Jeep Wrangler

anonymous02

Oh, please tell me you were kidding. You forgot the :-) right?

VW bugs do this, motorcycles, and some other "iconic" vehicles. I don't picture ANY minivan fitting in there except maybe the VW microbus.

anonymous02

If you are moving there, and don't intend to stay, why not just lease one there? It is not like you'd rack up mileage, would you?

That, or buy an old used one. Also, aren't Suzuki Samurai's popular there?

Good luck.

jayorion

Thanks for the info. It just seemed to happen all of a sudden so I was concerned.

Can anyone tell me what makes the rear window on the soft top turn opaque? That seemed to happen overnight. Can it be fixed and can I just buy that piece without buying an entire new top?

Jayorion

texasjeep

quikkag

Salesman: "one cannot get a Sahara with half doors"

My interpretation: "He doesn't have a Sahara on the lot with half doors to sale"

I have a sahara with half doors. I doubt they stop offering the Sahara with half doors, but it is possible. I know Wranglers are coming with full doors more so than not, so you may have a tough time finding one on a lot. I would think you could order one with no problems. I see salesmen more as a tool to purchase than a source of information.

Most aftermarket flares come like sport flares and am not sure if they sell any painted ones. I have the tan padding and if comes down to it, I would probably swap with you. My Jeep is black. This link may take you to a couple of pics of my Jeep.
http://community.webshots.com/scripts/editPhotos.fcgi?action=viewall&albumID=17550407

quikkag

Thanks for all the help, guys. It really is the white Sport I want, and Trey's suggestions (I checked several of them out on the Q'tec website) will fit the bill perfectly. The salesman has located the Wrangler I'm looking for, so after work I'll go drop off a deposit check so they'll bring it in. All transactions should be complete by the end of next week.

Larry

dwrangler

I don't know about aftermarket flares, but a salesman I talked to seemed to indicate that if the flares weren't painted that the bodyshop would paint them but I never asked the bodyshop manager.

As far as seeing half doors on the Sahara, I drove a 01' with the soft top and half doors but I wanted full doors and it had too many miles for my taste.

Couldn't call the guy at the dealer...we've had a problem with illness at work. Either co-workers or their kids were sick and weren't in yesterday. My supervisor kept getting sick yesterday and had to leave early. Then today he had to leave to go pick up his daughter from daycare. He had to take her to the doctor after having certain symptoms for three days, they can't come back til they've seen a doctor. I'm just glad this isn't our busy time of the year or I'd be a basket case. We may be getting off early tomorrow (can't go over a certain number of hours as they've been cut) so I may go to another dealer and drive a Sienna Sport with full doors and a soft top. I want to take it out on the highway if possible just to see the noise level for myself and if it's not too bad that's a consideration for my purchase when it comes to be that time.

I'll check back later. cya'll

Hug your Jeeps for me...til I get mine

I know Rob...just get the darn thing already

dwrangler

quikkag

...and Wrangler Sport on the way. Ought to be able to pick it up tomorrow. Saturday at the latest. I'll be selling the Tribute to Carmax after all. Will do that tomorrow, too.

I'm buying the Jeep at invoice plus the expense to fetch the Wrangler from another dealership. They're telling me there is only one white Wrangler Sport with half doors, tan soft top, 5-spd manual, Trak-Loc, CD, 7-speaker sound remaining in all of Texas. Considering that the assembly plant has been shut down for a short while now to prepare for the 2003 models, I'm actually inclined to believe them. If they were charging me more than invoice, I'd be supremely skeptical.

Keeping my fingers crossed, but so far everything is going as well as I could have hoped.

Larry

tsjay

OH BABY! Congratulations! You gotta post pics ASAP and also post and tell us all of your first impressions! WAY TO GO!

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

mtngal

Congrats! The next Wrangler I get will probably be either sienna or white. Since I'm not in a position to get a new one (can't afford to dump the Taco for something else at the moment) and won't until a couple of years after the Taco goes, guess I'll happily drive my Black one.

yellowman

Hey there

Well, I'm one of the few in here who has a 4-cylinder. I use it as a daily driver around town (I live in L.A.) and a little bit on the freeways. Not much hill driving and not much in extremely windy conditions, and (so far) no off-roading. Considering all that, the 4 is fine with me. When I bought my Wrangler, I basically had enough money to be able to choose whether I wanted to load it up with options (hard top, air conditioning, CD player, full console, add-a-trunk, convenience groups, etc.) *OR* get the 6-cylinder engine. I knew everyone told me the 6 is better, more powerful, and a world of difference...but I opted for the options I wanted. Sure more power on hills and on the freeway would be nice, but I just didn't have enough money to get both (my selected options AND the engine).

