No, they don't have coat hooks... those things are TOW hooks, and if you hung a coat on them, the coat would not be very presentable when you got to your destination.
I've been meaning to get one of those bars for hanging clothes but haven't bothered. Since there are no hooks, I figured that I could tie it to the roll bar/cage somehow.
I'm thinking about selling my GMC Envoy because the payment is killing me. I'd like to get something that's 4 or 5 years old for about 10k +/- a couple thousand, and it looks like a wrangler would fit that bill. I was wondering how the long term reliability is on a wrangler and how difficult and costly it is to maintain and repair them.
Any specific pros and cons you could think of would be great.
Also, I like to play golf once and a while, does anybody know if a couple of bags will fit in the back seat?
My dealership got in not only my '04 but about 5 other '04s (various trims) as well. Double check, but your dealership should have '04s either in the lot or on the way.
Also, the Ravines are not nearly as bad as the pictures from the other day. They have grown on me since picking the Jeep up last Thursday.
I'm thinking about selling my GMC Envoy because the payment is killing me. I'd like to get something that's 4 or 5 years old for about 10k +/- a couple thousand, and it looks like a wrangler would fit that bill. I was wondering how the long term reliability is on a wrangler and how difficult and costly it is to maintain and repair them.
Any specific pros and cons you could think of would be great.
Also, I like to play golf once and a while, does anybody know if a couple of bags will fit in the back seat?
Long term reliability is very good - I know of a number of off-roaders who have models from the early '90s that are still going strong. As far as personal experience, I have a '98 and have over 115,000 miles on it. They haven't been totally trouble-free - I had to replace the exhaust manifold (known problem, redesigned in 2000, I think) and mine has a dash gauge problem that is intermittant (lose all dash gauges and only the airbag light is on. Spooky to drive without a speedometer or tach or gas gauge). One of these days I'll get it fixed. And at the moment my air conditioning needs servicing. But the engine seems bomb proof!
I took my back seat out not long after I got my Wrangler (they are very easy to remove) and it hasn't been in since. There is plenty of room in the back for a couple of golf bags. I've easily carried all the gear for 2 people to a 3 day hockey tournament (included a medium sized cooler). The back seat also tumbles forward and doesn't take up that much room. I think you could put 2 golf bags in the back that way.
Wow! Quite a difference between an Envoy and a Wrangler.
You would be giving up room, comfort, quiet, ride quality, security (if you get a soft top), handling, and possibly some gas mileage (probably not much).
I hope you don't expect the Wrangler to fulfill all of the same requirements that the Envoy did. They are pretty much at the opposite ends of the spectrum from a practicality standpoint.
Wranglers are all about FUN. You have to be willing to give up those things mentioned in the first paragraph, but if fun is what you are after, you will consider it a good trade off, because there is not another vehicle in the world that comes anywhere close to being as much fun as a Jeep!
They are as reliable as about any other vehicle, I suppose. They are probably easier to work on than most other vehicles, since they don't have all the fancy doo dads on them. There's plenty of room under the hood to get to the things that might need repair. They sit high enough off the ground that they are easy to crawl up under and do things.
For your price range, you should get a pretty decent Jeep, especially if you do the + 2000 instead of the - 2000.
I would think you could get a pretty nice 98 or 99 Sport with fairly low miles for around $12K. I would recommend the Sport (or the Sahara) in order to get the 4.0 six cylinder engine instead of the SE with it's four cylinder engine. The four banger just doesn't have enough power for highway driving, especially in hilly country.
Anyone have anything to say about the top end stereo on the Wrangler? I'm looking to get a new Wrangler and had a '98 Sahara previously and put my own stereo in it--new speakers in front, speakers on wheelwells and pair of 10s behind the seat. I'm not quite the audiophile I used to be, but just wondered if it was adequate while going down the highway with the top down.
I am correct in understanding that the '04 30in wheel package has different rims than the '03s? Anyone else have anything to say about the new models that may have changed since I had my '98? I know it's still basically the same, but I enjoy all the little differences. I'm thinking about getting a Black Sahara and there's one around here that's an '03. I could probably get a decent deal, but would wait and order an '04 if there was really any difference worth mentioning.
I haven't had the opportunity to check out the 7 speaker stereo system that's been out for the last couple years, but I'll bet it's pretty decent.
I have the subwoofer option im my 01 Sport, and I consider the stereo system adequate with only the five speakers. (OK, it's not world class, but for a Jeep, it's fine.)
Go take a listen to one at a dealership somewhere.
