JKU as a family car
JK Junkie
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,368
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale, AZ
I say go for it, lift it put 35's on it with a TF 2.5 inch coil lift, and put some serious rock sliders on it that stick out to help with the side impacts, Just don't put a stinger on the front, but a full width bumper. There are 2 moms that drop their kids off at my little bothers school both lift JKU's one with 35's and the other with 37's. Sure they are soccer moms their kids are on my bro's soccer team 
but their super cool moms. They waved to me before I waved to them at all.
but their super cool moms. They waved to me before I waved to them at all.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,595
Likes: 0
From: The Badlands (near Lafayette, IN)
While getting drinks out of the cooler between games this morning, the guy in the Taurus wagon next to me asked what I thought of my Jeep as a family vehicle. I took the opportunity to evangelize. I'll wager he'll have a Jeep within a month. 
JK Newbie
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore, MD
Wife and I had a TJ when we met. We sold it to get a two seater convertible. When we decided to look for a car to use as a family car, the JKU was the obvious choice.
We put four adults, four golf bags, and two cooler of beer in it last weekend. You have the space.
Also I am in the same situation with my wife's parking garage. I have a stock Rubi so it is fairly tall. I plan to do a 2" or so budget boost (I do not do professional-grade wheeling), measure, and then get tires to make sure it'll fit.
I hear a lot of people say "I am going to get an automatic because my wife can't drive a stick shift."
Teach her. It isn't that hard. Maybe the Jeep isn't the best to learn on but you can find something else. I am a firm believer that with patience and the right instructor that anyone can learn (and should). Not knowing how isn't an excuse.
If you want an auto because you are lazy, want to multitask, or want to be able to smack your kid while driving (mom did it to me when I got out of line) then I will not pass judgement.
Finally, don't let the AC turn you away from it. When I was a kid there was no rear vents. I sat in the 'way back' of my Dad's station wagon facing backwards with the sun cooking. All the cool air was from the front seat. Kids these days are pussies. Besides, you'll want the top off anyway and unlike the minivans from when I was a kid, at least the back windows roll down in a Jeep.
We put four adults, four golf bags, and two cooler of beer in it last weekend. You have the space.
Also I am in the same situation with my wife's parking garage. I have a stock Rubi so it is fairly tall. I plan to do a 2" or so budget boost (I do not do professional-grade wheeling), measure, and then get tires to make sure it'll fit.
I hear a lot of people say "I am going to get an automatic because my wife can't drive a stick shift."
Teach her. It isn't that hard. Maybe the Jeep isn't the best to learn on but you can find something else. I am a firm believer that with patience and the right instructor that anyone can learn (and should). Not knowing how isn't an excuse.
If you want an auto because you are lazy, want to multitask, or want to be able to smack your kid while driving (mom did it to me when I got out of line) then I will not pass judgement.
Finally, don't let the AC turn you away from it. When I was a kid there was no rear vents. I sat in the 'way back' of my Dad's station wagon facing backwards with the sun cooking. All the cool air was from the front seat. Kids these days are pussies. Besides, you'll want the top off anyway and unlike the minivans from when I was a kid, at least the back windows roll down in a Jeep.
JK Freak
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 712
Likes: 0
From: North East MD
we sold our 07 Rubi a while back. we will soon be getting a 12 Rubi for a family car (i have a three year old). the first change is the stock mud tires to a more road friendly and wet weather friendly tire. the tires is for safety and with lockers im sure ill get plenty far off road with my all terrain pattern. im also getting a hardtop that will stay on most of the time. i think they are great family cars and so does my wife.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
I am new to this forum. I never owned a Jeep. Never ever really wanted one. Always liked jeeps but when the unlimited came out it really caught my eye. But still never thought of buying one.
Anyway, we just had our first baby and my wife and I are realizing that an SUV would be best with a child and all the paraphernalia Ironically we looked at various SUVs and we couldn't agree on any of them for various reasons Then my wife says I always like the look of jeeps. Because while she was growing up her uncle had that had a CJ and she loved it. So that's when my obsession began. So I have been obsessed with the JKU ever since. So we are waiting for the 2012 to come out then looking to possibility purchase one. But I want to lift it and want to run at least 35's. So here is the dilemma my wife works where there is a parking structure and it is limited height of 6-3 or 6-6
So how is the JKU as a primary family car??
