Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!

Jeep Wrangler

1129130132134135455

Comments

  • oceantoadoceantoad Member Posts: 186
    Here are some sites that might be able to help you with regearing.


    http://www.drivetraindirect.com

    1-888-584-4327


    http://www.differentials.com

    1-800-665-0950


    http://www.reiderracing.com

    1-800-350-1330


    http://www.desertrat.com

    1-877-469-5337


    http://www.precisiongear.com

    1-800-494-0524


    http://www.ringpinion.com

    1-888-231-2401


    http://drivetrainwarehouse.com

    1-888-432-7656


    http://www.superioraxle.com

    1-888-522-2953


    http://www.drivetrainspecialists.com

    1-800-544-2103


    http://www.motivegear.com

    1-800-934-2727


    http://www.nationaldrivetrain.com

    1-800-507-4327


    http://www.ring-pinion.com

    1-877-349-1478

    These were all from adds in JP magazine.

  • tluketluke Member Posts: 52
    chammell,
    There are some changes for '03 that are worth considering if you are going to purchase. I just got an '03 on the 18th and it was my first Jeep. My knowledge of past models mainly came from reading and viewing this board. I don't have any experience with past models. So consider my input with that degree of weight.

    One thing I ordered when I learned that it was available was the 4 wheel disc brakes. It is a cheep option with a $150 list price. I really like the brakes on my Sport and I am crediting the fact that they are the 4 wheel disc type. I believe they are only available with the Dana 44 rear axle option, but you will most likely get that anyways.

    Another thing I do like even though I did not initially want this option was the new 4-speed auto transmission. The wife really wanted this option and I resisted until she won. I do like it and it seems to be very well matched with the 4.0 L. I have the 3.73 gears which is also something worth ordering. With this option the RPM's are approx. 1750-1800 at 60 mph.

    I also got the new self dimming compass/temp rear view mirror. Not a necessity but a nice gadget. It seems to work good.

    As far as color goes, I got the new Inca Gold. I like it but it is controversial and not widely accepted by everyone. I bought it for me and not everyone else. If you would like to see what it looks like go to "photo gallery" in the Edmunds "Jeep Owners Club".

    Although the seat type is not an option, there was a change for '03. The new seats seem to be noticeably lower. I guess the change was made to accommodate taller people, one of which I'm not.

    I hope this information helps you in some way. If not there are plenty of very helpful people on this board that know much more than this "new guy".

    Tom
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    Thanks! I'll be sure to check out some of those places.

    For those who don't know what we are talking about, I am thinking about regearing Thelma Jane from 3.73 to 4.10. I want to eventually have 33" tires, and the 4.10 gears will bring me back to the orginal factory RPMs with the 33s.

    I will have a little extra gear while I am still on my 31s, but that should be OK. I will have a little more acceleration and more RPMs at highway speeds.

    I want to get a locker for the back, and there's no sense getting a locker for 3.73 and then have to get a new locker when I go to 4.10. That's why I am thinking about getting the gears now, even though it will be a while before I can go to the 33 inch tires.

    Tom

    Have you hugged your Jeep today?
  • jeepermanjeeperman Member Posts: 6
    tsjay,

    I believe that some lockers are available for a range of gear ratios (e.g. 3.54 and below, 3.73 and above, etc.). That being said, if you're going to open up the diffs to replace the gears, it's the best time to install a locker. If I were you, I'd save my money and do it all at once.

    Jeeperman
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    Guess I didn't word my post very clearly, cause that's what I am planning to do... get the 4.10s and have a Detroit installed in the rear at the same time.

    Thanks

    Tom

    Have you hugged your Jeep today?
  • jeepermanjeeperman Member Posts: 6
    Cool - it makes a world of difference!
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    How bad does a Jeep behave on the highway with a Detroit in the back? Am I going to have a hard time getting used to it? Will I have to change my driving style very much? Never driven a vehicle with a locked rear end before.

