..I picked the red '00 Wrangler Sport up today- Great ride-couldn't be happier! When I found the car, the seller said he thought it had ABS brakes, which I didn't care about. Okay, but I would rather have had the Dana 44 and certain other heavy-duty upgrades. Oh, well, it's used and I can't be too choosy. To make a long story short, I just got my build sheet email, and damn if this Wrangler isn't loaded! It in fact DOES have the Dana44 (and no ABS, which is fine), 3.73 ratio, HD gas shocks, etc. Like I said-couldn't be happier! The email also advised of a "intake manifold debris shield" recall not being performed. So, thanks, tsjay for the heads up about getting a build sheet (your message # 6999). GSLarry
Man, that is FANTASTIC that you got the Dana 44 instead of the antilock brakes! If you do much wheelin' or put bigger tires on that puppy, you will be glad you have that 44 back there.
Glad my little tip helped ya out.
That debris shield is a small job, and it took only a few minutes for the tech to install it. I would guess he did it in about 20 minutes once he actually got started on it. The design of the intake and exhaust manifolds leaves a small area where debris can collect, and the heat from the exhaust manifold can theoretically cause the accumulated debris to catch fire. I would go ahead and get this taken care of, if I were you. It won't cost you anything, and it might actually prevent a fire, I guess.
The best way to get this done would be to call the dealership of your choice and tell them that the recall needs to be performed. They can tell you if they have the shield in stock or not, and they can order one if they don't. They can schedule the work after the part comes in.
I'm curious as to which transmission you have. I believe it was during the 2000 model year that they switched the manual trannies from the AX-15 to the current NV3550. I don't know if the NV3550 is any better than the AX-15 or not. I don't remember hearing anyone complain about the AX-15's.
When are we gonna see some pics of that Jeep?
Keep postin' and share that joy of a new Jeep with us. Now don't be self conscious about that silly smile all over your face. That comes with being a Jeep owner!
Oh NO! From Flagstaff to Dayton? BUMMER! (Hey, I would have said the same thing if you were moving HERE from Flagstaff.)
Man, it would be a long drive for ya, but you would sure be welcome to come down here and go to Turkey Bay with me. I think it would be about 6.5 to 7 hours of driving to get to Turkey Bay from Dayton.
Hopefully, you will find some good places to wheel closer than that, but the invitation stands.
i kind of saw your photo the other day on your site . so now you can put up your photo at robs so we can all see ya . did you ever go look at the photos ?
Actually, the SCM portion is my initials, and I happen to love hockey, so I just stuck that on there. If you want to watch the Bruins, then I'm glad I could help. :-)
Thanks Tom. Six hours isn't too bad considering the only city less than 6 hours from Flagstaff is Phoenix. Out here, folks measure their road trips in hours rather than in miles...9 hours to San Diego? No problem, a weekend escape.
I had tried to talk my wife into Kentucky or the Carolinas, but since her family are in Ohio, no go. S'OK, I have had my 6 years out west and moving will make everyone else happy.
I saw that Ohio has several ski areas, so that suggest some sort of wilderness and hills and the Jeep is, after all, an Ohio native. :> )
Is stock OK for some of the trails in Turkey Bay? I have the 30" tires with decent tread, but no plans to customize at this point.
Yeah, lots of the places in Turkey Bay are OK for bone stock Jeeps. I was stock except for some 31 x 10.50 BFG All Terrains the first several times that I went there, and Thelma Jane did fine.
Looks like a fun trip there big guy...especially for the driver and the guy ridin' shotgun
I'll bet the kids had alot of fun as well by the looks of it. Hey, how bout a Christmas ride? What the heck if it's good for Halloween...why not Christmas. You could even put runners on the trailer instead of wheels...what do ya think?
Love the pictures...gotta have more pics in here
If I don't chat with any of you all this weekend, have a great and safe weekend...especially if ya go wheelin' and remember...take plenty of pictures
Hey, another place to wheel that would be about the same driving time for each of us after you move to Dayton would be Badlands in Attica, Indiana.
Badlands is a privately owned offroad park. I think it has 700 acres to play in, and it is an old rock quarry and the surrounding land.
The old pit has some rock crawling opportunities, but I haven't tried any of them so far.
Besides the pit, though, there are some trails through the woods. These trails are of varying difficulty, and the toughest ones are more than I want to tackle.
