourth windshield. Cracks in the same place every time. This last time it cracked in an 8″ circle on the passenger side at the bottom, so it’s just staying there rather than getting replaced. Ads character. ????
I think that the flat faced windshield collects more debris because of the aro-dynamics missing. Who knows, maybe I am wrong, but a good guess.
I tend to draw little black Jeeps (like in the corner of the OEM windshield) climbing up the cracks!
A Jeep is what got me and my ole man together . I was checking his Jeep out and we started talking when he seen my interest in Jeeps . That was Oct , 2014 . now …. May 21st ( just few weeks away we are getting Married ) Never did I dream a Jeep would be the thing that would cause me to find the love of my life !
Gwen, that’s a great story, thanks for sharing! Now all we need to know is who has the bigger Jeep, you or your husband?
started with a 42 willys in 1977,6years fun,sold it,1year later 44 willys sold in 2009,no regrets,the “new ” one is a volvo felt wagon,so the fun and work goes on,it’s a 62 mod 🙂 🙂
Gwen, I’m not sure if it was the Jeep, or that owning a Jeep means you don’t mind going topless. 🙂
Congrats & best of luck as you move into the world of Mr and Mrs Jeep
Lady’s and gentlemen, who cares about those soccer mom’s and mall crawlers… because at the end of the day when they are ready for something new to drive they are floodng the marketplace with well taken care of Jeeps that are now thousands less for the rest of us to purchase. Hey I’m just saying let the soccer mom’s and mall crawlers be… because at the end of the day, real jeepers benifit from their support of the brand.
Real jeepers are anyone who own a jeep, regardless of how they use it. Supporting the Jeep brand is most important!
You got that right!! Love them all but my Willy’s and my CJ7 are my children. And I love them so!! 🙂
Dave, today you’re my hero.
Ladies Loooove JEEPs!
I never met a lady that wasn’t surprised and tickled by the idea of riding in a Jeep even on a dressed up date night. There’s something about having to hike up a dress to climb into the Jeep that always make em giggle 😉
My Wife Hates mine. Something is wrong here.
The Jeep isn’t the only thing you can trade in.
There’s only one…JEEP! I’ve owned a 2003 Liberty Renegade, 2008 & 2013 Wranglers. I now drive a 2015 Chrysler 300S AWD because of a couple life changing experiences which created a much longer commute to work. BUT, I WILL have me a Wrangler again!!!!!! Every time I see one on the road, I moan because I want one so dad, or miss the last one I had. I love JEEP!!!
When I was 19/20 years old I had a 1981 CJ7 black and chrome. Had wet bum often but it never mattered cold windy? 600 kilometer road trips with no top no doors and windshield folded down with visors flipped up for bug screens getting 9 miles per gallon!! It was awesome. Had a kid fairly young and had to sell the Jeep for something more sensible. Well when that boy turned 18 and I was due for a new car…. it hit me like a ton of bricks, all these years of missing my Jeep and not having one could come to and end. Did my research for ever it seems and last year bought a 2013 never been off-road mall crawler JKU Rubicon. It is rough, loud and it gets me nothing but smiles per gallon. It’s like I have been reunited with an old friend and loving it. My 5 year old loves wheeling. Life is good. SO what I’m saying, Jeep does not leave your life. It’s in your blood and you will have another Jeep I am sure.
I hadn’t owned a jeep in over 30 years, when I had a fun cj3a. Last summer I sold my motorcycle and bought a 95 yj. I loved being back in a jeep so much, I sold the yj and bought a brand new jk. I love the jk so much, I’m looking for another yj so I can have two toys!
I bought my Jeep last April for a birthday present to myself. Its a 2015 Rubicon fully loaded, raised, custom rims, leather. its a bute and has balls too. It gets me compliments allll the time. The Jeep wave is really something. I growed up in the kuntry where we waved at everybody…the Jeep wave brings back memories.
Sounds fantastic my fellow JEEPER!! Sounds like a lot of fun in your future. And the best gift you could give yourself. You are now a fellow JEEPLE.
I have dreamed of having a jeep my entire life and finally bought a JK in August. Since then everything revolves around the Jeep. My Jeep Wishlist is very long and continues to grow. My husband is just as obsessed with the Jeep as I am. I will never own anything else!
We completely understand the obsession! Once you start modding the Jeep, you just can’t stop!
Learned to drive Dad’s Willy’s Jeep and won Jeep Derby age bracket (6-10), 50 years ago, and I’m a girl.
Have driven a few different models since. Bought a “modded” 97 TJ with 06 Rubicon tranny, snorkel etc., 6 months ago for 16 year old daughter. Great jeep, no death wobble, had been on “Travesia – Puro Turruno” journey from Tucson to Rocky Point Mexico 4 years running. Daughter and I are both having a blast off road regularly, and YES, we will keep modding it as needs arise. Currently, daughter putting snorkel to good use!
