Hi all! Total newbie here so approach with extreme caution. I’ve been lurking in the forum for days and gaining a ton of knowledge. I woke up one morning about a month ago and had the overwhelming urge to buy a jeep. Don’t ask me why but it must be my destiny! I want to off-road with it but will have to walk before I run and that’s why I’m here. I’m in no hurry and might wait a few more months before pulling the trigger.

I’m looking to get an Unlimited Rubicon and will be adding all of the goodies as soon as I get it like a lift, bigger tires, front/rear bumpers, the works. But a mechanic I am not and I really want to understand how things work before I get into all of this. I have no intention of doing the work myself but I don’t like to put my life in someone else’s hands without educating myself first. Can anyone point me to a decent resource online that will explain things like the anatomy of a Jeep, differentials, the steering mechanism, and all of those nice things you can see when you look underneath the thing. I have some idea about these things, I know even a simple wiki search will provide decent info but I’m wondering if there is something more organized than that, with good pics or diagrams to follow along with. Again, not looking to build one myself, just understand what I’m looking at.

Also, anyone that happens to be in the Illinois area and is looking to scare the heck out of a newbie with a ride along let me know! I’d really like to see what this is all about.

Thanks,
jeepenvy

 

your stock jeep is good to go light offroading what i wood put on your TO BUY LIST is a good winch and the #1 rule dont wheel alone / if your not sure about off roading go to a construction site and get your feet wet their

 

Jeepenvy-Hi! Try renting a jeep for a day. You will know in the first hour if this vehicle is for you......

 

Oh I've already taken a few test drives. In fact one of them was a whopping hour long test drive! I was in an unfamiliar area and the salesman was in the car navigating for me. He just kept going so who was I to argue. Truth is I think he was glad to get out of the heat for a while. I did notice the lack of acceleration but that's OK, I know it's more than capable for what it's designed for. To be honest i'm now hooked and obsessed so there's just no stopping me at this point, I'm just not ready to buy right at this moment but very soon indeed. Right now is the research phase for me. Gather all the intel I can so I'm well-informed when the time comes.

I have to say that this forum is amazing. I have seen some serious questions posted by those needing help get answered in as little as a few minutes. Now that's impressive.

 

Yeah, I'm in sorta the same boat as you. I've got an '09 Rubi on order, but won't take delivery until I return to the States. Truth be told, with the market for SUV's being what it is now, I might just canx the order and pick one up after I get there used. MIght not be bad to get a low mileage used Unlimited. Even if it's not a Rubi, I'll be fine. There is plenty of capability built in to the X's, too. That's for sure.

As for learning from the forum, I have seen it, too. I came to this site back in April when I first seriously started planning my purchase of my JK. I wanted to be as informed as possible when it came time to order/buy mine and I think it has worked wonders. There is so much info out there on this forum it's scary sometimes.

I see the beginning of a life long addiction coming on.

 

Welcome. If haven't already read Wayoflife's [answers to questions every newbie has very informative.

 

That might be what I was looking for Rhino64, now I have to get through all of that. I'm surprised I haven't come across it yet. Thanks! That should be emailed to everyone who signs up here, it'll save you guys some trouble.

Now, if I can only find someone willing to take me out wheeling all my prayers will be answered. Thanks again.