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Jeep Wrangler

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Comments

  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    "...I would STAY AWAY from anything Steel Horse makes... unless you like rust and poor quality."

    Aluminum doesn't rust.
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    "... The temps have been ranging from 85 to 95 degrees. The A/C works GREAT with the soft top up (I have the tinted windows), but not so good with the top down."

    You use air conditioning with your TOP DOWN??? What are you thinking? THAT is what is contributing to making the air hotter for everyone. (the use of AC eats up the ozone, and causes other bad things to happen in the atmosphere).

    I swear, it is all the people using AC who are making the summers hotter and hotter.
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    I agree with you on the 4.0. I've found the five speed to be pretty lively. One quirk is the fact that the accelerator pedal has a much larger range of travel than most vehicles; at first I thought I had the thing almost floored when in fact I was only at @ half throttle. If you want an autobox I would wait for the 2003 MY when the TJ will finally receive a modern four speed overdrive unit(not to mention optional four wheel disc brakes). I was pleasantly surprised by the solid feel and the fit/finish of my 1999. The handling won't keep Munich or Zuffenhausen awake at night, but the "Canyon" suspension includes gas shocks which make the thing remarkably nimble. As for mileage, the best I've seen is @18.7, which was obtained on a 90 mile interstate trip at a 70 mph avg. speed.
  • twylietwylie Member Posts: 619
    "You use air conditioning with your TOP DOWN??? What are you thinking? THAT is what is contributing to making the air hotter for everyone. (the use of AC eats up the ozone, and causes other bad things to happen in the atmosphere)."

    please explain how the use of Air Conditioning eats up the ozone... I will agree that improperly serviced or leaking AC systems will release bad stuff into the air, but running a properly maintained A/C DOES NOT hurt the environment aside from maybe getting half an MPG less that I would without it on... Since we're all driving Jeeps, we probably won't be getting our Sierra Club cards renewed anyway given the terrible MPG they get. If we were concerned with MPG we wouldn't own a Jeep.

    If I missed something, please let me know.

    -twylie
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    I couldn't believe that comment either. I thought it might be a joke and/or a troll. NO ONE could be that ignorant...
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    I just had the AC recharged on the Jetta the other day, and that is what the guy who is an AC specialist said.

    It was something I figured all along. If they need recharging, it has to be going somewhere, right? I see absolutely no way that you can say running an air conditioner (home or car) is not hurting the environment in some way.

    Let's just leave it at that and move on.
  • davids1davids1 Member Posts: 411
    Any of you Wrangler owners out there know the best way to clean the factory hard-top on a 1995 Wrangler Ruo Grande. The top has a slight rough texture due to the fiberglass construction. I tried a cleaner type wax on one small corner and didn't like the results. It dulled the finish instead of cleaning it up. What works?

    Thanks for any info.

    David
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    "I couldn't believe that comment either. I thought it might be a joke and/or a troll. NO ONE could be that ignorant... "

    Thanks for avoiding any personal attacks.

    Apparently, SOMEONE must be "that ignorant"! ;-)

    Hey, there is no such thing as a stupid question, only stupid people.
  • jptjjptj Member Posts: 53
    I regularly get 20 mpg on the open road and 18 in the city with an auto. But to get this I installed a Borla header, a Turbo City Exhaust system and a Turbo city air tube with a K&N filter. I also run 29" (235x75) with 3.07 gears. When I went to 31x10.5 my mileage did drop considerably.
    Have a great day Walt
  • oceantoadoceantoad Member Posts: 186
    Will Tom (Tsjay) be burnt to a crisp when he returns from his trip? Five hours of road time here in Texas could turn you into a crispy critter. Wonder if he will have reverse Raccoon eyes?:)

    I am still a happy camper.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    ...the use of AC eats up the ozone...

    Actually, "eating up the ozone" near ground level would be a good thing! It's the ozone in the upper atmosphere that we want to preserve.

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    Just to stir the pot a little more, a vehicle's a/c system is more likely to leak if it is NOT used for a long period of time.

    As well as refrigerant, the system also contains oil, which lubricates both the compressor and it's shaft seals. If unused, the shaft seals can harden and it is here that most leaks occur.

