You've come to the right place for Wrangler info. I still love my '98 Wrangler, even after almost 5 years. We're planning on a short trip to the Sierras this week and I can't wait! Hopefully it will still be nice for some 'wheeling - I think they close many of the trails when it gets too muddy or snowy. So far the weather has been so dry that the little rain we've had so far wouldn't have made much difference...
Great to see that folks are playing in the dirt. I took the kids off-road on Friday and we came home caked in mud. It's nice being, according to various media accounts, one of the 5% or less who actually take thier Jeep off road. I did pack plenty of water and first aid supplies after last week's warning. We also skirted a tempting mud hole late in the day since I could not get a clear read on what lay at the bottom.
Can't wait for the snow to work its way down from the peaks. Hoping for a ski season this year.
Hi All, I tried uploading a few short video clips to Sony's Imagestatioin if you're interested. I think the site requires you to register to view, it's free. It's pretty tame stuff for a Jeep (not necessarily for the Nissan in Clip #2).
As a kid my dad always had CJ5, CJ7 , Scramblers Jeeps and now at 30 it is my turn. I drive about 2000 miles a month for my job, but will use the Jeep Wrangler off road on the weekends and with the top off in the summer. I need to know what the comfort level of the seats are for long hauls. I am 6'2" and 235 lbs rugby player that needs just a little support when driving. I know that the JEEP is not a luxury car but I just remember that the ride was very rough back then. Any advice is welcome on this subject such as difference in models, upgrades, etc.
As far as the comfort level of the newer Jeeps, all I can tell you is to go drive one. Your experience with Jeeps that you listed does not include the TJs, which have coil springs all around. I have ridden in YJ's, and you'd better believe there's a HUGE difference in the ride quality with the coil spring suspension system in the TJ's.
We've had posts in here from some pretty good sized people who state that the room is sufficient for them.
Just go test drive one, and I think you will be very pleasantly surprised at the comfort level of the TJ. And the good thing is that the TJ's are even more capable offroad than the earlier Jeeps. The coil spring suspension gives you tons of flex and articulation that the old leaf spring suspension system could not.
Keep us posted as you do your research. Take that test drive and post your comments here as to your impressions of the TJ.
Ask all the questions you want to, and most likely one of us will be able to get you an answer.
Can't wait for the snow to work its way down from the peaks. Hoping for a ski season this year.
Man, do I love the sound of that statement! Not because I ski, but because I love mountains. Where do you live? Forgive me if you have told us already.
Welcome Collink! I am 6' 4" and about 240. I have a 99TJ. I am usually good up to about 90 minutes. After that It starts to get a little unomfortable. In my case one of the issues is that the drivers seat dows not go back quite as far as I would like (I have long legs). I understand the 2003's have more seat travel so if you get a new one that might not be a problem.
Since my jeep was used, I added Wet Okle Hawaii seat covers. These are like the neoprene wet suit material. The seats are comfortable but I would like a deeper bucket with a wider side section and more bolster. However, I am spoiled by the excellent seats in my Lincoln LS.
The cruise control helps on the highway (so you might want to get it on yours).
I would recommend the Jeep locking center console. The lid is padded and make a nice arm rest. As a tall person the main problem I have with arm rests (especially on airplanes) is that they ar usually too low for me (I can't rest my arm). The center console on the TJ is pretty good in this regard.
I'm 6'1" 195 and have recently driven our '01 Jeep on a 750 mile (one way) trip. On the way up, it took me almost 12 hours and on the return trip, I was a road warrior, making it in 10.75, stopping only for fuel and quick health breaks. The ride is no luxury cruiser but is more than comfortable enough for me on an occasional long trip. Things in the TJ are very different than your previous Jeep experiences... The ride is more plush, the heater and A/C actually work, the soft top is quieter, and the radio can be heard at highway speeds.
As a weekend toy for occasional long trips, it's great. Sounds very similar to how we use ours.
