NmexMAX wrote:All in all what would be your review of the Jeep compared to your Pathy on the trails?
well see that's tough. since the jeep isn't a DD i think i'm a little more aggressive with it and push it more.
it's ALOT easier to see around the vehicle, especially with the doors and top off. you know -exactly- where you are and can make sure you're on the lines you need to be on.
both of mine have open/open diffs, but the pathy might have one leg up with ABLS.
the jeep is WAAYY lighter so there's not as much 'umpf' when you go over a rock to quickly and bounce. not sure how else to explain that one.
don't think i have to mention turning radius
changing out the suspension components is WAYYYY easier on the jeep. everything is -right- there. none of those hard to get to upper rear shock bolts.
however the steering component setup is different. i think i fixed the death wobble (google death wobble wrangler), but it seems relatively easy to come back. i'm slowly replacing parts up there though.
jeep parts are ALOT cheaper, however it seems you can't just change one thing without changing something else. for example i put a 2in suspension lift (new springs) on. well now i'm getting some rear drivetrain vibrations. turns out the way the xfer case is i now need to do one or more of the following: 1. 1in xfer case drop (cheapest but you lose clearance, ~$30-50), 2. replace rear upper control arms to change rear diff/pinion angle (next cheapest, ~$150+), 3. install slip yoke eliminator and new CV rear drive shaft (most expensive, but is the -proper- way to fix the problem, ~$500+labor cuz i'm not touchin that one!).
all in all 'out of the box' you can do more offroad with the jeep than the pathfinder.