2000 Jeep Wrangler SE 2.5 TJ - 4 Cylinder Performance - It's Awesome!

Welcome to Toledo Cars' first review. I thought we would start with something built in Toledo. So, we reviewed my cheap off road toy: a 2000 Jeep Wrangler SE. It's got the 2.5L four cylinder engine and, for the money spent, there isn't a better way to get out there on the trails. We love our 4 cylinder TJ Wrangler. It's been great off-road and at a fraction of the price. We definitely would recommend a 4 cylinder TJ to anyone looking for a fun, off-road toy. The 4 cylinder TJ performance is enough to get by on road and it has a lot of off-road advantage.
We will review another car every two weeks. So please like and subscribe.
If you have an interesting car in the Northwest Ohio or Southeast Michigan area and you would like to have it reviewed, please send me a message.
Please feel free to comment, I would be happy to have your input and answer any questions.
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#4cylinderTJ #4cyllinderTJperformance #jeep #TJjeep

[@ToledoCars]

Thanks for all the comments. We are really happy you all like the video! Keep rocking your 4 Cylinder Jeeps and subscribe! We will have more jeep content in the future after we fix some parts we broke on the last off road adventure. Had an impact with a rock on the transmission pan and needs some welding as a result. We will do a video on the fix after we get it all figured out. Video of us breaking the jeep (the jeep in the thumbnail is another from our group) is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hauagneDZpqqgZY Really appreciate all of our subscribers and fans! Thanks guys!

[@robertsilverman9937]

I recently bought a 2000 Jeep TJ 2.5 liter 5 speed. It has a 4 inch Skyjacker lift, 4:88 gears with ARB Lockers front and rear, 35x12x15s and a Warn winch. I have added a swing out tire carrier with a 35 inch spare. I also added a Smitty Build exo rack and basket. It is definitely not fast but it is capable! Oh and did I mention I am 76 years young👍🤠🇺🇸

[@ToledoCars]

Love it! Sounds like a fun rig! Go school some young guys with their 6 cylinders!

[@ratcadi]

Nice!!! Can you send a pic? I have a 2002 2.5 with 35 tires but not lifted yet... 😔

[@TFontenot8]

just wondering what kinda fuel mileage did u get with this set up

[@chrispetrone9933]

Love my 99 SE 2.5L 5 Speed! Pretty much stock with 31" tires, so much fun! If it was meant to go fast, it wouldn't be shaped like a brick...

[@ToledoCars]

Lol! Yep, pretty much cuts through the air like a brick.

[@grandwaha]

I had a brand new 2000 6 cyl and 2 years ago I purchased a 1999 with the 2.5 l and its great for cruising around under 50 mph 2" old man emu fits 31s perfectly. A 6 is awesome with 33s and 4.10 gears.

[@TheRedStateBlue]

its hilarious when i go wheeling with a bunch of JKs and TJ sports and saharas... seeing the expression of their faces when i cruise through and over stuff they had all kinds of trouble with. my little 4 cylinder tj has never failed me off-road in the 13 years i've owned it. i tell people all the time the only thing the 4.0 does for them is give them another 20 mph on the highway. when it comes to dirt and rocks, the 4 cyl is def the way to go.

[@ToledoCars]

Yes, they are perfect for off road. Highway performance isn't great on the 6 cylinder either lol.

[@Sunshine198803]

Dude I'm so glad I came across your video. I bought my 2.5 tj about 5 years ago and I love the rawness of it. I've never had it stuck anywhere. It really is a great off-roader. Over mountains and on the highway not so great but the smile I have on my face while driving it is worth it all! 4.0 would be nice but I really LOVE my 2.5

[@dellison2444]

Awesome! Exactly! So glad to see some respect for the 4 cyl. Yes, of course the 4.0 is a great power plant, but the 2.5 being lighter and geared much lower is a totally winning combination. And as you say... much cheaper! My first Jeep, a 93 YJ, bought new with the 2.5 and 5 speed gear box quickly earned my respect as it was light, nimble, and completely capable. I've had many Jeeps since, but have been happy to return to the ol' reliable beloved 4 cyl. 5 speed combo. My current Jeep is the very same as my first! It is a return back to the basics for me and I couldn't be happier. Thanks for a great, informative video with some rock solid common sense.