    Tom

    Have you hugged your Jeep today?
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    have you been properly welcomed to the board? I just happened to think that you are new around here, and I don't think either I or anyone else has said "howdy and welcome."

    So...

    HOWDY AND WELCOME

    Tom

    Have you hugged your Jeep today?
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    Welcome, and congratulations!
  • lvcheflvchef Member Posts: 52
    I got a phone call a few minutes ago that my Jeep wont be here till tomorrow. I am bumed out.. I had today off and I got up early, couldn't sleep too excited. Then I was told tomorrow, maybe...They are killing me.... Well I am going with my buddy to check out a 2002 Sport for him. He heard what a great deal I got 0% intrest and he wants to check one out too....
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    This will give you more time to study the delivery checklist:

    twylie Oct 1, 2001 8:26am


    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • mtngalmtngal Member Posts: 1,911
    about DC's new policy for Jeeps? They are apparently putting out new ads and now have a new standard for what makes a Jeep. They are doing away with the rule that all Jeeps have to make it on the Rubicon Trail. Now they just have to be "more off-road capable than other vehicles of their size and class" - whatever that means.

    I just hope they don't mess around too much with the Wrangler. I know it isn't a perfect vehicle, but I'd rather put up with the poor handling in the wind if it would mean that they turn it into another "cute-ute" or take away its stock off-roading ability.
  • lvcheflvchef Member Posts: 52
    Who knows what they at DC have in store for the Wrangler. My wife's lease was up on her 99 Cherokee but she refused to look at the Liberty. She said it looks like a Kia, Tracker, Honda CRV, and a Rav4. I agreed and we looked at a Grand Cherokee. They wanted a TON for those. We ended up going to the Toyota dealer and getting an 4 Runner. But getting back to the subject, If DC does to the Wrangler what they did to the Cherokee ( a VERY beefy offroad SUV) and turned it into a Soccer Mom car. I'm done. I'll never buy a New Jeep again. But I think they have some form of cense, i.e. the Rubicon. If they were going down that path they would have introduced a Jeep with doors that dont come off, a power convertible, Goodyear Eagle GT tires and and power windows/locks. Not a Crazy Stock off road ready vehicle.. I'm rambling.....

    PS : Still waiting for my new Jeep......
  • mtngalmtngal Member Posts: 1,911
    You still don't have your new Wrangler yet? I hope you get it soon!

    We still haven't driven a 2003 to compare seating yet - we ended up not doing much except taking my Mom out to eat while we were in Vegas last weekend, playing computer games on her computer and going to church on Sunday.

    I hope that you are right - that they plan on leaving the Wrangler more or less alone. They are planning on expanding the number of models they will offer under the Jeep name, and that isn't such a bad thing. If I had been your wife, I might have just bought out the lease on that Cherokee - that's what we should have bought instead of that (hated) Taco!
  • jeepermanjeeperman Member Posts: 6
    Thanks for the welcome and sorry for the delay in responding - had to get my modem replaced.....

    I'm not sure about the driving characteristics with a Detroit - I went the ARB Air Locker route. From what I've heard about the Detroit, I think you'll find that you'll get an occasional chirp of the tires where it's been slow in releasing. I think that would happen if you were cornering and accelerating at the same time - like making a turn from a stop sign. I don't think you'll notice it at all on the highway. Maybe somebody else can share more.

    Bummer about the DC policy on Jeeps. Some DC guys at the Rubicon Jamboree said the Rubicon Wrangler was only slated for a three year run with no follow-up plans. I thought that was strange, but it may play in with the change in policy.....
  • mtngalmtngal Member Posts: 1,911
    That's an interesting comment, and it would dovetail with another thing the article I was reading said. Apparently DC wants to have parts be interchangable so that they don't have one vehicle that stands alone. The requirement that all Jeeps be able to traverse the Rubicon Trail means that they are built heavier and stronger than all of their other cars, and so do not allow interchangable parts.

