Jeep Wrangler

bcmalibu99ls

Baressa's covers look cool, but are they useful in protecting taillights? What would be an example of a situation where such covers would be useful?

div2

mac24 is right about Techron. The only other decent products I'm aware of are BG44K and Redline SI-1. It doesn't hurt to use these products every now and then-preferably right before an oil change-but it's been my experience that injectors don't usually need cleaning if you change the fuel filter at the specified interval and use fresh brand name gasoline. FWIW, the best way to clean injectors is to remove them and have them back-flushed. Flow and spray pattern tests before and after cleaning will verify the need for and the effectiveness of the cleaning process.

barresa62

I personally don't think they're that useful but look ok. What I really want to get are black "safari" covers that wrap around the entire assembly, horizontally.

Stephen

krusher99

Hey board,

I'm thinking about buying a 2003 Wrangler. I am aware that the new Wranglers come equipped with the child restraint tethers for the rear seat. My question is this: Have any of you had any experience with small children (and their car seats) in the rear seat of a Wrangler? I had a 2000 drop top Mustang and the rear seat had very little room. The little monsters were constantly pushing on my seat back. They are 3 and 6 years old and love the open air stuff but had very little room in the Ford.

guy21

I recently purchased a new Wrangler SE. Drove the 4.0L first, but was happy with the 2.4L DOHC for what I will be doing. Plus got a good deal on the vehicle ($4,000 off sticker including the $1,000 rebate). At 600 miles, I began having problems with the NV1500 trans in the vehicle. It ground going into 2nd and 3rd gears. Took it to the dealer who said run it up to 1,000 miles to see if it "breaks in". Today at 1,100 miles, it still grinds in 2nd and 3rd and also clunks going into 1st from a stop. The dealer now has a complete tranny on order. The engine is also making a loud whistling noise which the dealer can verify, but has no idea where it is coming from yet. Anyone else out there with similar problems? Do I have any chance asking D-C for a replacement vehicle at this point?

erickpl

Well, I got the guy to lower his price on his 97 Wrangler. He dropped it 3000 to get it into the right price range.

I still have to fix the nagging problems, but with the wonderful advice I got here, I think I can tackle it. You guys mentioned the Factory Service Manual. I think I'll pick one of them up. Now I have a reason to buy more tools!

I've posted some of my pictures up in Webshots for ya.

http://community.webshots.com/user/skimblz_-date

My heartfelt thanks go out to you guys for helping me with this.

I know I have a bit of stuff to do on this thing. I want to add new wheels, but not necessarily bigger. The stock look is fine for me and my daughter. I need to do the following:
1 - install a stereo and probably more speakers
2 - replace the carpet
3 - replace the driver and passenger windows
4 - investigate hard tops
5 - Clean it up for her

- Paul

tsjay

Congrats! Looks like a great Jeep, and when you get some after market wheels on that puppy, it will REALLY be sharp. What type of wheels are you thinking about?

Good luck with the Jeep, and keep us posted about how it is performing.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

erickpl

I have no idea on the wheels yet. Since this is for my daughter, I should probably let her have a say. Maybe not... I have to wonder about style sometimes with these kids. hehehe I'm gettin old at 33.

I wouldn't go any bigger since there is no Dana 44 axles. She won't be doing any off-roading that a stock Jeep shouldn't be able to handle, and if she does, bigger tires aren't going to help her any. She hasn't developed that skill at all yet.

If you have any suggestions, that would be great.

-Paul

mtngal

That '97 you bought looks better than my '98, well, at least cleaner. My mats are the greatest at this point, though most of my carpet is OK, and the seats are fine.

Check quadratec to get some idea of new hard top pricing.

tsjay

Wheels are strictly a matter of personal preference, as long as they are the right size for the tires and the vehicle they are going to be used with.

I have the black wheels that you see on so many Jeeps, the AR767s. Those are about the cheapest wheels you could possibly buy. They commonly can be found for something like $39.95 apiece. Take a look at them on my Jeep in the photo gallery at http://itsajeep.org . Just go to the photo gallery from the home page and look at the albums of "tsjay."

That's undoubtedly your cheapest option, and on lots of Jeeps, those wheels look pretty good. They are VERY common, and your daughter may want something a little more unusual. She may prefer something in an aluminum wheel rather than a black steel wheel.

Good luck.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

tsjay

Welcome to both of you!

I don't have any useful info for either of you, but I wanted to say hi and welcome you to the board.

Krusher, being an old man, I haven't had to worry about child seats for my 26 year old daughter or my 24 year old son. I don't think they make child seats in their sizes.