Here’s wishing you all a great O|||||||O Experience and Greater fellow O|||||||O Friends,
Because, Jeep!!
Learned to drive Dad’s Willy’s Jeep and won Jeep Derby age bracket (6-10), 50 years ago, and I’m a girl.
Have driven a few different models since. Bought a “modded” 97 TJ with 06 Rubicon tranny, snorkel etc., 6 months ago for 16 year old daughter. Great jeep, no death wobble, had been on “Travesia – Puro Turruno” journey from Tucson to Rocky Point Mexico 4 years running. Daughter and I are both having a blast off road regularly, and YES, we will keep modding it as needs arise. Currently, daughter putting snorkel to good use!
Here’s wishing you all a great O|||||||O Experience and Greater fellow O|||||||O Friends!
Make a lots of friends who own a Jeeps. Having fun playing in mudd, snow, water. It’s a Jeep Thing, you wouldn’t understand…Owner 2002 TJ Sport Jeep.
Too many soccer moms with oversized sunglasses talking about lattés and play dates driving Unlimiteds these days.
*waving* – owner of her first Jeep (2001 XJ )
Why don’t jeep owners wave anymore
I don’t know Steve, I find myself giving more waves than I receive these days.
The wave has moved to the reserved few them at live Jeeps. There are waaaay more Jeeps out there now that are leased off the dealerships that don’t get the “you have to wave” talk. Only waves I get are from older Jeeps or modded Jeeps. Too many people that drive a Jeep for too many wrong reasons. A woman down the street drives a 2010ish rubicon. Never seen the top off never seen mud on it and now she put all season radial truck tires on it. Ugh. Why spend the money on a rubicon and not the Sahara or sport. What a waste.
Im nuts about my wrangler….its an ’03, with just over 236,000 miles on it…never garaged, and I put every mile on it myself….the only time I think it may ride a bit on the rough side, is after riding im my sons Mercedes…..otherwise, i’ll keep it, thank you!!! WAY more FUN!!!!
I used to be a Toyota guy, but once you start driving a jeep, it’s hard to go back.
My 08 Jeep Patriot has 29xxxx on it. Lol
Little known fact that Jeep stands for Just Empty Every Pocket. Anybody who has BUILT a Jeep will back me up here.
This is just too true, every time I think I’m done modifying the Jeep, something new comes out…
8, if you count the pussies that drive them! lolololol!
Until the majority jumps on that wagon and then it will sky rocket like diesel did.
After 130,000 miles, numerous Baja adventures and a bad case of death wobble attributed to worn components on my 2003 1/2 Rubicon Tomb Raider, here was my recipe for fixing Death Wobble.
New Unit Bearings – 5% shimmy reduction
New Ball Joints – 15% shimmy reduction
New Currectlync Currie Steering – 10% shimmy reduction
New Rubicon Express Track Bar – 5% shimmy reduction
New Track Bar Bolt – 15% shimmy reduction
New REINFORCED Track Bar Mount – 10% shimmy reduction/accepts greater torque
New Synergy Ball Joints – 20% shimmy reduction
New Rubicon Express Gen 2 Disconnects – 0% shimmy reduction/improved ride on the street
New Stock Pitman Arm – 0% shimmy reduction/improved steering response
Cut/Modified MileMarker Winch Plate Mounts (so OEM Swaybar bolts could do their job) – 10% shimmy reduction
New Upper (and lower) Metal Cloak Control Arms – 10% shimmy reduction (the upper arm bushings were ground down from 130K mi. of heavy use.
**and a shiny new RANCHO MT7000 steering stabilizer.
The Death Wobble came back after I pulled the track bar bushing, reinserted the track bar bolt, knocking off half of the welded-on washer to address an oblong mount hole. Air hammer will address 1/2 washer not allowing me to torque track bar nut and bolt.
I finally understood the Jeep Thing…..thus I quit buying them….
Funny thing about those clubs – every one I’ve been involved in considered stock Jeeps to be pavement princesses, while at the same time calling them the ultimate 4×4…
The Rover, Suzuki, Toyota, IH clubs I’ve been associated with always did stocker friendly DIRT runs whereas the only stock Jeep runs I did with clubs were car shows, and meet & greets at the local burger joint. To go offroad, I was told I need better axles because the D35 is a piece of junk and will snap backing out of the driveway. I need bigger tires, lockers, etc.
My little IFS Suzuki on stock suspension, no lockers and 27s has no problem going a whole lot of places here in Arizona, much to the amazement of the poor new Jeep owners I come across out there who are shocked I’m out there with them, then upset because my stocker cost a whole lot less than they paid, lol
#5, you’re should be your
I don’t wave.