Feel free to post any questions you have about specific use or options.
hey guys i'm here . so stop being sad tom i did'nt run off to rob's site for life . are lost coast trip went greet .there was like 9 of us . 8 tj's and one grand . no hard wheeling just some nice stuff to look at and lots of driving .
ive got a 2001 wrangler sport that i just love (but i must admit i pulled the "sport" decals off of it with a hair blow dryer! lol. it just seems silly). what i would like to know is if anyone has found roll bar padding that is thicker (i.e. bigger diameter)than the stock stuff. those skinny bars look like pipe cleaners! thought some bigger padding would make it look bulkier. not sure how much bigger bestops are in real life. any help would be appreciated. thanks everyone.... eric
Thanks for the info on obtaining a build sheet from D-C. I received mine less than 12 hours after I asked D-C for it. On an unrelated topic, the plastic/aluminum radiator on my 56000 mile 1999 Sahara was beginning to seep coolant from the top seam. It turns out my local shop had a line on "scratch and dent" all brass Modine radiators. The price was so good I went ahead and let the shop install it. I had them flush the cooling system and throw in a new thermostat while they were at it. When all was said and done, the entire job cost @$20 more than the the best price I found for a D-C radiator alone. Now to upgrade the ICE and the horrible stock headlamps(Hella H4s here I come!!!).
Let me add my welcome to the crazy crew of Jeepsters! I'm smedcougar (formerly dwrangler). I was well on my way to getting my wrangler but with the features I wanted on it from the factory and the package I wanted the dealer just wouldn't come down to what I thought was a fair price. And to complicate things I'm in graduate school and my debt load wasn't condusive to getting my dream vehicle at this point. So the dream continues...but if you want to get a Jeep Wrangler...you've come to the right place. If we can't answer your questions, we'll point you in the direction of someone who can. Let us know the details of your new "baby" when it arrives and we'll celebrate with ya. Tomster may even wheel with ya if you can meet him halfway.
I saw you're planning on doing the Hella inserts. I just got my IPF inserts last weekend. The difference in light and pattern is dramatic; much better than I'd even hoped for. I think an ecode upgrade is one of the best safety items you can do if you have to drive much in the dark. The pattern has a sharp cutoff and a really even spread of light, covering the shoulder. I'll try to get some pictures posted of the difference before/after in the next week or so.
Glad ya came back. We all visit other sites, but Edmunds is my "home town." I will never leave this place (unless they kick me out).
I owe a lot to Edmunds and to the members here for the good info that helped me get my Jeep equipped with the "right stuff" and for helping me to know what kind of deal I should hold out for.
I mention this place to all the Jeep buddies I meet and encourage them to come here.
A little James Brown "I feel good" background music, please.
I DO feel good! I had the old endoscope thing done yesterday (scope down the throat) to have my esophagus checked out. I have acid reflux and occasional problems swallowing. The doc was gonna stretch my esophagus, if it appeared to be necessary, but it didn't. He just said that I have a hiatal hernia that does not require surgery. I'll just have to take a pill and change my diet. CHANGE MY DIET?? Well, I'll take the pill.
Anyway, I am relieved to have that over with.
So, old Tom is on a roll! Had a fantastic weekend wheelin' and then got the good medical news yesterday.
Have to go back to work today. Oh well, can't have EVERYTHING. Just kidding: I am fortunate to have a good job, and many people would be very happy to have a job to go to.
I just got my 2003 Wrangler Sahara with the dual tops (the thing is awesome). The hard top is installed and so is the framing (and top canvas) to the soft top. Jeep suggest that you remove the soft top completly while the hard top is on. The guy at the dealership said most just leave both on. What do you guys think?
Dgriff, I don't have the dual top option myself, but from what I have heard others say, it is best to remove one of the tops, and only use one at a time. From personal experience and other's comments on the board, many dealers don't know jack about Jeeps, and have many times given BAD advice, without knowing any better...sounds like the case here to me.
Over the last month our '98 has had a hard time starting. The starter turns over very slowly and won't start unless you goose the accelerator. The battery is brand new, and the alternator seems to be charging OK.
I'm leaning toward either the fuel pump or starter.
