Jeeps are objectively one of the most iconic off-road vehicles ever made.
Making a name for itself during World War II, Jeeps are now the world’s oldest mass produced 4×4.
While crawling through rough terrain, this vehicle hardly breaks a metaphorical drop of sweat.
So, it may be easy to drive off-road, but is it as easy to work on? Read on and find out!
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Here is the short answer to are Jeeps Easy to Work On:
Jeeps are easy to work on due to their simplicity in design regarding their chassis, drivetrain, steering and electronics. Combined with an abundance of service information available, and lack of specialty tools required, Jeeps are one of the easiest vehicles to service and repair.
How Easy is it to Work on and Repair a Jeep?
The Jeep is a great vehicle to learn the basics of car mechanics for a number of reasons:
Simplicity
When compared with the wide spectrum of today’s vehicles, and the ongoing changes in technology, Jeeps remain fairly simple.
Simplicity in design generally results in easier repairs and maintenance, and so it is fair to say that Jeeps are relatively easy to work on.
In the modern world, automobiles are becoming increasingly more complex.
By the time technicians get to know a certain model of vehicle, a new model comes out with a drastic amount of changes.
This is essentially like hitting the reset button, leading them down a path of getting to know the ins and outs of said vehicle all over again.
Jeeps however, do not usually undergo drastic changes.
This means that most repairs done on Jeeps have already been done by professionals on older models, and therefore the problems that occur on newer ones can be easily identified.
This remains especially true for Jeeps like the Wrangler.
Tried and True Blueprint
Jeep, as a company, is only a small arm of a bigger parent company. The company that currently owns Jeep, is Stellantis, which is basically Chrysler.
Chrysler has owned Jeep since 1987, and in all of those years, they’ve remained true to their values, which are building a strong capable 4×4 for the people.
This strong capable 4×4 is usually not the fanciest, nor the most fuel-efficient vehicle. Those may seem like downsides, but when it comes to performing repairs or maintenance, it keeps them from becoming over-complicated, thus making it easier.
As it was stated earlier, Jeeps are pretty basic in design and construction when compared to other makes and models.
This is because of their “tried and true” nature.
Jeeps tend to use the same parts, engines, and transmission for many years, under the notion that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.
This essentially means they have more of a similar design to cars in the past than those in the present.
Readily Available Information
Information on Jeep products has always been readily available and easy to access.
There are also a high number of enthusiasts who do their own work and have made content on the internet about it for free.
These enthusiasts are always on social media and Jeep forums, ready to answer any questions you might have. Nonetheless, there is likely already a video on YouTube or an answer on Google that will help you with diagnosis or repair.
Accessibility
So, what about the physical labor aspect of working on a Jeep?
Well, most models of Jeeps tend to have a lot of room under the hood, and underneath. For people that do not have a lift, this can be a major blessing.
Being able to crawl under your Jeep, or work on something in the engine bay is less of a pain than something like a small European economy car.
They also don’t require as many special tools as most European cars, or even Ford’s do.
That means the cheap tool kit you bought at the big box store should be put to good use while working on your Jeep.
Are Old Jeeps Easy to Work On?
In short, yes. Old Jeeps have very limited electronics, so for someone who is not tech-savvy, you will not run into many issues in this department.
They also have mechanical parts that are simple as well, like inline engines, V8 engines and manual transfer-cases.
Inline engines offer more room on both sides of the engine, and have a limited number of moving parts, which keeps the engine simple.
V8 engines, like the AMC engines that used to come in the Jeep, are very well documented, and very simplistic in design.
Ask any old-timer for help or advice on your AMC engine, and they will likely pull out a tiny old toolbox with more than enough tools to do the trick.
The only issue for someone with a low experience level would be the lack of onboard diagnostics, (the ability to plug in a scan tool and read codes).
This might render some with little to no knowledge somewhat lost when trying to diagnose and repair a drivability problem.
Please also read our article: are Subaru’s easy to work on?
Are New Jeeps Easy to Work On?
