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Comments
I told my dealer that if it would not delay my Jeep in being built, to go ahead and add that feature. He will check the status of my order Monday and add trac lok, if my Jeep isn't in the "D" stage, which would mean it has been scheduled for assembly.
Anyone know of any reason NOT to get the trac lok, other than the initial cost?
tsjay
tsjay
It's much more fun when people are posting.
For one thing, some of you experienced Jeepers could answer my question about trac lok: is there any good reason NOT to get it?
Don't let me screw up my Jeep. Unless someone tells me otherwise, I'm going to try to add it to my options on my new Jeep.
Also, would love to hear from several of you with the 5-speed and 30" tires on your Sports as far as your gas mileage.
And, you guys can help me come up with another user name to go along with my new Jeep.
tsjay
It's not the best limited slip around though. It has clutch-packs that wear out and will eventually have to be replaced. Mine felt really tight when I got it (used to chirp the tires on tight turns) but it less effective now, though when I changed the differential oil a few thousand miles ago and added in the special Mopar lube it tightened up a bit.
I checked this out in the www.jeep.com web site, where you can "build your own Jeep." The total price checked out exactly equal to what my dealer was showing as the retail price.
It looks like I picked a good dealer, not only because of the good deal he shot me, but because he knows what he's doing in selecting the proper options and putting them together in the proper packages. I just wish he had mentioned the trac lok and the price and asked me if I wanted it. At that time, though, I probably wouldn't have known whether that was something I wanted or not.
This should be a lesson to anyone still thinking about buying a Jeep off a dealer's lot or ordering one from the factory. Get someone who KNOWS Jeeps to help you get the most out of your Jeep by helping you to be sure you are getting the most appropriate options for your particular needs.
I should have known the value of the trac lok feature when I placed my order and should have included it from the beginning. Now, I have to decide whether to delay my build date (if my order is in the "D" stage), or just forgo the trac lok differential.
tsjay
If it is a matter of delaying my build date and thus allowing the two-week Christmas shutdown of the assembly plant to become a factor in the delivery of my Jeep, what should I do? I might be looking at after Christmas anyway, it's going to be close. In your opinion, Goducks, is the trak loc important enough to wait a couple extra weeks for the Jeep to be built?
You mentioned after market conversions that are even better than factory stuff. How much lettuce are you talking?
tsjay
PS: Your writing about being on logging roads with your Jeep makes me green with envy. I'll bet it's beautiful where you live! I worked a couple years near Coeur d' Alene, Idaho, for the Forest Service, and I love that country. I've never been in Oregon, but the pictures I've seen are just fantastic.
It is my understanding that if you go with the canyon wheel/30" tire package that cost $850.00, you will get the 3.73 Dana 44 rear end. I don't think it matters about automatic vs. 5-speed as far as the canyon wheel/30" tire option.
BUT DON'T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT! Check it out with a reputable dealer, or you can go to the web site www.jeep.com and get into the "build your own Jeep" section. I think the program will prevent you from adding conflicting options, and it will package the options you want in the most cost-efficient option group.
tsjay
The trak-loc, in contrast, relies on clutch-plates that will gradually wear out and lose efficiency (catching slips less and less). Changing your differential fluid often and adding the Mopar friction lube in there will slow this process but the friction plates will probably need to be replaced after 70 or 80 thousand miles. Not sure how much that will cost. Your differential won't stop working, just the limited slip feature until you replace the friction plates. If you don't get the trak-loc, and instead get a true-trac aftermarket unit installed, you'll never have to worry about that happening and the limited slip will always be as effective as it was when it was new.
So choose what ye will. The trak-loc is generally hated by the hardcore 4x4 crowd but I've found it adequate for my needs.
If I can still get it without causing my Jeep to be late, then I'll get it.
I will look into the after market stuff later, if I end up without trac lok at delivery.
Your profile says you are from Eugene, Oregon. Is that right in the mountains? I know it is big timber country. Are you in or near the Cascades?
