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Jeep Wrangler

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Comments

  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    Assuming you had a part time system on the Cherokee it would have been the same as on your Wrangler. Engaging and maintaining 4WD at speeds up to 55mph on a loose or low traction surface doesn't impose any undue strain on the drivetrain components.

    However, this mode of operation is intended for use off-road, or for long periods of low traction on-road, i.e. driving around your snow bound neighborhood, or for miles of unploughed highway. It's not designed to be engaged and disengaged as you hit patches of snow here and there. In the off ramp scenario you posed, if the ramp and the surrounding area are deep in snow the by all means engage 4WD and slow down. If it's just the ramp that's slick, stay in 2WD and slow down.

    Remember, 4WD will only assist with propulsion traction and engine braking, it won't help with regular braking at all (which is why you see so many new SUVs in the ditch at the beginning of snow season!). Tires and, as Tom mentioned, vehicle speed play the biggest role in maintaining vehicle control.

    Finally, the bang you hear when 4WD disengages on a hard surface is the release of driveline tension as a wheel eventually slips. It's not good practice as it can break driveline components and/or cause loss of control. The best way to disengage 4WD is to stop first, then drive gently forward to feel if you're in 2WD. If not, then reverse while zig-zagging gently. Doing this effectively 'unwinds' the stress in the system until the transfer case can disengage the front propshaft.
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    With winter setting in for real in lots of the country (I know; it has been around for a while already in the northern states and at higher elevations), new Jeepers need to be warned about the handling characteristics of their Jeeps.

    The very things that make our Jeeps so fun to drive and so capable off road are the things that make them harder to control on slick roads.

    Jeeps have a high center of gravity, a narrow track, and a short wheel base. Each of these things independently would make for less stable handling, but put all three of these factors together and add slick roads to the mix, and you have to be VERY careful.

    No, Jeeps are not more dangerous than other vehicles IF THEY ARE DRIVEN PROPERLY AND ARE DRIVEN AT THE APPROPRIATE SPEEDS FOR THE CONDITIONS.

    OK, I'll get off my soapbox now. :)

    Tom
    Have you hugged your Jeep today?
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Thanks, Tom. Excellent advice!

    tidester, host
  • barnz_69barnz_69 Member Posts: 75
    The stainless centre caps only cost about ten bucks more (per cap, so fifty bucks), so I figured if I was spending as much as I already was, the extra cash (hopefully) would be worth the investment.

    I'll let you know how they hold up.

    Ryan
  • 06tj4banger06tj4banger Member Posts: 39
    Tom,

    It was great to finally meet you and Hank! I also enjoyed meeting your winch :P
  • 06tj4banger06tj4banger Member Posts: 39
    Paul,

    Wish you could have gone...it was a blast! I think I am just going to get the Rubicon Express 2 inch BB to clear 31x10.5 tires (not sure which ones yet). Probably won't be until this summer or fall though, but I am still having fun driving it stock right now :)
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    Rob:

    It's good to start off wheelin' with a stock Jeep. You will develop your driving skills better that way, since you will be forced to pick the right line and use the right throttle, brake, and steering inputs to get through obstacles, whereas a more capable Jeep would allow the driver more room for error.

    Also, you get a chance to see first hand what the various mods are doing for your fellow Jeepers, and you can get opinions from these folks as to which mods would be best.

    Only as your skills increase and the Jeep becomes the limiting factor should you enhance its capabilities.

    Sure enjoyed having you with us, Rob. Come back when you can. Next time, we have to get that sway bar disconnected. You won't believe how much difference that makes!

    I like your idea of the BB and 31 x 10.50 tires. That's a fairly cheap way to improve your Jeep's capabilties while still staying very near stock. Probably some good off road tires would make more difference than the lift itself, but if you are getting tires, you might as well get the 31 x 10.50's and that little bit of lift to give them some room when you are flexing your suspension. (A stock Jeep with no lift at all can run 31 x 10.50 tires, but if you disconnect the front sway bar, you are going to rub the flares with your tires at full flex, if the steering wheel is turned.)

    Tom
    Have you hugged your Jeep today?
  • rankinhubrankinhub Member Posts: 19
    Thanks. I ended up using the exising firewall hole on the driver's side, far left near the sidewall, from which the main electrical bundle is supplied; it's a large grommet that had sufficient room around its edge for 14 guage CB power and ground wires. I ran them to the positive and negative battery posts respectively, and the resulting performance is very clean -- no interference whatsoever. Of course, it's an unswitched supply, so I get to turn off the radio whenever I leave the vehicle, etc.