..Tom, you asked which 5 speed is in my '00 Sport. The Jeep was built in 12/99, and the code letters on the build sheet are "DDD 5 speed transmission, 5 spd manual". The transmission works great; it has more of a truck-like feel to it than the brand new 5 speed 2002 Sport I tested. I imagine I have the previous older version, not the newer seemingly more "refined" version. The sheet also lists: "DSAP Axle-Anti-spin Differential". Is this another name for the "Rear Trac-Loc Limited Slip" differential option in the current brocure? One more question..Is there a shorter nylon strap available to limit the travel of an opened door? The black strap on there now lets the door swing open more than 90 degrees. Thanks for all the good advice. I'll try to figure this picture thing out soon and post a couple. GSLarry
Glad you're happy with your tranny, but I still don't know which one you have. I suppose it really doesn't matter, cause, like I said, I know of no complaints with the AX-15. I was just curious.
There are variouos tricks to shorten the door straps: one is the one nony mouse mentioned. I have never worried about it, but it is sometimes aggravating the way they open so wide.
...twisted door strap. Duh! I love simple solutions, thanks! I'll also check out Whitney's stuff, but can't think of much I'd change for now. The Wrangler had an unused Mopar hitch bar (small tube, which is fine for my boat) but not the wiring harness. I got one from Jeep parts dept..What a breeze! It clicks into the existing right tailight junction assembly under the wheel well plastic splash guard. $48.00 well spent and it actually works perfectly. Having spent way too many hours in the past splicing into taillight wires, this was sure easy. Speaking of parts depts....The SF, CA Jeep offical store is very small, nowhere near a freeway and has been around forever. The parts dept is like stepping back in time. Yea, they have a computer and all, but it seems like a 1960 parts dept. Cool. (unfortunately, they're not well known for good service. I've had a CJ 5 8cyl, a late 60's Wagoneer, a couple of earlier small Cherokees, and a Grand Wagoneer. The SF dealer is 2 blocks from my job; I'll give them a try soon. Maybe the shop's improved in the past few years.) Thanks for the help. GSLarry
Had my follow up visit today after having that scope thing down the throat Monday.
Doc told me I have a very large hiatal hernia, and I said "Thanks!"
He said there's about a 25% chance that I'll need surgery some day to fix it, but in the mean time the only treatment is the Protonix my regular doc put me on about a week and a half ago. That stuff has made a new man of me! I used to eat Tums like candy, but I have taken only a few in the last week and a half.
As I was walking out, I said "Doc, I hate to bring it up, since you didn't mention it, but what about diet?" He said, "If something bothers you, don't eat it."
COOL! I can handle that! Yeeeeeehawwww!!!!
Bring on the fried chicken and the hot fudge sundaes!
Looks like I'm the last one in with a suggestion. On mine, I just lifted the loop off the peg and moved the stiching that forms the loop in front of the peg (the center part then is the loop). Lets the door open just the right amount.
On my 2002 TJ I think that they have shortened the strap a little bit. The doors dont open 90 degrees anymore. I know that they may stretch, but if I remember correctly my 2001 doors always opened all the way. This restricts the door opening to almost the perfect amount.
Gill accidentally deleted my pics in his gallery, so I had to re-do my post showing Thelma Jane's mods. If anyone is interested, go to the Jeep Owners Photo Gallery here in Edmunds.
Well, last Sunday I had Thelma almost laid over on her right side, and today I almost laid her over on her left side. Sure was fun, though!
Hey, I started a new thing today, and I would encourage all of you who go offroading to do the same (bet some of you do this already). I took a garbage bag from home, and I picked up cans and bottles and whatever. Whenever I stopped for a break, which was often, as usual, I picked up the cans and bottles that were in the immediate area where I stopped. We are having a clean up day at Turkey Bay next Saturday, and I plan to participate, but I thought, "Why shouldn't every time I go down there be a clean up day?" You know, it really felt good knowing that the trails I ran today were in better condition after I had been there than they were before.
The sad thing is that people litter in that real nice area. WHY??? I'll just bet it isn't the Jeepers that do it, but it will be Jeepers that clean it up.
