Has anybody seen a picture of the new 2004s? I have heard that they are freshening up the front end and other cosmetic things but I can't seem to find a picture.
Hey, let's just hope they don't screw up a great thing with the Wrangler. I haven't seen any pics of the 04's or even heard what they might be doing on them.
From what I have heard there are no real changes for 04. The inca gold and intense blue colors are gone and there is some new lime green color added and solar yellow is back. There is also a new spare tire cover that is standard with the 30" tire & wheel group which now includes a new Ravine wheel in place of the Canyon. That is about all that I have heard....
Hi, all. Today I took my hiking buddy for his last car ride in the Wrangler. It was a tough drive and saying good bye to him was much harder than I thought it would be. The only good thing about the trip is that my dash gauges were working again (they haven't been recently). I know this post isn't really about Wranglers, but I'm feeling pretty sad right now.
I hope they don't do much "freshening up" - much of what the car dealers have come up with recently is ugly (practical but ugly) or all the same. I wouldn't mind a few things changed, but the basic styling.
My heartfelt sympathies. Having lost a beloved pet to illness several months ago, I empathize with you. Time passing helps.
twylie,
I am scheduled to have a new part installed on 7/18 to fix the clicking of the clutch. The part was backordered hence the delay. I'll keep you posted on whether it resolves the problem.
Mac - I thought it was only us girls who cried their eyes out. Found out today that my husband had a similar reaction when our vet gave us the bad news. Glad I'm not the only one that feels this way.
smurf - keep us informed about how your clutch problems go. Good luck with it.
I finally found some nice, well designed door off mirror brackets from jeepit.com.Reasonably priced,too.They use a 5"or 6" mirror available at Autozone or Pepboys.I also got their safety belt velcro tiedown straps,also well worth the price.The other day, on another Jeep site, someone suggested rotating the center rear view mirror upside down.I tried it,and I think I like it better that way.I sit pretty tall-I'm 6'1"-and this puts the mirror higher up,so I have a cleaner forward view,no blind spot in the middle.I also have a higher rear view over the spare tire.The day/nite functions the same. Sorry about your loss,mtngal.You gotta believe All dogs go to heaven. Tjray
I've got a tear in my eye just thinking how you must feel. I've hiked nine years and lots of miles with my pal, never had a better hiking buddy. Hurts like hell but all the good years make it worth it. My thoughts are with you.
I too wanted to pass along my condolences. It isn't easy to let a best friend go like that as I can attest to (I've had to have two pets put to sleep due to illness that could get no further aid from medication)...the last one a week before Christmas. She in her own way said it's ok I understand by giving me a lick on the chin. It's rough but hang in there...and get a new friend when you're ready. After all you've got precious memories with your buddy to remember...it will help you with the pain trust me.
Congrats to the new Jeep owner....it's official...YOU'RE A JEEPSTER!!!
I did it again today...drove around lookin at Jeeps. But it'll have to wait til I get certified to teach and most importantly GET A JOB.
Have a great weekend and remember...To hug your Jeeps for me
There just aren't words to express how sorry I am about your beloved dog. Did I miss a post somewhere? I didn't know there was anything wrong with your pup. I just got back from Hot Springs, Arkansas, where I did some wheelin' at the Superlift ORV Park.
You ought to know that if anyone in here understands about how strong the bond can be between a person and his doggy, it's me. You all know how much I love Ross Allen, and I don't know how I am going to handle it when that awful day comes that I have to let go of him.
It's hard to type with my eyes full of tears, Gal.
I am so very, very sorry.
There is absolutely NO doubt in my mind that my Ross Allen will be there to meet me in heaven. I know that the relationship between a person and his dog is something precious and good in the sight of God, and I think God means for that to be an eternal relationship.
When you are able to talk about it, I would like to know more details about your dog and about what was wrong with him.
I wish I were there with you, and we would both have a good cry, and I would give you a big hug.