So my advice is threeofold:
1. If you're going to NEED the better engine (lots of windy, hilly, off-roady, and/or freeway-ish conditions), then get the 6.
2. If money isn't a big issue, then get the 6.
3. If 1 and 2 don't apply to you, then go for the four. The Jeep still looks awesome, it's still a blast to ride around in, it's still totally configurable, and you can either save the extra money or use it to get some cool options.

yellowman

p.s. - If you DO go for the four, DEFINITELY get MANUAL TRANSMISSION. I test-drove a 4-cylinder automatic, and *even I* couldn't stand it.

yellowman

Hey all

Someone posted this in the maintenance section but didn't get an answer, so now I'm curious. Do any of you "lubricate the steering linkage tie rod ends" as it says you should in the owner's manual maintenance schedule? I'm suddenly worried that I've neglected an important part of my maintenance tasks.

yellowman

twylie

The tie rod ends, ball joints and steering linkage should be lubed at least every other oil change. I do mine every change. There are 7 grease fittings on the front of the Wrnagler and you will need a grease gun with a flexible hose on it (in order to snake around the other stuff). You can pick up a grease gun and hose for $15-20 and a tube of grease $5 (get the best synthetic they sell (make sure it's rated NLGI GC-LB)). Once you get the hose end on the end of the grease fitting (also called a zerk fitting), give the gun 3 or 4 pumps and you should see the rubber boot swell a bit as it takes the new grease. Check out Stu's great site ( http://www.stu-offroad.com/misc/lube-1.htm ) for pics of where the grease fittings are. If you tacked changing the oil, the lube should be a snap.

I'd make sure you go ahead and take care of this, but since you're spending all your time on the road, you shouldn't have had any water, mud, etc. get up in there and damage anything. You may want to give each fitting 4 or 5 squirts this time and then go with 3 going forward.

-twylie

tsjay

Man, I took the day off today and was thinking seriously about installing my Kilby gas tank skid, but I am just not confident enough in my mechanical skills (what mechanical skills?) to tackle that job. I crawled under Thelma Jane and looked at the situation. I found the electrical connection and the fuel line connection and didn't think I could figure out how they come apart without my screwing something up.

I would sure be happy if there was a Jeep club in my town or somewhere close. Guys could get together and do some wrenching, with the more experienced guys helping the rookies. It would be fun and should be very productive.

I would be glad to help someone after I was shown how to do something. I would pass along the knowledge, but right now I don't have any to pass along.

Oh well, guess I'll just sit around and vegetate today.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

tsjay

I emailed Gill and told him that the chat room has been down the last two nights. He got back to me and told me that he was unaware of it, but he has it fixed now.

So, let's get together tonight for a chat.

For the new folks...

http://itsajeep.org

You can get to the chat room from the home page- just click on "Chat."

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

anonymous02

http://www.toplessjeepchick.homestead.com/chicks02.html

(Golden Eagle! Haven't seen THAT in a while!)

stever

Guess you need to start a club, Tom. Maybe you can convince your dealer to spring for an ad in the paper and space to meet, and 10% off parts for club members (you can promise to take guys on extreme trails so they'll be sure to break some of those parts, LOL).

er, interesting site, Anonymous02 - those jeepers all seemed to be attached though :-)

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

jayorion

I was serious but, I think my brother-in-law realized the ridiculousness of his idea which, is why he suggested it.

madman390

tsjay--I don't remember where in KY you are from (and I'm too lazy to look it up), but here's a list of a few club in KY. At least these are clubs that have web pages. They may be able to hook you up with someone closer.

http://ki.aye.net/

http://cincycore.com/

http://www.easternkyridgerunners.rockcrawler.com/

Hope this helps.

madman

tsjay

Thanks, but those are too far from me. I live in western Ky, and I just can't find anything in this area. I am two and a half hours from Louisville and about three hours from Lexington ( I am further west ).

There just isn't a big city anywhere near me.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

yellowman

Heya

Thanks for the advice on lubing - invaluable! Just a couple questions:

1. You mention 7 spots to lube - According to Stu's site I count 8...The two on each side next to the front wheel, then one on each side a foot from the first two, that makes six total...Then he lists two more. That's 8, no? Maybe I'm incorrectly assuming that some of these fittings appear on both sides.

2. So when I put the attachment on the end of the gun, I actually "plug" the end of the hose thing onto the fitting and then squirt?