I keep the back seat out of my Jeep, so that my "grand dog" has plenty of room back there.

Guy21, sure sorry about your tranny problems, and I hope things get resolved to your satisfaction.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

P.S.

Oh, that child seat thing may become a problem for me after all. I'm gonna have a little Jeep Chick grand daughter in a couple months! My daughter is due to deliver in July. This will be my first grandchild (of the two legged variety).

erickpl

This jeep is in the lot next to the one we are finalizing today... I'm wondering if I should go for this 2001 instead.

http://pages.prodigy.net/lindley/

-Paul

tsjay

Now that puppy would be nice, huh? Wow!

Whoever had that Jeep was definitely into "wheelin." Most likely rock crawling. No one would put the mods on a Jeep that that one has, unless they were serious about wheelin.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

erickpl

So I doubt those mods would be good for my case.

If that car was used for rockin, then he was VERY careful. He obviously detailed the car out before putting it in the lot - even the engine bay is pristine.

Kinda makes me suspicious, but still...

Ah well, once either my BMW or my Grand Cherokee die, then it may be time for a fun lovin Wrangler for me and the wife.

-Paul

breezy_skies

So I've got a vote for Hidden Hitch. I've heard recommendations for Draw-tite, too. Hoping I can just get one in time to attach it over the weekend.

As for the hoist...I'm debating whether to create my own or just buy a kit, like the one by Lange. Hmm. Either way, that top is coming off this weekend!

One other thing: I do live in Chicago, though on a pretty out-of-the-way sidestreet. I think Joh (that would be the Jeep of Happiness, LOL) will be safe, but I am thinking about a lock for the hood. Has anyone got one of these/one you recommend that I can install? So far, I'm looking for accessories on quadratec.com. Any other website recommendations, or retail stores, are also truly appreciated...

-Kristin

tsjay

You were SERIOUS about that Jeep??? I thought you were kidding, since you had that smiley thing in your post.

Hey, that Jeep might be fine, but it would have obviously seen some time on the trails or "on the rocks."

If you are truly interested in it, take it to someone who knows Jeeps and have them check it out.

Look underneath for bent or severely scratched components. Look for evidence of welding, in case the guy broke something and had to fix it.

IF that Jeep does not have problems, it would be fantastic! Those are good mods the guy has put on it. That Slip Yoke Eliminator and Tom Woods drive shaft combo means the guy liked to do things right. With a four inch lift, the transfer case is raised in relation to the pinion yoke on the rear axle, and this changes the driveshaft angle. The U-joints are then not working within the angles they are designed for, and you can get driveline vibrations. The cheap "fix" is to lower the transfer case using spacers, but the proper way to take care of the problem is the way the guy did it, i.e., slip yoke eliminator and new drive shaft.

Man, have someone check that puppy out! There are literally thousands of dollars in mods on that Jeep, and if the price is right, GO FOR IT, assuming it checks out OK.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

erickpl

Tom,

I thought about it, and I just can justify it right now. I don't want to get my daughter something that nice and have her mess it up. The 97 SE is probably right for her and I"m sure she'll bang the fenders and do damage to it. For me, I'd love it, but I don't want it for my commuter car (I commute 65 miles to work each way on the highway). That what the JGC and BMW are for.

As beautiful as it is, it just isn't right for us at this time. Would I like it? Darn tootin! But should I at this time? Probably not.

He is asking 18,000 for it right now. If you want his phone, I can get that to you or anybody else is interested.

-Paul

shill3

Krusher99,

I have three small children (8,7,5) and they fit fine. The child seat does kick their feet out a bit, but I'm 6'3" and have had no problems.

Now, if they are really young, you may get fed up with having to crawl halfway back there to buckle them in. Sometimes I pull the front seat full forward and step into the back to buckle them in.

They can also go in front (with the airbag cut-off) but this tends to drive mom crazy. Your milage may vary

None of it is convenient, but man is it worth it!

2003wrangler

That Jeep is a steal for $18K! The bumpers and tire carrier cost $1K, wheels were $217 (ea X 5), tires $150 (ea X 5), lift kit+SYE+drive shaft at least $1200 + installation........on and on....

Probably at least $5K of mods, not to mention a great looking Jeep. If I hadn't just bought a new one, I would go for that one for sure! Maybe in your case the SE is a "better fit", but that is a great deal.

mac24

Unfortunately, a Jeep normally worth 18k that has 5k in mods is more likely to now be worth 17k, rather than 23k!

A Jeep, or almost any vehicle, attains the highest resale value when it's in clean, standard, original condition.

tsjay

You are correct. That's why it would be super deal, if the mods all were installed properly and the Jeep does not have any problems.

