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Comments
I will be driving up today to take delivery. Hope to have some pics.
Semper Fi,
Mike
PS - 5 weeks and 1 day from order to delivery.
I will be driving up today to take delivery. Hope to have some pics.
Semper Fi,
Mike PS - 5 weeks and 1 day from order to delivery.
Yeeeeeeeeeehawwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations, Mike!!!!!
Man, I am so happy for ya! (In case you hadn't noticed)
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Depending on the dealer that probably means they're putting their name all over your Jeep. In my case it was a spare tire cover and license plate holder with the dealer name/logo. In other parts of the country it means they slap a dealer decal on the back. I think there may be somewhere in the archives of this chat instructions on removing said decal if you so desire.
(Imagine if hospitals did this to newborn babies!)
Congratulations!
-Mike
-Mike
Badge/emblem removal techniques
Unless someone has figured out a way to remove the decals with a flame thrower, I don't suppose we need to drag it out of the archives.
Steve, Host
I noticed the EPA estimates varied from 16 city-19 hwy on the 04's to 14 city-18 hwy on the 05's.
Did something change or did the EPA just revise their estimates.
On a very positive note, my wife after seeing some tricked out Wranglers on the dealers lot said, "If we are going to get a jeep, we are going to get a JEEP!" She wants the teraflex, fender flares and at least 33 tires. What a gal!
FutureBeachBum
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
If there are any differences between the 04's and 05's that would change their gas mileage ratings, I'm not aware of them.
Good luck in your search for a Jeep. Hope you get the perfect Jeep for your needs/wants. Keep us posted on how it's going.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I really like the look of the Wranglers with the bigger wheels. Unfortunately, from what I can tell, it looks like the 16" is only available on the Rubicon model. The sport model seems to have a larger wheel/tire option available but I think this is still a 15 wheel just with a larger tire than the standard option. Am I correct that 16" is exclusive to the Rubicon? I use 4WD a lot and do some very light offroading but the Rubicon seems like a little bit of overkill for my purposes (and a bit more expensive than the Sport model). Honestly, I really just like the look of the higher standing Wranglers w/ larger tires; it's just hard to justify paying thousands more for appearances.
If I'm correct that 16" wheels are only available on the Rubicon, are there models from previous years I should look for where 16" were available? Maybe consider after market on a Sport model (might be less expensive)? TIA for any info or tips.
- Jeff
3/4" plywood backed by 2x4 supports for a frame and mounting point for turnbuckles. When I put my duster on, I have a nice little shelf for storing my upper windows. With the safari top on, it is rather nice. Storage isn't amazing especially since I have other stuff that is always back there, but it gives me additional water protection and reduces the liklihood of somebody getting there. Yeah, it's not perfect, but for the small price I paid, it works for me.
Here are a few pics (shouldn't be too big).
Turnbuckles holding it down
Top with hooks for hauling stuff
Gate open, got storage space and it is fairly dry especially with the duster on
-Paul
I do not know if it is a good idea to buy an extended warranty for 100,000 miles or 5 years?
It is from Daimler Chrysler ervice contracts and it costs $62 a month for 3 years,
with $0 deductible.
Any advice on whether it is worth it or not especially on a wrangler?
Yours in Jeep Coolness,
Dave
My local tire store has a sale on these right now;
31x10.5x15 BF Goodrich AT - $108 a tire. + 15 a tire for mounting/balance
He offered me $120 for the 30" spare that's never touched the ground.
(sounds pretty good to me)
He did mention I should pick up an adapter to move the 3rd brake light up a few inches, so the 31" spare fits. Did you guys do this?
Also, I'm not having any alignment issues that I can feel. Should I have it aligned anyway, because of the new tires?
-Dan
Forgive me, if I am off base in asking this, but are you possibly thinking that you have to have the 16" rims in order to have oversize tires? If so, that is not true. You can get just about any tire diameter you want and put it on a 15" rim.