    So on the one hand they say that the Jeep line is under-utilized (don't recall how they phrased it, but that was how it came across to me) and want to use it more. But at the same time they are going to change it from what it is. IMHO changing the line will be short sighted - they will be killing the goose that laid the golden egg.
  • dwranglerdwrangler Member Posts: 127
    I couldn't get what I wanted for the deal I wanted so everything was pointing to the fact that I just couldn't swing a Wrangler right now with my current situation. So, I went back to the dealer that low-balled me and asked to see another salesman...no rookies please! ;-)

    Well, I was quite pleased with the salesman I got. He was not uptight or anything like that which put me more at ease when it came time to drive and deal on the Cougar....Yes tomster I said C-O-U-G-A-R ;) My first love is still the Wrangler, but it'll have to wait for a while longer...and I am pleased with the practical car that I have purchased.

    I got approved for up to $17,000 at 5.65% for 5 years, so the payments will be around $263/mo. I was to be honest shooting for closer to $200, but the original car I drove was sold (it was a base model) so I upgraded to a Sport model with more features. It didn't have a sunroof, so I got a moonroof that will hopefully be installed Monday so I can pick it up Monday before I go to class. Hopefully I'll have time to bring it back by the house to show Mom and Dad. I know Mom will be thrilled to see that I didn't get a Jeep this time. As I've told her before if it doesn't work out right now to get a Jeep...I still plan on getting one eventually and I'll have all the options that I want to get on it.

    I still plan on posting here, so to those that think I'm betraying the Jeepsters here remember...once a Jeepster always a Jeepster (whether you have one or not...it's the fact that you love and celebrate all that is JEEP ;) )

    It's just a dream postponed that's all.

    dwrangler...or maybe for now...dtopcat ;)
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    You could have gotten a REAL nice used Jeep for that money you are spending on a Cougar! You could have probably gotten one with some factory warranty still on it.

    Oh well, I guess you did what you thought was best, but I sure don't agree. It's your money though, and I hope you will be happy.

    Tom

    Have you hugged your Cougar today?
  • mtngalmtngal Member Posts: 1,911
    Just think of it this way, you might have a new cougar, but you are still in the market for a Wrangler - in about 3 years. So that means you can still post here. I still haven't done anything about dumping the Taco and probably won't be able to before April at the earliest, but I'm still avidly reading about Subarus, and we still haven't ruled out getting rid of both the Taco and the '98 Wrangler on a new Wrangler. So I'm sort of Wrangler-shopping too!
  • dwranglerdwrangler Member Posts: 127
    I knew someone would understand ;) I pick it up either tomorrow or Tuesday. I had them put in a moonroof because I didn't like the sunroof that comes from the factory...plus it has a lifetime warranty from the installation company. Again thanks for the support...things haven't been working out the way I planned this year that's for sure.

    I know that Tomster is really supportive too ;)
    I'm kiddin tomster :) I still have that email you sent telling me to keep my chin up :)

    Well gotta go...long day tomorrow..and school too

    Deb
  • madebw00madebw00 Member Posts: 13
    ... are actually the reason I got a Jeep. I wanted to buy a Cougar, friend talked me into a Civic (long story, don't ask), hated it with a passion, now I have a Wrangler.

    :-)
  • the_reel_deelthe_reel_deel Member Posts: 9
    Wrangler's are awesome!!!!! This is the last true American sports car. Inexpensive, convertible, decent power, etc. Can't beat it.

    Why did the post about the Sooners and the Crimson Tide get deleted? I didn't find that to be particulary offensive. Is there a rule about what team you are allowed to support on Edmunds. Go Huskers! I hope the host doesn't hate Nebraska football...

    Take care all...
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Why did the post about the Sooners and the Crimson Tide get deleted?

    I am not aware of any such deletion.

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I'm scratching my head too. But if it's gone, there must have been a good reason .

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • jthurlowjthurlow Member Posts: 21
    Kelley's Blue Book, on-line, now has the prices and options posted for the 2003 Jeep Wrangler, including the new Rubicon model.