Yeah, I started back in 1978- I put Cibie Z-Beams in my 1974 Monte Carlo. I wish Cibies were still available at a resonable price; I prefer them to the E-Code Hellas.
I appreciate your debt load, but if you can swing it, go for a used Wrangler (98 and up) and then use it for your trade when you hit the big time. Most of us can tell you our only regret with buying a Jeep is not doing it sooner! I had a CJ while in grad school and it was the best way to escape class (or at least head out on the weekends).
Seat comfort - I'm 5' and no longer over my ideal weight (something that I've been working on for the last couple of months) and am married to someone 6' who varies in weight from the 235 he USED to be to around 200 current weight (he's been working at it too!) and we love the seats in the Jeep. Our other vehicle is a 2000 Tacoma and we chose to drive the '98 Wrangler to northern BC and back (something like 3,000 miles) rather than put up with the horrible seats in the Taco (only bearable for less than an hour). This in spite of the fact the Wrangler gets terrible gas mileage and is much noisier than the Taco.
Anon - I sure live on the wrong side of the country - sounds like a great deal!
appstate88 - I haven't had that problem at all with mine. I still have the original battery, which I'm sure won't last this winter. We just put new tires on the Taco, am going to have a new roof put on sometime in November, so the battery will have to wait for a while.
We had some rain recently, so things aren't quite so dry out here, but there is no sign of any more. I'm beginning to think we won't have much for winter this year (again). Here's hoping for snow - but not before Sunday (we're heading for the Sierras and the Tioga Road on Thursday).
It all depends on the Jiffy Lube place. I've had good luck with one and often go there for a quick oil change for the Taco. I've also had good luck at a Firestone shop in Bakersfield. They do more than just change fluids, they'll rotate the tires for free (I bought my Dueller ATs there) so I can get all of the routine maintenance done there. I have also heard lots of horror tales from quick lube places, also...
I agree too, the soft top can get chafed while in the closed position with the hard top on. I believe this is what Jeep says too, have you watched your video tape that came with your new Jeep? I think they addressed that issue on the tape.
e codes aren't the visionplus/minus I'm guessing you're referring to. An e code light is not a sealed beam, but a lens housing that requires you to run an H4 bulb insert. Absolutely NO comparison. I believe it is e as in Euro code, since I don't think the IPF or Hella lenses are DOT approved. They don't have the alignment nips that DOT bulbs do. Alignment must be done using measurements of where the cutoff line meets a vertical surface at a given distance.
Pete (01r1) has posted some BEAUTIFUL pics in there! What gorgeous country to wheel in!!!
Pete, have I told you about the tradition we have here in Edmunds that newer members who live in beautiful surroundings invite the older members to come live with them for the rest of their lives?
Now I don't know about that come live with me part... I live in a small house, but have a big garage (priorities!).
I will say this, anyone in the greater Portland or SW Washington area is welcome to join me wheelin' on the weekends. I usually stay within the Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. St. Helens area for convenience. Though, next month I'm heading to western Montana and northern Idaho for some wheelin' around the old ghost towns out there. Of course you never know about the mid-November weather in that part of the Rockies, so I'll bring my X-country skis just in case there's too much snow for the Jeep.
Today I made the deal, tomorrow I get the Wrangler! (I posted a short while back with some towing questions). It's a '00 2-top 4.0 Sport w/5 speed, ac, 30" wheel package, accident free, low mileage beauty. (Red, not my first choice, but the price and prior owner's care cinched the deal). There's a few months left on the original 3 year warrenty, and a Jeep dealer tells me that that can be extended at the dealership if I get down there before the original expires. I may just do that. But in the meantime, are there any "warranty -repairable" defects or recalls on the '00 Wrangler that I should be looking for before the original warranty expires? I have untill April. Thanks! Great board you have here. GSLarry (in SF, CA)
I purchased a new 2002 Cougar and am quite happy with it. I know the regret of not getting a Jeep sooner but I had to go with the Cougar for now as I have a car with no miles on it and a 7/70 warranty...the used route isn't appealing to me as the last car I had (a 95 Firechicken (bird)) cost me $1200 in electronic repairs. So I'm not comfortable with the idea of a used vehicle of any kind while I'm in grad school. Though I'm 39 and living with my parents to cut down on expenses (and to help them out...they're both in their 70's and having some health problems)I just can't risk a used vehicle...even a Jeep. I know when the time comes whether it's a brand new one or a used one I'll be happy.
