89 MJ Posted May 17 Posted May 17 I wasn’t going to start a build thread for this, but I’ve already ordered some stuff for it and I also want a thread to document adventures. This is my brand new 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S. Yes, it’s a base model, but at the same time, it’s almost fully loaded as best as I can tell. The big features are the D44 with an LSD, heated seats and steering wheel, hard top, trailer hitch, aux switches, and garage door opener (window sticker pic included for other options). Sticker was $46k, but being a leftover 2025 when the 2027s are right around the corner, I got this 25 with 54 miles on it for only a few thousand more than a 2020 with 82k miles on it.
89 MJ Posted May 17 Author Posted May 17 Also, this Jeep does not have the 3.6L V6, it has the turbo 4cyl instead. With 400 miles on it, I must say that I am impressed. First adventure was up Mt Lemmon near Tucson, AZ. 27 twisty, turny miles. The thing handles great and makes good power. I learned the Jeep needs a few things though. Firstly is a mesh sunshade for when the top is off. I didn’t, but some of my passengers got sunburned on the drive. Secondly is a set of rock sliders/running boards. Mostly for door ding protection.
Salvagedcircuit Posted May 17 Posted May 17 Please tell me there's manual window cranks Hahaha. Enjoy the new ride! Looks great.
89 MJ Posted May 17 Author Posted May 17 8 hours ago, Salvagedcircuit said: Please tell me there's manual window cranks Hahaha. Enjoy the new ride! Looks great. Thanks! It does have power windows though
Officialstorm_chaser Posted May 19 Posted May 19 On 5/17/2026 at 10:49 AM, 89 MJ said: Thanks! It does have power windows though isn't there a way to convert it to hand cranks though?
89 MJ Posted May 19 Author Posted May 19 35 minutes ago, Officialstorm_chaser said: isn't there a way to convert it to hand cranks though? I would think so. It would require changing window regulators most likely. And then to do it my definition of “right”, I would have to get the power window switch delete stuff. All in all, it would cost money to go backwards in terms of technology. For the time being, this is just a daily driver, not much of a project. Yes, it’s getting rock sliders right now, but that’s for door ding protection more than it’s for off road protection. For the same reason, it’s not getting lifted, bumpers, or wheels and tires right now. I would love to do a ton of stuff to it, but right now I’m living in an apartment, the Jeep is still under warranty, and it’s getting 21 mpg. Basically nothing is getting upgraded until parts are worn out, having problems, or I have a garage to work in, whichever comes first.
Officialstorm_chaser Posted May 19 Posted May 19 3 minutes ago, 89 MJ said: I would think so. It would require changing window regulators most likely. And then to do it my definition of “right”, I would have to get the power window switch delete stuff. All in all, it would cost money to go backwards in terms of technology. For the time being, this is just a daily driver, not much of a project. Yes, it’s getting rock sliders right now, but that’s for door ding protection more than it’s for off road protection. For the same reason, it’s not getting lifted, bumpers, or wheels and tires right now. I would love to do a ton of stuff to it, but right now I’m living in an apartment, the Jeep is still under warranty, and it’s getting 21 mpg. Basically nothing is getting upgraded until parts are worn out, having problems, or I have a garage to work in, whichever comes first. you seem to know your stuff about jeeps, tell me, in your opinion what jeep would be best for storm chasing? I was thinking about making a replica of jo's jeep from twister for chasing but not sure if I'll go that route yet
89 MJ Posted May 19 Author Posted May 19 1 hour ago, Officialstorm_chaser said: you seem to know your stuff about jeeps, tell me, in your opinion what jeep would be best for storm chasing? I was thinking about making a replica of jo's jeep from twister for chasing but not sure if I'll go that route yet I think that depends on a lot of factors. The biggest factors are the amount you’re willing to spend and your ability to build what you want. If I were you, I’d start with a list of wants and needs that you’d have for the vehicle, then choose the vehicle based on that. If you’re unsure, the Pub would be a good place for a bunch of us to help with the list. In no particular order, here’s some of the stuff I’d be looking for. The ability to outrun a tornado. Seats/suspension that make the vehicle comfortable for hours. Easy to find parts for and easy to fix. Strong frame and axles. Ability to go anywhere. My brother has two J10s like Jo’s truck was. While they’re super cool trucks, I wouldn’t use a stock one for storm chasing. There’s also someone here on CC with a Comanche painted up like Jo’s truck.
Officialstorm_chaser Posted May 19 Posted May 19 29 minutes ago, 89 MJ said: I think that depends on a lot of factors. The biggest factors are the amount you’re willing to spend and your ability to build what you want. If I were you, I’d start with a list of wants and needs that you’d have for the vehicle, then choose the vehicle based on that. If you’re unsure, the Pub would be a good place for a bunch of us to help with the list. In no particular order, here’s some of the stuff I’d be looking for. The ability to outrun a tornado. Seats/suspension that make the vehicle comfortable for hours. Easy to find parts for and easy to fix. Strong frame and axles. Ability to go anywhere. My brother has two J10s like Jo’s truck was. While they’re super cool trucks, I wouldn’t use a stock one for storm chasing. There’s also someone here on CC with a Comanche painted up like Jo’s truck. I'll look into it, where is the pub at on here?
89 MJ Posted May 19 Author Posted May 19 24 minutes ago, Officialstorm_chaser said: never mind, found it Perfect!
89 MJ Posted May 23 Author Posted May 23 Up to 650 miles and I’m still liking it. Tons of power and evening running around town, I’m averaging 21 mpg, per the gauge cluster. More importantly, my door ding protection came in. The bolt to the body, so they aren’t going to help a ton off road, but they’ll add a little more protection off road and more importantly they will help prevent door dings in parking lots. It was tricky finding some that weren’t going to look completely out of place. I ended up with these: https://www.extremeterrain.com/barricade-enahnced-rubi-rails-textured-black-2018-jeep-jl-2-door-jeep.html
89 MJ Posted May 25 Author Posted May 25 The Silverbell-Sasco loop north of Tucson can be checked off the list. 20 miles there, 50 miles on dirt, then 50 miles home and the Jeep didn’t miss a beat.
89 MJ Posted May 25 Author Posted May 25 It rained on the way home, so the dust became mud on the Jeep
89 MJ Posted June 1 Author Posted June 1 26 minutes ago, neohic said: Mad flex, yo. It desperately needs sway bar disconnects. It was flexed out enough there that the little street tires lost traction and it needed 4wd. I’m pretty sure my MJ flexes more
89 MJ Posted Sunday at 10:21 PM Author Posted Sunday at 10:21 PM Back way to Mt. Lemmon completed! Just over 1500 miles on the Jeep too and this was the first time that 4 low was used. Probably wasn’t needed, but it helped a lot.
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