Thanks everyone - I really do appreciate the cyber hugs. Winger had a heart problem and I hadn't realized it. He had gradually shown less energy than normal the last 6 months or so, but I thought that was an indication that he was just getting on in years (he was 10). Thursday night I came home and he could barely get up, and wouldn't eat so I knew something was wrong (he ate breakfast and was normal when I left for work). So if anyone notices that their older dog doesn't have as much energy, get his heart checked out. At least we kept our normal routine up until the end - he loved hiking and that's what we were doing a week ago. I have an album up on imagestation. Address is http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291759673 if anyone wants to see a wonderful hiking companion.
Deb - have you got Wrangler fever breaking out again? At this rate you'll get one about a month after you start teaching! It is good to hear from you.
And to anyone thinking about getting a Wrangler - if you get the fever, you might as well buy sooner rather than later. The fever never really goes away. It is the only car I've ever really wanted and continued to want for over 20 years before I finally bought one. Now I can't understand why I waited so long.
I looked at all the pics of Winger. He sure had a great life, judging by those pics. He was a very handsome fella, by the way.
You gave him a wonderful life, Gal. I know you are hurting, but at least you can take comfort in knowing that you gave him that kind of life. He knew he was loved.
Now I'm crying again! I'm gonna have to snuggle up extra tight with Ross Allen tonight.
We had a similar situation with our Molly last year. She was a pitbull boxer mix with a most lovable face... hyper as all heck. Then she wouldn't walk or eat. We eventually had to put her down. But in her case it was cancer. She was only 2.
She died in my arms. We buried her overlooking our mountains and hiking trails. Words can't express how it feels.
I also looked at Wringer's entire album. I have a heavy heart for you - much like Tom said. Like someone else said in a post - when you are ready you need to get a new buddy to run and hike with. I suspect that when the time is right Wringer would want it that way.
Sorry for your loss. He looked like quite a special friend. My buddy, Gracie, is 5 mo. and I hope she will be as great a friend to me as Winger was to you.
So sorry to hear of your loss; I've been in your position as well. Fifteen years ago my Dad had five dogs and I had two-all but a couple were house pets. Now I'm down to one last outside dog-14 years old and stone deaf. Still a good old "dawg", though.
Here in Wrangler, we are family. We share in each other's good times and in each other's times of sorrow.
I was able to post about my new granddaughter, and no one started screaming "off topic." Gal posted about her loss of a friend, and we all expressed our sympathies.
If these posts had appeared on any other commercial Jeep message board, well....
There might be sites with more technical info than we have here, but you won't find this good spirit anywhere else. Seems like old Mac 24 is always good for the technical stuff, so we DO have a source for that kind of info in this forum.
Tom is so right - we're more like family here, including Deb who still hasn't bought a Wrangler, but will as soon as she is able. And it is so much fun sharing our joys and having someone who understands our sorrows, along with our love of such an impractical little vehicle. Wrangler people are the most wonderful people.
Paul - 2 seems so young! When it came down to it, I couldn't face being there at the very end. I wanted to remember him running through the woods, just like in most of those pictures I took of him over the years.
Rich - Just keep working with that pup and she will be as wonderful as Winger. Eventually I'll probably get another one, but not just yet, I think. It will be strange to go hiking this coming weekend by myself.
Missed a few days so I'm really behind. My deepest condolences regarding Winger. Animal companions can give you so much in the short time they share their lives with you. I hope you will find comfort in knowing that you gave Winger a very happy loving home.
I'm sure people have seen this one before, but I'm posting it anyway:
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
What a beautiful quote. Thanks so very much. While the mountains aren't exactly cool right now, it is better than the desert. A good time to take that Wrangler out on a dirt road and explore some of those places where Winger and I used to hang out. Think I'll head over to Lockwood Valley/Grade Valley area, near Gorman. Haven't been there this summer yet, though last year it wasn't a challenge - they had graded the road because of the Wolf Fire. But it is a pretty dirt road that leads into some nice hiking and 4x4 areas. It is definitely time for me to get my Noble Black Steed someplace where it can get dirtier than it already is!
