So new to 4WD'ing I don't even have a rig yet.

[TheOtherLeft]

Hey all guru's.

I am thinking about buying a second hand TJ so I can get into 4WD'ing one step at a time.

I have read that an auto is better then a manual as it reduces the chances of breaking things in the driveline.

Is this true, and is it the new black?

Also, when did Jeep introduce the 4-speed auto box? Was it 2003?

When looking for a wrangler to buy, what areas should I be looking out for in terms of faults/wear?

Cheers all.

[Thor]

wrangler.. great choice!
the main advantage of an auto offroad is the ability to 'crawl' and not have to ride the clutch. also the auto benefits from lower diff ratios (3.73 v. 3.07) than the manuals from the factory.
manual box breakages.. well i haven't heard much of them breaking, infact only one story which i'm sure zach (zzzz) will enlighten you about.
auto meanwhile i have heard a lot of the drowning of the auto box when wading through water - possibly only associated with the 3 speed beause of breather locations.
and them causing breakages in the drive line i'd be interested to hear what you have heard about this. all i could think of is general things like shock loading letting the clutch out or something similar.

IIRC 2003 is correct for the 4 speed intro.

the next question is perhaps a tad open ended but generally signs of abuse.etc.
not sure of budget and year model you have in mind but the 2000+ models came with a few updates (as did the 2003+) and i would put them preferable over pre-2k ones if the opportunity exists.

btw there is a nice silver 2001 model on carsales

[sir_camel]

I LOVE my auto offroad. Climbs really well. Howevere it is starting to play up a bit. time for a reco i think. The lower diff ratios were ONLY with the 4 speed 2003 + models. As long as you avoid deep water or modify the breathers the auto is great. Saying that though, my housemate has a manual TJ and i love driving it so much. Much more fun on the road.

[TheOtherLeft]

Yeah I would be looking at a 2003+ model auto with a hardtop.

I want to get it in stock form so at least I know it hasn't been abused too much.

Are there any issues/problems that came from the factory that I should be looking at?

[yumpet]

just buy my XJ man, i think everyone has missed a couple of important facts

1. Auto is good in sand and mud cause you don't loose any momentum
2. downhill sucks as they run on (speaking from experience)
3. but you don't have to be as experienced as it chooses the best gear to do anything in

funny i go 4x4in alot with TJ's and i can run rings around them for some reason

[Thor]

8 - no real issues that are really common AFIK on the 2k3+. issues like rear axle or tcase seals leaking have occured.

yumpet - those are valid points on the pros/cons of autos but i missed them on purpose because 8 didn't ask
and i would have considered an XJ if the roof came off

[yumpet]

just cut the damn roof off one hehe would be a good look anyway different

[TheOtherLeft]

I test drove an auto Sport last weekend. I must admit that it was a helluva lot of fun and I think I have definately caught the bug.
Just a couple more questions on stock TJ autos:
-How well does the TJ handle crosswinds especially on the highway?
-what kind of mileage (L/100km) do you get both in the city and the highway?

Cheers