Needing some advice. I'm looking to purchase my first Wrangler ( I have a 2003 GC, have owned a 94 GC and a 87 GW). This will be an everyday vehicle. I'm considering a 2003 Jeep Wrangler(possibly a X or sport). I'm not opposed to earlier models (for price considerations). My company has an agreement w/DC for 1% under invoice for new vehicles. I believe my requirements are 6cyl, AT(for the wife), cruise, full doors. Haven't decided on the Top (Hard, Soft). I live in Middle Tennessee (4 seasons). Any suggestions or recommendations would be helpful. This board has been a great help
Go with the Wrangler X with the options you want. If you go with the Sport, you will pay for things like tow hooks and side steps, that you may not want. Besides, JC Whitney has a 30 page catalog with cool stuff you can add later. I'd stay with the soft top unless you are going to use this vehicle in an area where security is a problem. The new two ply soft top is snug, weather proof and not much noisier than a hard top. If you are worried about noise, you're looking at the wrong vehicle. If some off-roading is in the picture, get the Trac-loc rear differential.
I'd stay with a new Wrangler to get the improve interior with energy absorbing padding around the window frames and roll cage along with the improved warranty. The high resale for used ones makes the choice easier, too.
Welcome! Sounds like you have read some of the posts already.
The "X" model gets you the 4.0 L I-6 engine, which is definitely something most people would want. By getting an 03, you would also get the four speed auto instead of the three speed. This would be a good reason to go ahead and get a new one.
The only drawback to the "X" model is that you cannot get the Dana 44 differential. How important that is depends on whether you will be offroading the Jeep and whether you will want to go to bigger tires in the future. You can still offroad with the Dana 35, but when you combine offroading and bigger tires, especially if you want to add a locker of some kind, you would definitely be better off with the Dana 44.
Go back and read all the posts on that subject, if you want more details. That issue was hashed over pretty good not too long ago.
The soft tops were vastly improved to "sail cloth" material starting with the 01's. This stuff is four ply and is MUCH quieter than the old soft tops by all accounts. (I have the hard top only, so I have no personal experience with the soft tops.)
I'm definitely not a car salesman. Thanks for the advice. I'm looking at 2 jeeps right now, one is an X 03 with softop (Sienna Red)w/vinyl seats, I6 auto, no CC, steel face wheels. The other is a Sport 03 (light khaki) w/cloth seat, hard top, trac lock , canyon wheel group,dana 44, auto,. There is a $3,000. difference. Any thoughts ?
Man, it's your money, but to me the $3000 is well worth what you get for the difference.
Unless you were planning to go with after market wheels and tires, the 30" wheel and tire package with the Canyon wheels is really nice. It sounds like that Jeep has the package that includes the Dana 44 with the wheels and tires, right? That's what I got on my 01 Sport.
I was just on another message board, and Dana 44 axles are selling for a minimum of $1200 used! Some people are paying even more.
You are also getting the hard top, which you would pay about $1800 or $2000 for if you got a factory quality hard top later.
Sounds like you would be getting a nicer interior with the Sport too.
Now, either of those colors is real nice, but I am crazy about that khaki, even though to me it is grey! Why do they call it khaki???
I have a 2002 Sport (Sienna in color) and am happy with it. I have the soft top and the full doors. I would have gotten the X model if I could have gotten the dana 44 rear.
I don't know how different the packages are for 2003, but the Sport in 2002 gave you the tow hooks (nice to have), fog lights, tilt steering wheel, full metal doors and I believe some extra interior lighting.
The new soft top is quiet, but it still is not as quiet as any car with a hard top. You can have a conversation with out having to scream and I have no regrets ordering the soft top. I would get the wife and test drive both the hard top and the soft top vehicle and see what you think. If you want a hard top it is tough to beat the price for one installed at the factory plus every thing you need for the top is already in place. You can always buy a soft top later for less than a hard top would cost.
I like the idea of the dana 44 and trac loc, but that is me and what I might want to do in the future.
You can always cover the vinyl seats with covers if that is a turn off.
Cruise control can be added by the dealer for about $350 here in Texas.
That Sport comes with a bunch of stuff that you won't need to add later if you decide to start building on it. Another thing to consider would be to order what you want (I regret not getting cruise control).
I like the idea of the Sport (except for the color), but I am not the guy buying it.