CONGRATULATIONS! Good choice of vehicles! You're gonna love it.
That Jeep sounds like a beauty. Be sure and get some pics posted as soon as ya can.
Do that little trick I posted about earlier, where you contact DC for a build sheet. They will let you know if there is an outstanding recall on your Jeep. Just scroll up in the posts here a few days, and you will see my post with instructions on how to get that build sheet.
Gorgeous pictures! Man, I'd never go back to work on Mondays I'm afraid... Great to be able to get out on those trails frequently. Do you ever meet anyone else out on those trails? They look well used in spots, but pretty isolated. Good show!
I found the info, got the build sheet, but didn't see where it would tell about recalls or service history.
I have a 1997 Sport, which is surely out of warranty, so I suppose it doesn't matter, unless I want to pay for the repairs, but I'd be interested in seeing this info anyhow.
I don't think it will say anything unless there is an OUTSTANDING recall, like there was on my bud's 97 Sport. That is not actually part of the build sheet, but when they punched in his VIN, the computer raised a flag showing a recall that had not been performed on that particular vehicle.
I have a 99 Sport, and I had to have the Wrangler towed from my house to the dealer and they replaced the starter. It would catch and turn really slow, like you said. This was about 2 years ago, and I think the new one(which isn't so new anymore) is going in the same direction. I might have to change it out soon. This one will be on my dime, since I am past the warranty. Oh well.....
For family reasons I am leaving Flagstaff AZ (kicking and screaming) for Dayton OH. Any hope of off-roading in the mid-west? I don't imagine that there is much in the way of mountains, but hill's could be fun.
Not putting down OH, I am just totally unfamilar with that part of the country.
twylie- I know what you mean about coming back to the real world, it's very difficult.
As far as seeing other people, it all depends on if it's a weekend and/or hunting season. During the summer weekends (popular time) you'll pass someone going the other way about once every 5-10 minutes. Weekdays are best, sometimes I've driven a solid 5 hours on those back roads/trails and not seen a single person. During hunting season you'll see a rig or camp at just about every wide spot or level piece of ground you find.
Thanks for the insights. It's really odd. Since we got our Sahara in '98, it has always started right up, without having to touch the gas.
But now, it turns over verrry slowly, until you press the gas, then starts right up. Been doing that about a month...
I think you're right about the starter, we will just wait and see. Hope it doesn't die on us somewhere we can't get a tow truck!
Anon, The Bruins reference with "Cam" went a bit over my head, do they have a player named "Cam"? My hockey frame of reference is pretty much limited to the Carolina Hurricanes!
That reminds me of all the emails I used to get asking me if I was the Cameron Mills that played B-ball for the Kentucky Wildcats a couple of years back.
My answer was "We're both skinny white guys with short hair, but my jump shot stinks!
Peterson's 4wheel and offroad magazine is taking a straw poll on the 2003 offroad vehicle of the year. Thus far, out of 16 entries, the Rubicon is in the lead (50% of 1851 votes).
Comments
I'm actually going to try to read all the previous messages - I'm in Oct. 2000 now.
I do hope you'll come up for air occasionally and talk with us!
tidester, host
Can't wait for the snow to work its way down from the peaks. Hoping for a ski season this year.
http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291211677&code=3839152&mode=invite
-Later.
As far as the comfort level of the newer Jeeps, all I can tell you is to go drive one. Your experience with Jeeps that you listed does not include the TJs, which have coil springs all around. I have ridden in YJ's, and you'd better believe there's a HUGE difference in the ride quality with the coil spring suspension system in the TJ's.
We've had posts in here from some pretty good sized people who state that the room is sufficient for them.
Just go test drive one, and I think you will be very pleasantly surprised at the comfort level of the TJ. And the good thing is that the TJ's are even more capable offroad than the earlier Jeeps. The coil spring suspension gives you tons of flex and articulation that the old leaf spring suspension system could not.