I'll bet that is real Jeep country out there. I would think a Jeep or some other type if 4 X 4 is almost a necessity out there, unless you live in the city and never go up in the mountains, which would truly be a shame.
tsjay
I snowboard about twice a week in the winter and like I said, the Wrangler handles the snow very well. I worry more about people sliding into ME than losing traction in my Jeep, especially people who can't seem to get it through their heads that a 4x4 doesn't stop any quicker than a regular car on ice.
It said, "If you don't believe in logging, try wiping your [non-permissible content removed] with a spotted owl."
I might not have it word-for-word, but I'm close.
tsjay
I have the VON and can call the 800 number to keep track of the progress.
I didn't ask for any special treatment: I guess I just hit the right time in the production schedule. I don't have a clue as to how they schedule the assembly line, but my particular Jeep must have fit their schedule just right.
Do they run SE's for a day or two and then Sport's for a day or two? Anybody know?
I don't know how long it will take to get to the dealer after it ships, but Toledo is only eight hours away, so maybe they won't ship by rail.
I would think maybe I can have it within a couple days after it ships.
tsjay
The dealer had already told me that Chrysler adds a fudge factor to cover their butts when customers call about their orders, so maybe that's what is going on. Maybe the dealer got the accurate info when he checked on the status today. I hope so!
tsjay
If you Jeep is being produced that quickly, I would guess it is because of a low # of orders in the system right now. I would trust the info from the dealer, rather than the 800 #.
I live 4 hours from Toledo (southern Ohio) and it took my Sport over a week to get from Toledo to my dealer. If the true production date is 11-28 I would guess delivery to you would be the week of 12-11.....just a guess.
Good Luck!
Are you in the Cincinnati area? I'm a Reds fan in western Ky., about four hours from Cincinnati- been to several games, but not in the last couple years, though.
tsjay
(Sounds like a diesel when the clutch is out)
I think I saw a post about something being drilled the wrong way. Is Chrsyler doing a recall or TSB?
-Gil-
I know the TJ seems crude (engineering wise) AND I've come to terms with this BUT I don't wanna gamble with my hard earned $22,000+ (loaded sport)- SO is this isolated or can i expect a 'rough' ride- I want 5-speed. I know of no subsitute for the TJ so Im between a rock and a ...well you know.
Spartan9, I too had a TON of water in mine, there was actually 1.5 inches in the passenger foot well the day I picked it up. U can imagine my dissappointment. Anwya, the 3 places mine leaked were the seal on passng door, the floor (at the weld near the firewall) Thats why it appears to leak from the ground up. And I had some leaking at the rear tailgate. What they did to fix it: Gooped the floor with tar like stuff, replaced passenger door and tailget seals, and they found a spot at the top of the rear glass on the hard top. Replaced seals, and re-algined glass.
So far, no leaks at all, and I run with no carpets, so I would see them if they were there.
TT6: I've had a couple of other stupid problems that are annoying (which I'll post after this!), but no matter what, I still love my Jeep. Wouldn't trade it for anything. I miss the dashboard of my YJ, but thats it. Also, keep in mind, you'll see alot of negative posts here cuz people want answers, and its a chance to vent. You dont see all the ones that are happy.
BTW, I too paid for mine (not leased) and I can understand your concern. It's different when it's YOURS, not the leasing company!!
Also, I have a "rubbing-whining" noise coming from the front tire or axle. It sounds like normal tire noise but about 10 times as loud, so I know its not that. Also, when its dry, there's no noise, but when the roads are wet, the noise is there. I've had it to the dealership a few times, but of course it doesnt make the noise when they have it, so nothing has been done. Any ideas??
I sure hope I don't have any problems with mine. I am giving up a virtually new (seven months old) Grand Prix GT that has been an absolutely, positively perfect car in order to get my Jeep.
I don't think I will have any regrets as long as the Jeep doesn't have problems, but I sure would hate to think I am giving up a car that has not been back to the dealer for even a minor problem in its first 19.5 K miles for a vehicle that's going to have transmission problems and serve as a portable bath tub.
tsjay
Second, About Time!!! I started reading your postsin June when I was researching my Jeep (which I bought in July)
Third, we got the same deal. I paid $200 over invoice with absolutely NO add on costs. Ie, advertising, dealer prep, etc.
Fourth, The only problems I have encountered has been a cracked fuel pump. (not a big deal. metal flaw) and bad paint on a small panel under the windshield.