    A/c is air CONDITIONING, not air cooling, and is designed to be used year round (that's why you can mix heat with it). If you decide not to use it, then at least run it for ten minutes once a month to help keep it in good working order.
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    I stand by my comment; You said that mere A/C OPERATION harms the enviroment. That is a simply ludicrous assertion.
    FACT: R12 Freon is the refrigerant which is believed to harm the upper ozone layer.
    FACT: Virually every car/truck/SUV manufactured since 1993 uses R134, a refrigerant which does not impact the upper ozone layer.
    FACT: The sealed A/C systems of modern vehicles rarely leak. For example, no vehicle I've owned in the past 12 years has required ANY A/C service, including my 10 year old, 138K mile Pathfinder and my 18 year old 175K mile T-Bird. Turbo.
    So, lets review;
    1. Merely operating a sealed A/C system does not harm the enviroment.
    2. If a modern system should leak, the refrigerant released will not harm the enviroment.
    3. So, use your A/C system free of any nagging doubt that you might be killing a spotted owl or maiming a snail darter.
    Now, let's kill off this tree hugging thread and get back to Wranglers...
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    "3. So, use your A/C system free of any nagging doubt that you might be killing a spotted owl or maiming a snail darter.
    Now, let's kill off this tree hugging thread and get back to Wranglers..."

    I don't really give a bleep about owls or snails. I am more worried about myself, sorry.

    With regards to tree hugging, isn't that why we bought our Wranglers in the first place? Also, the AC part of it IS relevant to the discussion.

    P.S. Also hug your Wrangler today.

    P.S.S. It's really hot out, so turn off your AC, and park in the shade.

    ;-P
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Running any air conditioner (for the purpose of cooling air) will generate a net amount of heat. Some air is cooled at the expense of some air being warmed and the machine itself generates heat through resistive heating of the electrical elements.

    As to damage it may cause to the environment, let's pick this up in the "Social Issues" forum.

    Now - back to Wrangler! :-)

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
  • bamatazzbamatazz Member Posts: 311
    Put those AC's on HIGH!!
    Lets burn that Gasoline too!!
    The American way!!

    im kidding guys!!

    Jeeps or bust!

    BAMA
  • slices17slices17 Member Posts: 35
    Hi,

    I have a 2001 Wrangler Sports with full metal doors. I would like to try cruising around with the doors removed. Can someone tell me how heavy these doors are?

    Thanks.

    Ray
  • tjraytjray Member Posts: 38
    I just wanted to jump in with some issues about my Bestop drill type safari bikini. It's good quality and well made, but at highway speeds the rear flapped quite a bit, so I cut a tiny slit in the reinforced rear hem and inserted a cut-to- fit section of an old fishing pole inside. I've run it over a year this way and it flaps a lot less. One other thing, make sure your soft top windshield latch doesn't interfere with the bikini header, it can strain and weaken the latch. By the way, the main reason I got a 5 speed in "Ruby" was better highway gas mileage, and she usually gets 20 or better mpg with 31"AT tires and a K&N air filter. Just Emptyin Every Pocket-TjRay
  • goducks1goducks1 Member Posts: 432
    I'd guestimate they are around 60-75 lbs each. Not too bad to carry, just roll down the window and lift up on the window frame. Wiggle the door back and forth as you lift if it needs help. You need a 13mm to get the nuts off the doors and don't forget to remove the interior light defeat fuse out of the fuse box.
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    I loaded up Thelma Jane and started for Illinois about 10:30 AM. By the time I got half a mile from home, I noticed that her check engine light was on, so I went back home and got the S10.

    I am almost certain that the light is indicating a problem with the fuel EVAP system, since that was the case last time I had the check engine light, which was a few days after installing the Kilby gas tank skid. (I took Thelma to a dealer, and they read the code for me that time.)

    I apparently pulled one of the vent hoses loose or allowed one to get pinched or something like that when I transferred the tank from the factory skid to the Kilby and re-mounted it.

    So, today I have the pleasant task of dropping the tank again and looking for something wrong with the vent system for the gas tank. I really wouldn't mind the work, but it's gonna be about 95° today with high humidity (typical western Ky summer day).

    I am on vacation the rest of the week and have nothing much to do, so this will keep me occupied for a while. Plus, I have that no drill header to install. Guess I will go get some longer bolts for that.

    I wasn't supposed to be back until late this afternoon, but I was able to get my business done and get home last night.

    Lots of posts while I was gone. Great!

    Tom

    Have you hugged your Jeep today?
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    Hey, I just tried Gill's chat room, and I was able to get in! Let's make up for lost time tonight, everyone!