Looking at a black Sahara? My Sport is black and it is a really sharp looking vehicle. However, it is the first, and will probably be the last black vehicle I'll ever own. As long as you understand the characteristics of a black vehicle and don't mind the extra heat, you will be fine.
I will probably go listen to one. I just get the feeling it won't be anything too great--I like my music loud! Sounds dumb, but the option for the stereo almost seems too cheap to be all that good.
The '98 Wrangler I had was a green Sahara--I would've gotten black, but I didn't like how the seats were green and khaki no matter what. Since they changed it now, I would be more inclined to get a black one. I may just stick with a Sport though and get either black or red since you can get them optioned pretty much the same as a Sahara.
Just not sure I want to give up my current car--'01 Ford Sport Trac. Nice to have room for others and stuff, but then again I'd love to have a Jeep for ME. I really like this model and would like to have one for a while before they completely re-do them for the '07 model year.
There's one around here that's an '03 that has pretty much what I want, but it'd be great to get an '04. Rim choice could make my mind up there though. Thinking about dual top and automatic--anyone have the new 4-speed auto? Is it better than the old 3 speed (obviously I'm sure it is, but specifically)? I loved having a manual in my previous Jeep, but auto might make more sense for me these days and I may have gotten an auto if it wasn't the 3-speed before. Used to seem anti-Jeep to get an auto to me, but I've changed a little. I will not be going off-road in this vehicle. Yes, sorry, I'm one of those pansies that just wants to drive a Jeep around. They're just SO much fun! Just not sure I want to give up the room and ride of my Ford.
Any more opinions?
Any info on the rims for the '04s compared to the '03s? I really liked the Canyon (?) rims.
go back to page 484 on this board and you can see pics of the new Ravine wheels.
I upgraded the speakers in my '01 to Boston NX (5.25" in teh front and 6.5" in the soundbar), but have not added an amp or swapped the HU. I didn't want to tempt theft with an aftermarket HU. The factory stereo is loud enough to be heard at highway speeds, top down (nothing left on the volume, but you can hear it while driving). The sub option adds some bottom end but if you're a true audiophile, you'll find the bass too muddy compared to a real sub. Tsjay's advice to listen to both will help you decide if it's worth the exra $ or if you should just take the stock system and spend $ to upgrade to aftermarket.
Just a word of caution for ya on the auto. I spend some time on another Jeep site (shhhh!... don't tell Steve or Tidester), and on that site there are NUMEROUS posts about people having trouble with the new four speed auto. I can't post a link to that site, but its initials are JU.
You might want to do some research on that site or elsewhere before deciding on the auto.
Not going to offroad your Jeep??? The poor little thing! If I were a Jeep, I wouldn't want to be YOUR Jeep: I wouldn't get to have any fun.
Just kidding. I never intended to "wheel" Thelma Jane when I ordered her either. But, after going just one time, I was hooked! Now I go about every weekend.
I owned Thelma Jane for 14 months before ever going offroad with her, and I said back then that she was the most fun vehicle that I had ever owned. (I'm just having MORE fun now.)
Hey TAZZ is happy...He shines like a new penny. now would wouldnt be happy.
Seriously.. even if I wanted to go off-road just no time at all. working 6 days a week & with 2 small children. Dont forget the "WIFE" Maybe in the future I can get a JEEP that not $27,000 to take in the wood. In my right mind i CANNOT take a $30K vehicle in the woods to get dirty & scratched
Ben STEREO. Ive replace my speakers with Polk Audio in front & Alpines in back. Also added a Kenwood AMP. Now TAZZ rocks!! Just changing the speakers was a GREAT improvement.
OK, it has been a while since this was posted, and they have made some minor changes in the way you get to where you need to go in order to request a factory build sheet.
Factory build sheets, for those who don't know about them, are lists of all the equipment that was included on a vehicle from the factory.
If you are looking for one for your Jeep or for a Jeep you are thinking about buying, all you need is the vehicle's VIN (vehicle identification number).
Go to www.jeep.com, type "customer service" in the search window, then on the next page select "How do I contact Chrysler?" Then, select "I need customer assistance." Finally, on the next page, choose "Send us an email." This brings up a form that you will need to fill out.
In the first box on the form, just state that you want the factory build sheet. Fill out the rest of the form, including the last eight characters of the VIN of the vehicle in question, and you will receive a very prompt reply. (If you make your request during normal business hours, you could receive a reply in as little as 30 minutes.)