[@SemoventeDa-by5wv]

Had my 97 tj for about 7 years now, way too underrated!

[@MidnightPolaris800]

I loved my 2.5 jeep tjs

[@csa6119]

Great video

[@thefrugaljeeper4054]

4banger! Good review. 👍

[@cadenceandfamily2159]

Man! I have the same jeep and that engine sounds perfect, I know what your saying though, built for hauling and trails! I just mostly rebuilt everything on my jeep to factory (waiting on a few parts) I might try some seafoam to get rid of carbon deposits to get a nice sound like that! I know the driving might not feel like that because they are sluggish, honestly that's a sign of awesome power because of the gearing. Almost a reminder for us 2.5 jeep owners to spare some time for trail riding! Thanks for the awesome review for somone who actually has this vehical at their place to review its performance!

[@liaodesign]

My latest jeep addition is a 2001 SE I bought two years ago yes it is slow but it has its own character. Every Jeep model have their own personality and feeling when I’m driving between my jkur, Jlr and tj.

[@nyxtom]

This is so helpful! I was a bit worried about the 2.5L instead of the straight 6, but I'm glad I got my recently bought 1997 TJ with 2.5L!

[@ToledoCars]

Don't be! It's very reliable and very good off road with some bigger tires. I would take a 4 cylinder in good condition over a 6 cylinder in marginal condition any day. I sold the Jeep in this video and recently got a 6 cylinder one of the same year. (Job issues made me downsize, then I found a new job). The highway is the only place I really notice a difference in a meaningful way. I could have the same amount of fun in either Jeep!

[@LuisMartinez-ny3jv]

This video makes me feel so much better of owning a 2004 jeep tj 4v

[@ToledoCars]

I bet it's an awesome setup! And, it gets you out to have fun. That's what really matters!

[@SkywardCry]

Great stuff, man. Got myself a 2000 SE as well and it does well and is sturdy. Keep up the videos

[@ToledoCars]

Thanks SkywardCry! Be sure to check back often. I plan on revisiting this Jeep with a new video over the winter after I put on a lift. Haven't decided how big yet. Probably somewhere between 2 and 3 inches. I'm not sure I want to go the SYE route yet.

[@generaldrz]

Thanks for the video your Jeep looks nice, I recently purchased a 2000 that needed some help, it is now on 34" tires with 3.5 lift, and have taken it off road a few times now, does really well

[@ToledoCars]

Sounds like you have a great setup!

[@ravengray3977]

70mph, what a hot rod ! We also picked up a 2.5lt "little dog" around the same time but its a 97. Like yours, the highway isn't where it "accels-erates" but with a 1-1/2" lit and 31.5 tires its off road abilities are pretty good. Thanks for the video.

[@ToledoCars]

Awesome! I bet it's fun off road with that lift height and tires. Good stuff!

[@QuietDriver97]

It's definitely a slept on engine. Had my 2000 5 speed submerged up to the headlights and the little buzzer just marched right through. I've had 2 people look confused when they don't see the 4.0 decal on the side and they ask, "What engine does it have?" and they thought all TJs came with a 6 cylinder. There's a reason this was in production from '84-'02. In classic AMC spirit it just gets the job done. If you want to race around like Parnelli Jones then buy a Mustang.

[@ToledoCars]

Right on!

[@fadedjate7230]

The sad part about it, most people who buy Jeeps don't understand them or there true purpose. Its all about sex appeal, instagram, and clout.

[@santossalazar7893]

I have a 98 tj with the same engine! And I’m driving it in Toledo!! Love the vid man

[@ToledoCars]

Awesome! It's definitely cool to know it was built here! Makes it fun to drive around town!

[@liriogalvan9131]

THANKS MY BROTHER 🙏❤️

[@ToledoCars]

Of course! Thanks for watching!

[@davidb.turknett4447]

Great video. Just picked up a 98 4cyl 5 speed this week. Owned a 82 scrambler, a 99 sport, and an 04 unlimited. Though not a speed demon, it's a kick to drive around down here in South East Arizona.