    J.Thurlow
  • wheelermanwheelerman Member Posts: 113
    what have you been smoking? the wrangler is far from a sports car. what you really have out in your yard is the best 4x4 you can buy these days. are you one of those people who buys a suv and drives it like a car??
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    J. Thurlow, we seem to have TMV pricing for everything but the Rubicon, unless the data guys are considering it an option package and burying the info like the Caravan Sport model I can never find here either.


    Anyone interested in the model X version?



    Steve

    Host

    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

  • twylietwylie Member Posts: 619
    A quote I've seen in many places:

    "Jeeps have been described by Enzo Ferrari, it is said, as the American sports car."

    I take this not as a literal, but that if Italy is the home of sports cars, than the Jeep is Americas verison of a purpose built vehicle (our "sports car"). It could also relate to a 2 door drop top based on minimalist design.

    Not sure how it all fits together, but the quote from Enzo is one you'll hear many Jeepers echo.

    -twylie
  • twylietwylie Member Posts: 619
    your link is for '02 data... ;-) It looks like you have '03 pricing for the Grand and Libby but not the Wrangler. I even tried changing the URL to .../2003/... but no luck! Get those data guys off their butts!

    -twylie
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    lol, dang (squinting and double-checking) - well, I'm having Lasik tomorrow so that'll never happen again! yeah, right.

    And if the X model has been out for a year, how come you guys never talk about it?

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • twylietwylie Member Posts: 619
    I think there has been some talk about the X model in here. Since it's more of step between the SE and the Sport, it probably hasn't gotten the attention or press that the Rubi (with its completely new set of features) has. The X is a good way to get the 6cyl for less $ than a Sport. I think the only holdback for some people is that you can't get all the same options on it (D44 being the key for anyone thinking they'll do more wheeling). They're all Jeeps to me... Use 'em how you want!

    -twylie

    PS - good luck on the lasik! I'm too chicken to do it even though my vision is pretty bad.
  • appstate88appstate88 Member Posts: 40
    Yeah, I've often described our Wrangler as "A 4-Wheel Drive Sports Car with the aerodynamics of a brick..."

    And I'm not talking about driving it like a Mazerati either, and I don't think Reel Deal was talking about that.

    But, I guess if you are like me (of a certain age) you remember the MG Midget, Triumph Spitfire, and other Sports Cars.

    They weren't very expensive (Except to repair), they had some, shall we say, idiosyncracies. They weren't very comfortable, definitely weren't practical, broke down a lot, but ...were an absolute joy to drive on a curvy mountain road with the top down...

    People tended to love them or hate them. And, even though the Wrangler has been civilized a bit, it is still only practical for the right kind of person (or family...) My wife, dog and I fit in it just fine and don't mind the difficult to put up top, hum from the tires, acoustics of a tent, and lousy gas mileage.

    So, I agree with real on the def of a Sports Car, I think it fits the Wrangler, and I agree with Wheeler on respecting the vehicle and what it is capable of.

    Semantics is an interesting thing isn't it?

    Cam
  • mtngalmtngal Member Posts: 1,911
    they call it - a Wrangler is just plain fun!

    I may be interested in the X if I replace both cars I have now. It would be a compromise for me - my off-roading hasn't needed a Dana 44 so far, and I would be using it for a daily driver. I won't get the 30" wheels, since it would be nice to be able to use chains (you can't with the 30" wheels). Now if I win the lottery I'll get a Rubicon for play and a WRX to be a daily driver. Then I'd be ready for anything! (I know, dream on!).
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    Well, my friends, I did it. I placed my order for a Detroit locker for the back end of Thelma Jane.

    The locker should be in Monday, and a Jeep Bud is supposed to intall it for me next week sometime.

    Finally will no longer have open diffs front and back!

    I'm anxious to see how Thelma will do with the locker back there. Hope she doesn't act up too much on the pavement.