Sorry for the delay in posting, but it took a while for my state's DMV to force the last dealer who looked at my Wrangler to admit so in the form of a repair order. The vehicle is now at a different dealership and, guess what, D-C has authorized them to tear down the transmission to find our why it grinds and refuses to shift into 5th. The second dealer certainly reinforces my confidence level in dealing with the factory however, this now my 4th repair visit and second defective trans in 3,800 miles of ownership and my patience is wearing thin.
You have my deepest sympathy. Winger looked and sounded like a great dog. Seeing his pictures reminded me of my lab growing up. Also a great dog to do outdoor stuff with and it was a painful day when he had to be let go. You've got some great pictures and wonderful memories of your friend.
If I were you, I'd contact a lawyer and start reading up on the Lemon Laws in your state. In GA, 3 unsuccesful attemtps to repair where the nonconformity remains will qualify you to start the process in writing. It will be a laborious process and probably take more time and effort than seems reasonable. However, if they are at a stage of tearing apart a new tranny to find the problem, I would do everything within my rights to get a different Jeep. Good luck with this and thanks for keeping us updated.
I would agree with twylie about starting lemon law action, especially since 2 trannys have shown problems (that does sound strange to me, though. From a logical point of view, it sounds like there might be something else going on, but not being a mechanic, I don't know).
I do know someone who had a new tranny put in a Suburban after only 5,000 miles and then had absolutely no more problems. While she wasn't happy with the idea of having such a major repair done it worked out for her. So keep trying the repair route while you persue the lemon law route. If they fix it, then you can just keep it. If they don't, then you are that much further ahead in the process of getting them to buy back a defective vehicle.
Hey, Buds! Poor little Thelma Jane has a bent and twisted upper control arm, and I don't even know how or when it happened.
A wheelin' bud noticed it and told me about it when I asked him to take a look at something else while I was on the ramp down at Hot Springs at the Superlift ORV Park this past weekend.
I have ordered one from the dealer, and it is only going to cost me $38. I am doing the repair myself, like a good Jeeper should, even though my mechanical skills are virtually nonexistent.
This should be a very simple, straight forward procedure, but we all know how those "simple" jobs hardly ever turn out to be as simple as they should be.
I have already encountered one little complication, and because I was hot and tired last night, I stopped working for the night after hitting this snag.
There is one of those flat nuts with a "wing" on it that the bolt goes through on the front mount, which is on the front differential housing. The wing on this nut is supposed to catch on the side of the control arm to prevent the nut from turning, so that the bolt can be tightened or loosened. Well, the stupid thing is NOT catching on the control arm, but is sliding over it, and this is allowing the nut to turn as I turn the bolt. I will have to wedge something in there to prevent the thing from turning, I guess. There's not a lot of room under there, and you can't always get the "angle of attack" that you really want.
Oh well, will be back at it tonight. Hopefully that new control arm will be in today or tomorrow. Need that thing on there before the weekend! Can you imagine a weekend without wheelin'????
When you 'wheel, you break things. That's just the way it goes.
I decided not to do anything on my own about the dash gauges after a co-worker handed me an article about do-it-yourself problems, like stripping nuts, bolts and screws, then having to have them drilled out etc. Could make for a real expensive "cheap" repair. Though your situation sounds easier to deal with. A fresh start does wonders quite often.
I always suffer through those weekends when I can't hit the trails.
Yeah, Mtngal, I know I gotta expect some damage, and I hope no one thought I was "whining" about it. Just thought I would let everyone know what happened.