    New guys... join us at http://itsajeep.org for some Jeep chatting. Just click on the chat button on the home page. Gill's (itsajeep.org) is where a bunch of us that post here in Wrangler go to chat. It's noncommercial, so no aggravating banners and stuff, and no fees for membership. They say nothing is free, but they must not know about Gill's. He's just a good Jeep buddy that provides a nice web site for other Jeepers to use.


    Tom


    Have you hugged your Jeep today?

  • smoomaw2smoomaw2 Member Posts: 4
    Here's a price data point for anyone out there shopping for a used Wrangler.

    I just bought a used 99 Sport with 28K miles for $15,900 with manual transmission in Indianapolis. Options include sound bar (I think that's what it's called), AC, cruise, and factory CD player. The Jeep is about as clean as you can get. I think the deal is reasonable. I bought it from a dealer on a Sat evening at the end of the month so they definitely wanted to move cars. The price includes a 3 mo/4K mile warranty.

    Anyway, hope that helps some of you in your shopping.

    PS- haven't had the top up once.
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    Hey, CONGRATS on the Jeep! Is this your first time to own a Wrangler or CJ?

    There sure ain't nothin' wrong with that deal you got. Man, you have a NEW Jeep there! Only 28K miles! Where are the pics of that puppy?

    Was that your fist post in here? Are you new? If so, WELCOME! Post often. Join us in Gill's.

    Tom

    P.S. Scott, if you live in or near Indianapolis, you are not too far from Badlands offroad park. Are you gonna wheel that Jeep? Maybe we could hook up sometime for some wheelin'? I am about five hours away from you down in western Ky, but maybe we could meet at Badlands, or you would be welcome to drop down here and go to Turkey Bay at Ky Lake with me sometime.

    Have you hugged your Jeep today?
  • markwarren66markwarren66 Member Posts: 32
    I agree with everything that goducks had to say, but would add one other piece of advice. Although it sounds obvious, don't forget to remove the door strap BEFORE you lift the door off. Although the doors aren't too heavy, trying to get the strap off with the door in your hands is very difficult. I learned that the hard way.

    Driving with them off is a completely different experience, and I'm sure you'll love it.
  • goducks1goducks1 Member Posts: 432
    I noticed in the paper this morning that GM is going to return to the zero-percent financing for much of its model line to spur sales. Since Ford and Chrysler have made a habit of matching GM's incentives, I think it is likely that the Wrangler may soon be available with a no-interest loan, since Wrangler sales have been declining as the TJ design ages. Those of you considering buying a new TJ may want to wait a couple of weeks and see what happens.
  • lawdawgfllawdawgfl Member Posts: 75
    Thanks for the info on your new Jeep, congrats... As for your warranty. Do you get the remaining factory warranty, since you only have 28K on your Jeep? I am also looking for a Wrangler, I have had two in my life time and have the itch to get another. Anyone want to trade for an Isuzu Trooper? :)
    Thanks for all the great post, this is a great place to come for information.
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    I don't know if anyone is looking for this, but I wish I'd found it a year ago.


    http://209.120.128.83/productimages2002.asp? prod=157&part=WIL34900&id=178&level=1&vend=&oldmode= catalog2002.asp


    I bought a Tomken bumper for its built in towing receiver, but now want a rack for jack and also the other rack would be nice, plus the heavy duty spare tire carrier would be nice for the 31X10.5R15 tire which "looks" heavy on the tailgate.


    On the link above, remove the 2 spaces I put in to help it to post correctly.

  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    anyone here have this one: http://www.rustysoffroad.com/


    I really would like the OME based on everything I've read about it, but this one looks pretty good, and comes with more for less $$$. My only concern is if the springs are any good for towing with. The OME is available with HD ones (for hard top and extra gear, but presumably also for towing).


    Who knows what the best mild lift (31 or maybe 32 inch tires max) is and where is the best place to get it?

  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    Oh yeah, by mild lift, I mean 2-3 inches.
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    From all I have heard, as long as you are sure you will be happy long term with the two to three inches of lift, then OME is the way to go.

    I know tonkadave is really happy with his OME, and he said that with the HD springs that he got, he actually got 3" of lift rather than the advertised 2.5".

    If I KNEW that I would be happy for the long run with no more lift than that, I would definitely spring for an OME. I still cling to the hope that some day I can afford a lift big enough for some 35's, regearing with selectable lockers installed, and all the goodies. That ain't gonna be anyways soon, unfortunately.