    Tom

    Have you hugged your Jeep today?
  • mtngalmtngal Member Posts: 1,911
    Make sure you let us all know what you think of the Detroit locker, both on and off-road. I want to know how much difference it makes off-roading. I keep thinking about lockers, but the expense is too much for me to justify getting them. A friend of mine says his Bronco with Detroit lockers churrps a fair amount on corners, but it is quite old and they may have changed things since then. Also, since he never drives the Bronco in snow (he's a flatlander) he isn't worried about that aspect of it.
  • twylietwylie Member Posts: 619
    Tom,

    That's great! I'll be interested to hear how it performs as well. I had already picked up an ARB compressor for next to nothing to use for airing back up (not nearly as good as York OBA, but for the tires we have, I can air up in less than 2 min each), but I just ran across someone wanting to get rid of an ARB locker for D44 that would fit with the 3.73 gears I currently have... I think I'll have about $375 in parts and then need to pay for the install. I'm somewhat torn as you were about "should I do gears at the same time, should I do a F locker first, etc.". I'm chalking it up to being a decent enough deal to not feel bad if I end up replacing something down the road. I don't see us going to 33's+ any time soon, so this should keep me set for the foreseeable future. Now if I could just find a great deal on an ARB for the D30! My original "plan", OK dream was to go with OX F&R. I like the mechanical aspect and design of their lockers, but you can't plan for good deals and I don't think the ARB will dissapoint me.

    Curious, are you finding that being open F&R is limiting what you can/can't do at Turkey Bay? I actually would have preferred to get the F locker first, since that seems to be where I'm losing traction the most. We have Trac-Loc which helps enough to keep some power to the rear wheels in most cases. A tap of the brakes or a click or two on the parking brake is usually enough to get some traction applied to the rear wheel with traction.

    I hear Brandon may come up to KY to run Turkey Bay in October. Depending on which weekend, I may road trip up there with him!

    -twylie
  • bimmerpilotbimmerpilot Member Posts: 17
    I'm looking at buying either a new or used Wrangler (already had an 89 and a mint 76 Levis edition CJ-5) for getting back and forth to work and to trail heads year round. Now for the fun part. I live is serious snow country and want the driveline best set up for it. I already know tall skinny tires are best for snow and go. What I want to know is what driveline options I need to look for. Is the limited slip all I should be concerned about? A mountain pass sits between my home and work so I need the best tracking set up that's offered.

    Thanks
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    I will definitely post my opinion of the Detroit after getting some experience with it. Hope I haven't made the wrong decision. I have sure received conflicting info on those babies, depending on who I have talked to about them.

    Apparently, getting them installed properly, with just the right amount of backlash, and adjusting one's driving style are both major factors in determining one's satisfaction with them.

    I am fortunate enough to have a local Jeep Bud who is willing to install it for me, or to let me install it under his supervision.

    As for the driving style, I will simply have to learn what it likes and doesn't like on the highway. I know you have to more or less free wheel through corners and stay off the gas.

    You asked if I thought having open diffs is limiting me in where I can go at Turkey Bay. I guess I don't really know the answer to that, but I will find out once the locker is in. From what I have learned so far, a locker should allow me to crawl over something that I now have to take a run at. You know what I am talking about... a little step in the ground halfway up a steep ravine, or some tree roots, or a rock, etc. I am currently having to carry enough speed into those places to get me through on momentum rather than on traction.

    I can see a big difference in these situations simply by disconnecting that front sway bar, which keeps those front tires on the ground and pulling instead of one side sticking up in the air and spinning. I guess disconnecting has somewhat the same effect as having a locker up front in that you are keeping the front axle pulling.

    Trey, I hope you and Brandon both come up in October. That would be SUPER!

