Ya know, in the early years, Jeeps were never built to be pretty or good-looking. They were designed to be functional tools. Pretty much all your complaints are aesthetic. The new Wrangler is more capable, has much stronger axles and frame, offers a smoother ride, has more usable wheel travel, and improved safety features. Basically, all the stuff people have been clamoring for and swapping into their Jeeps for years.
We Like Anal
In the June '07 issue of Jp Magazine ("Last CJ"), Pete Trasborg states that the T-18 transmission was never offered behind the 304 engine. A bit of checking would've revealed that, in 1979, AMC did offer the T-18A with a compound gear of 6.32:1 behind the 304 V-8. I have a stock '79 CJ-7 with this combination. After owning four other CJs, I can say that this is the most desirable of the AMC models.Wayne EricksonUtah
Top Secret
I can't take the pressure anymore. The suspense is absolutely killing me! Do you know or suspect if Jeep is going to announce any powertrain changes in 2008 for the JKs? C'mon, c'mon, squeal if you know! Take an educated guess if you don't know. Will we finally see the Nitro R/T's 4.0L V-6, the new 302hp 4.7L V-8, or a variant of the 3.8LV-6 with some more juice? Or will Jeep simply ride the tsunami wave of JK sales and make us wait five-plus years for the new Phoenix V-6 line? I gotsta know! I don't want to get stiffed with that lame minivan transplant if there's something better in the works for 2008 or 2009. I'm also guessing any diesels are at least two years away. What do the little birdies tell you? Mark HaddenPenfield, New York
I think you'll be waiting. Check out Trail Head (Oct. '07). I expect a diesel in the Wrangler by 2009, and it might be a Cummins. But there is a chance it could be a new diesel powerplant from GM-owned VM Motori, however, it won't be the old Liberty CRD 2.8L, which is currently offered in overseas Wranglers. Other than that, '08 models will have an unlimited powertrain warranty. That's a sweet deal, if you ask me.
She Has Feet?
I love your magazine and have been a reader for a long time, but something in the April '07 issue made me feel the need to write in. One of your more competent technical writers made a huge gaffe that must be corrected or proven to be true empirically.
On page 90, Bree states: "My feet are my best asset." What a load of crock. Who edits this rag? I didn't know that Bree even had feet. I mean, I've never noticed them. You need to look into this travesty.Chad UhlFort Irwin, California
Best Things Fit In A Bra
I've been an avid reader of Jp for a while. I have to laugh at most of the stuff that comes across the pages of your mag, and yes, I do find useful information via the articles beyond Bree's bra size. I write to comment on how I appreciated your Trail Head comments on tire pressures (July '07). The simplest things seem to be the most effective and the most overlooked. I agree that we don't use our air pumps enough. Deflate those tires! Thanks for the great article.Joe GordonTucson, Arizona
Bree Farse
I was going through my old issues of Jp, and I was surprised by the number of people who have taken issue with Bree through the years. Many thought that she was not a real person. Some thought that photo tricks were used to enhance the images. I, too, always thought it was suspicious that she would allow herself to be seen in these pages. Then I realized that I've never seen a picture of Bree and Cappa together. You guys are sick! Kevin LeedySan Jose, California