What brand and size lift would you suggest?
How is the safety factor with my new baby riding in the jeep???
I know this forum is biased. But I am biased also cause I wanna get one. Lol.
So whatever input and suggestions would be greatly appreciated
Thanks and I enjoy this forum.
Anyway, we just had our first baby and my wife and I are realizing that an SUV would be best with a child and all the paraphernalia Ironically we looked at various SUVs and we couldn't agree on any of them for various reasons Then my wife says I always like the look of jeeps. Because while she was growing up her uncle had that had a CJ and she loved it. So that's when my obsession began. So I have been obsessed with the JKU ever since. So we are waiting for the 2012 to come out then looking to possibility purchase one. But I want to lift it and want to run at least 35's. So here is the dilemma my wife works where there is a parking structure and it is limited height of 6-3 or 6-6
So how is the JKU as a primary family car??
What brand and size lift would you suggest?
How is the safety factor with my new baby riding in the jeep???
I know this forum is biased. But I am biased also cause I wanna get one. Lol.
So whatever input and suggestions would be greatly appreciated
Thanks and I enjoy this forum.
It has the same amount of room in it as her CRV, but our Jeep is WAY more fun.
The JKU works nice over the 2 door for many reason. Better backseat access and full doors on the sides of the rear passenger area when you have the windows zipped out.
Also can not say enough about how much a dirtydog or sipdershade will be a must with kids. Keeps the topless heat down and greatly reduces the sunburn factor as well as the wind.
...and kids LOVE Jeeps
JK Freak
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 647
Likes: 0
From: 11 Western States
Just do it. The Jeep is perfect for the family. They work well on the beach. The teraflex leveling coil kit is perfect for 33'' tires and has a great ride. Might not fit in the parking garage leveled tho.
JK Junkie
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,472
Likes: 4
From: Virginia Woods
I fix wrecks for the last 35 years or so. ALL vehicles, no matter the brand are subject to serious damage from a side hit. The JKU is tough as hell and will perform well in an accident. I would prefer side air bags in ANY vehicle offering them. They have NO effect on accident damage to the vehicle, they lessen the odds of your head getting smashed against the door glass. The JK has a relatively wide track, so a top- heavy worry is not really a factor when at stock height or therabouts. 1 1/2'' wheel spacers are a cure for any height mods. I hauled kids in my YJ, the JK is world's advanced over earlier versions. The AC is kick-butt and the heat ain't bad. If you buy the automatic install an auxillary tranny cooler. Based on MY experience I would recommend a JK. If you have any doubts, rent one for the weekend. I rented 2 of them there in the Islands.
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu, HI
Thank you all for the input, I'm glad to hear everyone and their families enjoy their JK's. A lot of wonderful insight was given in this thread. I am waiting for the highly anticipated 2012 with the pentastar like everyone else. I enjoy and appreciate the love everyone has for their JK's and the positive vibe on this forum.
I do live in Hawaii so the ac is much more important than the heater lol.
How is the reliability of the JK ??? I know the 2012 is getting a new engine and that can present some new quirks. But overall mechanical, electrical, and overall design how does the JK fair?? Other than it's ability to excel offroad, that is clearly proven
Another question for everyone. Sorry I'm so curious and enjoy picking everyone's brain. But do suspension kits and shocks like kings or foxes also improve the on road handling of the JK??
I do live in Hawaii so the ac is much more important than the heater lol.
How is the reliability of the JK ??? I know the 2012 is getting a new engine and that can present some new quirks. But overall mechanical, electrical, and overall design how does the JK fair?? Other than it's ability to excel offroad, that is clearly proven
Another question for everyone. Sorry I'm so curious and enjoy picking everyone's brain. But do suspension kits and shocks like kings or foxes also improve the on road handling of the JK??