This is a good way to find out if there are any outstanding recalls on the vehicle, even though that is not the reason you gave for contacting DC: they will tell you anyway.
hey tom can you give me a hint of what kind of trouble they are having with the new trans? I have about 3500 on my '03, I have'nt noticed anything yet. It seems to be super smooth shifting on the highway. One other thing, I notice a big difference in the engine since I put Mobil 1 in it.
People are complaining about very hard shifting with the four speed auto. Sometimes it does it for a few days, then clears up. And some have said the problem didn't start until they were up to the miles you have or a little higher, if I remember correctly.
Don't want to scare everyone, just thought I would pass that info along.
If your email is public, I will email you a link, but if not, email me, and I will send the link back to ya.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
P.S. I'm a big believer in synthetic oil. I am a Mobil 1 fan, but I have never tried any other brand of synthetic, so maybe others are just as good. I just believe that synthetic oil is good for an engine.
Part of what you are noticing could just be the engine breaking in, but the Mobil 1 is also part of the improvement, I'm sure.
When I said "numerous" people had experienced problems, I might have been overstating things a bit. I was just thinking that for no more four speeds than there are out there so far in Wranglers, there seems to be too many people having problems. They only just came out in the 03s, Wranglers are not produced in great numbers relative to other types of vehicles, and probably no more than half the Wranglers have the auto tranny.
I wish you the very best luck with yours, and maybe the problem is not as wide spread as it seemed to me to be.
Daughter and grand baby are doing GREAT. Thanks for asking.
Don't forget that the '03 four speed auto transmission is totally new. While annoying, it's hardly surprising that it's got a few bugs that need to be ironed out. If you remember, production of the '03s with auto was briefly put on hold at the beginning of the year. When production resumed in February the transmission sported a new oil pan, revised software and possibly a revised oil pump. Since then there has been a dramatic reduction in reported warranty problems, although it would appear that the software issue will be ongoing.
When the TJ came out in '97, virtually everything except the basic design of the engines, transmissions and drive system was brand new. It took until the mid '98 model year to get the bugs properly sorted. The '03 auto looks as though it's going to be a good product, but I wouldn't be looking for it to be perfected for a while yet.
Isn't it the same tranny that they put in the Liberties? Did they have to do some major modifications in order for it to be used in the Wrangler, hence the "bugs?" And, was that tranny used somewhere else before it was put into the Libbies?
As far as I know, although the Liberty uses the same manual transmission as the 4.0 Wrangler, the NV3550, the same is not true for the auto. Liberty uses the 45RFE which originated with the '99 Grand Cherokee.
The '03 Wrangler auto is the 42RLE which I'm not aware of being used in any other model.
Thanks. I guess that begs the question, is the 42RLE a brand new tranny or is it a variation of the 45RFE?
I didn't even know that Libbies could be had with a manual tranny. Never was much interested in the Libby, and I'm still sad that the XJ was killed. I might never have bought an XJ, but from the buds I have wheeled with that own them, they sure seemed like they were great vehicles. They would wheel like a demon and still served as grocery getters.
As far as I'm aware, the 42RLE is a variation of the 42LE, which is a FWD transaxle complete with transfer shafts and a differential. So, it's a totally different housing with modified internals, not a minor difference by any means.
Even assuming the tranny will be perfect, the other black mark it gets is that it's responsible for the new 'shovel' crossmember, now fitted to both manual and auto '03s. For an '03 to have the same ground clearance as earlier models it either needs a small lift, or a 'belly up' skid plate. It's ironic that a standard Rubicon will hang up on stuff that an earlier Wrangler will walk right over!
My experience with the four speed auto tranny in my Jeep has been:
up to 5,000 miles with no problems 2 28.57% up to 10,000 miles with no problems 1 14.29% up to 15,000 miles with no problems 0 0% over 15,000 miles with no problems 1 14.29% have had minor problems with it 1 14.29% have had serious problems with it 2 28.57%
Only seven people have responded, but two of the seven have had serious problems, and one has had minor problems.
Hopefully, the ones that have the serious problems have Jeeps built before the Feb 02 "fix."
The Liberty no longer uses the 45RFE. They cut it down to the 42RLE 4-Speed auto currently used in the Wranglers. I hate decontenting. This happened sometime this model year, I believe.
Now, here's another question. Are the Libby folks having 4-Speed auto troubles? If they aren't, then DCX engineers better have fixed these problems for '04.
Tom...it was always available with a 5-Speed, but currently, only with the 2.4L. Previously, you could buy a 3.7L and 5-Speed combo, but it was quickly dropped.