The new arm came in today, and I have it installed now. Well, almost installed. I have not tightened the bolts yet. I have a 1/2 drive torque wrench, but all of my metric sockets are 3/8 or 1/4 inch drives. The FSM calls for 55 ft-lbs of torque on those bolts, and I'm wondering how critical it is to be close to that 55 ft-lbs. I have an adapter to go from 1/2 to 3/8, but I couldn't find it tonight, so I couldn't use my torque wrench. Anyone think I should just go ahead and tighten the bolts and guess at the torque?
I can look some more tomorrow for that adapter, if I really need to use a torque wrench.
The rubber bushings in that arm aren't just to absorb vibration, they're part of the function of the suspension.
When fitted correctly, the center of the bushing is clamped to the frame and as the arm flexes the rubber takes the torsional load. If the center bolt is not torqued enough, the arm just rotates around it, wearing the bolt and the metal tube in the bushing.
As with most active suspension components, it needs to be torqued with the weight of the vehicle on flat ground.
Man, I was hoping you would post. Thanks! I will either buy a new adapter or look some more for my old one. Well, I'm ALMOST sure I had one at one time.
Looking into a new vehicle and, of course, have always loved the Jeep Wrangler (esp during the summer - nothing like 'topless').
BUT - My commute to work is 200 miles per week, I average about 20-22K miles per year on a vehicle. Should I cross the Wrangler off my list as a possibility?
I would use it's SUV like functionality (for mtn. biking, going camping, etc.) - I wouldn't have a problem w/a bike rack w/a Jeep, but putting one ona new Mazda6 would make me cringe.
Just looking for input on the mileage one of these can take (have a 99 chevy monte now and I'm extremely disenchanted w/American reliability and build quality @ the moment).
Would even consider used if, say, a 2001-02 has some better engine quality than an '03.
Highway or city? IMHO, it is not worth it. I have an '02 sport and while I love weekends tooling around topless, commuting is awful in it. I recently moved and am driving 25 miles to work (each way) about 1x per week, in traffic and it is driving me crazy. The jeep is loud, bouncy and absolutely eats gas. Plus, you have to be careful with the top down that it is not going to rain. I live in Boston, so virtually everyday during the summer there is a chance of a Tstorm. I don't mind getting wet, but not dressed for work nor do I park close enough that I could run out and put it up w/o getting soaked. Along this line, it is often not worth the trouble to drop the top for a ride home when you know you'll just have to toss it back up.
My .02.....buy a 4cyl mazda6 and a beater jeep for the weekends.
I love my TJ, but it is killing me. When I bought it, I lived close to the city and only really took it out to play. Now, it is true transportation. Loud, rough and expensive. I've had friends just get rid of theirs for an RSX for basically the same reason (plus both had major front end problems!)
The second grinding trans is out of the vehicle and disassembled per Chrysler zone rep. Fluid has brass grindings from self destructing syncro rings, same failure as first trans. The rep. authorized another replacement trans be installed. This brings the total transmissions to three (3) in 3,800 miles of ownership. I still like the vehicle and requested that the new tranny be overnighted so that we may have the vehicle back for the weekend. Would anyone care to predict where this leads.
Is it possible that the factory is putting in the wrong kind of fluid in those trannies???
I have seen posts about the wrong type of tranny fluid eating yellow metals, like the brass in the synchronizers. Just wonder if they made a bunch of Jeeps and put the wrong tranny fluid in them.
Hey, I wouldn't give up on the Wrangler idea so quickly.
I had the same concerns before getting my first ever Wrangler. Turned out that there was no problem using it as daily driver. I did buy an old S-10 pickup to be my work vehicle after owning my Jeep and driving it to work for the first seven months, but not because of any problem in driving the Jeep. I just didn't want to rack up so many miles on the Jeep is all. I drive 27 miles one way to work (all highway).
I think a Jeep is a fine daily driver, if you can handle the low gas mileage.