    Thanks very much to all who helped and supplied great information to this board!
  • moharamohara Member Posts: 16
    thnaks guys. dont worry, i am not one to rely on a magical 4WD and think i can go as fast as i want. i have driven the roads in the northern states my whole life with 2WD. i would just like to make the best (and proper) use of the capabilities of the Wrangler without abusing the privilege.

    last night was a good example. here in upstate NY we had some wet icy snow falling hard during the night. roads didnt have any snow cover, it was too wet. just a thin layer of slush. these are the kinds of nights that most cars go off the road. but i kept it in 2WD and took it nice and easy.

    around here, it is often the case that the main roads are fairly clear while the backroads are not plowed. in those times, i'd like to use the 4WD on the snowy hills, but it is not needed once on the maindrag. i guess it will just take some time and judgement as to when to engage and disengage it to cause least stress to the system.

    happy new year and safe winter driving to all.

    Michael
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    WIsh I could have made it, but I had commitments in Memphis that I had to take care of.

    My next wheeling trip probably won't be until the weekend after Valentine's. Hopefully, I'll have my belly up and some more armor installed. Not sure about the 33's and the regear, but the tummy tuck will hopefully be done.

    -Paul
  • 06tj4banger06tj4banger Member Posts: 39
    Yeah, I just want to get more aggressive tires...I'll wait on serious mods after I get more experience. I definitely need to try running without the sway bar next time.
  • 06tj4banger06tj4banger Member Posts: 39
    Skid plates would be a good mod too, especially if it's your daily driver.

    -Rob
  • highdeserthighdesert Member Posts: 12
    It took this event for me to post my first message. It happened in a parking lot. My poor 10 month-old Unlimited got hit by a passing car with a driver that was not paying attention. I should have bought that lift kit and a real rear bumper...then this would not have happened. At least that's what I'm telling my wife. It just might work since she loves the Jeep too! Show this photo to your spouse as supporting evidence that you really need that extra "protective" gear. :cry:

    <img src=http://img345.imageshack.us/img345/9822/dscn25688uj.jpg
  • tjindctjindc Member Posts: 2
    Hello all,

    Quick question for the pros. I'm wondering if it's a quick fix or if I need to take my 01 TJ to the dealership. All of the features on my steering console stopped working -- horn, cruise control, and the airbag light on the dash is lit. Could this be a fuse (where's the box)? Complications from having an alarm installed? Any pointers (including telling me to just take it in) are appreciated. Thanks!
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    While it's possible that the alarm installation may have something to do with it, it's more likely to be the clockspring. While replacing the clockspring isn't all that difficult, if you don't know where the fuseboxes are then taking it in will probably be the best option.

    For more information on the clockspring and what it does, type 'clockspring' into the 'Search This Discussion' box.
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    Wranglers are included in this forced recall for converter and emission inspection. Many vehicles will get extended warranties, and those found with faulty components or systems will have them repaired or replaced.

    Here's the link in Edmunds Headlines.
  • mtngalmtngal Member Posts: 1,911
    Too bad they aren't going to refund people who had to replace their exhaust manifolds. My '98 hasn't had a problem passing the California smog certification so I wonder if it will be be on the recall list.

    Come to think of it, I bought an unwind. I wonder if I'll get notified even if it is part of the reacall. Will there be any easy way to find out?
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    Highdesert:

    Sorry that your first post had to be about damage, but glad you have broken the ice and posted.

    Welcome to Edmunds Jeep Wrangler, but something tells me you might have been around a while in the lurking mode.

    Hope you get that damage repaired to your satisfaction.

    Tom
    Have you hugged your Jeep today?
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    Yeah, what Tom said. :)

    Seriously, you can get replacement pontoons from eBay for only a few bucks if you wanna repair the cosmetic damage.

    Hope you get that lift and armor you want! :)

    -Paul
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    I'm wondering, since my catalytic converter failed and I had it replaced, if they'll reimburse me or what. I printed that article and will follow up with my local Jeep dealer to see what's up.