[@ToledoCars]

Right on, the 4 cylinder gets it done for sure! Glad you like yours. Thanks for watching and subscribing!

[@Hopey1231000]

I have owned an 01 TJ with a 2.5 automatic trans and I could not agree with your assessment anymore than I do. Less weight and lower gears helps out but I do not do much off reading of a heavy sort so it works freaking amazing for me. The parts are cheap also and easy to find! Thanks, Geo

[@ToledoCars]

Awesome! Glad you like yours! It's a great vehicle at a low cost. Can't beat that!

[@robhdez5048]

Nice video. Got a ‘98 SE a few years back with 130K on it. Kept it pretty much stock, but did put BFG 30”ATs/15R on it with the intended goal of not adding too much weight overall. With proper maintenance, OEM parts when able, & sticking to a mostly stock configuration, easily cruises at 75 mph & has acceptable highway acceleration with only on ramp lacking a bit. If your goal is highway driving, do not be tempted to go bigger than 30s or you will feel the difference as soon as you step up to 31s, and definitely with 32s (yes, I’ve tested them at each size). 😊

[@captainbc52]

I have a 98 SE with a 2-in suspension lift and a 1 1/4 inch body lift with 33s. Only had it less than a year trying to get it trail ready...it hasn't been taken good care of in the past and I'm trying to correct little things here and there. Can't wait to hit the trails next year!

[@ToledoCars]

Mine needed a battery, alternator, upper radiator hose, radiator, and I had some frame rust repaired by a local guy. Super solid when I was done, but I feel you on getting it there!

[@BlackWarriorLures]

Solid information.

[@ToledoCars]

Glad you like it. Thanks for watching!

[@billnu]

Cool video. I just bought my first Jeep, a 2004 SE, 2.4l and a 5 speed. 2 trips to the off-road park so far and it surprises me how much it climbs. Loads of fun. I have 31” KO2s and it will do 70 on the highway if you get on it and downshift for hills. It’s so noisy though 60-65 is the max I drive it for extended periods. Not a mile eater.

[@ToledoCars]

The 4 liter is just as noisy lol! I'm glad you like your jeep! Thanks for liking the video!

[@DickedShit]

Cool video! I believe being light up front helps loads keeping the d30 safe and the front end components also. I scraped the sway bar, have the most minimal 1/8 bumper, synthetic line, my DIY highlines weight less than stock fenders. No AC, windshield fluid delete and more. it all adds up lol

[@ToledoCars]

Right on! My newer jeep is much heavier up front and I can definitely tell a difference. Definitely takes more effort to get up and over. Thanks for watching. I'll have to check out your channel too!

[@marklewis9594]

I have a 02 se 2.5 5 gear, have had it for 10 years. No lift, sky jacker shocks and stablizer, p235 faulken at3w tires, harbor freight winch, high lift jack, kc lights. Hahe had the same g3 plugs in the engine for 10 years. It kind of gutless on the freeway, but its my hunting rig not a daily driver. It gets in narrow places new jeeps cant. Hasn't let me down yet.

[@ToledoCars]

Awesome! Glad you are having fun in your Jeep!

[@the45thfirewall17]

Nice review. My mom got her her 99 wrangler in 2000 and I own it now. Plan on putting a 4 inch lift and 1 and a half inch spacers on it with 31 inch tires as well

[@ToledoCars]

It will be very capable off road with that combo!!!

[@st.roberts4295]

Owned one just like it and loved it, I was amazed how well the four-wheel drive did. I ended up replacing it with a new V6 but still have fond memory’s of old Blue.

[@ToledoCars]

I'm glad it has saintly approval! 🤩

[@st.roberts4295]

@@ToledoCars If you purchased that from Florida it was mine first, looks identical. I would drop that 4 cylinder into granny gear and cut my own paths in the woods. I would pop the clutch and without giving it gas let it crawl in 1st. We would laugh every time however it never got stuck. Many blessings always my friend. St.R

[@ToledoCars]

@@st.roberts4295 That jeep has been in Ohio its whole life. Same in spirit. Unfortunately, different in VIN. It is also unstoppable in 4lo!