Rubicons come out with 16" wheels and 31" tires, but you can buy a Sport with its 15" rims and still put 31" tires on it. You can go even bigger on tire diameter, if you put some kind of lift kit on the Jeep.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
As far as the alignment, it would be some pretty good insurance to have it done, so you will know that you are not going to wear out your brand new tires prematurely.
Do me a favor, please??? Unless they ask you specifically, don't tell them what pressure to inflate those new tires to. Just see what they do.
You will want to run 28 psi in them. Trust me.
Let us know what they inflate them to, OK?
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
P.S. I don't remember having to do anything about my third brake light when I went to 31" tires.
This is one of those deals where it is just personal opinion. Some people really like having an extended warranty, and for some it really pays off to have one.
My opinion is that if your new vehicle gets you through the initial warranty period with no issues, then it is most likely going to be good for a couple hundred thousand miles. No need for extended warranty. I say that even for the traditional 3 yr/ 36,000 mi warranty. With the 7 year/70,000 mi warranty, I REALLY see the extended warranty as not being worth the cost.
Also, you almost have to be a lawyer to interpret what is covered and what isn't in most of those extended warrany policies.
That's just my opinion. Now if I talk you out of getting one, and then it turns out that you should have, don't blame me. I am just telling you what I would do, since you asked.
Welcome to Edmunds Jeep Wrangler.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
-Dan
I guess I don't know a ton about this. I figured that the 15" wheels would be a limiting factor that would prevent me from going all the way up to a 31" diameter.
Is there a way to determine what size tires (e.g. how big) you can put on a 15" wheel? Also, I assume it makes a big difference depending on if we're talking about the standard 15"x7" rim on the sport or the 15"x8" that comes with the optional package. For example, when I look at this page I see that a 31X10.50R15LT tire would give me about the same diameter (30.5") as the ones that come with the Rubicon. I'm not familiar with this type of measurement (used to seeing LTxxx/xxR15, etc.) but I assume that the 10.5 indicates the tire width. Can you put a 10.5" wide tire on a 8" wheel? (also what about the 7" wheel?) Or are you talking about another (narrower) size tire altogether (not listed on that page) that would fit those rims? Getting a Jeep I like and replacing the wheels and tires isn't out of the question but your reply above sounds promising that I might only need to get the tires. I don't think I would want to go much bigger than 31" or so. I just like the look of the slightly bigger tires a lot better than the smallish stock ones I see a lot when looking at other people's Jeeps. Thanks again. - Jeff
Thanks. There is a down side. I still do not have my Jeep. Everything was going great until I sat down with the Business Mgr. They initially offered me the great APR of 9.9%! I immediatley declined and they countered with 7.54! I walked out after informing them that I would be financing through my own institution. I made the call in the parking lot of the dealership to USAA and 10 minutes later I have the loan approved at a much lower rate. I gave up the 1k DC incentive, but I made up for it with the better APR. I hate financial managers.
Now I have to wait until Saturday to take delivery at 11am.
Thanks for hanging in there with me. It does help.
Semper Fi,
Mike
I put on Goodyear Wrangler AT/S', 30" X9.5". They look pretty good and are a good selection for my type driving and the weather around Chicago. The only drawback is they are a little noiser. Remember, like Tom says, you run less pressure in the larger tire. The ride got better and the noise level went down when I lowered the pressure in mine. The dealer pressured them to 35 psi. I don't know if they don't know the pressure, don't pay attention or just don't care. I suspect it is the latter.
Terry
The tire diameter really doesn't have a lot to do with the diameter of the rim. I think they pretty much make the full range of tire diameters for both 15" and 16" rims.
The largest tire that will fit on a stock Wrangler (no lift) is a 31" x 10.50." Yes, the 10.50" is the width, and, yes, the 10.50" tire works just fine on an 8" wide rim. It would be OK on a 7" rim for that matter. You can use all the way up to a 12.50" tire on an 8" wide rim.
If you get the Sport model, be SURE to get the AAS package. This gets you the super nice looking 15" x 8" Ravine alloy wheels, 30" tires (which you might very well be able to trade-in while still new on some 31 x 10.50's at a tire store for a pretty decent trade-in allowance), gas shocks, and the heavy duty Dana 44 rear axle.