You never get your money back out of the mods you put on your Jeep, and, like you said, it even takes away from the value of the Jeep.

A lot of people actually remove the mods and try to put the Jeep back into stock configuration before trading it in.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

krusher99

I appreciate the input on the child seats issure for the back seat of a Wrangler. Several people have suggested the use of the airbag cut-off switch. I talked to the local dealer and he informed me that the new 2003 year models don't have this option. He said that only the SE model, without the rear seat, has this option. He said his dealership would not entertain installing a switch because of liability reasons. Does anybody have different information?

Thanks

mac24

The dealer is correct. Because the SE is the only model where you might have to fit a child seat in the front, it's the only one that gets the airbag switch. It's hard to fault the dealer for wanting to avoid potential liability issues. However, the parts are obviously available. Another alternative is to buy an older model.

shill3

Checking out the older models is a good bet. Chances are you can find a super deal on a newer used Wrangler. Unfortunatley, for the poor Jeeps, most never venture off road. But for a buyer, the later used models tend to be in good shape and most have seen little abuse.

What you save in purchase price, you can put into mods and even an extended warranty if that gives you peace of mind.

surfer454

I've got 5 more weeks to wait (I guess since I ordered last week and the dealer told me 6 weeks), so I thought that I would start shopping around for accessories. Here's what I want to get right from the start:
1) Mirrors that attach to the body, since I plan to take off the doors
2) Waterproof drivers seat
3) Some type of rack system to carry my surfboard. I'd like the rack to be easily removable.
4) Some type of hood locks that are ugly or unnatural looking

So what's your favorite place to get this stuff? Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,
surfer454

mac24

4) Some type of hood locks that are ugly or unnatural looking

Why???

tsjay

Think he meant to type "aren't" instead of "are." That threw me for a minute too.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

mac24

Wasn't sure if he wanted the 'ghetto' look! You're probably right though.

skwirl60646

Hi. Have what looks like a leak at the rear axle plug. Have snuck looks at other parked YJs' rear axles. Seems like most of 'em have the same sitch.
Pulled the plug off to check the lub level. Surprised to find it okay still. (Also surprised to find that there's only a plug -- thought there'd be a screw behind the plug -- maintaining the axle lub. No oil spillage on the garage floor so I guess that's just the way of the yj?

skwirl60646

I have Chilton's YJ Repair Manual (I know I know shoulda bought the Jeep Service manual Hey I'm new to this [grin]) Looks like a vacuum gauge can help out a lot at diagnosing problems. Thing is I'm not sure how/where the thing get hooked up to check things out. Sign me, not the brightedt diy guy out there.

mac24

The rubber plug on your D35 may allow the area around it to get a little oily, but if it actually leaks then you should replace it.

Yes, a vacuum gauge can help a lot with diagnostics, but it's not something that can generally be used for 'yes/no' information. It's a multi-purpose tool that can be used for the diagnosis of anything from poorly performing brakes to realtime fuel consumption. Too much for me to give you detailed instruction on here though. Start with the easy stuff first!

erickpl

Right now our new 97 TJ has the stock steel 15x7 wheels. If I size up to 16 or 17's, what can I do to ensure my speedo is as correct as possible? Can it be recalibrated?

-Paul

tsjay

Have been waiting for the server maintenance to get over with, so I could post a reply.

Do you actually want larger wheel diameter, or do you just want bigger tires? Why not keep the 15" wheels and just go with bigger tires?

Also, yes, speedometers can be made to read correctly after bigger tires are put on the vehicle. I think you have to get a speedometer gear with a different number of teeth on it. From what I have read on another forum, it is not a big deal.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

cabbatan1

Has anyone heard of what the possible changes might be for the MY 2004 Wrangler?

tsjay

Good question. Since they made a few changes in the 03s, it's my guess that they won't change much of anyting for the 04s.

Anyone know?

Welcome to the board, Cabbatan.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

guy21

For those who are listening, here's the latest. My new trans arrived at the dealer in 3 days, which I thought was pretty good. The dealer's service dept. then said it would be at least a week until they could work on it, not good. I called D-C Customer Assistance and told them this was a new vehicle (now 1,100 miles) and that better treatment would be appreciated from one of their 5 star dealers. D-C called me back to say the dealer could get it right in (yesterday) to begin the work and that a loaner would be offered. When I got to the dealer I was given a loaner but told that it would in fact be sometime later next week before it was worked on. By the point I get the vehicle back the "out of service" clock will be past 30 days from when I first notified the dealer of the transmission problem. It is unfortunate as this adventure began with the thought that it would be fun to have a topless Jeep to enjoy this summer and it did start out that way.

mac24

I know it's annoying to have a problem with a new vehicle, but try to look on the bright side. The transmission isn't being repaired, it's being replaced with a new unit. It arrived in three days and it's being fitted next week. Until then you have a loaner. It may be thirty days from when you first reported the problem until you get it back with the new transmission, but you haven't been without it for that long, if fact you've already put 1100 miles on it.

