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Comments
Steve
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I wondered what happened to ya.
Welcome back!
Chef, that decision about your Jeep is entirely up to you. You know what power you have now, and you probably have at least test driven a Jeep that had the 4.0, right? If not, then go test one out.
See what you think about the difference, and then only you can decide if it's worth the money to get a new Jeep with the 4.0 or not.
From all that I have read here and in other Jeep sites, not very many people are happy with the 2.5 L and bigger tires. Those puppies just don't have the torque or horsepower to handle the bigger tires.
If you are seriously thinking about lifting your Jeep and going to bigger tires, then maybe you should wait and get a new one with the 4.0. It's cool that you have leased your Jeep, since you can walk away from it after two years and owe nothing on it. You are then in a good position to work a deal on a new one, since you will have no trade in to complicate matters or to owe money on.
If you are happy with the 4 cylinder, then keep it. Just realize that you will lose some of the power that you have now if you go to bigger tires. It would be bad if you sink a lot of money into a lift and tires, only to find that you are not satisfied with the power. You NEVER get your money back on mods when you trade in or sell a Jeep.
As far as offroading, the 2.5's do just as well as the 4.0's. In 4 lo you are geared down so much that even the 2.5 has more power than you need.
WELCOME BACK!
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
It is NOT necessary to agree with someone to get along with them. It's called respecting each other's opinions. It's agreeing to disagree.
Wheelerman, I was just exactly like old Bamatazz until just a few short months ago. I would not even CONSIDER taking my little Thelma Jane offroad. I wanted her spotless at all times, and could not imagine even taking the slightest chance that she might get a little teeny tiny scratch on her.
And you know what? She was THE MOST FUN VEHICLE THAT I EVER OWNED, EVEN WHEN I KEPT HER ON THE PAVEMENT! So, if the Bamatazz Dude wants to keep Tazz in pristine condition, then let's let him enjoy his Jeep in the way he chooses. He is still a Jeep lover and belongs here just as much as anyone else. ( I know you never suggested that he didn't belong here, wheelerman. )
Now Bama, Wheelerman was a little too enthusiastic in his approach, maybe, but he just wanted you to know the thrill of offroading. It is about the most fun you'll ever have with your clothes on, but if it ain't something you want to try, then that's entirely up to you. You are enjoying the heck out of your Jeep the way you are using it right now, and that's what counts.
So, let's respect each other's opinions and realize that we ain't all gonna agree on everything, but we CAN all be friends, OK?
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Tluke and Wyldone, congrats on getting your Wranglers.
Tluke, first 2003 Wrangler postings!
Still a happy camper.
When I drove the jeep on the highway tonight it seemed to want to go all over the road. I've been driving a nissan sentra though.....is this just something to get used to?? Sorry....lots of questions....but it has to go back in the AM!
Help if you can! it is greatly appreciated.
Hard top vs. soft top is a preference thing. If you think you'll want to be riding top down/off any amount of time, I'd suggest soft top or dual top option. You mentioned travelling a lot, so having the hard top may be advisable. The full doors and hard top will offer a slightly better margin of security, but will be more difficult when you want to enjoy the open air. This set up will be a bit quiter and easier to use as a daily driver, however. We have a soft top/half doors, but the Jeep doesn't see much time carrying us to/from work. In fact my soft top is sitting in a spare bedroom until sometime this winter when it will go back on.
You shouldn't have any problem hauling a small UHaul as long as it's set up properly and the total towing weight doesn't exceed 2000 lbs, and the tongue weight is kept at about 10% of the total weight. The Jeep's short wheelbase causes this number to be lower than you'd find on a small pickup, etc.
If the Jeep was "darty" on the road, it's possible that the dealer had not properly set the air pressure in the tires. Mine had 39 lbs in the tires when I picked it up and the drive home made me check them to see what was going on. I dropped the pressure to about 32 and everything was fine. You will get blown around a bit at interstate speeds, but it shouldn't wander too much.
Hope you enjoyed your time in the Jeep. The pacific NW would be a great place to be a Jeep owner!
-twylie
Been there, done that, got a JEEP.
Well, don't be in too big of a rush to buy, cause you need some questions answered before you sign the dotted line. I think you will find, like I did, the only cure for Wrangler Fever is to buy a Jeep, but how that Jeep is equipped is very important. That's the cool thing about getting a Jeep... you have lots of choices, and Jeeps can be set up just perfectly for your needs.
That's the big thing for you to do now. Decide how you will be using the Jeep, and then do some big time research to find which options would most likely fit your needs. You have already mentioned one of the biggies, and that it which top to go for.