    That is the ONLY reason I'd take it to a dealer - for warranty or recall work. Since my warranty is LONG since gone... only recalls will force me to a dealer.

    -Paul
  • drewmeisterdrewmeister Member Posts: 168
    Heck, you can have mine for shipping. They don't weigh much, just plastic. However, the body damage is another story. I replaced my rear bumper with a Tomken. I don't know if it would have protected the tub, but it would have put a serious hurt on the car that hit it. Insurance will probably just write you a check. After the body is fixed, there should be some credit for the bumper that you can use however you want.
  • randyacerandyace Member Posts: 96
    Hereeee we go (again)...those who know me are by now not surprised at my questions...and I have another.

    I've been getting some interference with my CB, and based on your post, I may now know why. I grounded mine to a spot underneath my seat...ensuring I had good metal contact (no paint interference).

    You said you connected yours directly to the negative battery post? I wasn't sure that was needed/necessary, but if you did it....?

    By the way, I'm using a magnet-mount antenna on my hood, and my SWR reading is where it's supposed to be.

    Thanks..Randy
  • randyacerandyace Member Posts: 96
    Tom: You know, your post is quite appropriate and not a "soap box" issue!

    Y'all know me (sighhh), and the fact that I'm basically limited with the knowledge that gasoline makes cars go "vroom vroom".

    This was an excellent "caution", if you will, to those who have not yet driven a vehicle with characteristics of a Jeep that you mentioned. Having a been a pickup truck guy for the past many years, the higher center of gravity/shorter-narrower wheelbase of my Jeep has made me more cognizant of turning speeds, etc.

    Not that I'm a lead-foot (those days are long since past!), but it helps to keep that in mind in the event your path is interferred with, i.e., deer running in front of you, inattentive drivers at intersections, etc.

    Evasive action(s) in a Jeep may not bring the same, safe results it would in a vehicle with a wider wheel base, lower center of gravity, etc.

    So, it's particularly critical to use expanded defensive driving techniques when Jeepin'. My philosophy has always been to expect the unexpected.

    Now...I'm off MY soapbox! Guess your post got me thinking about all the redlight runners here in Tuscaloosa, and how that just irritates me to no end.

    Randy
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    It's not just Jeeps either; a SUV slid off the road to the ski resort this morning and rolled 400 feet down an embankment. It sounds like they all survived, but the road has been closed for four hours now.

    As I was heading downtown this morning some clown in a pickup saw me apply my brakes as a stoplight turned yellow and took that as a signal to floor his truck and run the light.

    I caught up with him a mile down the road, broken down and blocking traffic at a light. I thought it was a bit of poetic justice. :P

    Steve, Host
  • randyacerandyace Member Posts: 96
    I caught up with him a mile down the road, broken down and blocking traffic at a light. I thought it was a bit of poetic justice.

    Much as I hate to say it, my sentiments exactly!! What goes around..... ;)
  • greddengredden Member Posts: 30
    Mac can probably help me on this question. When I start my 2004 Sahara there is a series of 6 beeps. I think this is more that usual. Any ideas on what this code means? Thanks

    Greg
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    It's acting as though you haven't fastened your seatbelt, so assuming you do have your seatbelt fastened, it's probably either a problem with the seatbelt switch, the switch ground, or the seatbelt switch sensor in the instrument cluster. Either way, your warranty should take care of it.
  • tjindctjindc Member Posts: 2
    Hey, thanks much for the heads up. I'll call the dealership tomorrow.
  • highdeserthighdesert Member Posts: 12
    Thanks to all for the sympathy replies. My complaints are all tongue-in-cheek but my first thought after seeing the damage was that a 2.5 inch OME suspension lift would have prevented the tub damage and that I finally knew what the bumper pontoons (Drew, is that what they're called?) are good for.

    Tom, you are right...I've been lurking (and enjoying) around the site for some time. My family of dog lovers was truly touched by your love for RA and can understand your sorrow. They were glad to see that you had adopted Hank. They think he's cute. How do you sense that someone is a lurker???

    Eric, we have some things in common other than Wranglers. I'm an OK State grad but I was there from 80-85. My dad is from the Enid area...Aline and Cleo Springs to be exact.

    Drew, thanks for the generous pontoon offer but the replacement is already here. It looks like the metal portion of my bumper survived so I won't be getting any bumper credit. I've already got the Jeep in the shop and I think I may get it back tomorrow!!! It was ready for primer and paint late yesterday.