If the dealer was denying the problem, or insisting on tearing into your transmission rather than replacing it, I could sympathize more. However, it seem like your Jeep had a problem, the dealer is fixing it the right way, but isn't jumping as fast as you'd like.

Look at it this way. If you were booked in at the dealer to have a problem fixed, you'd waited a week, taken time off work etc., etc., then were told you'd been bumped so they could replace a transmission under warranty for some guy, I guess you'd be a little pissed.

There's plenty of summer left (it's only just started), for you to enjoy your Jeep topless. After all, we're still in May!!!

theronrohr

Hi all!

I've heard often that the 6cyl engine is better for highway driving than the older 2.5L 4cyl. But can anyone compare the new 2.4L engine to these? Is it significantly more refined/powerful/fuel efficient so that the argument has changed?

(new in LA and dazed by all these topless jeeps roaming around : )

skwirl60646

New to Wranglerdom (Apr 30th). Have learned alot just reading and thanks to all those who've taken the time to rsvp my questions. My 95 YJ came w/ 72k on the speedometer on its way to 125k minimum w/ luck and reg upkeep.

tsjay

I haven't driven a Jeep with one of the new 2.4 engines, but it would have to be one heck of a lot more powerful than the old four banger to be strong enough for highway driving.

As I have said before, I would have no problem driving even the old four banger around town or out on the trails, but I sure wouldn't be happy with one on the highway.

Welcome to the board!

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

doplee

Hi all,

I'm having problems with my alarm. It's not turning on. Normally it would just turn on after about a minute from the time I take my keys out of the car. The alarm light on the dashboard doesn't even come out. I've tried using my wife's alarm remote to turn it on but it doesn't work either so the problem is not our remote.

Can anyone advise me on what I can do to see if I can isolate the problem?

Thanks in advance

malmedy

Bought a 2002 SE 4 cyl last Sept and have continual hesitation, surging,missing and lugging @ 2000-2400 rpm's. Had the jeep back to the dealer 5 times and they found the problem and had a tech rep from the company come down to Tallahassee and he said run it a rpm's over 3000. Yet the vehicle manuel states that if one runs the vehicle at higher than normal rpms it will damage the engine. At 3000 rpms I am constatantly in 3rd gear due to the speed limit on most roads in the area of 40 mph. even on the interstate one must run it in 4th gear 65mph I don't have a clue when you are supposed to run it in 5th gear? I have had Wranglers since the 1950's and the last 2 Ive had have been nothing but trouble .My 97 had to have a tranny at 66000 miles and a new radiator at 72000 miles.They used to make them pretty good until Chrysler got hold of them. Last one for me, will trade it off on some poor unspecting soul . DO NOT BUY JEEP

barresa62

I was putting the softtop back on for the summer (for the 1st time). I wasn't paying attention (a little rummy, I guess..) and stripped the small torque bolt holding the 3rd bow to the sports bar. Later, I was looking through the manual for something else and found a note warning that this particular torque bolt could be easily stripped, "Don't Over Tighten". Great...day late & a dollar short! Any advice how to get this bolt out. I don't need to worry for the next few months but will be a concern when I put the hardtop back on. Thanks.

Feelin' Stupid in Seattle,
Stephen

mac24

What make of alarm? In general terms if it doesn't power up it's either dead, or it's lost its power supply. Check for a blown fuse.

mac24

To remove the stripped Torx bolt, undo it in the normal way while pulling on the hood bow to assist it out.

The easist fix will be to use a slightly oversize bolt. The sport bar will have to be drilled and re-tapped, and the bow will have to be drilled slightly oversize to accomodate the new bolt.

An alternative might be a 'helicoil' threaded insert in the sport bar. However, it's marginal as to whether the bar has enough wall thickness to retain one.

Finally (just occured to me), there's a threaded insert called a 'rivnut' which is applied with a pop rivet gun.

Take your pick!

:-)

mac24

"Bought a 2002 SE 4 cyl last Sept and have continual hesitation, surging,missing and lugging @ 2000-2400 rpm's....."

That's bad.