3. When you say the rubber boot will swell as it takes the grease, do you mean something on the fitting or are you referring to the end of the grease gun/hose contraption?

yellowman

twylie

The drag link to tie rod is just on one side, but the ones near the wheel are on both sides. I printed out his pages and took them with me the first tiem. I think they'll be pretty easy to find with the pictures and his markings. The grease fittings are nipples that the grease gun hose will "snap" onto. You'll feel it when it clips into place. The rubber boot that you'll see swell is right next to, below, or above the grease fitting nipple. You can push on it with your fingers to know what you're looking for. The swelling will not be dramatic, but noticable if you're looking at it. It's just another indication that you're properly seated on the fitting and that the grease is coming out of the gun properly. Good luck with it and let me know if you need any additional info.

-twylie

twylie

You could make up some flyers and place them on any Jeeps you see in your town. Doesn't have to be a formal club, but it sounds like you're looking for wrenching/wheeling buddies. I try to talk to all Jeepers that I see or meet when I'm out. I give 'em a business card and ask them where they go wheeling. I ran into a HUGE YJ the other day at the gas stations and now have a new wheeling location and buddy to go riding with. You may check the Jeep dealer or local automotive stores as well. The place where I purchased my tires had a lifted Tacoma out front. When I asked the manager about it, he said it was one of his employees. We chatted and he said he'll call me the next time his Toyo buddies go out riding.

-twylie

bamatazz

Well Tazz was 1 yesterday... I gave him a good bath took top & doors off again(I gave him a big hug too Tom). Drove to work topless & doorless BRRRR cold this morning.
Gonna put bikini top on later.
I wish all my fellow fathers a HAPPY DADS DAY!
This our DAY remind your wives of that!
GREAT WEEKEND here in the south. Right Twylie?
DUDE we need to get together since we are soo close. (Go braves)
Have a great weekend jeepers

KEEP JEEPIN
BAMA!!

tluke

I haven't posted in a while because I have been sitting back reading and learning. I'm getting real close to ordering my Wrangler. The wife wants me to get the auto and I want the 5 speed. I told her I might consider the auto if in fact they did bring out the new 4 speed auto in the '03's. Well they are offering the 4 speed auto in the full line of '03 Wranglers. Today I test drove both and obviously preferred the 5 speed. The auto seemed to have gearing that was too far apart and lacked the usable power band that was in the 5 speed. The auto that I drove was the '02 3 speed and the 5 speed was also an '02 5 speed. Both had the 6 cylinder and were equipped with the 30" tire group so they both had the 3.73 gears. I was wondering if anyone would know if the '03 4 speed auto would have the same gearing as the '02 3 speed auto for 1st through 3rd gear and maybe the 4th gear would only be an overdrive gear. If that's the case then both would drive the same until you got to highway speed and needed the overdrive gear. Darn, they would have to come out with that 4 speed auto this year. Now I have to consider the auto! Tom

tsjay

All my Buds have been telling me that I ought to do the Kilby installation myself, and I have been telling them that I don't have any mechanical skills and don't have any business attempting something like that.

Well, today, since I couldn't hook up with anyone for wheelin', I decided to get brave and try to do the Kilby.

I am taking a break, but the tank has been taken out and mounted in the Kilby. I am ready to put the assembly on Thelma as soon as I go back out there to the garage. I tried for a little while before coming in, and it is a real bear trying to get the Kilby lined up with the seven studs and getting the fill hose started up inside the fender right at the same time.

Would really be nice to have an extra person to help position the thing.

Full report later this evening. Stay tuned.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

oceantoad

All right guy! Told you that you could do it. Get Mrs. Tom out there for that extra set of hands. Be romantic and buy her some tools for her birthday like I do for Jean.

Like I said last night, buy a second Wrangler for the wife and then you have your wheeling buddy:-)

We finally got enough rain for it to pool on the top of the Wrangler so that it came down on my leg when I got in. Hope we get a bunch more rain before it stops.

I am still a happy camper.

yellowman

tsjay: Congrats on the mechanical venture. You're a braver man than I! :-)

twylie: Thanks for the clarification, that totally helps. I'm going to go out and get a gun and tube combo next weekend and try it all out - sounds pretty simple. I think I'll follow your lead and take Stu's photos with me. Thanks again!!

yellowman

tsjay

I dood it, I dood it!!!

Took all day, but at least I got it done.

Just call me Master Mechanic Tom.

Let's all chat tonight in Gill's about 9 PM central time, OK?

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

tsjay

Tell Tazz Uncle Tom says "Happy Birthday!"

Hard to believe it's been a year already, huh?

You be havin' a birthday too pretty soon, huh? (July 20, if I remember correctly?)