I drive about 25 miles each way to work each day in my TJ and it doesn't bother me at all. I get about 18mpg and I don't consider it that bad. Actually my last vehicle was a Dodge Ram, which got about 13mpg. In my opinion, there is no better vehicle than a TJ because of the convertible for the summers and 4WD for the winters. The ride isn't great, but it's a JEEP!!
Just thought I would pass this on, since Murray mowers are so popular, and there's a good chance some of my buds in here might have one.
I bought a 17 HP/ 42" cut Murray last March (2002) and used it all of last year and so far this year. The gas tank started leaking, and I thought if it happened to me, it probably happened to others, so I got on the Net and looked for a recall. Sure enough, there is a recall on many models, and mine was one of them.
They sent me a new tank, and I installed it last night. The problem with the old tank was the seam.
There are other brands under the recall besides Murray which are also made by MTD (some Craftsmen and I think I even saw some Bolens models).
Remember, this is not necessarily going to include ALL mowers that have a problem. There are other brands that could have the same problem. Whoever used the same supplier for those plastic fuel tanks would most likely have the same problem.
If your gas tank starts leaking, I would be sure and check to see if it is covered under a recall. Guess you should check anyway, even if it hasn't started leaking yet, huh?
Ok, let me put a little spin on my earlier post and reply to some of the other posters. Yes, the Jeep can be an ok commuting vehicle especially if you are uused to driving a pickup truck. Noise, bumpy ride and gas mileage will be similar. However, if you are used to a car it will be a jarring ride. I came out of 1989 volvo 240 and the jeep's ride is starting to wear on me. I had doubts when I first bought it, but I bought it anyways.
Bottom line, if you have doubts about liking commuting in a jeep you probably will get tired of the ride (not the Jeep itself, obviously!). If you don't mind or are used to a "trucky" ride, you won't mind a bit.
I suppose the only way I'm going to find out is to actually go and drive one. I've always been a car owner, but know all about "trucky" rides so I can totally understand where you all are coming from.
What about the Jeep handling 100K+++ mileage? My Monte Carlo is at 80K and I know it wouldn't make it another 80K. That's what the appeal of the Mazda is too - longevity :-)
I've had two friends get rid of theirs b/c of front end problems. The mechanic told them to get rid of it before it got worse. He said once a TJ starts having problems it never stops, that build quality is iffy and some are great, others awful. The 6cyl engine is bulletproof though.
Again, I would suggest doing the opposite of tsjay. Get a beater jeep (they are just as fun in the summer, if not more so b/c you don't care if it gets muddy / soaked in the rain) and a new car. I am considering this right now.
A jeep can suffice as a daily driver, but it is hard to leave your almost $25k brand new ride out in the rain with the top down. Nor can you carry anything of value with you (golf clubs etc) if you will be leaving the vehicle.
Just my devil's advocate .02, many people tried to tell me the same before I bought mine but I didn't listen b/c I was bitten by the Jeep bug. Now I realize the impracticality of a jeep most of the year (I live in Boston) outweights those beautiful summer days w/ the top down. Especially when I write out my check to chrysler each month for $500.
Lots of 20+ year old Wranglers out there. The I6, along with the drivetrain, generally goes to 200k+ before requiring an overhaul, given regular maintenance of course.
Well, you are sure getting the pros and cons in here for a TJ as a daily driver, aren't you? That's good. You need to see both sides of it to make a better decision.
I realized full well going in that I would be making sacrifices in gas mileage, ride quality (but the TJ's with their coil springs do not ride all that bad), quiet, and cargo room. The question was: would I find the Jeep to be fun enough to make those sacrifices worth it? In my case, the answer was yes, yes, a million times yes!
Thelma Jane is the only vehicle that I have ever owned and still found to be a thrill to drive after two and a half years. I have owned about every kind of vehicle out there, and the joy would always wear off within six months. Not this time! I still love my Jeep!