"Had the jeep back to the dealer 5 times and they found the problem and had a tech rep from the company come down to Tallahassee and he said run it a rpm's over 3000......"

Either you misunderstood, or the guy's an idiot. To say you must keep the engine over 3k all the time is ridiculous.

"Last one for me, will trade it off on some poor unspecting soul......"

It's still under warranty, so make them fix it. They either have to fix it, or buy it back. Why would you screw someone else over?

"...... DO NOT BUY JEEP"

I don't think you'll persuade many people with that story. It's under warranty, get it fixed. No reason for us all not to buy Jeeps.

mac24

2.4 vs. 4.0. No, the argument hasn't changed but the gap has narrowed (a little).

thebigkahuna

Malmedy, I sympathize with your Jeep problems, however, your saying "Last one for me, will trade it off on some poor unspecting soul" disturbs me. No one should "pass off" a vehicle with known problems to an unsuspecting person. As it is still under warranty I suppose it wouldn't hurt the future owner too much but to knowingly do that...I hope you are just speaking under extreme frustration and wouldn't do that to someone. As a Jeep owner for many years, why did you buy a 4 cylinder Jeep? Yes it should still operate just fine but why anyone wouldn't buy a 6 cylinder, especially if you know Jeeps, is beyond me. I have owned 3, 97+ Jeeps under DC and all have been fine. Maybe you just got a lemon, it happens with all makes. I suggest you get it fixed (under warranty) sell it and either get a 6 cylinder or buy something that makes you more comfortable. As for me, I will always but a Jeep as they have been more reliable and enjoyable than any other vehicle I have ever owned.

tsjay

Guys, I hate to hear about the problems you are having. My Jeep Wrangler experience has been such a positive, wonderful thing! I have had my Thelma Jane for 2.5 years now, and I have only had minor problems which were quickly corrected by DC with no hassle at all.

Most of you know the problems I have had, but for the newbies, here's a list of the ONLY things that have been wrong with Thelma Jane:

1. Water leak: The heater box was not sealed properly where it goes through the fire wall, which resulted in water running down the inside of the fire wall under the carpet on the passenger side and pooling in the floor. The dealer fixed this the first time and I have had no more problem with it.

2. Blistered paint on hard top: DC paid for a complete repaint of my hard top, and I was allowed to go to the body shop of my choice. (my dealer did not have a body shop)

3. Turn signals failed: This was fixed in two visits to the dealer, the first visit being to determine the cause of the problem and to see what parts might be needed. It turned out that I needed a new stalk for the turn signals, and when the part came in, the problem was fixed.

I consider these things to be minor inconveniences, and I am totally happy with my Jeep. The way the dealer corrected the problems so efficiently made a big difference in my attitude. Aw heck, I love that Jeep so much that I would probably still be happy, even if the "fixes" hadn't gone so smoothly.

I know some of you have very serious problems with your Jeeps, and I hope they all get resolved to your satisfaction. Owning a Jeep should be a happy experience, and I'm sorry that some of you are having problems that take away from that enjoyment.

Good luck to all of you.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

guy21

Trans (mac24) - my overall warranty expectations from dealers are in line with your comments, but I do feel that Chrysler could be held accountable to a higher standard in this case. In my 42 days of owning and driving of this Jeep, I have suffered with the transmission grinding problem for 24 of those days. The dealer was notified of the problem when it began on day 18. It has now been idle at the dealership for 4 days and I don't expect to have it back for another 4 or more days. Other remedies are available to D-C than just putting me on a waiting list and giving me a Dodge Stratus to drive. My opinion.

2.4L 4 cyl. - This is the engine in my Wrangler. Before buying, I drove it, the 4.0L 6 cyl and the 2.5L 4 cyl. (2001). The 2.5L was a little underpowered and seemed to be working too hard in highway driving. The 2.4L did not exhibit this trait and was hard to tell from the 4.0L in all but power from a dead stop type driving. These vehicles are geared such that power to the wheels and general driving feel should now be similiar in most driving. The 4.0L has 190 hp thru 3.07 gears, the 2.4L has 148 hp thru 4.11 gearing. Between the 2.5L and the 2.4L the fifth gear ratio has been changed. At about 70 mph, what was 3,000+ rpm in the 2.5L is now 2,600 rpm with the 2.4L. The maximum torque in the 2.4L also comes at a higer rpm than the 2.5L and well above the normal highway driving rpm range. This is the same engine that is used in the Neons and PT Cruisers.

If I had to do it over again tomorrow (today is a holiday), I'd definately buy another Jeep with the 2.4. Although brief, it has been a good overall experience.