All I can say is this... Do not mess with our Wranglers!
Doh!!! Thanks for the update bored, we'll soon be back to the old 32RH if they keep this up! I don't know the Liberty situation but I'll try and do some research. Shows the need for my get out clause though. :-)
drosketer, the crossmember is very different on the '03s and I've heard nothing to indicate it's changed on the '04s. It was re-designed to accomodate the new 42RLE autobox. For its own reasons DC decided to use it for both transmissions. It hangs down further and the auto has an additional skid tacked on. It's easiest to just go look and compare the two if you can. AFAIK the difference is probably just an inch or two (I've not actually measured it), but look at what a two inch lift will do for the earlier Wranglers!
Thanks Mac. Heh, I don't even have Jeep yet to worry about going wheeling with and I am already wondering about whether that 1"-2" of clearance difference should steer me towards picking up a used 2002 as opposed to new...
Advantages and disadvantages to be considered going with either decision. Just spotted a 2002 Sport with 14K kms sporting a 3" lift and 33" tires on alloy wheels for sale. Wonder what options it has!
Anyway, enough rambling. Time to get back to work. Andrew
That 2002 would be worth a look if the price is right.
I've been listening to the news and for once I'm glad I live in California (something that doesn't happen very often). It's nice that someone else has power problems for once.
According to the dates of my albums, I have been wheelin' at least ten weekends in a row. I guess it could be even a longer string than that, since I don't always put up pics.
I have decided not to go tomorrow, since it is so hot and humid, and Thelma Jane is topless and doorless. The trip home is killer in this heat, especially for Ross Allen.
Now, if Thelma Jane had her top and doors on and I could use the old air conditioner...
Oh, well, I could change my mind, but I don't have anyone lined up to wheel with tomorrow, and with this heat, I guess I'll just go to work for a while and get some things caught up. Of course, Ross Allen will be going with me, since it will be Saturday. It will be hot for the trip home, but the distance is less than half of what it would be from Turkey Bay back home.
I know this is exciting news for everyone, but no one is posting, so I thought I would ramble a while.
Power's still on in Boise. And our current humidity is 14% - your Jeep is gonna rust just sitting down there Bama! I can't say I miss my growing up days in Aug. in MS, esp. before we got A/C :-)
At your advanced age, I'm not sure if you mean AC current or air conditioning in your comment "before we got A/C." Had electricity been invented when you were a child?
sounds like it might be time for a windjammer... With that plus the bikini and doors on, the AC works fine even in this weather. makes for a quick and light alternative to the top being on. I ran into November last year with just the bikini, wj, duster combo; cold wasn't an issue even at 30 degrees. Of course, RA might have to sit up front with ya for the drive! Don't break the streak!
Hey all, A few days ago, when driving to work, I noticed a slight wobble in my steering wheel. I didn't think much of it at the time, but before I left for home, I decided to check the tires. Sure enough, the front left tire had two lug nuts missing. The worst part was that the studs behind had snapped off, and the remaining three lugs were all loose. I jacked my Jeep up and tightened the lugs enough to make it home on back roads. Luckily, the studs that were broken were on opposite sides, not right next to each other. I was able to get it fixed for around $50, which is good in the end. One guy that I talked to at church mentioned that he had a tire on his Wrangler come loose after a rotation, because he didn't have the tire on straight. I haven't rotated the tires or done anything to them for at least 5,000 miles or so. I have a feeling that this was a result of the neighborhood punks that are constantly breaking into cars in my apartment complex. Anyone have a similar experience?
It does rather sound as though someone was interrupted while trying to steal your wheels, assuming that you haven't been in a tire store recently (and that no one is trying to rub you out!).
As well as having your wheels fall off, other things associated with incorrectly torqued lug nuts are warped rotors, distorted wheels, damaged studs and nuts, and the inability to change a flat at the roadside with the standard tools.
A 'click' type torque wrench can be bought for less than the price of a tank of gas and will last a lifetime. Your handbook gives the correct torque loading and tightening pattern.
OK, it's Saturday, and Old Tom is operating a four wheeled topless/doorless vehicle off road, and he has his best bud with him. All of that seems typical. So, why does Tom not look happy???
Yeah, I got a 42" cut 17 HP Murray rider, but that doesn't help for the road ditch or up close to the house and stuff. Wanted to get the push mower stuff done before I did the big part of the yard with the rider. That part will seem easy after I get the trimming done.
I am just taking a break and cooling off now. Still have that road ditch and around the back of the house to get done with the push mower.