I notice you live in MA, part of the reason I can't make the sacrific is the small window of time you have to drive topless. Look at this year, it wasn't warm enough to take the top off until after June 1st! Tom lives in Kentucky, where I think he has a lot longer topless season. On top of this, we have virtually NO off-road areas to play in, so that aspect of owning a jeep is nearly moot.
Comments
Good luck with your dealer.
dewars
Hey, let's just hope they don't screw up a great thing with the Wrangler. I haven't seen any pics of the 04's or even heard what they might be doing on them.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I hope they don't do much "freshening up" - much of what the car dealers have come up with recently is ugly (practical but ugly) or all the same. I wouldn't mind a few things changed, but the basic styling.
Really, only time makes it easier. There are no magic words. Please accept a 'virtual' hug.
My heartfelt sympathies. Having lost a beloved pet to illness several months ago, I empathize with you. Time passing helps.
twylie,
I am scheduled to have a new part installed on 7/18 to fix the clicking of the clutch. The part was backordered hence the delay. I'll keep you posted on whether it resolves the problem.
smurf - keep us informed about how your clutch problems go. Good luck with it.
Gary
I too wanted to pass along my condolences. It isn't easy to let a best friend go like that as I can attest to (I've had to have two pets put to sleep due to illness that could get no further aid from medication)...the last one a week before Christmas. She in her own way said it's ok I understand by giving me a lick on the chin. It's rough but hang in there...and get a new friend when you're ready. After all you've got precious memories with your buddy to remember...it will help you with the pain trust me.
Congrats to the new Jeep owner....it's official...YOU'RE A JEEPSTER!!!
I did it again today...drove around lookin at Jeeps. But it'll have to wait til I get certified to teach and most importantly GET A JOB.
Have a great weekend and remember...To hug your Jeeps for me
smedwrangler aka smedcougar
You ought to know that if anyone in here understands about how strong the bond can be between a person and his doggy, it's me. You all know how much I love Ross Allen, and I don't know how I am going to handle it when that awful day comes that I have to let go of him.
It's hard to type with my eyes full of tears, Gal.
I am so very, very sorry.
There is absolutely NO doubt in my mind that my Ross Allen will be there to meet me in heaven. I know that the relationship between a person and his dog is something precious and good in the sight of God, and I think God means for that to be an eternal relationship.
When you are able to talk about it, I would like to know more details about your dog and about what was wrong with him.
I wish I were there with you, and we would both have a good cry, and I would give you a big hug.
Once again, I am so sorry.
Tom
Deb - have you got Wrangler fever breaking out again? At this rate you'll get one about a month after you start teaching! It is good to hear from you.
And to anyone thinking about getting a Wrangler - if you get the fever, you might as well buy sooner rather than later. The fever never really goes away. It is the only car I've ever really wanted and continued to want for over 20 years before I finally bought one. Now I can't understand why I waited so long.
You gave him a wonderful life, Gal. I know you are hurting, but at least you can take comfort in knowing that you gave him that kind of life. He knew he was loved.
Now I'm crying again! I'm gonna have to snuggle up extra tight with Ross Allen tonight.
Tom
We had a similar situation with our Molly last year. She was a pitbull boxer mix with a most lovable face... hyper as all heck. Then she wouldn't walk or eat. We eventually had to put her down. But in her case it was cancer. She was only 2.
She died in my arms. We buried her overlooking our mountains and hiking trails. Words can't express how it feels.
You have my sympathies.
-Paul
I also looked at Wringer's entire album. I have a heavy heart for you - much like Tom said. Like someone else said in a post - when you are ready you need to get a new buddy to run and hike with. I suspect that when the time is right Wringer would want it that way.
Sorry for your loss.
Jim
Rich
I was able to post about my new granddaughter, and no one started screaming "off topic." Gal posted about her loss of a friend, and we all expressed our sympathies.
If these posts had appeared on any other commercial Jeep message board, well....
