Liberty KJ thread

[calamaridog]

So let's talk about my other vehicle a little. I know there are some KJ folks hanging around. Post your pics, mods, and impressions here. Also list your problems, likes, and dislikes here.

Mine is a 2002 Limited with the 3.7 v6 and selectable 4wd system. It's stock, except for REVOS, and will remain so for at least the next few years. Someday I'll do OME suspension and one size larger tire I suppose.

Our only offroading has been mild stuff and fire roads in this one, but I know some of you have done more challenging terrain.

For longer trips, I hate the small capacity in the cargo area. Anybody have suggestions for the roof? For longer trips I love the gas mileage, that has been consistantly over 20mpg vs. 14mpg in the Land Cruiser.

I like the selectable 4wd system, the drivetrain, and the small, easy to manuvre size. I do enjoy driving this vehicle.

I dislike the trim falling off, the 3 ball joint recalls, the wind noise on the front doors, and the mild "pull" to the right, that nobody can fix and Jeep claims doesn't exist.

Overall, it's been a decent vehicle and a good new vehicle value for a 4wd at only $22k.

[FourByLand]

I am a Cherokee enthusiast, so the Liberty frustrated me.

[calamaridog]

I am a Cherokee enthusiast, so the Liberty frustrated me.

With the introduction of the 4 door Wrangler, the concept of a solid axle Jeep SUV makes even less sense. I had Cherokee for a short while and the build quality of the Liberty is much better.

I'm not a fan of the Liberty IFS and the component strength leaves much to be desired (think Dana 30/35), but at least they use 8.25 corporate and D44's in the rear of the Liberty.

I think the styling skipped a generation too. They could have made the Liberty look a little more like the Cherokee.

[Scott Brady]

The Cherokee left a very positive impression on many buyers. Look at the new Patriot.

[jeffryscott]

I seriously considered the Liberty as a replacement for the Suzuki. Drove some several times and have to say I liked them. What held me back, fortunately, was its size. It was only a few inches bigger in the rear seat and cargo area than the Vitara and I just couldn't get myself to buy one even though there were some great deals to be had (fortunately, I got an even better deal on the 4Runner).

They have above average reliability ratings, minus the ball joint recalls, and modifications, albeit limited are fairly inexpensive. The vehicle is limited to about 2.5 inches of lift and you have to use a BFH to get anything bigger than a 245/75/16.

From what I've read and heard, I do think they are underrated as a 4wd, much as the Suzuki was.

[Allahades]

Here's my mother's Liberty, with her driving Little Medano Pass in Colorado. She uses her Liberty as a backcountry access vehicle to visit to rock art sites and remote trailheads, and it performs beautifully. We put on aftermarket skid plates because it bottoms out fairly easily, but otherwise she's left it stock.

I like them a lot, although they do seem a bit dated compared to newer vehicles in the same price range that have electronic traction controls and even rear lockers. But a Liberty can be had for cheap on the used market, and there's a lot of aftermarket support for them (I'm comparing the Liberty aftermarket to the Nissan aftermarket here). As more people buy them used and build them up, I think soccer-mom connotation will fade.

[FourByLand]

but at least they use 8.25 corporate and D44's in the rear of the Liberty.


Cherokee came with a Chrysler 8.25 and there was nothing wrong with it. The only think I didnt really love was the uni-body didnt feel right welding/bolting parts that were going to be under stress... but a great truck.

[Signcutter21]

KJ owner here, love taking my little Libby out for a challenge. The 8.25 in the rear is fine (no D44 from the factory), though more than a handful have blown the 30a in the front. (mostly due to tire spinning in the air and coming down on it). My KJ has taken me through many Moab and AZ trails as well as a couple in CA too. It keeps up with the big boys alright. check out the LOSTKJ site for more info.

later, mike

2.5 Frankenlift
245/75R16 GY MTRs
Skids underneath
Front and rear recievers
Cobra CB
10# Powertank
Rocklizard bumpers soon
Custom roof rack
other odds and ends

[2006KJSPORT4x4]

Here showing off some Jeep Liberty love by displaying my rig...

Has a Rocky Road Outfitters 2.5" lift
BFGoodrich 255/70/16 Mud-terrain tires
Yakima Jeep Roof Basket
Mopar Rock Rails
Mopar slush mats and cargo mat
Mopar Tail light guards
Jeep KJ Renegade fog lamps
LOTS of brush pinstriping

[calamaridog]

The 8.25 corporate rear end is great. The only complaint about my 2002 rear end is they switched to disc brakes in 2003

I swear saw some D44's under a few of the 2002's but I can't remember what package they were with.

Regardless, I think the 8.25 corporate is just as good as a D44, so it's a wash anyways.