[@dylano7242]

There's diy videos to put on super charger on 4 cyl from Mercedes compressor for under $1000. The boost gained 3 to 5psi to get close to a 6 cyl, but still get good mpg and can turn on off the boost when want.

[@ToledoCars]

Good stuff. It's cool how much power can be had out of smaller engines now!

[@bmwman1029]

All TJs are extremely capable the inline 6 a little bit more than the 4 but if you daily one of these things or hit highways often you’re gonna want the 6.

[@wyatthunter987]

Cool video nice Jeep

[@ToledoCars]

Thanks! 👍 Glad you like it!

[@mcguireskaratetheartofsurv1942]

Nice

[@rickolivasone4790]

Great video.... got mines 2.5l from a police auction it came with a 4inch lift and 33 inch tires.. the best part was once i got it home i notice my rear axel is a Dana44 and also front Ox lockers.. all for 2k best thing i have gotten at a pound .

[@ToledoCars]

Wow you got an awesome deal! Great find!

[@TheJohnnyairgun]

I love mine too. 97 tj does it all but like u said the highways aint where its at.

[@ToledoCars]

lol I still love it despite its lack of highway performance.

[@teop7887]

I love my '97 with the 4-banger. I've modified it extensively to put out more hp. It runs on stock suspension with Billstein shocks, 31" tires, and yes, the infamous 3-speed automatic. It's AWESOME. It will barely make it past 60 mph, but it's a ton of fun. Great video!!! ed.: for those who want to know the engine mods (over the course of many years): AFE intake w/ dry filter, Magnaflow exhaust (the least loud on the market), Borla header, Accel performance ignition and iridium plugs, high output water pump and performance radiator, 4.0 throttle body and spacer (bored to 62mm), FlexaLite electric fan, and mild camshaft and roller rockers (I kinda regret this one, I lost some low end torque, and was most expensive mod) NO CHIP. Those things only mess things up. Yes, it runs lean Not my daily driver in years, but always fun 😎👍

[@ToledoCars]

Nice. Very cool! Like the engine mods! I thought I was going to read about something forced induction, but the cam probably makes a decent bit of difference!

[@teop7887]

@@ToledoCars Thanks! The cam definitely made a noticeable difference, but it did sacrifice a bit of that low-end torque. One of the best mods I made: slotted, perforated brakes up front, disc brake conversion in the back (by Teraflex) 😎👍

[@MichaelH416]

I’m rocking a 2000 SE as well. It rocks and Jeep admits it’s the best off road vehicle they’ve made.

[@ToledoCars]

It's awesome! Glad you like yours too!

[@captaindeadpool1640]

Jeep admits as in the year or the combination? Does the 2.5 have a timing chain? And how many miles does the 2.5 average in its life? My Nissan hardbody truck has a 2.4 with 4.11 gear and 4 low is perfect.

[@MichaelH416]

@@captaindeadpool1640 Jeep showed that both the 4 and 6 cylinder gave awesome low end torque for climbing obstacles. The shorter wheel base was perfect for going over peaks, as it very rarely got hung up. The major advantage the newer jeeps have is the vehicle clearance height. The TJ and older did have issues there.

[@ronald8673]

just east of you a couple hundred miles, I know the feeling, most used Wranglers in this area are lower mileage rust buckets. southern jeeps are cleaner but way higher mileage and $$$$. glad you found a deal , crossing my fingers I find one also, eventually

[@ToledoCars]

They are out there for sure! You will find one. It is getting harder and harder though!

[@MrKillshot2]

runs just like my 1995 6 cylinder cherokee

[@Ghost-oq4qj]

The 03 Sahara comes with a Dana 44 with a LSD

[@shakeswell]

HI There! great video. i just picked up the exact same car and I'm loving it! Question on the Rubicon tires upgrade, did you add spacers?

[@ToledoCars]

Yes, its an adapter. The TJ wheels are 5x4.5 the JK wheels are 5x5. So you need an adapter. I think I went with an inch and a half adapter, but there is an inch and three quarters which would have been the better choice in hindsight.

[@tristan9680]

250th subscriber. Only because I’m looking for one at the moment

[@ToledoCars]

There was one on Facebook Market in Toledo that I almost bought. It was a 1997 2.5 for $1700. Didn't seem horrible, usual issues, but you can fix a lot at that price and come out ahead.