Keep us posted as you do your research. Take that test drive and post your comments here as to your impressions of the TJ.
Ask all the questions you want to, and most likely one of us will be able to get you an answer.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Man, do I love the sound of that statement! Not because I ski, but because I love mountains. Where do you live? Forgive me if you have told us already.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Since my jeep was used, I added Wet Okle Hawaii seat covers. These are like the neoprene wet suit material. The seats are comfortable but I would like a deeper bucket with a wider side section and more bolster. However, I am spoiled by the excellent seats in my Lincoln LS.
The cruise control helps on the highway (so you might want to get it on yours).
I would recommend the Jeep locking center console. The lid is padded and make a nice arm rest. As a tall person the main problem I have with arm rests (especially on airplanes) is that they ar usually too low for me (I can't rest my arm). The center console on the TJ is pretty good in this regard.
Also the TJ has limited hand holds. My wife got me some nice ones and I added them. http://www.autobarn.net/steelhorulsp.html
This is really more useful for passengers.
Hope this helps!
As a weekend toy for occasional long trips, it's great. Sounds very similar to how we use ours.
Feel free to post any questions you have about specific use or options.
Welcome to the board!
-twylie
ive got a 2001 wrangler sport that i just love (but i must admit i pulled the "sport" decals off of it with a hair blow dryer! lol. it just seems silly). what i would like to know is if anyone has found roll bar padding that is thicker (i.e. bigger diameter)than the stock stuff. those skinny bars look like pipe cleaners! thought some bigger padding would make it look bulkier.
not sure how much bigger bestops are in real life.
any help would be appreciated.
thanks everyone....
eric
Jeepdryver, sorry I can't answer your question, but I wanted to say hi and welcome! Hope you will become a regular with us here.
DP
Glad you took me up on coming here! It was great wheelin' with ya yesterday!
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
On an unrelated topic, the plastic/aluminum radiator on my 56000 mile 1999 Sahara was beginning to seep coolant from the top seam. It turns out my local shop had a line on "scratch and dent" all brass Modine radiators. The price was so good I went ahead and let the shop install it. I had them flush the cooling system and throw in a new thermostat while they were at it. When all was said and done, the entire job cost @$20 more than the the best price I found for a D-C radiator alone. Now to upgrade the ICE and the horrible stock headlamps(Hella H4s here I come!!!).
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
He desperately needs a wheelin buddy ya know
Have a great week you all
sme aka Deb
-twylie
Just missed ya in Gill's the other night. Start getting in there more! Been missin' ya.
We STILL ain't hooked up for any wheelin'!
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I owe a lot to Edmunds and to the members here for the good info that helped me get my Jeep equipped with the "right stuff" and for helping me to know what kind of deal I should hold out for.
I mention this place to all the Jeep buddies I meet and encourage them to come here.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I DO feel good! I had the old endoscope thing done yesterday (scope down the throat) to have my esophagus checked out. I have acid reflux and occasional problems swallowing. The doc was gonna stretch my esophagus, if it appeared to be necessary, but it didn't. He just said that I have a hiatal hernia that does not require surgery. I'll just have to take a pill and change my diet. CHANGE MY DIET?? Well, I'll take the pill.
Anyway, I am relieved to have that over with.
So, old Tom is on a roll! Had a fantastic weekend wheelin' and then got the good medical news yesterday.
Have to go back to work today.
Thank You, Lord!
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I was actually thinking of taking the padding off my bars because they look too fat and kind of goofy. Different strokes for different folks I guess.
I'd skip the Hella (are those the Vision minus?) and go with something better. I can get you a link or more info if interested.
I am sure the TJ Wrangler is more comfortable than the older CJ's by a long shot.
I don't have the dual top option myself, but from what I have heard others say, it is best to remove one of the tops, and only use one at a time. From personal experience and other's comments on the board, many dealers don't know jack about Jeeps, and have many times given BAD advice, without knowing any better...sounds like the case here to me.