C ya

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

bamatazz

Tazz says thanx..Uncle TOM..
Yea I cant believe its been a year now.
what a great year its been..
CONAGRATS!! for getting that Kirby on.
Mechanic Tom..
I went out today getting prices to get a AMP installed. Gonna get that dont next week sometimes.

BAMA

oceantoad

Knew you could do it Mr. Goodwrench. Gonna be spending more money at Sears now on tools. Time for a new lift?

Got any fingers left to type with tonight? Figure you had to smash, bruise and cut most of them:-)

Still a happy camper.

quikkag

I'll recap the features: white Wrangler Sport, tan soft top and interior, half doors, Trak-Loc (which means it also has the Dana 44 with 3.73), 5-spd man, CD, 7-speakers, cruise, and a/c.

I weighed convenience, time, opportunity, and costs all together, and decided that rather than gather all the components and try to install them myself or have it done elsewhere, I'm going to let the Jeep dealership install a security system (including motion sensors if anyone should reach inside when it is open-air), the bikini top, dust cover, and windjammer, locking gas cap, all-weather mats, and locking lug nuts. That is scheduled for Tuesday.

Guys, I had the top down before I drove it off the lot.

I saw all the pictures on Trey's website (my Wrangler has the same color combo, doors, and top as his), but it's even more beautiful in person.

First impressions. Man is this thing smooth. The ride is what you would expect from a short-wheelbase truck, but the suspension seems great. I'm just amazed at how nimble it is. The engine just purrs. Shifting is effortless. This thing is much more fun to drive than I imagined, and you guys caused me to have very high expectations. It feels like it has all the power you could want, but it doesn't accelerate rapidly. Maybe that's because I'm taking it easy until it's broken in, or maybe that is because of the differential ratio. I don't know yet.

I drove home from the dealership with the top down and Clint Black singing "Put Yourself in My Shoes", and I had an ear-to-ear grin.

What else can I tell you?

That's all I'm gonna type for now. I'm going to go take another spin. :-)

Larry

tsjay

What can I say?... except

CONGRATULATIONS!

We TOLD you how much fun these Jeeps are, didn't we? But, there's no way to accurately describe the feeling, so you just had to see for yourself in order to understand.

Now, here's the REALLY good part. You know that smile you had on your face today? Well, it won't go away! No matter how long you have had your Jeep, the thrill will still be there.

Ok, now come on to Gill's tonight and tell us some more about your first day with the Jeep.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

tsjay

Got the Kilby on and then took a shower and loaded up the Jeep with my wife and my grand dog, and we went to a drive in restaurant about 20 miles away. They serve huge hamburgers there that are really good. (Of course, Ross Allen got one too.)

Thelma was topless and doorless for the trip, and the temperature was just perfect for a ride.

Also to make this a good day, I found a wheelin' buddy for tomorrow! I will be going to Turkey Bay in the AM for some wheelin'! YES!

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

tsjay

When I was ready to take the back tires off of Thelma Jane today in preparation for the Kilby installation, I made a major discovery.

I could have been up the proverbial tributary without the proper means of locomotion if I had had a flat tire since getting those AR767 wheels!
The factory lug wrench DID NOT FIT the chrome lug nuts that I got with the AR767s! I had to use a 13/16 socket from my tool kit to get those lug nuts off. Needless to say, that socket and a power handle will stay in Thelma Jane until I get a new lug wrench.

You guys with something other than factory wheels and lug nuts might want to check to be sure your lug wrench still fits.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

bamatazz

DUDE!!
congrats on that JEEP!
Maybe some AC/DC next time, instead of clint black.
Even after a year my smile still hasnt gone away
JEEPS are great especially this time if year WOO HOOO.

Keep JEEPIN
BAMA

twylie

Quik - CONGRATULATIONS! As everyone mentioned, it just gets better!

Terry - say the word, and we'll catch up sometime. We were talking about doing some hiking/camping at Mt Cheaha sometime soon. Maybe we could meet there sometime this summer.

Tom - Way to go. We all new you could get that thing done. Sounds like you're ready to go tackle TB again! We're headed out again tomorrow morning to some new trails.

-twylie

dewars

Congrats on learning about your new mechanical ability. You really are Mr. Goodwrench!
I am going to find out about my talent (patience)pretty soon. After being quoted from $550.00 to $725.00 to install my lift, I've decided to do it myself. I have another vehicle I can drive to work so I am just going to take my time and dive in.
Way to go Larry !! You made a great choice.

Dewars

tsjay

I don't know about the gearing for the auto four speed, but my guess is that fourth would be similar to fifth in the five speed, an overdrive gear. I believe fifth in my Jeep is a 0.75: 1 ratio. Fourth is like third in the auto, 1:1.