Today we towed the boat (2000 lb.) for the first time for any real distance. Even with 3 adults, this thing hauls! Plenty of torque from the 6, and the 5 speed gears are spaced just right. It did way better than expected, even on the long uphill 101 freeway climb from the Sausolito houseboats toward SF. I'll see the dealer in the morning to have him check out a "whine" when the clutch is released in neutral. I'm suspecting a throw-out bearing. With a few months left on the 3 year warrenty, my fingers are crossed it's a covered repair. This Jeep is a great truck! Now that I have it, I see a whole bunch of them around town here. Ease of parking such a short vehicle?? Gotta be; this thing fits anywhere! Larry
I've never heard it described as a whine, but if you have the NV3550 tranny, then there should be a "rattle" when the Jeep is running in neutral with the clutch out. It sounds like marbles in a tin can.
Maybe you have the AX-15 tranny, and maybe they "whine" instead of rattle.
I don't know about the AX-15, but the noise I am talking about on the NV3550 is not a problem. They all do it, and the dealer will tell you it's normal. In this case, you can believe the dealer. I think EVERY NV3550 makes that rattling noise.
It would be a good thing to get your noise checked out, like you plan to do.
and the world drops in! Great to see all the new pics, and the new people considering Wranglers. We ended up not 'wheeling this trip - not enough time to do everything. We hiked a bunch and drove tons of rough dirt forest service roads, but got tired of the bouncing before we hit the OHV route I wanted to go on. Oh well, guess I'll have to plan another trip up to the Sierras in the spring.
If I were you, I'd go with the Sport. Ask the sales guy if they can swap the Canyon wheels for the steel ones on the X. That could save you maybe $1000. Then, you'd still have the tough Sport (with important D44) and you can always add wheels later on once you are ready.
i know this might seem blasphemous to the true Jeepers, but i will ask anyway. let me say, i had a 95 Sahara 5 speed, and lived with a 99 Sport 5 speed.
however, i have been looking at convertibles again. nothing reasonably priced out there that has ABS available. except the Jeep. sure, the V6 Mustang, but that is not my style. i remember the Jeep was great fun at the beach, and especially in the snow. also considering a Miata - but they are expensive for the one i want...
anyway - FINALLY it looks like Jeep has rid the Wrangler of the old 3 speed auto. does anyone know, how is the new 4 speed auto? a good combo with the I-6 in the Jeep? has the 4 speed auto been around for awhile - proven itself reliability-wise? i only ever had ignition/security issues with the 99 Sport. no probs whatsoever with my used 95 Sahara. so, an automatic would make my everyday life much easier, but i don't want to compromise the reliability of the Jeep (my only car).
also - i hear the soft top no longer takes 15 minutes anymore. details?
Question, does anyone know if there should be play in the rear axle? I had mine jacked up, tires off and e-brake off(brake drum off too) - if you push/pull in and out on the flange that holds the wheel lugs, mine moves in and out by approx. .022". Is this play normal? It makes noise when it slides in and out, which is what made me start looking in the first place. I don't want my axle to come out like that picture posted awhile ago.
I know I should probably take it in to the dealer, it's only 5 months old, but I'm afraid they'll blame me for it since I have 33" tires on it. Just looking for other people's opinions...
I have a 95 Wrangler with a factory hardtop and the original bolts are working themselves out where it bolts on at top of the windshield. I've tried replacing the bolts with bigger ones, but they have eventually become loose also. Has anyone encountered this problem or no how to keep the bolts from coming loose? Thanks
Welcome! Sorry, but I have a TJ, and the hard top just has two clamps above the windshield, so I don't know how your hard top attaches. If you can get to the back side of where the bolts go through, you could use some lock washers maybe. I just don't know how those bolts go into the windshield frame.
There's something called locktite, which is used to keep bolts from backing out. Maybe some of that stuff would help?
Anyone in here got a YJ, and can ya can give jeepgirl some advice?
Loctite mentioned as a possible remedy for loose bolts is great stuff! It comes in different strengths, and is used by race teams, motorcyclists, truckers, etc. Just a drop or two keeps vibration from loosening a fastener. Most motorcycle shops have it. Medium strength is adequate for most jobs, and it's fairly easy to unscrew the fastener. Extra strength loctite is harder to unbolt later. Larry
The soft tops since '97 are a lot easier/quicker to put up and down. I helped a friend with a '95 change his soft top once...yikes, it seemed to take forever! With practice, I can take down/put up the soft top in about 5 minutes (which is still not super quick, but it works for me). The new model Jeep automatic is a 4 speed, but I have no experience with it...sorry to not be of any help there! Hopefully someone else can help you with that question.