Goodluck and waive if you see me!
Kevin-Pa
I did things that no sensible person would do, just to get my Jeep. I took out a home equity loan to pay off some of that debt on the Grand Prix, but, even so, I'll still more than likely carry over some of that debt into the Jeep loan (unless I can sell the car before time to trade it in).
I suffer the wrath of an enraged woman because of what I have done (bad part is, she's right). I guess you saw my poem a few posts back. I have to admit though, her reaction hasn't been nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I guess after all these car trades, she is just shell shocked. She just kind of wanders aimlessly around the house, bumping into things, and talking to herself.
Thanks for your kind words. I am glad you are satisfied with your Jeep. I just hope I get a good one. I have bought so many new vehicles over the years without getting a lemon, that I am afraid the law of averages is going to catch up with me.
I will not be too disappointed if there is a minor problem or two that is efficiently corrected under warranty. I had a new '99 Grand Cherokee Laredo 4 X 4 that had some problems, but the dealer that I took it to for warranty work was great about taking care of the problems.
Catch you later.
tsjay
(maybe need to change to tsjeep? I definitely want a new user name that has to do with my new Jeep- help me think of something.)
I hope evryone didn't eat so much that they are too full and sleepy to post today. It sure is quiet in here.
tsjay
Also, how soon should I wax that new Jeep? It should only be a couple weeks or less old when I get it, and I've heard that it isn't a good idea to wax a brand new vehicle until its a month or two old. Anything to that, or is that just BS?
tsjay
just thought i'd let you all know.
Bob
Tell me you are just kidding! Mine was supposed to be built next Tuesday, the 28th. How solid is your info? Is this for real?
Nooooooooo!!!!! Nooooooo!!!!!!! No!!!!!!!!
Please, please, please!!! Tell me you're just kidding!
tsjay
I am only going to have to wait a little longer for my new Jeep, and, in the mean time, I will be driving a virtually new Grand Prix GT.
There are probably some families who will suffer a loss of income because of the shut down, and it comes here in the holiday season. I guess the UAW people are pretty well protected by their contract, but I know there will be some people who work at companies that supply goods and services to the auto industry who will be effected.
I hope everyone economically effected by this comes through it ok. I wish you all the best.
tsjay
I asked about what is good to put on the hard tops to preserve the paint. Can someone tell me what works well to keep the top nice and black?
Also, the fender flares.
I also was wondering if you guys think it is ok to immediately wax a brand new Jeep. Some people say you ought to wait a while before waxing, but I don't know if they know what they are talking about.
Should I just go ahead and have the dealer locate me a Jeep like I want or something close to it? I could handle the Silverstone if they can't find me a white one. At a minimum, I would have to have the 5-speed and the canyon wheels/30" tires with the Dana 44. I could take a soft top as long as it has full metal doors.
What do you guys think?
tsjay
There are 2 Wranglers in my area, that seem like good buys, that I am deciding between. The first is a '97 SE with 73K. It has a soft top, A/C, and is black. The dealer is asking $9850. The other Wrangler is a '95, however it only has 25K. I'm not sure if it is an SE or S. I know that might make a difference. The '95 has extra's added; 2" suspension lift, and chrome, front, back, and sides. It also has a soft top and is black. This guy is asking $9995.
Is there a big difference between the makes of the '95 and '97. Some say that the newer models run better. Is it true? Or are the older models built better? I need advice. What is the better deal between the two? Or are they both still overpriced and I need to talk them down. The most they say they will go down will only be to $9500. Thanks for any help you may give.
You brought up some good points about the potential disadvantages of ordering a vehicle from the factory. I was planning on really checking out the Jeep before taking delivery. They can't expect me to accept a vehicle with defects, at least I hope not. If they locate one for me and bring it in from some other dealer, I would also expect to have the right to inspect it and accept it only if it meets my approval.
What kind of vehicles do you build at your plant?
Also, I have a question about quality problems on brand new vehicles. Don't almost all problems people have with their new vehicles relate to design problems or to your suppliers and sub-suppliers delivering poor quality parts? In other words, don't you guys on the line put the vehicles together right about 99.99% of the time?
