Longevity of factory D44...FYI

[Sedona Jeep School]

Just FYI,

The lifespan of the factory D44 on 2004 Unlimiteds is approximately 30,000 miles.

Not impressed?

What if I told you that these two Unlimiteds had 800-pound conversions and are set up to carry 10 people? Do the math on that...10 x 200 = 2000 + 800 = 2800 pound payload on a vehicle engineered for 1000. That, and it wheels all day everyday.

30,000 miles at heavy use at nearly 3x rated capacity...I'll take two more, please! :)

[BillR]

I'd be interested to see what actually wears out in the 44...
Do the tubes bend from all the weight, or just the bearings and such wear prematurely?
I was wondering how the Jeeps are beefed-up to carry all those people. So they must just replace them before the "warranty" is out, or do they even HAVE any warranty being used like they are?

[Sedona Jeep School]

Let me get the gory details and get back to you, as far as what wore out first. In both cases, they were not catastrophic implosions, like we are used to seeing on D35's. Guides heard "noise" and Jeep went to dealer for, yes, warranty. ;)

Tour Jeeps receive custom made coil springs rated for that 2000-3000-pound load. Of course, the cages and rear interiors are custom, too. Other than that, the lifts are usually kits off the shelf. All in all, about $8-10K to build one.

[BillR]

I'm amazed that anyone would even OFFER a warranty on the tour rigs, since they're used so far out of "factory design".:eek: Your Jeeps are not carrying a huge number of passengers at a time, so they're really being used within the design parameters.
Very interesting...they must have a very "lenient" warranty company.
Also, what becomes of a tour Jeep after they're deemed worn out? Unlike yours, I would think the market for them would be pretty small.

[Sedona Jeep School]

A worn out tour Jeep is WORN out--150,000 offroad miles, metal fatigue throughout the body and the frame, tired motor, second transmission is slipping, third rear end is grinding, dash has been dead for years, and everything is leaking. Imagine the decision it takes to park a vehicle which makes you an average of $500/day--the maintenance and/or headache factor has to get pretty high with that particular vehicle to decide to park it.

Old tour Jeeps can usually be found in the back lot of a tour company--cannabalized for spare parts. Some are sold--I imagine there are a number of old tour Jeeps somewhere on the rez, half-buried in sand, with goats and chickens living in them. :D

[BillR]

Some are sold--I imagine there are a number of old tour Jeeps somewhere on the rez, half-buried in sand, with goats and chickens living in them. :D
Funny mental image..a "pink" rig converted into a chicken house.:D

I see your point though. it would have to be really SHOT to take it out of service. Come to think of it, I DO remember seeing some "different color";) YJs, and they're 11 years-old now.

[jeeperX]

:D Well let me know if you have an extra D44 that could be re-built, one of those old one out back would be fine, chickens cant use that part anyways.

[Gary]

$500/day

Let's make this a Win-Win situation!!!
You can use my Jeep for $250/day...then we both profit!! :D :D