I was going to go to the office today and get some stuff done, but that yard had gone too long, and I thought I had better get it done. It's ten times harder to mow now, since I let it go so long.
Man, it is too hot for an old fat man to be out there mowing today!
Love the photo of Ross Allen. At the moment I'm sitting here and the dog I'm puppy-sitting for the weekend (an 8 month old who is looking for a new home) has finally settled down. It took a walk around the block, then a 2 mile hike, then playing with him for another hour before he would lie down. I brought him home last night and he is not a real happy camper. I'm going to take him back Monday (as arranged) - I don't think I can offer him the home he needs (and he is sure tiring me out with his constant motion).
At least he has good taste in vehicles. He wasn't real thrilled with riding in the pickup last night, but seemed to love riding in the Wrangler when we went up a dirt road to one of my favorite hiking spots.
P.S. - I'm like oceantoad - I'm starved for the color green. Everything is so brown right now.
Comments
-Mike
Sorry, Mike, "the devil made me do it."
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I've been meaning to get one of those bars for hanging clothes but haven't bothered. Since there are no hooks, I figured that I could tie it to the roll bar/cage somehow.
I'm thinking about selling my GMC Envoy because the payment is killing me. I'd like to get something that's 4 or 5 years old for about 10k +/- a couple thousand, and it looks like a wrangler would fit that bill. I was wondering how the long term reliability is on a wrangler and how difficult and costly it is to maintain and repair them.
Any specific pros and cons you could think of would be great.
Also, I like to play golf once and a while, does anybody know if a couple of bags will fit in the back seat?
Thanks in advance for all replies.
Rob
My dealership got in not only my '04 but about 5 other '04s (various trims) as well. Double check, but your dealership should have '04s either in the lot or on the way.
Also, the Ravines are not nearly as bad as the pictures from the other day. They have grown on me since picking the Jeep up last Thursday.
I'm thinking about selling my GMC Envoy because the payment is killing me. I'd like to get something that's 4 or 5 years old for about 10k +/- a couple thousand, and it looks like a wrangler would fit that bill. I was wondering how the long term reliability is on a wrangler and how difficult and costly it is to maintain and repair them.
Any specific pros and cons you could think of would be great.
Also, I like to play golf once and a while, does anybody know if a couple of bags will fit in the back seat?
Thanks in advance for all replies.
Rob
I took my back seat out not long after I got my Wrangler (they are very easy to remove) and it hasn't been in since. There is plenty of room in the back for a couple of golf bags. I've easily carried all the gear for 2 people to a 3 day hockey tournament (included a medium sized cooler). The back seat also tumbles forward and doesn't take up that much room. I think you could put 2 golf bags in the back that way.
You would be giving up room, comfort, quiet, ride quality, security (if you get a soft top), handling, and possibly some gas mileage (probably not much).
I hope you don't expect the Wrangler to fulfill all of the same requirements that the Envoy did. They are pretty much at the opposite ends of the spectrum from a practicality standpoint.
Wranglers are all about FUN. You have to be willing to give up those things mentioned in the first paragraph, but if fun is what you are after, you will consider it a good trade off, because there is not another vehicle in the world that comes anywhere close to being as much fun as a Jeep!
They are as reliable as about any other vehicle, I suppose. They are probably easier to work on than most other vehicles, since they don't have all the fancy doo dads on them. There's plenty of room under the hood to get to the things that might need repair. They sit high enough off the ground that they are easy to crawl up under and do things.
For your price range, you should get a pretty decent Jeep, especially if you do the + 2000 instead of the - 2000.
I would think you could get a pretty nice 98 or 99 Sport with fairly low miles for around $12K. I would recommend the Sport (or the Sahara) in order to get the 4.0 six cylinder engine instead of the SE with it's four cylinder engine. The four banger just doesn't have enough power for highway driving, especially in hilly country.
Good luck.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I am correct in understanding that the '04 30in wheel package has different rims than the '03s? Anyone else have anything to say about the new models that may have changed since I had my '98? I know it's still basically the same, but I enjoy all the little differences. I'm thinking about getting a Black Sahara and there's one around here that's an '03. I could probably get a decent deal, but would wait and order an '04 if there was really any difference worth mentioning.
Thanks so much in advance!!!!!
I have the subwoofer option im my 01 Sport, and I consider the stereo system adequate with only the five speakers. (OK, it's not world class, but for a Jeep, it's fine.)
Go take a listen to one at a dealership somewhere.