Jeff, some people have to add a washer behind their steering stop on each side to prevent the tire from rubbing on the control arm at full turn when they go to 31 x 10.50's with the factory wheels. It seems like it's about 50:50. In my case, that was not necessary. Just the tiny difference in individual Jeeps makes some people have to use the washers while other people don't.
Good luck, and keep us posted on your quest for a Jeep. If you have never owned a short wheel base Jeep, you don't have a clue as to how much fun they really are.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
P.S. I am TOTALLY with ya on larger tires making a Jeep look a LOT better.
Why not take them up on the 7.54%.....drive off and do a refinance at a lower rate?
You'll save a grand and the finance manager gets probably nothing when you
complete the refi. That's how us Squids think.
later,
Lew
I can't help ya, but stick around, and I'll bet good old Mac will have some words of wisdom for ya.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Thanks for the welcome. I have not hugged my Jeep today. I did swear at it a bunch! And Mac, if you are listening, please help. Thanks.
-Josh (aka: madman2)
Now I just need to decide if I like the half doors or the full doors better.
Special large thin wrench required. Cheap to buy, or rent for free from AutoZone.
You are very welcome.
Let me warn you about something. You want to go to bigger tires, so you do NOT want 3.07 axle gearing. Your acceleration will suffer with the bigger tires, if you have 3.07 gears. Try to get a Jeep that has 3.73 gearing.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
P.S.
Jeff, you would do well to read LOTS of the old posts in here. You are about to buy a vehicle that is unlike anything you have ever owned. There are choices to be made that you need to have knowledge about, so that you make the right choice for YOUR situation. Many of the choices in buying a Jeep depend entirely on the individual's circumstances, i.e., how the Jeep will be used, the climate where the Jeep will be used, etc.
I'm seeking to address my curiosity and looking into buying a Jeep. I don't have the time to read 845 posts (although if I stripped out the ones from this "Tom" dude, there would probably only be 100 or so from other people
Thanks in advance and sorry if this has already been addressed 500 posts ago.
P.S. Let go of her, Tom, she needs to breathe!
I had the same problem with the fan when I had to change the waterpump on my Jeep. I actually tried taking the fan off the right way ( I didnt know it at the time) but i guess I didnt turn it hard enough or something, and I ended up taking the water pump, with the fan still on it, to o'riellys, and they took it off there. I wish I would have known how to do it the right way, it was so much easier.
When you take the fan off, make sure to turn it clockwise.
Yep, it's that "Tom Dude."
Thelma Jane has about 55 K miles on her, and she has more trail miles than most Jeeps that are ten years older. She has held up VERY well. When I go off road, I don't just go for a "walk in the park." Thelma Jane gets into some pretty tough stuff, and she has held up extremely well.
I have had to replace the drivers side hub assembly/wheel bearing. It is a sealed unit, and you can't just change the bearing. You have to replace the hub assembly.
That is the only mechanical issue to date, other than the turn signal stalk being replaced under warranty. I consider that a VERY good track record.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I have tried that. I have been to or called every AutoZone in my area, Ft. Hood Texas. They do not seem to have what I am looking for. They will sell me a 5 peice fan/clutch wrench set for $40, but, they do not know if it will work. Is this the part? I have tried a large wrench to hold the the pully (using the nuts that hold it in place) in place while using another wrench and hammer on the nut. I know the fan is coutnerclockwise, so I was turning it clockwise (while standing in front of the engine looking at the fan/clutch). Do I just need to hit harder or use an airhammer?
Thanks for your help.
I have 3 dealers who are competing for the sale.
All 3 have the same advertising charge of 285. ... is this about normal??
they all also list a Customer One Loyalty Mailings??? what is this??
One mentions "We do have a Customer Service Fee of 199.50 that offers you a loaner vehicle whenever your Jeep is in for service (other than for oil changes) and, most importantly, FREE oil changes at our dealership for as long as you own the Wrangler. If you prefer Mobile One, it gives you a credit for 24.95 off of the bill. This fee is taxable along with the Invoice price of the Jeep."