New Jeeps may not be as easy to work on as old ones, but they still remain pretty simple.
Jeeps like the Wrangler have been using the same parts for decades, with even the front steering undergoing very minimal changes in design.
Other Jeeps such as the Libertys and Cherokees may be more complex, but as stated earlier, in comparison to other makes of automobiles, you will find them much easier to learn, diagnose, repair, and maintain.
Are Jeeps Easy to Maintain?
One of the easiest vehicles to maintain would be a Jeep.
This is because they do not require any special procedures to do the maintenance like oil changes, transmission fluid changes, brakes, etc.
The braking system on a Jeep is mostly disc, especially as of late. Disc brakes are easier to service and repair than drums, which will make any sort of brake-work a lot easier for the DIY people out there.
Moreover, suspension and drivetrain design remain as simple as any manufacturer can get.
This makes simple repairs, like shocks or u-joints pretty straightforward.
Are Jeeps easy to Restore?
When we talk about restoration, we usually talk about rust and/or rot.
Rust and rot require bodywork to fix.
Bodywork can be tedious and troublesome on a good day, so you will have to do your research before attempting any.
Bodywork is non-mechanical work, it’s to do with strictly the vehicle’s body. It requires grinding, welding, filling with bondo or other body fillers which is kind of like clay, then sanding and painting.
Having said that, Jeeps like the Wrangler and the old Cherokee have doors, tops, fenders and hoods that are incredibly simple to replace.
They also have very flat and straight body panels, for the most part, so your bodywork will be at a simpler level than a vehicle with curvy or aggressive styling.
Parts will be readily available and easy to find from junkyards or Jeep forums, so you should not have a problem sourcing what you need to do a restoration.
You may also be interested in our article: how long do Jeep Gladiator last?
Are Jeeps Expensive to Work On?
Generally, no. Jeeps are not expensive to work on.
They are not considered “luxury” or “exotic” by any means; they are simply mass-produced vehicles meant for the general population. This keeps them from being hard on your wallet.
Also, they are American made, and vehicles that are made in America tend to have cheaper parts and tools required than vehicles imported from overseas.
Are Jeep Wranglers Easy to Work On?
The Wrangler is most probably, the easiest Jeep to work on.
The design of the Wrangler makes it perfect to be worked on by weekend warriors and DIYers alike.
The reason being contributed to its body-on-frame design and its simple suspension and drivetrain.
It goes without saying too, that the engine and transmission in a Wrangler is not a victim of over-engineering; designers knew well enough to keep it simple.
That old saying again, “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” definitely applies to the Wrangler more than any other Jeep.
You may also be interested in our article: 11 Jeep Wrangler facts & statistics
Are Jeep Cherokees Easy to Work On?
Comparatively easier to work on than most SUVs in its class, however, not as easy to work on as the Wrangler.
The Cherokee may remain simple in design and construction, but has more gadgets, more of a complicated drivetrain, and is a uni-body rather than body-on-frame.
All these variables therefore make it more susceptible to complex repairs and maintenance.
Nonetheless, the Cherokee is still easy to work on.
Are Jeep Libertys Easy to Work On?
The liberty is a compact SUV that Jeep does not make anymore.
Being compact, the engine bay and underneath will have tighter areas than the Wrangler or the Cherokee.
But the Liberty is still a Jeep with a basic front engine rear/all wheel setup, so it remains moderately easy to work on.
What is the Easiest Jeep to Work On?
This question is one that could vary depending on matter of opinion.
Although, I think most “Jeeple” would universally agree that the Jeep Wrangler TJ is probably the easiest model to work on.
The TJ is a healthy mix between old-style Wrangler, having Dana axles and the AMC inline 6 engine, but still having on-board diagnostics with the ability to read engine codes and other various diagnostic codes.
The TJ is also a smaller Jeep, with lighter, smaller, parts, yet it still has the durable yet simple nature of your standard Wrangler.
All in all, when compared with other Jeeps, the Wrangler TJ would hands down be the best for a DIY weekend mechanic.