    I'll try to not be so shy and join in more often.

    Dennis (highdesert refers to my home city of Albuquerque)
  • rankinhubrankinhub Member Posts: 19
    Yup, I figured that while I'm already making the positive run to the positive post, I might as well make the negative run to the negative post. No extra work, same route, etc. And it works fine.

    I am using a fixed antenna mounted to the spare tire holder at the rear... doubt that has much if anything to do with your issue, but that is a difference between our configurations.

    Also, some CB units have interference cancellation features built-in; so if the interference you're experiencing is quite annoying, then you may be able to mitigate it wih a better radio, etc.
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    More in common than you think. :) I lived in Enid and actually graduated Enid High. :)

    Glad your TJ is getting taken care of. If you go with an OME, you'll love it. I've been running one for about 9 months now and have enjoyed it both on and off road.

    -Paul
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    Thelma Jane has been running AWFUL after sitting a while during our breaks on the trail when we are wheelin'. If she is up to normal operating temperature and then shut down for a few minutes, she just barely runs at all immediately after being restarted. This only lasts for a few seconds, and then she picks up and runs normally.

    The MIL indicator is throwing code 0030 (if I remember correctly), and when I looked it up, it said multiple cylinder misfire. Well, DUH! I knew that.

    Could vapor lock possibly be a factor, Mac? Guess it wouldn't throw the misfire code, if that were the case, right?

    Tom
    Have you hugged your Jeep today?

    P.S. For those who don't already know, Thelma Jane is an 01 Sport, so she has the 4.0L inline six with distributorless ignition. She has about 60K miles on her with the orginal spark plugs.
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    I'd swap the plugs first, Tom. 60k miles, with a LOT of offroad use, would put a wear on those. It is a cheap, easy, and quick job, and could be an easy fix.

    If it still happens after that, I dunno. :) Maybe fuel delivery?

    -Paul
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    Vapor lock isn't usually a problem on fuel injected vehicles due to the volume and pressure generated by the pump.

    She has about 60K miles on her with the orginal spark plugs.

    Mmmm, not exactly been keeping up with routine maintenance have you? You should have new plugs, wires, cap, and rotor by now. I won't say it is an ignition problem but why not replace those items as they're due anyway. That will either fix the problem or eliminate a bunch of possibilities, and it'll help bring your servicing up to date.

    It's most likely to be a temperature induced failure, and if it's not in the primary ignition components the next in line would probably be one of the CPS units. Although it should throw a code if one fails, it won't if it's an intermittant fault.
  • wheelsdownwheelsdown Member Posts: 250
    Tom,

    Red Ryder was doing exactly the same thing, plus hard to start, a couple of months back. Finally took it to the dealer. Turns out I had a couple of problems. The hard to start part was due to the fuel pump loosing pressure. This caused it to not get that little initial squirt of fuel at start up. The rough running (and like you said, it was AWFUL) that cleared up after five to ten seconds was caused by two bad oxygen sensors.

    New fuel pump and O2 sensors completely fixed both problems. I guess they had to drop the gas tank to fix the pump. Now my fuel gauge is screwed up.

    Now for the rest of the story. In my effort to self diagnose and fix the problem, I changed the spark plugs (took about an hour, next time will probably be 30 minutes), cleaned the throttle body and replaced the air filter. While the shop had it, I had them do the auto transmission recommended service. Except for changing the fluids in the diff's and transfer case I am about caught up with the 30k service at 28k.

    Terry
  • barnz_69barnz_69 Member Posts: 75
    Just got the call, my tires and wheels are in. I'm off to get them put on. I'll try and post some pics as soon as I can.

    PS: Yes, that WAS me yelling in the title; I'm a little pumped! ;)

    Ryan
  • randyacerandyace Member Posts: 96
    I've about made up my mind to go up to 31's, but really would like to keep my stock Ecco group 15 X 8 wheels (I'm presently running the 225/75-15's).

    If anyone has 31's with their stock wheels, I would be intrested in seeing a pic(s) if you wouldn't mind. Either post or e-mail me (I'm public).

    Also, Tomster informed me that with 31's I "may" have some rubbing on the lower control arms at full steering turn(he didn't with Thelma Jane)with the stock wheel backspacing, but installing a washer someplace or another would be a simple remedy.