[@ToledoCars]

Hope you can find a good one!

[@tristan9680]

@@ToledoCars I found one in Edgerton Ohio. 2004 with the 4.0 for 7995 I was gonna get them down to 6000 because of the mileage being 175K. But it’s clean. Only problem it’s a 3 and half hours away. So probably gonna have to settle with a crappy one an hour away because no ones willing to drive me. The one an hour away is a 1997 2.5 with a rust here and there with 140K miles he wants 5 I’ll try talk him down to 4-4500

[@RizenAbility]

Thanks for you video. Give me more hope for mine. I have a 97 with the 2.5l. Like everyone else I was looking for the inline 6 but I couldn’t pass up the deal on this one. I don’t regret it. When you did that hill climb in the video were you in 4wheel high or low?

[@ToledoCars]

It was in 4lo. There are a lot of good things about the 4 cylinders. I'll take one in good shape over a 6 cylinder with a bunch of problems any day. And, where I live, rust is a big concern, so sometimes, just finding something clean is half the battle anyway. Good luck with yours.

[@luisangelramirez7883]

Mine is a Jeep Wrangler 1997 4 cylinder 2.5

[@Novalightningwolf]

Sounds like you made a good buy. If you just want a side vehicle for an offroad toy you might as well save some cash and get the 4 cylinder. The 4.0 inline 6 have gone way up in value and a lot of them have been abused. Usually the 4 cylinders are owned by people who just drive them around town so you are more likely to find a good one for less money.

[@ToledoCars]

Right on!

[@ronw.9202]

Just picked up a 95yj ,2.5 is completely stock it's a Rio grande model. The reason I liked it the frame is solid body 95% stock and it's solid original floor panels and as people were talking about capabilities I drove the same type of motor in the Jeeps in the Vietnam era I was a grunt. but fortunately got access to one of those little Jeeps never broke one so yes this little Jeep is very capable trust me Ron USMC 73/76 also I am 67 years old and just bought my first Jeep Wrangler funny how the wheel goes around

[@GenVirtu]

I inherited my 98 Jeep from my late uncle so I didn't have a choice about the SE 2.5 engine. Not the best for highways especially in Los Angeles. But it's fun to drive. Needs some tires, need to update the suspension. Not sure if I want to lift it.

[@ToledoCars]

Yeah, it's not a highway car. I suggest you take it camping up in the mountains. Go make some memories with it! Find the nearest national forest and go. It'll do the highway enough to get you there.

[@teop7887]

Sorry about your uncle. Personally, I don't think a 2.5 needs a lift, since the largest you want to go in a stock engine and gearing is 31" tires, which will fit and turn fine all day long. Unless you plan on some serious 4 wheelin', in which case larger tires, additional ground clearance, flex, and lower gearing are in order. Jeep on dude! 😎👍

[@GenVirtu]

Teo P my Jeep would be for the beach/dunes and easy to moderate trails. No Rock climbing or extreme 4 wheeling.

[@lukemoser01]

I don't care if it's a four or a six I don't discriminate LOL I just love Jeeps

[@ToledoCars]

Anything that gets you out there is good in my book! Some other vehicles might get a little bit of joshing but all in good fun.

[@wewsvideos6321]

Just wondering how good this would be as an around town daily driver.

[@wesleyrowland344]

Down in Ohio

[@NikosAngelos-ve5lq]

are all TJ wragler till 2006 same weight you mention in the front and gross weight?

[@thelonewrangler1008]

Been running a 2.5 on 31s for I think is almost 2 decades now and the only time I'm disappointed is when I take an armor plated turtle on the highway

[@ToledoCars]

Armor plated turtle 🤣 Yeah, the 6 cylinder is better, but still a brick. I found myself ringing out that four cylinder all the time. Pretty constantly in the high rpm range. Not as much with the 6 cylinder and that's the practical difference.