    Tom

    Have you hugged your Jeep today?
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    Whoever was looking for it, I think I found where you can get both in one product:


    http://www.turbocity.com/JeepBumpers.htm

  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    Yeah, but....

    The OME is pretty basic. No steering arm drop. Also missing a few of the other items...

    BUT, from what I've read, their shocks and springs can't be beat, and THAT is the main part of the suspension, right?

    I'd just hate to spring for that (pun intended) and then bounce for the additional items as well (pun intended again).
  • huckhillhuckhill Member Posts: 20
    I saw a similar story on auto.com and in the Wall Street Journal. Beware that the deals are only on certain 02 models. I did notice that TJ sales are down for May and for 2002, so this might help. Also, be on guard, the financing is "on approved credit" which might hinder some of us. I just hope that they keep the 7yrs. warranty.

    BTW, saw a dealer advertise the 7yr. warranty as a cost "option" for $700. I am sure that this is not correct, so you may want to keep your eyes on the bottom line.
  • appstate88appstate88 Member Posts: 40
    Well, need some sage advice from those who have had the dreaded "exhaust manifold" problems.

    My wifes 98 Sahara has started sounding rough, especially under heavy acceleration. Like there is a hole somewhere. We took it in and did a full tune-up (it was due...), and other maintenance stuff, and it didn't seem to change much.

    So, I talked to our Jeep Service guy and he said "Sounds like that Exhaust Manifold has a crack or something. Happens all the time to jeeps and it will cost about $1200...)

    Yipes!

    Couple questions...

    1- What the hell is an exhaust manifold, what does it do, and will it hurt the engine if we keep on driving it for awhile?

    2- $1200 seems kind of high, and is there another brand of Exhaust manifold that isn't as liable to cracking?

    Thanks for your help and advice!
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    For those long links, try makeashorterlink.com.

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    The exhaust manifold is the first piece of the exhaust system external to the engine. It is the thing that collects the exhaust from each cylinder and sends it to the exhaust pipe. That's as technical as I can get, since I ain't no mechanic.

    I know the 97 Wranglers with the 4.0 engine were notorious for cracked exhaust manifolds, and there was either a TSB or a recall on them. It was a design flaw is what I heard, that didn't allow any flex somehow or other, so instead of flexing, they just broke after a while.

    I didn't know the problem carried over into the 98's, but maybe it did.

    If DC won't fix it for free, since it is past warranty, then I would go to a private shop and have it fixed rather than pay the exhorbitant rate at a dealer. You could go with an after market header and have someone put it on for you. They make headers that can actually improve your engine's performance, and I'll bet they would be cheaper than the original equipment manifold anyway. Might be time to look at a whole new exhaust system all the way back for better power and a nice mellow sound.

    I would check this out, since you have to replace the manifold anyway. I'll bet for the $1200 the dealer quoted you, you could get a whole after market exhaust system that would be better than the original.

    Tom

    Have you hugged your Jeep today?
  • goducks1goducks1 Member Posts: 432
    It is definitely a problem on the 98 Wranglers. Mtngal just went through this with her 98 Sport. I am crossing my fingers my Jeep (also a 98 Sport) won't get this problem but the odds don't seem very good. If it happens to me, I am definitely NOT going to go with a new factory manifold, since (as I understand) it can just happen again. I seem to remember that some people have had to fix this more than once. Go aftermarket on this one; people seem to like the Borlas.
  • mtngalmtngal Member Posts: 1,911
    I went to a local shop to get mine replaced. I didn't go aftermarket, but the shop did buy me the redesigned manifold (one that will flex, not break). I could not find any record of a recall on the manifold for '98, but did find a TSB on the bolts. The part is something like $560 and the labor can be expensive, depending on how many bolts break off. Mine ended up being a total of $800 in Bakersfield (not the biggest city in the world, but much friendlier than LA), so I would guess that you can do better than $1200.

    I actually drove my Wrangler for almost a year before I bothered to have it replaced. It got louder over time (guess more cracks happened). I got tired of the noise, and figured that it wouldn't pass California state smog test with it the way it was...
  • fastm3fastm3 Member Posts: 3
    Hi,

    I've got a 2000 Wrangler Sport that I'd like to sell. It's a beautiful Solar yellow, only 14000 miles, and in as new condition. Any ideas on the best web site(s) to advertise it?