You have come to a great place to have your questions answered, and we will all be glad to chip in and get you the info you need.
It would be a real good idea for you to read as many of the old posts in here as possible, since you will find questions asked that you might not have even thought of.
Welcome to the group, and ask all the questions you want to. All of us in here love to "talk Jeep."
As far as the top selection, it really, really, really depends on how you will use your Jeep and the climate where you live. What twylie told you in his post is exactly right.
The hard top does come off, but it takes two people and is not something that you would want to do two or three times a week. If you would be in a postition to take it off and leave it off for weeks at a time, then it should be no problem.
I have a pick up to drive to work and a garage to park my Jeep in, so the hard top is perfect for me. I can take it off and leave it off all summer, driving the truck to work if the forecast calls for rain.
If the Jeep is your daily driver and there is frequent rain in your area, then the soft top would make more sense.
Ask any and all questions, and you will get plenty of answers from this group. We love our Jeeps and love to talk about them.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
P.S.
I just checked your profile and found that your name is Dana. So, I just have to ask... are you a Dana 35 or a Dana 44?
Those are axle options, by the way, so I just couldn't resist.
If you don't mind my asking, are you a guy Dana or a girl Dana?
I do find the steering on mine very quick compared to my Tacoma, and that has taken getting used to. It also is terrible in the wind, and part of my commute is almost always windy. I just slow down and it doesn't bother me much. Because of the quick steering and the lousy wind handling, I always drive it slower than the Tacoma, and plan on taking longer to get anywhere.
I've used it for our daily driver at times, and don't mind it at all, except that it is thirsty. I get about 20 mpg on the highway, if there is not much wind. The seats are far more comfortable than the Taco - so much so that we took it on a 3,000 mile trip and paid the extra for gas.
At the moment we are thinking about going from a 2 car family to a 1 car family. I told my husband that if we only had one car, it HAD to be a Wrangler. Good luck with your choice!
Looking for an honest answer.
Jayorion
As far as trailers, I'd say skip the U-Haul, and just buy yourself a nice trailer at Home Depot for like $399 or whatever. You will have it for life, and it will come in handy for moving, buying furniture, firewood, or whatever. You could even loan it to family or friends or even use it for income (odd jobs, etc.).
I'm in my lease for about 15 more months but would love to get out of it and purchase a Sport. I am going to start checking around to see what it will cost to get out of this lease. I have been 4 wheeling with a friend who had a Land Rover Defender 90 and he cant belive how much my Jeep can hang with his "Mighty Rover". We hae been doing some really cool runs here in Southern Nevada, no mud to be found though. I am going to go up north this weekend in search of water and mud, should be a good time. I'll keep you posted on my lease vs. buy option and thanks for everyones help.
BTW, how did you attach your CB antena??
Later
LVChef
Are you happy with the power of the SE now? I didn't care for the lack of power the 4 cyc had on freeways and highways.
How much lift and what size tires do you plan on going up to?
Regearing your axles will help a lot for any power loss. This isn't a cheap modifcation though.
jayorion
It depends on who you talk to. A lot of the CJ guys dislike the YJ. Of course a lot of people disliked the TJ when it first came out. The YJ is fine on road. Off-road it is good but not as good as the TJ and CJ stock. The YJ can be modified to perform great off-road though.
for one there was no abs breaks. how important are they on a jeep?
unsure about the color. it is a new color called light kahki. its kinda cool but im not completelly sold on it. has anyone seen this color? what do you think about it? and what color top would you get it in?
I saw one in the light khaki on Saturday and was pleasently surprised. On the Jeep web site, the color doesn't look that good, but in person it is nice - almost a bronze. The one I saw had a black top, and I think I would prefer it to the tan. I think the brownish tint in the paint would clash with a brown top, but haven't seen one, so can't really judge.
P.S.- Tom, I noticed that about the axles last night...funny coincidence! it must be fate that I should buy one now! ( I am a girl Dana by the way)
thanks again!
Dana
WOW.. Welcome to the board Dana. I agree with Tom & Twylie about the hard/top soft top debate
Its a personal perferance, I got the dual top option, since i have kiddies, I feel that alitttle more safe.
JEEPERS, I apologize for my outburst, Wheels, I
am truly sorry. (thanx TOM)
CB radio Antenna.. I mounted my antenna behind the spare tire there is a nut that can be removed, makes a perfect spot for it, and you can run the wire with the 3rd brake light wiring.
CHEF... Welcome back to the board!!
