JEEP's off road abilities
 

"Jeeps have always been known for their abilities off-road, and their popularity. Jeeps are legendary for their off road capabilities. Today, the Wrangler is the only light-duty vehicle offered in North America with solid axles front and rear. These axles are known for their durability due to their overall strength and lack of rubber boots to get torn on twigs and rocks. Solid-axled vehicles also generally articulate better, especially when traversing ruts. All Jeep Wranglers come standard with 4 wheel drive. Most Wranglers come with a Dana 35 rear axle and a Dana 30 up front, the Rubicon model of the Wrangler is Equipped with Air lockers and Dana 44 front and rear.

Another plus of solid axle vehicles is they tend to be easier and cheaper to "lift." This "lifting" increases the distance between the center of the axle hub and chassis of the vehicle. By increasing this distance, larger tires can be installed, which will increase the ground clearance of the Jeep, allowing it to traverse even larger and more difficult obstacles. Jeep is also known as a symbol of freedom because of the capacity of going almost everywhere. Many people equip theirs with roll-bars, extra lights, and a winch to pull the vehicle out from the mud or sand when stuck.


Useful features of the smaller Jeeps are their short wheelbases, narrow frames, and great approach, breakover, and departure angles, allowing them to fit places where full - sized trucks could never go.The Jeep Also features a removable soft top, and doors for days when the weather is nice. Jeep Wrangler is the only utility vehicle that has a removable top and doors." :D

That is why I have had three Jeeps. My current 2003 Wrangler, that I traded a 1993 Wrangler for, and a 1998 Grand Cherokee.

Only other vehicle i've found that gives you same off-road capability of a Jeep Wrangler is the Suzuki Samurai, it does better in tight spots on trail but i've found my 86 Sam & my 93 YJ to be about equal on trail.

That's why when I replace my '02 Grand Cherokee Overland (the WJ was the last GC to have a SFA) it will probably be with a 4 door Wrangler.
It's a shame even though I've had a '94 Wrangler, I've had a Grand Cherokee since '95. For my ex-wife's car, we had a '95, '98 and an '02. When we split up I made it a point to get me an '02 Overland, so for the most part, I've had GC's for almost 14 years, but making them into total "soccer mom" vehicle and going the IFS route means I'm done with 'em when my beloved '02 dies...

Who cares what it came with from the factory? Find dana 30 from a WJ or a ZJ and swap it in. Might take a little fab work, but im sure you could make it fit :D

If he's like rest of us, he'd have to pay somebody to do the work for him which could cost some serious cash.

I'm lucky enough to have a buddy who can weld & fabricate and do any welding & fabrication i need for $100 (gas money), 2 cases of budweiser an carton of marbles.

I can cut & weld, but that's about it. As far as the total fabrication of a front axle for a IFS vehicle it's way outta' my league. Nope, when my GC dies, it'll be a Wrangler again for me. I always liked my Wrangler when I had it, but the GC's were a comfort/practicality thing when I was married. I have no problem going back to the comparatively sparse interior of a Wrangler now that I'm single again...

I have a 92 Ford Bronco, that rides on 35's for my comfort/tow vehicle. It does pretty good off-road but cause it's full-size suv it's size makes some spots a bitch to handle but it's got a nice big comfortable interior.

The only bi*ch about going from the GC to a Wrangler is the GC is my daily driver as opposed to a lifted, heavily modded Hemi 4x4.
It'll be tough going from a plush leather, all the bells & whistles Grand Cherokee Overland to a Wrangler for a daily driver.
Might have to meet a chick with a comfy ride and have the Wrangler to play in and the truck to tow/haul with...:D

My bronco's, the daily driver and only things that are manual are t-case & front hubs. My YJ's only got power steering & brakes and electric heater mounted to hardtop. I really like being able to pull drain plug in floor and hose out interior.

My girlfriend owns a 03 Jeep Liberty Sport and it's got that nice super smooth ride both my bronco & wrangler lack.