    Thanks,

    Alan
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    Autotrader.com would be good. They are tied in with ebay somehow.

    Email me, and maybe I can put you onto a buyer. (see my profile)

    Tom

    Have you hugged your Jeep today?
  • lawdawgfllawdawgfl Member Posts: 75
    No takers on trading for a Trooper?.... damn :( I'll keep tryin, I WANT A JEEP!!!!
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    Ain't but one cure for Wrangler Fever, and it sure sounds like you have Wrangler Fever. Just do it, and get it over with! That's what I had to do about a year and a half ago.

    I have had NOT ONE regret, either. I was in no position to trade, having just traded eight months earlier for a brand new Pontiac Grand Prix GT, preceded 13 months earlier by a trade for a new 99 Grand Cherokee. I was $8000 upside down on trade in because of too frequent trades, but I didn't let that stop me. Took out a home equity loan to cover some of that trade in deficit. :)

    It has been well worth the sacrifice! I have found a vehicle that I can be satisfied with for a long, long time. No more trading for this old boy.

    Tom

    Have you hugged your Jeep today?
  • mtngalmtngal Member Posts: 1,911
    Will you trade your Trooper for my Taco? Then you can be in really bad shape, since my Taco depreciates faster than I can pay it off. I wouldn't trade my Wrangler for anything at this point...
  • texasjeeptexasjeep Member Posts: 270
    anonymous02

    I ordered a trail rack system but decided against it. I want to use it when I off-road and I didn't want all that extra weight hanging off the back of my Jeep when climbing hills. I want my front wheels to be able to do more work and less chances of going over backwards. Just my thoughts on it. I plan on getting a receiver mount rack for non off-roading and looking at getting a internal rack to help with storage for off-roading.

    You don't really need a lift to fit 31s. You could go with a body lift or spring spacer lift and then get a bigger suspension lift later if you want 33s or bigger. I have heard good things about both Rusty's and OME's lift. I would check with someone that has the OME lift but you may not need those extra items for that lift. Or you could look at piecing together a kit for yourself.
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    I got a receiver rack for non-offroading (except maybe beach) at Walmart for like $69. It seems pretty sturdy, and holds coolers, storage containers, and firewood. It also has an optional bike rack kit.

    lifts: I have 31 inch tires now, and they rub when pulling out of my driveway. I want to be able to use the jeep a little more aggressively off-road, and figure it will only rub more when pushing it. I need the room in there!

    I might just give Rusty's a call and see if they have springs with different rates available.

    Thanks.
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    Being able to fit a certain size of tire, and being able to use that tire to its fullest are two different things.

    The OME lift is designed to use 31" tires with full articulation. It's generally regarded as a high quality well matched system that's a little more expensive than others on the market.

    You won't need to think about a dropped pitman arm until you go to at least 4"+, at which time a Slip Yoke Eliminator, longer rear driveshaft, adjustable upper and lower control arms and a host of smaller bits and pieces will take priority.

    HTH
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Thanks everybody for all the helpful advice on buying a Wrangler.

    FASTm3 -- send me details on your Jeep if it is a/t.

    Yeah, I'm debating about the hardtop. I've had them on sportscars and never, ever used them but then never took the sports cars out in wretched snowy weather. The hard tops just rotted away.

    The Jeep will live in Aspen, however, which, while not a severe climate, can get reasonably cold and snowy at times.

    I'm just kinda skeptical that the heater with only a soft top will make the Jeep comfortable when you are doing 55 mph in 10-20 degree weather. But if you guys have done it, hey I'll believe you.

    div2--- thanks for the tip on the auto trans. So you say that in 2003 the Wrangler will have a 4-speed o/d auto, did I get that right? I don't think the 4-wheel discs are all that important on a vehicle like this, but the better auto trans is long overdue I think. And remember, gas in Aspen is $2.18 for premium!
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    I have run two different sets of 31's on Thelma Jane before getting that little bitty 2" Procomp lift and had no rubbing when turning or offroading. I did not disconnect sway bars, so I might have rubbed if I had done that, but I had absolutely no problem running the 31 x 10.50 BFG All Terrains and then the 31 x 10.50 Mud Terrains with no lift of any kind. I didn't have to install washers on the turn stops and increase my turning radius or anything.

    Wonder why there is so much difference from Jeep to Jeep? Even the same model and year Jeeps must be different.

    Tom

    Have you hugged your Jeep today?
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