ABS brakes.. I really dont like ABS.. I know its safer, but hey, thats me
I installed 2 neon lights in the back of TAZZ looks GREAT, I wired them to the switch wiring.I am planning on installing a switch for them later on.
Got a new jeep catalog today, I gotta go take a gander, make my wish list
KEEP JEEPIN
BAMA (roll tide)
Good luck in deciding about what to do as far as keeping the SE or getting a Sport. I hope whichever way you go, you end up a really happy camper.
I it so good to have your butt back in here with us! I still think you should have checked in once in a while to let us know you were OK, but I guess I'll get over it.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Do some research. Spend some time reading old posts in here, and get a feel for what options are available and which ones make sense for your intended use.
This is also a great place to get a feel for how much people are having to pay for their Jeeps in relation to the invoice price. ALWAYS talk in terms of selling price vs INVOICE when you are comparing deals or negotiating a deal on a particular vehicle. Invoice price is the great common denominator.
I give this message board and the Edmunds invoice price guide all the credit in the world for helping me get just the right Jeep for my needs at the right price.
Good Luck! Ask all the questions you want to.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I own a 90 YJ since this January and have never been in any other Jeep. Why do people think they suck? Is that just off road or on road too?
Looking for an honest answer.
Jay:
YJ's do not suck. They are Jeeps, and they belong in the family as much as any other Jeeps. If I could not have afforded a newer Jeep, then I would have bought a YJ and been very proud of it.
There are advantages to a TJ, like coil springs for a better ride, and, according to a lot of people, better articulation for wheelin', but there is nothing wrong with a YJ. Heck, not all that many years ago, if you were getting a new Jeep, you would be getting a YJ.
I'm sure you are proud of your YJ, and you have every right to be.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I don't think you meant to hurt anyone's feelings, but the way you have phrased some of the things you have said, it could be interpreted as "put downs."
You are full of enthusiasm for wheelin and you love your TJ. We have both of those things in common, but we have to realize that other people can love their Jeeps too, even if they don't have a TJ and even if they don't wheel.
So, stick around with us. I don't think anyone in here wants you to leave.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
tidester
Host
SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
Tsjay
Thanks for the info on the CB antenna. I have wanted to get one for a while, but I think I'm gonna wait till Monday to see if the Dealers want to deal and let me out of my lease..
Thanks...
Mechanical:
- 2.4L 4cyl replaced by 2.5L 4cyl used in the Libby (doesn't apply if you're trying to get into a 6cyl)
- new available 4 speed automatic with OD.
- rear disc brakes now optional on the Sport, std. on Rubicon, not sure if they are available on the X
- lots of upgrades in the Rubicon (D44 F/R, air lockers, 4:1 xfer case, 31" MTR tires, rocker protection, + more I've probably forgotten)
Interior/Cosmetic:
- biggest changes are to the seats/head protection. Sounds like seats sit lower and have more travel. Apparently the changes are to meet a new mandate on interior restraint/protection. This thread covers everything far better than I could hope to:
http://jeepsunlimited.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=278637
If you're looking to get into the 6cyl, but don't plan on getting into wheeling in a big way, the X model might be a good option for you. You get the 6cyl, but not the extra beef the Sport offers in the D44 rear and the disc brakes.
From my point of view, the '03 offers you a couple of significant upgrade option:
- 4 speed automatic
- rear discs option on Sport
- Rubicon goodies
I don't necessarily see the interior changes as postivie or negative, just different. There is some talk that the new seats may not be as comfortable since something had to give way to change the sitting height. I'd suggest spending some time at the dealership to compare between them. Seats are pretty important and you'll want to make sure yours are comfortable to you!
If none of these new changes would be things you want/need, the '02 may be the ticket to getting a deal. As the '03's continue to show up, the dealers will want to move the old ones. Remember you can always buy a new '03 at invoice through jeepwarehouse.com, so make sure the dealer really gives you a great deal on an '02 if you decide to go that route.
Color choices may affect your decision as well. You won't be able to get a Solar yellow '03, but the '02's don't come in Inca Gold either (I really dig the Inca Gold/Slate)!
Good luck shopping and let us know how it goes on Monday.
-twylie
twylie - thanks for the information about the seating in the '03s. I love the seats in my '98 and the main reason I hate the Tacoma is the low, uncomfortable seating. I will definitely check out the seating in the '03s before the '02s disappear, since we are thinking about going with a new Wrangler and only having one car.