The top operation has not changed since the '97 redesign. The new 4 speed automatic allows Jeep to use a lower rear end ratio(higher numerically), thanks to the 4th gear overdrive. The new trannie shifts smooth and makes the little truck a lot happier at interstate speeds.
I ordered the following: 2003 Sport - 5 speed, Patriot Blue with Black Dual Tops and Gray interior. 3.73 Axle Ratio 4 wheel disc brakes am/fm/cd air conditioning steps dana 44 p225/75/r15 all terrain tires rear trac loc limited slip differential
If I had gone with the Cannon 30 inch wheels they had one on the lot but really didn't want the extra height so went with the P225 tires and they are ordering it. Hopefully should have it by Christmas.
I didn't really have to bargin over price. I sent an email to the closest 5 star dealership asking for a quote. They called me up with a price I felt was reasonable and it was a done deal.
Question - What do you recommend for the winch to take the hardtop off in the summer? Christmas is coming and the family wants my wish list. :-)
Comments
The email also advised of a "intake manifold debris shield" recall not being performed. So, thanks, tsjay for the heads up about getting a build sheet (your message # 6999).
GSLarry
Glad my little tip helped ya out.
That debris shield is a small job, and it took only a few minutes for the tech to install it. I would guess he did it in about 20 minutes once he actually got started on it. The design of the intake and exhaust manifolds leaves a small area where debris can collect, and the heat from the exhaust manifold can theoretically cause the accumulated debris to catch fire. I would go ahead and get this taken care of, if I were you. It won't cost you anything, and it might actually prevent a fire, I guess.
The best way to get this done would be to call the dealership of your choice and tell them that the recall needs to be performed. They can tell you if they have the shield in stock or not, and they can order one if they don't. They can schedule the work after the part comes in.
I'm curious as to which transmission you have. I believe it was during the 2000 model year that they switched the manual trannies from the AX-15 to the current NV3550. I don't know if the NV3550 is any better than the AX-15 or not. I don't remember hearing anyone complain about the AX-15's.
When are we gonna see some pics of that Jeep?
Keep postin' and share that joy of a new Jeep with us. Now don't be self conscious about that silly smile all over your face. That comes with being a Jeep owner!
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Man, it would be a long drive for ya, but you would sure be welcome to come down here and go to Turkey Bay with me. I think it would be about 6.5 to 7 hours of driving to get to Turkey Bay from Dayton.
Hopefully, you will find some good places to wheel closer than that, but the invitation stands.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
The photo's rock!!! I wish that I had a place in the mud to play. Here its all dust and rocks...
I had tried to talk my wife into Kentucky or the Carolinas, but since her family are in Ohio, no go. S'OK, I have had my 6 years out west and moving will make everyone else happy.
I saw that Ohio has several ski areas, so that suggest some sort of wilderness and hills and the Jeep is, after all, an Ohio native. :> )
Is stock OK for some of the trails in Turkey Bay? I have the 30" tires with decent tread, but no plans to customize at this point.
Bring it on!
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
http://home.mindspring.com/~kelleyo/_wsn/page3.html
Yet another thing you can do with a jeep (and a trailer) Hay Rides!
I'll bet the kids had alot of fun as well by the looks of it. Hey, how bout a Christmas ride? What the heck if it's good for Halloween...why not Christmas. You could even put runners on the trailer instead of wheels...what do ya think?
Love the pictures...gotta have more pics in here
If I don't chat with any of you all this weekend, have a great and safe weekend...especially if ya go wheelin' and remember...take plenty of pictures
Hug your Jeeps for me
smedcougar
The folks (parents) on the hay got a litle chilly (the kids didn't care)!
The Xmas idea is Cool cept we don't get any Snow here in Hotlanta...
Badlands is a privately owned offroad park. I think it has 700 acres to play in, and it is an old rock quarry and the surrounding land.
The old pit has some rock crawling opportunities, but I haven't tried any of them so far.
Besides the pit, though, there are some trails through the woods. These trails are of varying difficulty, and the toughest ones are more than I want to tackle.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
You're right: just another way to have fun with the world's most fun vehicle.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
The sheet also lists: "DSAP Axle-Anti-spin Differential". Is this another name for the "Rear Trac-Loc Limited Slip" differential option in the current brocure?
One more question..Is there a shorter nylon strap available to limit the travel of an opened door? The black strap on there now lets the door swing open more than 90 degrees.