Yet one of the other mentions the following: "plus our $289.75 doc fee" any way yall know how to get out of this one????
Anything else you can think of I need to ask before choosing the dealer??
Thanks Laura
PS Tom ... I wasn't able to swing the Rubicon but I am getting the Sport with AAS group, Security Group & locking fuel filler cap in Light Khaki
Still a happy camper.
Yes there is one, however, getting to the lower left hand bolt on the waterpump is a huge pain since the space is limited in there. I can not get a wrench, rachet or ortherwise in there. I have considered spending more time and effort on trying to get that bolt free.
I can get a wrench on the water pump nut. I just can not get it to break.
Meanwhile, here's the description of which way to turn the nut taken from the FSM:
"....4.0L Engine
The thermal viscous fan drive/fan
blade assembly is attached (threaded) to water pump
hub shaft. Remove fan blade/viscous fan drive assembly
from water pump by turning mounting nut counterclockwise
as viewed from front. Threads on
viscous fan drive are RIGHT HAND. Using a suitable
fan wrench loosen the fan drive...."
Edit: Here's the pic as promised:
Thanks to all for the help on this matter.
Hi, everyone!
There's nothing like a Wrangler - we have 2 of them. One's a '98 hard top Sport and one is an 04 soft top Unlimited, and the Sport isn't going anywhere for a while.
We decided against getting the extended waranty for the Unlimited - I never used the 100,000 mile one on the Sport. There have been some maintenance issues (exhaust manifold, air conditioner compressor and dash gauges) but all happened after 100,000 miles. The Sport still has less than 130,000 miles on the odometer and still starts right up (OK, it got a new battery last year).
The Unlimited has about 34,000 miles on it, so the bumper-to-bumper is just about over. There have been no maintenance issues so far, but I guess that isn't so surprising for a 7 month old vehicle. The tranny is holding up really well considering the mountain we drive daily - one of my biggest concerns with buying an automatic.
I do wish the gas prices would go down - this $2.48 per gallon is driving us nuts. The gas mileage between the '98 Sport and the '04 Unlimited is about 2 mpg. I don't know which contributes more to the drop - the extra weight of the Unlimited or the fact that it is an auto where the Sport is a 5 speed. The Unlimited gets 17 plus to 18 plus mpg on a regular basis (98% highway and hills). Put it in 4WD or add some wind and forget about the mileage.
Half doors vs. full doors - there are things I like about the half doors (height for your elbow mainly) but I wouldn't want them. I think they would be tolerable if you replace the windows with sliders, but there is no way I would want to mess with the zippers on the fabric windows that come with them. Go through a drive-through window in the rain and get wet. Have to unzip the window to pay a toll (more effort and takes longer).
Hope all of the new Wrangler owners are enjoying them, however they are configured.
Oh, they have tools for that. All say they work on Fords. I found one that says it will work on Jeep V8s. But, no one knows for sure if it will work on my Jeep. I just hate the idea of spending $40.00 on a part that might not work.
Does the little tool just drop down and go around the nuts that hold the pully in place? Like it does on the ford?
I used a big fan wrench to hold the nuts for the pully and another wrench on the fan bolt. I was ponding on that thing with a hammer and it would not break. Should I just beat harder?
Heck, I am almost at the point of using a sawzall on the nut and putting an electric fan on.
Thanks again for all the help.
-Josh
I have a 2000 Jeep TJ Sport with just over 100,000 miles and other than a failed water pump nothing else so far has failed or gone wrong. I did blow the rear diff, but, that was off roading with the ARB locked in. I change the oil/filter every 3000 miles and started using fully syn oil at about 70,000 miles.
My, Jeep is my daily driver. It is good for only about 70mph now tho.
I do love my Jeep. She is not as pretty, fast or comfy as some vehicles. But, she will take me anyplace I want to go without fail. Best car I have ever owned.
-Josh