I didn't know they were offering the four speed auto in all models for 03, but that should swing some folks who would otherwise get the manual.

Whatever ya get, I know you will be happy. Just having a Jeep is a JOY!

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

tluke

Thanks to those who offered info. It's probably the way I thought it would be with the 4th gear in the auto only acting as the OD gear. That tends to make my decision easier. 5 SPEED! She does have her car and this is my toy. I should be ordering within a few days. Who knows, I may change my mind again. No, I'm definitely maybe going with the 5 speed, I think! Tom

twylie

I ended up getting my Catch All floor mats REALLY muddy this weekend. I give them a thumbs up in that they cleaned up as advertised. I took them out and hosed them off. They're propped up against the garage today drying out, but they looked good as new (just a bit wet!).
-twylie

tsjay

My buddy at work, Mike, has definitely come down with Wrangler Fever! Thanks to you guys who posted words of encouragement.

Mike is looking for a used Jeep, and it is only a matter of time til I have a new wheelin' buddy.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

jeepspinner

Harley Jane is FINALLY topless, as of 5:00 PM today! Yippee!

I have been searching for those wild, flowered seat covers you see Wranglers wearing in the summer. Can't find them anywhere, and can't afford $250 for a pair of Neoprene covers!

Can any of you Jeep experts point me in the right direction? Neither JC Whitney nor Bestop has flowered covers (or anything else that is bright and screams SUMMER!!)

Thanks! Happy Jeeping!

tsjay

Can't help you with your question, but I wanted to say hi and welcome. I don't remember your ever posting in here before.

How about a little introduction? Tell us just a little about yourself and Harley Jane, OK?

If I have missed a previous post of yours, please forgive me (I'm OLD).

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

P.S. I just checked your profile, and it showed that you posted back in March. I see that you have a white 01 Sahara. NICE COLOR!

I picked up my Thelma Jane on December 8, 2000, and she was "born" on December 5th at 12:13 AM. I am close enough to Toledo that rail shipment was not used.

http://www.members.aol.com/tjoh298765/thelma.html

tsjay

Well, my good Jeepin' Buds, old Tom is on a roll. I had a good day Saturday, because I was able to get my Kilby gas tank skid installed without anyone's help. (Well, the Good Lord was smilin' on me, but no human help anyway.)

Then, I had the nice drive with the Mrs to that drive in restaurant that I told you guys about to top off the day.

Yesterday, I went wheelin' all day. Had a great time, and the rain held off, even though the skies were threatening all day.

Got Thelma home from Turkey Bay and got her cleaned up good late yesterday afternoon.

Then, today, the skies were blue, the sun was shining, and the temperature was about 80 degrees. Drove Thelma Jane to work topless and doorless. What a joy!

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

bamatazz

Great hearing from you..keep us posted
I bought my covers from wal-mart. They are not neoprene but the look pretty good. They were only $20 each thats better than the $200 for the neoprene. You could alsoe check on eBay. Sometime you can get a very good deal there.
I had TAZZ topless & doorless all weekend. Had to "put" him back together last night.
Its great driving topless & doorless .. but its also great to get those doors & top on & crank up the A/C.

Keep Jeepin
BAMA!

twylie

Tom,
As far as your buddy that may be getting Wrangler fever... Anything you did or said to him that picked up the interest level? I've found that a ride or even letting someone drive in ours is usually enough for them to start thinking... "hmmm, I could sell the Camry and get one of these. Whadaya think, honey?". As far as the couple of times we've taken friends off road, they are all impressed at what a stock Jeep can do and usually say they'd love to have one someday... I think a lot of people are Jeep converts waiting to happen, you just need to let them see how versatile and fun they are.

-twylie

jayorion

You folks refer to it as being Topless and Doorless.

I call it going Full Monty.

Jayorion

stever

I don't even want to know what you call it when you fold the windshield down!

(yeah, I did that a few times in my CJ-5 - looked cool, but I didn't like getting slapped in the face by the branches).

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

tsjay

You betcha! Good old Thelma Jane had a LOT to do with my buddy catching Wrangler Fever! I guess you could even say she had EVERYTHING to do with my buddy catching Wrangler Fever.

A couple trips to eat lunch at a Sonic Drive In on beautiful days with Thelma's top and doors off were very instrumental in my bud's desire to get a Jeep.

Also, one day last week, I played a very dirty trick on Mike. I let him drive Thelma Jane from one end of town to the other and back. Then he was REALLY hooked!

He is now ready to buy as soon as he finds a Jeep in his price range that looks to be a good one.

I am so ashamed! (NOT!)

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?