Thinking about a jeep...

I Wouldn't expect you to understand. But I'll try to help you comprehend.

You start running one ton axles and big wheels... 470 hp isn't that much.

Besides slow, underpowered vehicles are boring.

 

Yup.

LS powered Jeeps are awesome.

 

It's not my thing but that doesn't mean it's not fun or worth the time and effort.
I just thought of all the small and lightweight cars that the LS3 would transform into an absolute dream to drive if say a Vette is not your thing.

 

Well I do have other vehicles that are a dream to drive.

Now my jeep is a dream to drive finally! In all honesty. The 6L80 transmission in my Jeep is what I really love. I was able to keep the rev match down shift which is a blast when I hassling mustangs off the light lol....

 

But do they go off-road? This being a jeep thread, afterall. Besides, how is putting a more powerful engine into anything, a bad idea?

 

Motech did mine.

I've been mostly happy with their work.

Their kit is top notch. You would never know I had a vette motor in mine until I start it up.

 

Tell her your doing it for better gas mileage!! She'll understand!

 

Well I was getting 10 before with the 4.0 and a banks turbo.

Now I'm around 15-18.

Yep. Would never pay for itself but you can't put a price tag on happiness man!

 

I like jeeps, but I would only own a CJ, and it would be a third or fourth vehicle.

If you go new(ish), leave it stock. My friend ruined his 2009 with 8" of lift and 36" swampers that made it obnoxiously loud at highway speeds. Plus the vague steering and horrible gas mileage... it will do more stock than you'll likely ask of it.

 

8 inches of lift is ridiculous.

Besides you want as little as "lift" that you can get away with. It's really about clearance and articulation.

 

Hell, our stock Rubicon will go just about anywhere. Unless you are going to be doing stupid stuff tearing it up, you really don't need much more than this.

 

Agree with this, bigger tires are the biggest thing that helps in rocks when aired down.

 

Most people have no clue what these vehicles can go through. I went on some supposedly difficult trails close to me and was disappointed at how easy they were. Like I used to go more rugged places with a bone stock 79 F250 2 wheel drive when I was growing up easy. I have 35's on my old beater and am going to tire down to 33's when these are worn out just to improve the highway manners. There aren't a ton of trails that I would need more tire than that anyhow.

 

Stocks are basically 32s...255/75R17 and will be going with 285/70R17 when the stockers wear out. With a Rusty's 2" advanced lift with a little more tire, it'll go anywhere we'll go and then some. 35s DO look good though.