There might be sites with more technical info than we have here, but you won't find this good spirit anywhere else. Seems like old Mac 24 is always good for the technical stuff, so we DO have a source for that kind of info in this forum.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Paul - 2 seems so young! When it came down to it, I couldn't face being there at the very end. I wanted to remember him running through the woods, just like in most of those pictures I took of him over the years.
Rich - Just keep working with that pup and she will be as wonderful as Winger. Eventually I'll probably get another one, but not just yet, I think. It will be strange to go hiking this coming weekend by myself.
I'm sure people have seen this one before, but I'm posting it anyway:
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
My condolences to all who have lost loved ones.
-twylie
-twylie
I do know someone who had a new tranny put in a Suburban after only 5,000 miles and then had absolutely no more problems. While she wasn't happy with the idea of having such a major repair done it worked out for her. So keep trying the repair route while you persue the lemon law route. If they fix it, then you can just keep it. If they don't, then you are that much further ahead in the process of getting them to buy back a defective vehicle.
Good luck with it, and let us know how things go.
A wheelin' bud noticed it and told me about it when I asked him to take a look at something else while I was on the ramp down at Hot Springs at the Superlift ORV Park this past weekend.
I have ordered one from the dealer, and it is only going to cost me $38. I am doing the repair myself, like a good Jeeper should, even though my mechanical skills are virtually nonexistent.
This should be a very simple, straight forward procedure, but we all know how those "simple" jobs hardly ever turn out to be as simple as they should be.
I have already encountered one little complication, and because I was hot and tired last night, I stopped working for the night after hitting this snag.
There is one of those flat nuts with a "wing" on it that the bolt goes through on the front mount, which is on the front differential housing. The wing on this nut is supposed to catch on the side of the control arm to prevent the nut from turning, so that the bolt can be tightened or loosened. Well, the stupid thing is NOT catching on the control arm, but is sliding over it, and this is allowing the nut to turn as I turn the bolt. I will have to wedge something in there to prevent the thing from turning, I guess. There's not a lot of room under there, and you can't always get the "angle of attack" that you really want.
Oh well, will be back at it tonight. Hopefully that new control arm will be in today or tomorrow. Need that thing on there before the weekend! Can you imagine a weekend without wheelin'????
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I decided not to do anything on my own about the dash gauges after a co-worker handed me an article about do-it-yourself problems, like stripping nuts, bolts and screws, then having to have them drilled out etc. Could make for a real expensive "cheap" repair. Though your situation sounds easier to deal with. A fresh start does wonders quite often.
I always suffer through those weekends when I can't hit the trails.
The new arm came in today, and I have it installed now. Well, almost installed. I have not tightened the bolts yet. I have a 1/2 drive torque wrench, but all of my metric sockets are 3/8 or 1/4 inch drives. The FSM calls for 55 ft-lbs of torque on those bolts, and I'm wondering how critical it is to be close to that 55 ft-lbs. I have an adapter to go from 1/2 to 3/8, but I couldn't find it tonight, so I couldn't use my torque wrench. Anyone think I should just go ahead and tighten the bolts and guess at the torque?
I can look some more tomorrow for that adapter, if I really need to use a torque wrench.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
When fitted correctly, the center of the bushing is clamped to the frame and as the arm flexes the rubber takes the torsional load. If the center bolt is not torqued enough, the arm just rotates around it, wearing the bolt and the metal tube in the bushing.
As with most active suspension components, it needs to be torqued with the weight of the vehicle on flat ground.
Thanks
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
BUT - My commute to work is 200 miles per week, I average about 20-22K miles per year on a vehicle. Should I cross the Wrangler off my list as a possibility?
I would use it's SUV like functionality (for mtn. biking, going camping, etc.) - I wouldn't have a problem w/a bike rack w/a Jeep, but putting one ona new Mazda6 would make me cringe.
Just looking for input on the mileage one of these can take (have a 99 chevy monte now and I'm extremely disenchanted w/American reliability and build quality @ the moment).
