"SPOT ON" They had a lot of difficulty getting the programming on the nine speed correct and they delayed release of the vehicle specifically that reason. I haven't heard anything in regards to early transmission failures. Although it wouldn't surprise me if they reprogram them after the sale as they get more miles and more experience with the new tranny under their belt.

 

I think you're spot on here.

 

The only issue with the KL is ground clearance, especially in the more basic trim levels like mine. As you can see in my pics here: https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f9/kl-snow-186978/ in the deep stuff I do a lot of plowing and undercarriage dragging.

This snow was light powder, not the heavy wet stuff and as long as you keep forward momentum you don't have any problems. Keep in mind my KL is FWD but equipped with Firestone Winterforce tires.

That is the only thing I miss about my JK.



In case you are wondering, that is a 36" entry door and frame sticking out of the back of the JK. I had to turn the JK into a pickup truck by removing the roof and spare tire carrier to haul the door from Lowe's to my house being built 200 miles distant.

 

I posted back on the 19th about my new TH. Never gone off road before; a friend was going to take his Rubicon and give me some basics. That didn't happen, he had to back out. So I drug my wife with me and went playing anyway. ORV park in an old rock quarry north and west of Ft. Worth Texas.

Decided to get a feel for things and mostly stick to beginners trails. Managed to avoid the big boulders until I have some guidance and experience. Truly felt somewhat lost the first couple of hours. During a break talked to several other Jeep drivers who gave me some helpful pointers; the most common comment though did seem to be something to the effect of "drive it to Starbucks, not to the bottom of a quarry". O well, they were nice when they said it.

My lack on knowing anymore about it, I enjoyed it. The dirt, trails, mud and water were a blast. Around some of the bigger rocks, I felt exposed an vulnerable. It's a month old and I was aware that I was trying not to crunch it. Mud is up to the windows, so I'll know better tomorrow when I hose it off if there are any scars.

After watching some of the other Jeeps, yes I can see a big difference. But the Trailhawk has much more capability off road than I have knowledge. I have been reading since I have been home trying to better understand the different settings and when and how to use them. I was truly clueless.

But we had a fun day scraping skid plates some and getting an idea of what the terms approach, break-over and departure angles mean. The first couple of times going up and waiting to start going down the other side was a flippin rush.

Here is a couple of pics just to prove I did it. Nothing exotic for you guys, but I got it dirty and had a good time in the process. And it performed without any issues whatsoever.

 

Looks good.

 

Thanks for posting! That's what we need in here.

 

Good pics. Thanks.

 

is the trailhawk the only one with the trail badge?

 

I think it is. There is a significant difference in water fording, approach, break-over, and departure angles between the Trailhawk and lesser models that prevent them from being trail rated.

Phil is a prognosticator, not a pontificator. Just btw.

 

I'm with you on this. I thought they were hideous until I saw a black one in person. It's a pretty sharp looking crossover. One of the best looking CUVs out right now in my opinion.

I still don't really like them and doubt I'll ever think about owning one. I wish they had saved the Cherokee name for something a little more fitting.

 

People either love or hate ZF transmissions I work with them and Allison's every day. In motor coaches. Apples to oranges but still. They are a good trans. I would take the Allison but the zf is no pos.

I've read the 9hp was designed but not built by zf