[@jbp6759]

I have a 2003 Wrangler that's the same color as yours and a 5 speed manual, but has the 6 cylinder. I love the legendary 4.0L, but let's be honest here. Neither engine is going to win any drag races. The 4.0L is better than the 2.4L on the highway, yes, but it still sucks compared to pretty much everything else on the highway! And I think time has proven that the 4 cyl 2.4L is as reliable, or at least nearly so, as the venerable straight six. My Jeep came with 3.07 gears, which I had to regear once I got larger tires. If I had 4.11's I could still be on those (although on the highway it would suck even more than stock, but offroad I would be ahead, as you stated). TL;DR: This isn't a highway vehicle and all configurations suck on the highway. Do yourself a favor and get the 4 cylinder 2.4L engine if you're in the market. For the extra money I spent on the 6 cyl vs 4 cyl model and regearing, I could have bought a used civic for the highway! lol

[@ToledoCars]

Nailed it!

[@F85M]

We have a 00’ TJ 2.5L, it’s auto though 😢. Wish it was manual but Fam got a great deal. It’s pretty mint inside/out. Is it easy to source and do a transmission swap to more gears? Just want it to cruise easier on freeways w/o rpm’s being so high. 5-6spd auto swap exist for this?

[@felipeareco2929]

hello friend very good video! I have a question, I have a jeep 4-cylinder with a manual gearbox, year 2001 but my front differential broke... could you help me and tell me what relationship the crown and pinion have in order to change? I would greatly appreciate an answer.

[@MrTonyman4575]

I wanna buy a 98 TJ with heating problems.

[@BerniesBastelBude]

I have the same setup: 2.5L (1997), 31" tires, no lift. road performance is ... let's say it has room for improvement. What's your gear ratio?

[@leftoverporkchop9972]

Any new mods? i have a 2000 SE as well (automatic) and really couldn't be happier. I put rock rails on mine, and some other more cosmetic mods, with a 2" lift, 32's and bumpers in the future plans. Love to see what you may have done and how any mods have changed performance.

[@ToledoCars]

So, long story, but I lost my job late last year due to some economic factors. The toys had to go with the uncertainty. So, this jeep got sold. I wish I hadn't though. It was in good shape and, after I had fixed everything, good to go for a long time. But, those circumstances ended up allowing me to get the next job I wanted anyway. There was an opening and the fact that I could start right away with the right experience got me in the door. So, I ended up with a better job and recently bought another jeep. Ended up with a 2000 5 speed manual sahara with a 2 inch lift and 33's. Needed a transmission, but I just got that all sorted and it's going for the swap today and should be done this weekend. I just added a bumper made by Paramount that I ordered from Quadratec to that jeep, I think that was a solid bumper value with the integrated winch mount for a little under $300. I should have a video on the new jeep up in the next couple weeks. I like the additional torque out of the 6 cylinder on road, but I liked the 4.10 gears better than the 3.73 gears I have now. Sounds like you have the right mix though with a 2 inch lift and 32s. I think that's about the right size for clearing obstacles off road without creating too many other problems with drivability and other issues.

[@leftoverporkchop9972]

@@ToledoCars Sorry to hear. Hope the outlook is a little brighter for you now. I used to live in Fremont (graduated high school in 80) but am in md now. still have family up there and know some folks working at Jeep!

[@ToledoCars]

@@leftoverporkchop9972 Thanks! All is good and the future looks even better than before. Things have a way of working out. Small world! I have retired family that worked at jeep for a long time!

[@cheyneturbyfill4727]

Want highway performance get a Prius 😁

[@ToledoCars]

Lol or, maybe something with a LS motor?? Unless you are trying to hyper-mile.

[@nathanmciver6496]

Yeah that 6 was awesome! Just not worth claiming bankrupt over! Or is it? That already happened so you think that would be so! Anyway! 4 cyclinder rocks! Just run it in 4 wheel low if you want to climb hills

[@ToledoCars]

Really liked my 4 cylinder! Didn't sell it because it was the 4 cylinder, but life circumstances led me to sell it. The next Jeep I found at a good deal and in good shape happened to be the 6. After owning both, if I were building a street Jeep I'd get the 6 cylinder. If I were building primarily a trail Jeep, especially one being towed to and from trails, I'd get the 4. Both great and both have their advantages and disadvantages.