I certainly do love my Jeep. I kind of like the fact that it's old too. Except that I worry that I may not always be able to get replacement parts. And I'm not crazy about the square headlights either. My kids love riding in it and my wife thinks I'm obsessed with it. I guess I am. I think it's the fever all Jeep owners have.
Jay
Thanks for all the info on a 2003. I would love to get a 2003, but I think my best deal is going to be on a 2002 considering I am getting out of my lease and going into a purchase with only around $5000 down. I woul like to keep my payments lower than $500. I think I'm gonna get screwed on this deal as I 'm breaking a lease. Oh well, I guess if the price is outragious then I'll wait till the end of the model year on the 2003's. I REALLY want a 6 cylinder Jeep...Boy I feel like a baby, I want it! I want it! I want it!!!! :-)
Its a personal perferance, I got the dual top option, since i have kiddies, I feel that alitttle more safe."
But it isn't really. It even says so in the manual (and maybe inside the hard top itself). It is for weather protection only.
Would have hated to see ya leave.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Wheels..Man dont leave, It was my fault.
Who knows, you might be the one in talking me into off-roading, but I doubt it.
jyorion,, I think the yj's are cool, Since they are one of a kind with the square headlights.
chef, I bet you could get a VERY good deal on the 02's right now. Keep us informed.
Well...time for tire rotation & oil change on TAZZ gonna try to get that done tomorrow.
anyone seen rickagoodman anywhere?
Havent seen any of his post lately.
Keep Jeepin
BAMA
What kind of wheelin' ya gonna be doin' and what size tires to you want to run? That 35 might be just fine for your needs. If you don't think you will be going over 33" tires, you might want to just stick with the 35. Depends a lot on how hard you are gonna wheel the Jeep, I guess.
I think you are talking big bucks to swap to the Dana 44.
If I'm not mistaken, they can beef up the Dana 35 somehow, which might be the way you would want to go. I think it's the axle shafts that are weaker on the 35 than on the 44, and I believe they can convert the 35 to accept stronger axle shafts. Sorry I can't be more specific, but since I had the Dana 44 to start with, I haven't investigated the conversion thing, and I'm just thinking I have seen posts about people upgrading their 35s.
Good to hear from you again!
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
HAVE A GREAT DAY Walt
The 60 year history of Jeeps is amazing. They have kept the Jeep just as offroad capable as ever, and maybe even MORE capable, while adding some refinements for the highway and for everyday use.
I'm very glad to have a TJ, but I have a ton of respect for all the Jeep models that came before.
Hopefully, Jeeps as we know them will continue to be build for another 60 years and beyond. If that happens, then the TJ will take its place in the history of Jeeps, and it will be replaced with an even better model.
So, I agree with what you said, even though I have never personally owned one of the "old timers."
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
The 60 year history of Jeeps is amazing. They have kept the Jeep just as offroad capable as ever, and maybe even MORE capable, while adding some refinements for the highway and for everyday use."
My father in law was VERY concerned when he heard I was buying my Jeep. He worked on them in the Army back in the 50's, and knew how bad they were. He knew they rode harsh and tipped over...............until he rode in mine! Then, when his car was broken for a while and I had surgery and couldn't drive for a few weeks, and he borrowed mine....
He has somewhat accepted it.
You don't count the liberty do you?
rb123
There is a considerable amount of difference betweent the D35 and D44. Depending on how hard you push your Jeep and how big you will go is part of the deciding factor.
Call these guys to get a price on the D44 and the super35. The super35 is good but not worth it if you go real big.
http://www.drivetraindirect.com/html2/super35review2.html
Would the limited or locker be going in the rear? Unless you are getting a selectable (can turn it on and off, expensive) locker for the rear, the on road driving is going to change considerably.
If you don't wheel hard just get a limited slip (detroit truetrac).
I think twyile should take bama out wheeling sometime. Twyile could take him on an easy, non mud trail and let him see what his Jeep can do. Or Bama could hop in with Twyile to get a feel for it, if that is what it takes. Not very hard to go on an easy trail, have a good time and come home with no damage. You won't get too dirty if you stay out of the mud either.
mtngal
If you go to one vehicle, why not ditch the Taco and just keep your current Jeep. Do you like having car payments that much?
Save all the money you could get from no Taco maintenance, insurance, and car payments? and use that to purchase a new Jeep in a year or two. Try to save $400, $500 or whatever you could a month until you buy a new Jeep. With your trade in and cash saved you wouldn't have too big of a loan and could pay it off quick. I plan to be car loan free soon and I am going to try and not buy another vehicle again until I can pay cash.