I have probably the best setup, 4.0L, 6 speed, 3.73's and 33's, and I still found myself downshifting every 5 minutes going up to Harrisonburg, hell I had to go down into 3rd in two cases (one to pass a truck). Having to ride in 4th to be able to hold 70mph going up hill SUCKED. Jeeps really don't know what they're missing as far as torque goes.. aats all I'm saying

Now on flat ground.. bastard is QUICK with 33's!

 

Was at the TeamDOHC event yesterday and took a few pics of the Sami on a friends tire.

 

I really don't think it's an issue of power or torque. Not saying it wouldn't be nice to have a lot more, but it's really the gear ratio that kills it, and the fact that we're driving aerodynamic bricks! Eventually, mine isn't going to have a 4.0L underneath it--that's for sure. Unless I come across a deal too good to refuse on a stroker, I'm hoping to do a LS motor at least. A lot of people have done carb'd motors like the 5.0L but I'd really like to keep it fuel injected unless it's just going to be unrealistically expensive and difficult. I'd be happy with 300 horsepower if it was reliable and started every time. At the least, it's going to have an 8.8 underneath the rear or a D44 if I can find a good deal.. Going to have to regear.. Ugh.. There's a long list!

I don't know why I'm rambling on and on. Your 3.73's are much more ideal with 33's than my 3.07's, but they're still way off from where it needs to be on a 33" tire. I think 4.56 is what they say is ideal and as close to stock gearing on stock sized tires as you're going to get. I have a set of charcoal Ecco's from the Columbia Edition TJ for sale that I've been thinking about trying on to see how different the power and gearing is, but I haven't had the time.

 

I guess you're right. Jeep is the Honda of the off road world, kinda hard to be different. But that one is dead nuts on what I was thinking: paint the trim/grill/mirrors/etc black, peel the "rubbers" off and line-x where they were, black soft 8s, rack + lights. The only thing I wasn't going to do was the winch/bumper.

 

My Explorer with the 4.0L V6, 3.73's, 4speed, 33's and weighing many fat chicks more pooped on the Wrangler with the 4.0L, 6 gears and 3.73's. Only difference is the Explorer's aerodynamics are closer to a loaf of bread than a brick. I think definitely a power and torque issue.

With that being said, with my new engine and 4.10's, now the Explorer boston steamer then dirty sanchez's the Wrangler all day long ;P

 

my opinion: do what youre going to LIKE... what YOU think is gonna look the best.

 

haters gonna hate....masters gonna bait

 

Finished the lift on my cherokee.... sitting at 6.5" now. Here's a few pics....










And here's a few flex shots... didn't have much to flex, used what I could..... mulch bags coming in handy.

 

Looking great man, can't wait to see this thing!!!

 

looks great!