[@joshnasche5495]

I have a 92 wangler and it's a 4 cylinder. Once I have the money that engine is gone lol

[@ToledoCars]

LS swaps are cheap!!! Well, relatively speaking.

[@zackeryeckenrod6549]

cant remember exact years but alot of tj 4cyl. the catalytic converters would melt inside an plug up. my 97 4 banger tj did killed the power

[@ToledoCars]

Good to know. Hopefully that's an easy fix and inexpensive with an aftermarket cat.

[@captaindeadpool1640]

All cats plug up over time and 24 years it should.

[@onlyoneromeo]

Did you need seven adapters for the jk wheels? Or did they just bolt fright on?

[@ToledoCars]

Jk wheels are 5x5 TJ bolt pattern is 5x4.5. So you do need 4 adapters. One for each wheel. 5 if you need to mount the spare. Also, the offset is different, meaning you want to space the wheel out farther. Go with a 1.5 inch adapter or bigger. Make sure you take the wheels off and re torque them after a few miles.

[@nigelbarker8726]

People always underestimate the benefit of lighter weight.

[@ToledoCars]

Agreed. It's hugely important and benefits everything. Having now had both TJs of the same year, I think the 6 cylinder does better on the road. It's nicer and easier to have the extra torque and power available. I had to work that 4 cylinder pretty hard and keep it in the power band to reasonably drive it on the expressway. But, I still think the 4 cylinder is better as a trail rig. Cheaper to start off with is a huge benefit too. Anyway, thanks for watching!

[@justinpalmer3181]

What is the exact tire size? Do you have to add an adapter? If so, what was the width of the adapter?

[@ToledoCars]

I have sold the Jeep, from what I recall, the tire size was 245/75R16, or the stock JK Rubicon size. I had a 1.75" spacer/adapter. Very slight rub on the frame at full lock, but otherwise no fitment issues.

[@mikegarcia8815]

I’m currently looking at a Jeep that is from the year 2000 with 60k miles. It has 35” wheels. I read somewhere that the differential needs to be upgraded since the stock ones are sort of weak. What do you guys think? I’m buying it for 12k

[@ToledoCars]

For the diffs: if it is a sport, Sahara or SE, it probably has a dana 35 in the rear and a dana 30 up front. You could wheel for years on 33s and not break one. Or, you could go out tomorrow and loose and axle shaft on the rear. It's a wild card but your odds get worse with 35s. They are old and subject to break. The Saharas could be optioned with a dana 44 rear and the dana 30 front. This is a good combo that's should be able to run 35s. So, check the internet for how to tell the difference between a dana 44 and a dana 35 and check your rear axle. Along with the axle discussion, you need to know your gearing. You ideally want 4.56 or numerically higher gears in the rear end. The saharas came with 3.73 gears, which will be a dog but move you along on 35s. Some sports came with 3.07 gears which will need to be regeared to work well. The SE is the four cylinder and came with 4.10 gears, which might do ok around town on 35s, but likely won't have the torque to move you down the highway at speed. Check with the prior owner to see if it has been regeared, plenty of jeeps have been. If performance is sluggish you can either regear or get smaller tires. Of course that excludes the rubicon line which came with dana 44 axles at both ends geared at 4.10. That would probably be ok to bolt 35s on. The mileage is good on that jeep. It may be worth thr price if it's clean. You Need to check the frame rails for rust. Check the U joints for excessive play. And make sure everything is in good shape. Seems high to me, but everything does now and I have a different mindset when it comes to jeep ownership, I want less expensive and more trail happy. Hope this helps!

[@ElRollsRoyce]

Just wondering how much did u spend on the JK wheels?

[@ToledoCars]

I think I got them for $450. It was a good deal with the tires on them still in very good shape.

[@chevas91187]

What size tires do you have and rims

[@ToledoCars]

Rims were from a JK. They were 17s. Tires were 31s, but I don't remember the specific metric size.

[@rickjames5998]

Why did your tj make it up the hill when the JK didnt? I mean that's odd? but both jeeps could probably do it in 4 low? Because Im assuming both were in 4 high and trying to use momentum.

