test drove a '03... have questions

[firegod33]

Chozenroze and I took a '03 renegade out for a spin, a few days ago. It had all the bells and whistles, etc... We're not really interested in all the bells and whistles. If we decide to get one, the KJ will be used on the trails. It will be the recipient of some serious (severe) mods. We like the power (pleasant surprise), but the one we drove was an auto. How does the power compare between the auto and 5 spd? We both prefer manual trannies. Are the rear discs optional, before '03? What mods would you do, for severe off road use? The KJ, should we buy one, will not be babied.

[Chris S]

The rear disks are new for 03.

The auto doesn't rob much power, but the manual makes it easier to keep the engine in it's power band.

There are various lift options, most of which use some type of spacer in the front. The combination os a small spacer inside hte strut and a small spacer on top of it seems to work for most people, but some people have had problems with misaligned parts. The best option for the front will be new struts, but they are not on the market yet.

There are no good quick-disconnects for the sway bars yet.

Rusty has a full line of heavy duty skids.
http://www.rustysoffroad.com/

Seems like 32s are the largest tires that can be fitted with a lift, and they require a bit of trimming and beating to the metal behind the fender liners.

The ultimate would be a solid axle conversion, but don't expect a kit anytime soon.