    Have any of you with 31's and stock wheels experienced any problems?

    Appreciate it!

    Randy

    P.S. Tom, good luck with getting Thelma Jane healthy. I know how you must be agonizing over her sputtering!
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    Have any of you with 31's and stock wheels experienced any problems?

    Whether or not you'll need to space out the steering stops with a washer or two will entirely depend on the line worker who set up your steering at the factory.

    The steering stop is simply a bolt that's screwed into the front carrier. The head of the bolt is the contact point that stops the steering from being turned any further. One it has been adjusted, a nut already threaded onto the bolt is tightened against the carrier, to lock the bolt in place. The nut is then tack welded to the bolt thread to lock it into place. Any adjustment must now be made by removing the now solid bolt/nut and using a washer to space it out a little.

    Because of the nature of the steering stop construction, every Wrangler is a little different. In other words, you'll have to suck it and see! ;)
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    http://www.4x4xplor.com/steerstop.html has a good writeup with pics on what you need to do.

    -Paul
  • barnz_69barnz_69 Member Posts: 75
    Well, they're on and look AWESOME! Thanks, Tom, for talking me into the 31's as opposed to the 30's. The whole package looks fantastic, and they ride better than expected for such an aggressive tread. The spare fit easily.

    However, the stainless centre caps that I ordered came in the wrong size, so I have none on for now. The guy at the tire shop told me the correct size will arrive in a few days, but other than that, very pleased. Can't wait to try 'em out off the road!!

    Ryan

    PS: Got the 4" backspacing wheels, stick out slightly like Tom said, but no rubbing at full turn.
  • wheelsdownwheelsdown Member Posts: 250
    Tom,

    I meant to tell you the problems I had did not turn on the "check engine" light. I did not ask them if there were any codes.

    Terry
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    Being of a generally mistrusting nature :blush: , I decided to double check your DTC code 0030, which is actually for an oxygen sensor heater relay fault, not a multiple misfire which is 0300. This makes more sense as an O² sensor can cause your problem and a heater supply fault almost always throws a code.

    Anyhow, this all rather depends on which code it was, but I'd still advise you to replace the overdue ignition components even if it turns out to be the O² heater supply relay at fault.

    Edit: To be more accurate, the code description is a fault in the O² sensor heater relay circuit, so it could just be a faulty connection or damaged wire.

    Time to get your multimeter out! :)
  • randyacerandyace Member Posts: 96
    How can I find the name of the guy at the assembly line who set up my steering? ;)

    Thanks for the information; had to read it 3 times to comprehend it, but I think I do!

    Gracias,

    Randy
  • randyacerandyace Member Posts: 96
    Oh, boy!!!! Pictures! I like!!!! :D

    Thanks, Paul..even I can follow this procedure.

    Randy
  • wheelsdownwheelsdown Member Posts: 250
    This one heck of a good forum!!!

    Terry
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    Mac:

    I'll have to go look again. I can't remember if it was 0300 or 0030.

    I'll let ya know.

    Tom
    Have you hugged your Jeep today?
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    Randy:

    It doesn't really matter, since you can run 31 x 10.50's on 7" wheels, but are your standard wheels really 8"? They could be, but I was thinking the Ecco wheels would be 7".

    Tomster
    Have you hugged your Jeep today?
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    That's the code it's showing, Mac.
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    Ryan:

    CONGRATULATIONS ON THE WHEELS!

    When do we get to see some pics? Better wait until your center caps come in.

    Tom
    Have you hugged your Jeep today?
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    "Tom, you are right...I've been lurking (and enjoying) around the site for some time. My family of dog lovers was truly touched by your love for RA and can understand your sorrow. They were glad to see that you had adopted Hank. They think he's cute. How do you sense that someone is a lurker???"

    Dennis:

    It was just the way you said something in your original post that made it sound to me like you had been around a while. I can't even remember what is was now.

    If your family is a dog-loving bunch of people, then you guys rate high in my book.

    Thanks for your sympathy concerning my loss of Ross Allen. Three and a half months later, it still hurts a LOT. I know I will have my "moments" as long as I live. You just don't get over losing your soulmate.

    Hank is a lot of fun, and my love for him is growing day by day. We're gonna be great buds. He is sure a good Jeep dog.

    Tom
    Have you hugged your Jeep today?
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