    Tom

    Have you hugged your Jeep today?
  • mtngalmtngal Member Posts: 1,911
    I live at the top of a mountain pass and have found our '98 Wrangler with the LSD fine for most things. There is a limit to how much snow you can go through - one night we had 30" and the Wrangler got high-centered on the buildup of packed snow - the snow was well above the bumpers, pretty much to the hood. We had to dig the snow/ice out from under the frame so that the wheels could touch the packed snow under them, just to back up into the driveway. We have the 30" tires which can't use chains (too wide), so be aware of that when you buy. Next time I'm going to get smaller tires - while I have a thing against chains and shovels at 4am, it would be nice to at least have that option. Once we more or less skated home on roads that were icy rather than snowy, and getting up our hills was more white-knuckled time than I want.

    From what I've been told, lockers are not the way to go in these types of conditions. I've never driven with them, so I wouldn't know.
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    First, tsjay, your locker should be unnoticeable on the highway in a straight line (or even "highway" corners) from all accounts I've seen.

    Second, I live in MA, and ski in MA, VT, NH quite a bit, and that is one of the reasons I bought a jeep, so I could go up there in any weather. I thought a locker would only help that, by keeping the wheels from spinning. Some of them even have pictures of a truck in the snow right on the box!
  • twylietwylie Member Posts: 619
    As far as getting a Wrangler (new or used), you don't have many choices as far as the 4wd system is concerned. It's a part time system actuated by a manual lever on the floor. You can get a limited slip, as you mentioned, which I think is preferable to a locker in snow driving. The issue with lockers in snow is that should you get BOTH tires spinning, it becomes very difficult to maintain any lateral traction on that axle. Should you find yourself even a bit off camber (tilted to the side), the Jeep will slide sideways as the tires are spinning. This can be very scary and even dangerous depending on your situation. A limited slip won't offer the same absolute degree of forward traction, but won't give up as much lateral grip in a similar situation.

    The Wrangler's part time 4wd system should get you through most passable roads without any problems, although in my experience (ski areas in VA, and WV), a full time 4wd system will possibly do better in the snow since it can split power front to rear depending on available traction. Since you're in the market for a Wrangler, that's really a non-issue...

    For snow driving, the other suggestion I'd make is to go with an All Terrain tread over a Mud Terrain tread due to the additional siping on the treadblocks. BFG makes their A/T tire in a 33 x 10.5 which would be excellent in the snow.

    Check with some of the locals in your area to see what they have and if they'd do anything differently. Come warmer weather, nothing beats being able to drop the top on a Wrangler and enjoy the mountain air.

    -twylie
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    Very well described! Most people don't seem to understand why an automatic locker isn't at its best (and can actually be dangerous) on snow, ice, and sometimes mud.

    The only thing I'd add is that 33x10.50 are not really applicable on a standard Wrangler without a lift. However, BFG AT 31x10.50 will fit nicely.
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    for suv's, hot rods, etc.


    (look at the first picture, top right)


    http://www.powertrax.com/truck.htm

  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    "The No-Slip Traction System performs under a variety of rugged conditions. Whether it be snow, ice, mud, sand, gravel, or the street, the No-Slip Traction System will help get you to your destination...."

    nb: snow
  • bamatazzbamatazz Member Posts: 311
    You guys are posting like crazy..
    of course i had to skip the off-raod post( lockers , differentals..etc)
    BAMA is still here, ((ROLLL TIDE gave them sooners a scare, GREAT game) Not much going on with tazz just Clean & shiny as ever!!
    Got both kiddies in school now, Busy being a PTA dad now.

    Keep those post coming, even the off-road stuff

    Keep Jeepin
    BAMA
    Rollll tide ROLL
  • wheelermanwheelerman Member Posts: 113
    i was going to say the same thing about the 33's . thay should not be on a stock tj.
  • wheelermanwheelerman Member Posts: 113
    i think i sent you a email with some photos of my jeep. tell me if you get them or not.
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    Not so far. Did ya use tjoh298765@aol.com ?

    Tom

    Have you hugged your Jeep today?
  • wheelermanwheelerman Member Posts: 113
    maybe i did someyhing wrong. i just started trying to send photos. i'll try again
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    Thanks, and nice Jeep! :)

    Tom

    Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Sign In or Register to comment.