I hate that I hate my Rubicon. Like (I think) the first line says. You either love it or you bought a Toyota. I will be part of the later, if I dont get a Colorado diesel. I dont wave back. Because no matter if you do or dont that person is definitely talking shit about you, about something, 5 seconds after they pass you. I hate that it has the worst dealer (warranty) support Ive ever seen. All the designs that are good go forgotten. V8? 8 speed? Permanent hard top? Diesel? All ideas that have been addressed and seen but nothing. Kind of feels like that 5 second shit talking I said earlier. If I have to bring my fiances 14 GC back one more time for something to be replaced of the third time (all the electronics inside), Im going to leave it there and take the hit.
I have owned 7 Jeeps over the past 30+ years. Waggoner’s x 2/ cj5’s x2/ cj7’s x2 / and the TJ I Have now. I went almost 5 years before I replaced the last one. Happy to say this one TJ will be in the family from now on. Son also has one and I’m thinking a few more of my family members will indulge!
Pretty much truth but it’s quite obvious you know little about true Land Rover enthusiast. I went from jeep to Suzuki to land Rover and land river is where I’ll stay.
I had a Range Rover 1990 Classic. I loved it. Until it broke. The it proceeded to break me. Nothing is inexpensive on that sweet ride. But I will agree, when it’s all working, it is a wonderful ride.
Jay I’m a former Range Rover owner, and I’ve spent plenty of time wrenching (aka drinking beer) on Land Rovers. I’m a big fan of any truck that is pre 95, but sometimes its hard to beat the reliability of a Toyota/Jeep.
had a comment about improving mileage 50 percent , i don’t type fast, took too long, “timed out”, ain’t gonna type it out again! up yours webmaster!
Haha, might want to spend some of the money you save on gas on typing lessons.
We love ours
I______I
(OIIIIIIIO)
My wife looks hotter in my Jeep than in her Volvo.
Too funny
DW just made my day… This is so true ego mixes with personal experience… Bam everyone knows everything n the other guys wrong! Front suspension either way u look at it, SO UR ALL RIGHT!! JUST LOVE YOUR JEEPS SILLY MEN!
We couldn’t agree with you more Holly!
If you don’t nearly crash and crap your pants, you didn’t have death wobble…
Absolutely. Just added a second dampener. FINALLY no more death wobble!
Why do people consistently call jeeps a TRUCK, I own both and I don’t call my truck a JEEP!!!
Two solid axles make a truck…. So in my eyes, the wrangler is one of the last small trucks made. F150 not a truck, F250 a truck….
Couldn’t agree with you more, although I spent a few hours behind the wheel of a 2015 Silverado 2500 and it almost converted me to IFS.
Because that’s what it is. A quarter-ton truck.
They don’t tell you that you will have to go to the bathroom every 25 miles.
I’m a little confused by that one…
Practically saying refueling lol
Haha, now I get it. Although sometimes I question whether the large slurpee I picked up at the start of a road trip was a good idea.
Exactly
Worn and unbalenced tires was causing my death wobble… New balanced tires drives like new again… I went with less aggressive, more suv all weather tread, smoother and quieter now too… I’ve owned wranglers for almost 20 years… Love them…
If new tires fixed your problem, you DID NOT have Death Wobble. You had a tire problem. Period. End of story.
Death Wobble is a violent rotational oscillation of the front axle caused by loose, missing, or damaged suspension components. Any other shimmies, shakes, or shudders are just that, but ARE NOT death wobble.
I agree! Once you have death wobble the flash of light in your eyes as your heart skips a few beats and you violently destroy your shorts all at the same time while maintaining control down the road. Once under control you can breathe again. After that you can get used to it.
14mm fully threaded bolt in a 9/16″ flanged mount. Add a little shake and shimmy, 9/16″ hole becomes an oblong and death wobble ensues. Replace all stock 14mm suspension bolts with 9/16, grade 10 shouldered bolts and avoid a frightening, potentially deadly problem down the line.
They don’t fix it either!
Steering stabilizers don’t cause death wobble!
HAd wobble till I replaced my blown steering stabilizer. I know it doesn’t fix wobble but does prevent other issues from causing it.
Wow, I;ve just enjoyed my two Jeeps. Had no idea there were politics and rules.O||||||O
Jeeps have 7 slits..○|||||||○ but nice try…happy Jeepin
There has been a Willys/Jeep in My life since I was a little one…even put it in permanent ink on my skin. Won’t own any thing else!
Wow! We would love to see a picture of that.
they never tell you if you want a 2wd jeep they look at you like you about to screw their dog… yes jeep owners hate the 2wd version owners and lambaste anyone who does.
another thing they dont tell you? jeeps live happily on straight propane. and propane is cheaper than petrol.
also the 4.0 loves loves forced asperation.
