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2007 Jeep Wrangler

548 messages,  Last post on Aug 22, 2011 at 7:21 AM

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What is this discussion about? Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, SUV

Messages Page 44 of 56

#425 of 548 JK Wrangler's Traction Control vs. AWD in snow by unclejjg

Feb 27, 2007 (3:30 pm)

Replying to: mr_anton89 (Apr 07, 2007 9:22 am)
I'm considering a Patriot because I like having a stable vehicle in lousy weather conditions. However, I don't know if the Patriot will have enough capability.....that is besides the point though.
 
For those of you who have driven the JK in snow and ice, how would you compare its traction vs. a vehicle such as a Chevy Blazer w/auto 4WD, or something along the lines of a Subaru Forester?
 
Again, all I'm curious about is how it performs in the snow. I've heard horror stories about previous Wrangler models, and though I'd love an off-road performer, I am to practical to deal with slipping and sliding in lousy weather.
 
Unfortunately, with the part-time system, I wouldn't be able to just leave it in 4WD at the first sign of snowfall.
 
My three big requirements are:
 
1.) Feeling secure going over a small "drift" (ie 1" - 2") on the highway, or at speeds over 45 mph.
 
2.) Pulling out of a snow/ice caked side street onto a main street with on-coming traffic. I don't want to make a decision to go (ie I can merge with traffic), only to have my ***-end not agree with me because its slipping.
 
3.) Fishtailing when I take a corner in snowy or slippery conditions......and no, I don't take them very fast.
 
I now drive a Chevy Blazer 2002 w/ part-time, low, and auto 4x4. The auto setting doesn't really do much, but it allows me to leave it set under 65 mph even on dry streets if I'm so inclined. This basically halves the problems listed above when it is engaged. I only have to use part-time when there is standing snow on the streets.
 
On the other hand, I also took my Blazer "off-roading" and quickly realized it wasn't a Jeep. Hence, I'm considering a Wrangler if it will fit my needs, or a Liberty (the '08 seems a bit big) w/SelecTrak, or a Patriot if all else fails.

#426 of 548 Re: JK Wrangler's Traction Control vs. AWD in snow [unclejjg] by erickpl

Feb 28, 2007 (8:33 am)

Replying to: unclejjg (Feb 27, 2007 3:30 pm)
A few things here. AWD will generally be the type that will shift torque around to help you maintain traction. 4wd systems aren't always that smart, and I don't think the JK's 4wd system is a torque shifting version, as in the AWD version or what you'd find in a Grand Cherokee with Quadradrive II. If you have a JK with lockers (Rubicon), it will get squirrely if you activate those lockers.
 
As for your requirements, I personally feel 45 MPH is too high if you have 1-2" of snow/ice on the highway. AWD/4WD won't help you any at that speed, except to spin all your tires faster and put you off the road. But each situation is unique.
 
2. Either 4wd or AWD will help you as long as there is an axle that has traction. AWD will probably be better in this case in that it usually only requires 1 wheel with traction to get you going.
 
3. Do you WANT to fishtail or not? Hard to tell. Personally, I LOVE doing it and drifting it back in line, but obviously not something I can do in traffic.
 
I honestly don't know much about the Patriot's system. I've enjoyed my TJ in the snow, dirt, and mud, and found it easily controllable - and this is on mountain roads with curves and elevation changes. Patriot's COG may make it feel more stable, but I've heard GREAT things about the JK's COG and ride comfort, so that may be a wash.
 
-Paul

#427 of 548 Unlimited Buyer Concerned.... by trin64

Apr 21, 2007 (8:44 am)

Hi, I'm in the process of purchasing a 2007 Sahara Unlimited. I've read several reviews on Edmunds that while driving, the Unlimiteds' engine shutting down or cutting off for several seconds without warning. I was wondering if anyone has, had this problem, or knew something more about it. I'm a teacher and drive almost 2 hours each way to work. Any information would really be appreciated. Thank you.

#428 of 548 Re: Unlimited Buyer Concerned.... [trin64] by giantsin06

Apr 23, 2007 (3:34 pm)

Replying to: trin64 (Apr 21, 2007 8:44 am)
I had one episode where it apperared that all lights went out for about a second . I have about 5,000 miles on my Rubicon now and it has not happened again.

#429 of 548 Re: Unlimited Buyer Concerned.... [giantsin06] by edf4

Apr 24, 2007 (6:16 pm)

Replying to: giantsin06 (Apr 23, 2007 3:34 pm)
I have a 2007 JK Unlimited X, six speed, with 6500 miles and have never had, (knock on wood), the Jeep stall out on me. I have however read of others having this happen to them, but most all seem to have been owners with the electric windows and/or mygig system, neither of which I have in my Jeep. Personally, I would not let this stop you if you are considering this Jeep: it is a great value, well built, fun to drive, stable on the road (4 door model anyway) and very capable off road, fun in summer whether equipped with the hard or soft top, though the Freedom top is the most vesrital if you live in a cold climate. I'm smiling whenever I drive it.

#430 of 548 Hard Top v. Soft Top in Washington, DC by dcjeep1

May 11, 2007 (9:37 am)

I am having problems deciding between a Hard Top v. Soft Top on the 2007 Wrangler X 4WD. I live in Washington, DC and was not sure if anyone could offer some advice of the Soft top in the winter here. I used to live in Cleveland and would definitely get a hard top if I still lived there. Also any recommendations on getting the half doors, I think the jeep looks better with the half doors and the top off but am not too excited about having to unzip the window. Thanks.

#431 of 548 Re: Hard Top v. Soft Top in Washington, DC [dcjeep1] by giantsin06

May 11, 2007 (12:35 pm)

Replying to: dcjeep1 (May 11, 2007 9:37 am)
I think that the soft top, despite all the hassle it engenders is the only way to go. See post-winter pictures at
http://www.carspace.com/giantsin06/?50.59f1a27b and I think you'll agree that with the top off this is the greatest looking car in the world !

#432 of 548 what I really like about this car is the color by steve_ HOST

May 11, 2007 (12:54 pm)


 
Latest Long-Termer: 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (Karl on Cars)

#433 of 548 Re: what I really like about this car is the color [steve_] by mac24

May 11, 2007 (2:01 pm)

Replying to: steve_ (May 11, 2007 12:54 pm)
Great color I agree, virtually the same as my '99 Sahara, but you should know by now that it is not a 'CAR'!!!

#434 of 548 Re: what I really like about this car is the color [mac24] by giantsin06

May 11, 2007 (2:06 pm)

Replying to: mac24 (May 11, 2007 2:01 pm)
well maybe it's NOT JUST A CAR.

Messages Page 44 of 56

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