I am assuming you work on the line, but maybe you don't. If you don't mind telling us, what is your job?
Thanks
tsjay
Thanks for any help....
playdoh
I am in the process of negotiating with a dealer on a 2000 Wrangler Sport. Excited about it although I cannot stand some of the stock components. I am definitely going to lift/modify as soon as possible.
The first question I have is regarding wheels and tires. I really like the "all business" black steel wheels but cannot find an on-line retailer other than American Racing, and I just don't like the way theirs look (the emblem and all). I am going to go with a 2 inch body lift for now (to preserve warranty) in order to provide room for the 32 inch tires. Which brings me to my next question: I am probably going with the BFG All Terrains. How wide should I get them? I don't want them too out of control but wide enough to perform off-road and look good as well. Suggestions? What's the most popular width and/or tire measurements for 32" tires?
Well, that should do it for now. Any other recommendations on reliable retailers/web sites for components would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
gasapple
I am personally looking to put a 4" suspension lift and 33x12.50's on my 2001 very soon.
Don't be discouraged if the first dealer or two you go to will not make you a reasonable offer. That almost happened to me. I came close to giving up on the idea of getting a new Jeep. I sure wasn't going to pay any $9000 to $10,000 difference.
I was beginning to think that there was something wrong with my research, since the first couple of offers were so far from what I was expecting.
I'm sure glad I checked at least one more place! I do think I would have just given up if that last dealer hadn't shot me such a good deal. I shouldn't have, though, cause there's lots of dealers out there.
Also, it's a buyers market right now on the Jeeps. They are taking an unscheduled shut down at the Jeep plant, because there are too many unsold Jeeps right now. The pipeline is full, and Jeeps are not selling well. It should be a great time to buy one.
tsjay
Actually, I know someone who has a 2000 Wrangler with a 2" body lift and 32" tires and there's plenty of clearance (even off roading). A custom Jeep shop actually recommended the lift with the 32" tires. I was told that any type of suspension lift would void Jeep's standard 3 year 36,000 mile warranty. I am talking drive train and all other components. Perhaps the "engine" warranty will remain intact but not the other parts. That's a potential concern for me. I will start with the 2" body and then do a 2" suspension later. Thoughts?
Anyway, what's a pretty decent width for 32" tires? 12.00"?
TSJAY -
Negotiate what you'll pay for the Jeep FIRST and then SECOND, start playing with your trade in. That keeps the dealer from squeezing other areas.
Don't even tell them you will be trading until you negotiate a suitable deal on the Jeep.
Actually, I know someone who has a 2000 Wrangler with a 2" body lift and 32" tires and there's plenty of clearance (even off roading). A custom Jeep shop actually recommended the lift with the 32" tires. I was told that any type of suspension lift would void Jeep's standard 3 year 36,000 mile warranty. I am talking drive train and all other components. Perhaps the "engine" warranty will remain intact but not the other parts. That's a potential concern for me. I will start with the 2" body and then do a 2" suspension later. Thoughts?
Anyway, what's a pretty decent width for 32" tires? 12.00"?
TSJAY -
Negotiate what you'll pay for the Jeep FIRST and then SECOND, start playing with your trade in. That keeps the dealer from squeezing other areas.
Don't even tell them you will be trading until you negotiate a suitable deal on the Jeep.
Although I forgot to mention it in my post, that's exactly the way I go about trading. I first ask for the best no-trade deal on the new vehicle, and only after hearing their offer do I mention a trade-in.
You are right about not really knowing what they are doing to you, if you let them know what you will be trading in. They will make it sound like they are coming off the new vehicle more than they really are, or they will make you think they are giving you more for your trade-in than they really are. You just don't know what kind of a deal you are getting that way.
I forgot to do that at the first dealer, so maybe that's why they thought they could rape me.
tsjay
I started my workings with a private seller but he didn't even have the courtesy of calling me back after my initial offer. Regardless if it was too low, he should have still let me know. I was willing to play ball. His loss I guess.
I swore I wouldn't set foot on a dealer's lot because after all, they are there to make money as the middle man. Looks like a good deal though. We'll see if they come down.
Let me know how things work out.
gasapple