Production Numbers

[jimoshel]

Started to do something today and noticed something never thought about before. Out of 12 MJ'S only 3 are 4WD. 14 XJ'S only 2 are 2WD. 7 ZJ- WJ all are 4WD. Is this consistent with production figures or is it odd ball? I think the reason for the 2WD MJ is they popular with business's as delivery vehicles. No need for 4WD. Just curious.

[Guest]

Don't know how true this is; but most of the people from my parents generation told me that "4x4 vehicles always use more gas than 2WD ones"

 

My old man and my mom told me the same, until I told them it doesn't start using more gas until you lock the transfercase in 4WD. I figure that there's more 2WDs left because the trucks were used by mostly non-wheeling people. 4WD used to be a luxury "in an emergency" deal; at least that's how AMC put it with the J-Series and Wagoneers. :dunno:

[jimoshel]

As slow as I work any more, I figure by next year I'm gonna have 4 4WD MJ'S and1 XJ on it's way to the crusher, minus front axle, drive shaft, transfer case.

[HOrnbrod]

Don't know how true this is; but most of the people from my parents generation told me that "4x4 vehicles always use more gas than 2WD ones"

 

My old man and my mom told me the same, until I told them it doesn't start using more gas until you lock the transfercase in 4WD. I figure that there's more 2WDs left because the trucks were used by mostly non-wheeling people. 4WD used to be a luxury "in an emergency" deal; at least that's how AMC put it with the J-Series and Wagoneers. :dunno:

 

Here are the published factory numbers for an 88 MJ with the 4.0L six:

 

1988 4.0L w. 5-speed, 3.08:1 Axle Ratio

2WD 18 MPG City, 24 MPG Hwy.

0-60 MPH = 9.5 sec.

4WD 18 MPG City, 23 MPG Hwy.

0-60 MPH = 10.0 sec.

 

1988 4.0L w. 4-speed Auto, 3.55:1 Axle Ratio

2WD 16 MPG City, 21 MPG Hwy.

0-60 MPH = 9.7 sec.

4WD 16 MPG City, 21 MPG Hwy.

0-60 MPH = 10.2 sec.

 

The 2WD and 4WD models get similar MPG. The transmissions (5-spd vs. the auto) have more effect on mileage and performance.

[jpnjim]

XJ's were money makers.

Highest demand Jeep ever (till the ZJs were introduced),

in a high demand, high option, moderate price segment = high profits

(Second highest Jeep profit margin only to the Grand Waggys).

 

MJs were none of the above.

The compact truck market was all about brand allegiance and price point.

Jeep's Rugged reputation, and somewhat larger dimensions weren't enough to crack open the brand loyalty of the pickup truck market.

Chevy guys still bought S10s, & Ford guys still bought Rangers when they needed compact trucks.

 

So Jeep had to take a more expensive to produce compact truck, and fight it out with Chevy & Ford on price point to pick up the non brand aligned buyer.

 

That meant a lot of 2wd base level, stripped MJs.

 

Once the upmarket segment of pickups switched from regular cabs to extended cabs,

the Comanche's days were numbered.

 

Why make a few hundred dollars profit on an MJ

when an XJ could take that same assembly line spot,

sell quicker, and return 4-5x's the profit?