Jeephead
Over the last month our '98 has had a hard time starting. The starter turns over very slowly and won't start unless you goose the accelerator. The battery is brand new, and the alternator seems to be charging OK.
I'm leaning toward either the fuel pump or starter.
Any similar situations?
Cam
Change the diet too! We want you around a good long time!
tidester, host
;-)
Good luck, Tom, and stay healthy!
Seat comfort - I'm 5' and no longer over my ideal weight (something that I've been working on for the last couple of months) and am married to someone 6' who varies in weight from the 235 he USED to be to around 200 current weight (he's been working at it too!) and we love the seats in the Jeep. Our other vehicle is a 2000 Tacoma and we chose to drive the '98 Wrangler to northern BC and back (something like 3,000 miles) rather than put up with the horrible seats in the Taco (only bearable for less than an hour). This in spite of the fact the Wrangler gets terrible gas mileage and is much noisier than the Taco.
Anon - I sure live on the wrong side of the country - sounds like a great deal!
appstate88 - I haven't had that problem at all with mine. I still have the original battery, which I'm sure won't last this winter. We just put new tires on the Taco, am going to have a new roof put on sometime in November, so the battery will have to wait for a while.
We had some rain recently, so things aren't quite so dry out here, but there is no sign of any more. I'm beginning to think we won't have much for winter this year (again).
Hope this makes sense to you.
-twylie
Pete, have I told you about the tradition we have here in Edmunds that newer members who live in beautiful surroundings invite the older members to come live with them for the rest of their lives?
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Now I don't know about that come live with me part... I live in a small house, but have a big garage (priorities!).
I will say this, anyone in the greater Portland or SW Washington area is welcome to join me wheelin' on the weekends. I usually stay within the Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. St. Helens area for convenience. Though, next month I'm heading to western Montana and northern Idaho for some wheelin' around the old ghost towns out there. Of course you never know about the mid-November weather in that part of the Rockies, so I'll bring my X-country skis just in case there's too much snow for the Jeep.
Later,
Pete
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
GSLarry (in SF, CA)
Hug your Jeeps for me
smedcougar
That Jeep sounds like a beauty. Be sure and get some pics posted as soon as ya can.
Do that little trick I posted about earlier, where you contact DC for a build sheet. They will let you know if there is an outstanding recall on your Jeep. Just scroll up in the posts here a few days, and you will see my post with instructions on how to get that build sheet.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
-twylie
I have a 1997 Sport, which is surely out of warranty, so I suppose it doesn't matter, unless I want to pay for the repairs, but I'd be interested in seeing this info anyhow.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Steve
I was just gonna post and ask you about your starting problem, and I see good old Steve has posted something that might be your problem.
Have you had the problem taken care of, and was it the starting motor, like it was in Steve's case?
Let us know how things stand.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
GSLarry
Not putting down OH, I am just totally unfamilar with that part of the country.
As far as seeing other people, it all depends on if it's a weekend and/or hunting season. During the summer weekends (popular time) you'll pass someone going the other way about once every 5-10 minutes. Weekdays are best, sometimes I've driven a solid 5 hours on those back roads/trails and not seen a single person. During hunting season you'll see a rig or camp at just about every wide spot or level piece of ground you find.
It's definitely fun! (read, addictive)
Later,
Pete
Thanks for the insights. It's really odd. Since we got our Sahara in '98, it has always started right up, without having to touch the gas.
But now, it turns over verrry slowly, until you press the gas, then starts right up. Been doing that about a month...
I think you're right about the starter, we will just wait and see. Hope it doesn't die on us somewhere we can't get a tow truck!
Anon,
The Bruins reference with "Cam" went a bit over my head, do they have a player named "Cam"? My hockey frame of reference is pretty much limited to the Carolina Hurricanes!
That reminds me of all the emails I used to get asking me if I was the Cameron Mills that played B-ball for the Kentucky Wildcats a couple of years back.
My answer was "We're both skinny white guys with short hair, but my jump shot stinks!
Cam
You can check out the competition and cast your vote at http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/ .
Unless they are going to gripe about storage room or comfort, is it really any contest?