Thanks for all the good advice. I'll try to figure this picture thing out soon and post a couple.
GSLarry
take it off, twist twice, then put back.
Glad you're happy with your tranny, but I still don't know which one you have. I suppose it really doesn't matter, cause, like I said, I know of no complaints with the AX-15. I was just curious.
There are variouos tricks to shorten the door straps: one is the one nony mouse mentioned. I have never worried about it, but it is sometimes aggravating the way they open so wide.
Keep us posted on your fun with that Jeep!
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
The Wrangler had an unused Mopar hitch bar (small tube, which is fine for my boat) but not the wiring harness. I got one from Jeep parts dept..What a breeze! It clicks into the existing right tailight junction assembly under the wheel well plastic splash guard. $48.00 well spent and it actually works perfectly. Having spent way too many hours in the past splicing into taillight wires, this was sure easy.
Speaking of parts depts....The SF, CA Jeep offical store is very small, nowhere near a freeway and has been around forever. The parts dept is like stepping back in time. Yea, they have a computer and all, but it seems like a 1960 parts dept. Cool. (unfortunately, they're not well known for good service. I've had a CJ 5 8cyl, a late 60's Wagoneer, a couple of earlier small Cherokees, and a Grand Wagoneer. The SF dealer is 2 blocks from my job; I'll give them a try soon. Maybe the shop's improved in the past few years.) Thanks for the help.
GSLarry
Doc told me I have a very large hiatal hernia, and I said "Thanks!"
He said there's about a 25% chance that I'll need surgery some day to fix it, but in the mean time the only treatment is the Protonix my regular doc put me on about a week and a half ago. That stuff has made a new man of me! I used to eat Tums like candy, but I have taken only a few in the last week and a half.
As I was walking out, I said "Doc, I hate to bring it up, since you didn't mention it, but what about diet?" He said, "If something bothers you, don't eat it."
COOL! I can handle that! Yeeeeeehawwww!!!!
Bring on the fried chicken and the hot fudge sundaes!
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Well, last Sunday I had Thelma almost laid over on her right side, and today I almost laid her over on her left side. Sure was fun, though!
Hey, I started a new thing today, and I would encourage all of you who go offroading to do the same (bet some of you do this already). I took a garbage bag from home, and I picked up cans and bottles and whatever. Whenever I stopped for a break, which was often, as usual, I picked up the cans and bottles that were in the immediate area where I stopped. We are having a clean up day at Turkey Bay next Saturday, and I plan to participate, but I thought, "Why shouldn't every time I go down there be a clean up day?" You know, it really felt good knowing that the trails I ran today were in better condition after I had been there than they were before.
The sad thing is that people litter in that real nice area. WHY??? I'll just bet it isn't the Jeepers that do it, but it will be Jeepers that clean it up.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I'd stay with the soft top unless you are going to use this vehicle in an area where security is a problem. The new two ply soft top is snug, weather proof and not much noisier than a hard top. If you are worried about noise, you're looking at the wrong vehicle. If some off-roading is in the picture, get the Trac-loc rear differential.
I'd stay with a new Wrangler to get the improve interior with energy absorbing padding around the window frames and roll cage along with the improved warranty. The high resale for used ones makes the choice easier, too.
The "X" model gets you the 4.0 L I-6 engine, which is definitely something most people would want. By getting an 03, you would also get the four speed auto instead of the three speed. This would be a good reason to go ahead and get a new one.
The only drawback to the "X" model is that you cannot get the Dana 44 differential. How important that is depends on whether you will be offroading the Jeep and whether you will want to go to bigger tires in the future. You can still offroad with the Dana 35, but when you combine offroading and bigger tires, especially if you want to add a locker of some kind, you would definitely be better off with the Dana 44.
Go back and read all the posts on that subject, if you want more details. That issue was hashed over pretty good not too long ago.
The soft tops were vastly improved to "sail cloth" material starting with the 01's. This stuff is four ply and is MUCH quieter than the old soft tops by all accounts. (I have the hard top only, so I have no personal experience with the soft tops.)
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Stick with us. Your profile says you're a car salesman, but we won't hold that against you.
Seriously, welcome, and feel free to hang out with us.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Unless you were planning to go with after market wheels and tires, the 30" wheel and tire package with the Canyon wheels is really nice. It sounds like that Jeep has the package that includes the Dana 44 with the wheels and tires, right? That's what I got on my 01 Sport.