[@ToledoCars]

The JK is about 1000 lbs heavier, plus the weight additions from aftermarket parts. He was also going slower. Both were in 4Lo, but I was making use of as much speed as I could. It's a combination of factors. He could have made it up with some more skinny pedal at the bottom. It's just an example that you won't get completely blown away by more expensive jeeps on all parts of the trail.

[@rickjames5998]

@@ToledoCars ahh so its not just weight. Yeah the new jeeps with all their weight. I have a 99, 4.0L manual tj on 33's with a 3.5 inch lift and Im like I could easily do this.

[@javierfajardo1792]

This moment you have regear Your tj or not yet?

[@ToledoCars]

No, with the 31 inch tires and the stock 4.10 axle gears, it didn't need to be regeared. Probably the largest tire I would want to run on the 4 cylinder without regearing. Pretty much the usable limit for all around driving. My newer TJ is the 6 cylinder 5 speed with 33s and the 3.73 gears. Doesn't need a re-gear, but I'm again at the limit with that combo. It would probably benefit from 4.10s or 4.56. But, waiting for a complete axle upgrade.

[@alfredoperez3646]

What class of jeep is that my friend rubicon or sahara

[@ToledoCars]

It's neither. That jeep is a SE. The rubicon or sahara are higher optioned models.

[@nathanchiaro5399]

Newer Jeep had a much slower start to get up that hill. It would’ve made it if it were going much faster.

[@cfvrq]

I have no issues with my 2005 TJ SE, weren’t all WW2 Jeeps 4 cylinders?

[@brethebert]

The 4 cylinder jeeps won wars!

[@Scote001Jeep]

How much? How many miles ?

[@ToledoCars]

Paid a little under $3,000 for it in early 2019. Just sold it recently for $4,500. After putting in the time and money with it, I broke even I think after over a year of ownership.

[@Scote001Jeep]

@@ToledoCars why did you sell it ? You seemed so happy.

[@ToledoCars]

@@Scote001Jeep Believe me, I didn't want to. Work is a little up in the air right now and I need to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. I'll buy another one when things are more stable.

[@Scote001Jeep]

@@ToledoCars I got ya. I agree tho the 2.5 wranglers are very under rated. WwII jeeps were 4 cylinders. When you get in 4 low, she comes to life and does just fine.

[@jonathanvalencia-lugo7325]

That's quicker than mine. i got the 6 cylinder with a 3 speed auto, with get the worst fuel economy. :(

[@ToledoCars]

The transmission and gearing makes a huge difference. You may want to check the simple things on your engine (air filter, spark plugs, etc.) though. You could be down on power. And, check tire pressures too. Low tire pressure will drastically reduce fuel economy.

[@cesargonzalez4598]

Omg me too!! And to make things worse my gas tank leaks

[@crabbypadty393]

How is the power on the 31’s?

[@ToledoCars]

It's not fast by any means. It has more than enough power off road in low range and it will go down the highway with some downshifting needed at times.

[@crabbypadty393]

Toledo Cars i purchased a 2.5 auto and am worried about power loss with tires over 30’s being too significant.

[@ToledoCars]

I believe the auto has different gearing at the axles. The power loss for you might be more significant as you might have less torque considering the final gear reduction at the axles. Your axle ratio is taller I think. You should check into gearing.

[@crabbypadty393]

Toledo Cars thanks! The lack of gears really is the the drawback of the auto. I’m pretty sure I have the 3.73

[@jaredmarban9771]

Ooooooor, buy an xj with a 4.0 for the same price

[@ToledoCars]

I think the XJ's are undervalued as well. Or at least last time I looked. Idk enough about their axle ratios, but I doubt they are worse than some of the Wranglers.

[@nigelbarker8726]

But you forgot to add on the price of an angle grinder to take the top off.

[@Ghost-oq4qj]

You got such a bad jeep 😂🤦‍♂️ just go for the 03-06 shara/rubicon/LJ I6 wrangler

[@ToledoCars]

Lol those are probably 15k around my part of the country. For what I wanted to do, this is the price point I wanted.

[@righthand2571]

Waisted your money

[@ToledoCars]

Your spelling is the only thing thats wasted. I made money on that jeep.

[@tacoman864]

Great video