JEEP …..Just Empty every Pocket
Great post! I’m a lifer jeepaholic lol Only thing I can think to add is that everyone will always want to “jump in” with you 🙂 I’ve had many many wet asses over the years and wouldn’t trade a single moment <3 I've always said if I had to pick between my Jeep or my kids it would be a tough choice! I can always have more kids though :p
Keep on Jeepin Rebekah!
You obviously don’t know squat about Death Wobble if you included a “busted steering stabilizer” as a cause. Even the other causes you have listed are marginal at best, and there lies the mystery with DW. People who don’t know crap keep perpetuating BS as fact.
95% of the time true death wobble is caused by a loose, damaged, or broken front Trac-bar to axle connection. If your wobble is speed related, it isn’t death wobble.
Cool your jets Han Brolo, this post is more about satire hence the comment “Whether you’ve experienced it or not, you’ll definitely hear about it when people start drinking around the campfire.”
The fact is you can put 10 Jeep owners in a room, and I’m willing to bet you hear about peace in Israel before they come to an agreement on the cause of Death Wobble.
I’d also really like to hear your thoughts on Guy Harvey swimming trunks.
…..what about “you just feel happy when u drive a Jeep!”
Most people find out about this one on the test drive, my first experience was riding in a topless/doorless TJ.
That’s the problem with your comment. Curing death wobble is an exact science, not an opinion. You could have 10 people sitting around a campfire discussing it, and unless they tell you it’s entirely caused by loose, missing, or broken suspension components…. They’re wrong. No ifs ands or buts about it.
Pump yo brakes, Mattycakes! And go eat a Snickers or something. My deathwobble was still happening after I replaced the track bar. So I went back in & fixed the majority of the items listed in #10 &, I hope you’re sitting down for this, it fucking fixed my DW & I haven’t had a problem since. Hope your day gets better!
hilarious!
Take a fucking pill dude… my cj doesn’t have a track bar, yet it developed dw.. New tie rod ends AND a new stabilizer and boom! , no more death wobble
And I guarantee you it wasn’t true death wobble.
As a Jeep owner, I too wouldn’t mind having a LR Defender and one or two of several Toyota’s including Land Cruisers, 4Runners, and FJ Cruisers but they would be companions with the Jeep.
I’d actually give up my jeep if I could have a comparable Defender 90 or 110. But I do love my Jeep and I hope to keep it for as long as I can.
We may kid a lot about Land Rovers but in all seriousness we’re suckers for old Series trucks and Defenders. If prices weren’t so insane and Land Rover actually started importing them into the states (we could write a book on that topic alone) there would definitely be one in my garage.
Great post! And you’re absolutely right about buying a modified jeep. I got my 06 TJ bone stock and have been working on it for the past 4 years.
Thanks Philip, I’m a big proponent of building from stock if you have the ability to do it. We realize that it’s not always possible, but having a blank canvas is always easier to work with.
Phillip. another way to say that is you got a TJ four yrs. ago and your working on it continuously and will till death do you part just like a wife and a marriage and they both cost you a helluva lot of money but at least Th jeep will listen to you without talking back and Th Jeeps alot more fun
Guys i need help getting air out of my tj coolant system!!! Any ideas???
Wish we could help Nick but by no means are we professional mechanics, I’d have someone who knows what they are doing look at it. But if you want to come by and drink a few beers with us, we’re happy to stare at it with you.
Empty coolant from rad, use shop vac to suck the rest out, you will be able to tell when the air presure releases.
fill back up and run it for awhile.
it worked on buddys civic, same principle lol
Pretty basic guide here, but I’d also suggest parking on an incline, with the front/nose of your Jeep higher than the rear…: https://youtu.be/zUpXgAJ1gjU
Great post Alex! So has your experience been good or bad? I’m just wondering if Ben and I will be seeing you join the Toyota club again soon…
Matt, I really do love the Jeep. It wasn’t until I owned one and drove one daily that it really grew on me. While Toyota ownership has its perks (reliability) the Jeep really hasn’t been bad at all. Like I originally said you either love it or you don’t, and it’s definitely not for everyone.
Let’s not forget, the Jeep is the original…LR Series/Defenders and Toyota LC 40’s were inspired by the Jeep…
We won’t forget… needless to say I’m glad we’ve come far past an original Willys.
Show me a 4.0 I6 that can’t hang with any Toyota mill produced, and I’ll show you a bridge for sale in Brooklyn.
Funny post. Many of those could also be attributed to Landy ownership, though I should qualify that as vintage Landy as most modern LR’s seem to be just mall crawlers/soccer mom vehicles/trophies, but I guess that’s true of many modern Jeeps as well…
I agree Pete, and you are right that most JK’S spend more time as grocery getters than anything else.