I was just on another message board, and Dana 44 axles are selling for a minimum of $1200 used! Some people are paying even more.
You are also getting the hard top, which you would pay about $1800 or $2000 for if you got a factory quality hard top later.
Sounds like you would be getting a nicer interior with the Sport too.
Now, either of those colors is real nice, but I am crazy about that khaki, even though to me it is grey! Why do they call it khaki???
So, take a guess which one I would get?
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I don't know how different the packages are for 2003, but the Sport in 2002 gave you the tow hooks (nice to have), fog lights, tilt steering wheel, full metal doors and I believe some extra interior lighting.
The new soft top is quiet, but it still is not as quiet as any car with a hard top. You can have a conversation with out having to scream and I have no regrets ordering the soft top. I would get the wife and test drive both the hard top and the soft top vehicle and see what you think. If you want a hard top it is tough to beat the price for one installed at the factory plus every thing you need for the top is already in place. You can always buy a soft top later for less than a hard top would cost.
I like the idea of the dana 44 and trac loc, but that is me and what I might want to do in the future.
You can always cover the vinyl seats with covers if that is a turn off.
Cruise control can be added by the dealer for about $350 here in Texas.
That Sport comes with a bunch of stuff that you won't need to add later if you decide to start building on it. Another thing to consider would be to order what you want (I regret not getting cruise control).
I like the idea of the Sport (except for the color), but I am not the guy buying it.
Still a happy camper.
I'll see the dealer in the morning to have him check out a "whine" when the clutch is released in neutral. I'm suspecting a throw-out bearing. With a few months left on the 3 year warrenty, my fingers are crossed it's a covered repair.
This Jeep is a great truck! Now that I have it, I see a whole bunch of them around town here. Ease of parking such a short vehicle?? Gotta be; this thing fits anywhere!
Larry
Maybe you have the AX-15 tranny, and maybe they "whine" instead of rattle.
I don't know about the AX-15, but the noise I am talking about on the NV3550 is not a problem. They all do it, and the dealer will tell you it's normal. In this case, you can believe the dealer. I think EVERY NV3550 makes that rattling noise.
It would be a good thing to get your noise checked out, like you plan to do.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
however, i have been looking at convertibles again. nothing reasonably priced out there that has ABS available. except the Jeep. sure, the V6 Mustang, but that is not my style. i remember the Jeep was great fun at the beach, and especially in the snow. also considering a Miata - but they are expensive for the one i want...
anyway - FINALLY it looks like Jeep has rid the Wrangler of the old 3 speed auto. does anyone know, how is the new 4 speed auto? a good combo with the I-6 in the Jeep? has the 4 speed auto been around for awhile - proven itself reliability-wise? i only ever had ignition/security issues with the 99 Sport. no probs whatsoever with my used 95 Sahara. so, an automatic would make my everyday life much easier, but i don't want to compromise the reliability of the Jeep (my only car).
also - i hear the soft top no longer takes 15 minutes anymore. details?
thanks for your feedback!
I know I should probably take it in to the dealer, it's only 5 months old, but I'm afraid they'll blame me for it since I have 33" tires on it. Just looking for other people's opinions...
Thanks!
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
There's something called locktite, which is used to keep bolts from backing out. Maybe some of that stuff would help?
Anyone in here got a YJ, and can ya can give jeepgirl some advice?
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Susan
I know you listed some things a while back, but tell us what you have actually ordered. Color, top option, top color, all the options!
I am SO happy for ya!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Larry
Jeephead
anyone have any info on the new 4 speed auto with regard to the Wrangler? anyone at all?
thanks!
2003 Sport - 5 speed, Patriot Blue with Black Dual Tops and Gray interior.
3.73 Axle Ratio
4 wheel disc brakes
am/fm/cd
air conditioning
steps
dana 44
p225/75/r15 all terrain tires
rear trac loc limited slip differential
If I had gone with the Cannon 30 inch wheels they had one on the lot but really didn't want the extra height so went with the P225 tires and they are ordering it. Hopefully should have it by Christmas.
I didn't really have to bargin over price. I sent an email to the closest 5 star dealership asking for a quote. They called me up with a price I felt was reasonable and it was a done deal.
Question - What do you recommend for the winch to take the hardtop off in the summer? Christmas is coming and the family wants my wish list. :-)
Susan