Would even consider used if, say, a 2001-02 has some better engine quality than an '03.
Thanks!
Chimpy
My .02.....buy a 4cyl mazda6 and a beater jeep for the weekends.
Stupid wind, lol. I figured the gas would be killer too.
I'm going to get the 6cyl Mazda - I want ABS and traction control.
Chimpy
I love my TJ, but it is killing me. When I bought it, I lived close to the city and only really took it out to play. Now, it is true transportation. Loud, rough and expensive. I've had friends just get rid of theirs for an RSX for basically the same reason (plus both had major front end problems!)
I have seen posts about the wrong type of tranny fluid eating yellow metals, like the brass in the synchronizers. Just wonder if they made a bunch of Jeeps and put the wrong tranny fluid in them.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I had the same concerns before getting my first ever Wrangler. Turned out that there was no problem using it as daily driver. I did buy an old S-10 pickup to be my work vehicle after owning my Jeep and driving it to work for the first seven months, but not because of any problem in driving the Jeep. I just didn't want to rack up so many miles on the Jeep is all. I drive 27 miles one way to work (all highway).
I think a Jeep is a fine daily driver, if you can handle the low gas mileage.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I bought a 17 HP/ 42" cut Murray last March (2002) and used it all of last year and so far this year. The gas tank started leaking, and I thought if it happened to me, it probably happened to others, so I got on the Net and looked for a recall. Sure enough, there is a recall on many models, and mine was one of them.
They sent me a new tank, and I installed it last night. The problem with the old tank was the seam.
There are other brands under the recall besides Murray which are also made by MTD (some Craftsmen and I think I even saw some Bolens models).
Here's a link to the Murray recall info page.
http://www.murray.com/recall_info.html
Remember, this is not necessarily going to include ALL mowers that have a problem. There are other brands that could have the same problem. Whoever used the same supplier for those plastic fuel tanks would most likely have the same problem.
If your gas tank starts leaking, I would be sure and check to see if it is covered under a recall. Guess you should check anyway, even if it hasn't started leaking yet, huh?
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Bottom line, if you have doubts about liking commuting in a jeep you probably will get tired of the ride (not the Jeep itself, obviously!). If you don't mind or are used to a "trucky" ride, you won't mind a bit.
What about the Jeep handling 100K+++ mileage? My Monte Carlo is at 80K and I know it wouldn't make it another 80K. That's what the appeal of the Mazda is too - longevity :-)
Thanks again
Again, I would suggest doing the opposite of tsjay. Get a beater jeep (they are just as fun in the summer, if not more so b/c you don't care if it gets muddy / soaked in the rain) and a new car. I am considering this right now.
A jeep can suffice as a daily driver, but it is hard to leave your almost $25k brand new ride out in the rain with the top down. Nor can you carry anything of value with you (golf clubs etc) if you will be leaving the vehicle.
Just my devil's advocate .02, many people tried to tell me the same before I bought mine but I didn't listen b/c I was bitten by the Jeep bug. Now I realize the impracticality of a jeep most of the year (I live in Boston) outweights those beautiful summer days w/ the top down. Especially when I write out my check to chrysler each month for $500.
Remember, there are no stupid questions - just stupid people ;-)
I've heard of the cj.
thanks for clearing that up for me. When you look them up here for pricing there is no mention, it just says 'sport' or 'rubicon' or whatever.
I realized full well going in that I would be making sacrifices in gas mileage, ride quality (but the TJ's with their coil springs do not ride all that bad), quiet, and cargo room. The question was: would I find the Jeep to be fun enough to make those sacrifices worth it? In my case, the answer was yes, yes, a million times yes!
Thelma Jane is the only vehicle that I have ever owned and still found to be a thrill to drive after two and a half years. I have owned about every kind of vehicle out there, and the joy would always wear off within six months. Not this time! I still love my Jeep!
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Great discussion btw.