Good luck in your quest for a new Jeep.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
- A message from sunny and HOT SoCal!
The '98 Wrangler I had was a green Sahara--I would've gotten black, but I didn't like how the seats were green and khaki no matter what. Since they changed it now, I would be more inclined to get a black one. I may just stick with a Sport though and get either black or red since you can get them optioned pretty much the same as a Sahara.
Just not sure I want to give up my current car--'01 Ford Sport Trac. Nice to have room for others and stuff, but then again I'd love to have a Jeep for ME. I really like this model and would like to have one for a while before they completely re-do them for the '07 model year.
There's one around here that's an '03 that has pretty much what I want, but it'd be great to get an '04. Rim choice could make my mind up there though. Thinking about dual top and automatic--anyone have the new 4-speed auto? Is it better than the old 3 speed (obviously I'm sure it is, but specifically)? I loved having a manual in my previous Jeep, but auto might make more sense for me these days and I may have gotten an auto if it wasn't the 3-speed before. Used to seem anti-Jeep to get an auto to me, but I've changed a little. I will not be going off-road in this vehicle. Yes, sorry, I'm one of those pansies that just wants to drive a Jeep around. They're just SO much fun! Just not sure I want to give up the room and ride of my Ford.
Any more opinions?
Any info on the rims for the '04s compared to the '03s? I really liked the Canyon (?) rims.
I upgraded the speakers in my '01 to Boston NX (5.25" in teh front and 6.5" in the soundbar), but have not added an amp or swapped the HU. I didn't want to tempt theft with an aftermarket HU. The factory stereo is loud enough to be heard at highway speeds, top down (nothing left on the volume, but you can hear it while driving). The sub option adds some bottom end but if you're a true audiophile, you'll find the bass too muddy compared to a real sub. Tsjay's advice to listen to both will help you decide if it's worth the exra $ or if you should just take the stock system and spend $ to upgrade to aftermarket.
-twylie
You might want to do some research on that site or elsewhere before deciding on the auto.
Not going to offroad your Jeep??? The poor little thing! If I were a Jeep, I wouldn't want to be YOUR Jeep: I wouldn't get to have any fun.
Just kidding. I never intended to "wheel" Thelma Jane when I ordered her either. But, after going just one time, I was hooked! Now I go about every weekend.
I owned Thelma Jane for 14 months before ever going offroad with her, and I said back then that she was the most fun vehicle that I had ever owned. (I'm just having MORE fun now.)
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
now would wouldnt be happy.
Seriously.. even if I wanted to go off-road just no time at all. working 6 days a week & with 2 small children. Dont forget the "WIFE"
Maybe in the future I can get a JEEP that not $27,000 to take in the wood.
In my right mind i CANNOT take a $30K vehicle in the woods to get dirty & scratched
Ben STEREO.
Ive replace my speakers with Polk Audio in front & Alpines in back. Also added a Kenwood AMP. Now TAZZ rocks!!
Just changing the speakers was a GREAT improvement.
Keep Jeepin
Bama 18 days till college FOOTBALL!!
Factory build sheets, for those who don't know about them, are lists of all the equipment that was included on a vehicle from the factory.
If you are looking for one for your Jeep or for a Jeep you are thinking about buying, all you need is the vehicle's VIN (vehicle identification number).
Go to www.jeep.com, type "customer service" in the search window, then on the next page select "How do I contact Chrysler?" Then, select "I need customer assistance." Finally, on the next page, choose "Send us an email." This brings up a form that you will need to fill out.
In the first box on the form, just state that you want the factory build sheet. Fill out the rest of the form, including the last eight characters of the VIN of the vehicle in question, and you will receive a very prompt reply. (If you make your request during normal business hours, you could receive a reply in as little as 30 minutes.)
This is a good way to find out if there are any outstanding recalls on the vehicle, even though that is not the reason you gave for contacting DC: they will tell you anyway.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Don't want to scare everyone, just thought I would pass that info along.
If your email is public, I will email you a link, but if not, email me, and I will send the link back to ya.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
P.S. I'm a big believer in synthetic oil. I am a Mobil 1 fan, but I have never tried any other brand of synthetic, so maybe others are just as good. I just believe that synthetic oil is good for an engine.
Part of what you are noticing could just be the engine breaking in, but the Mobil 1 is also part of the improvement, I'm sure.
When I said "numerous" people had experienced problems, I might have been overstating things a bit. I was just thinking that for no more four speeds than there are out there so far in Wranglers, there seems to be too many people having problems. They only just came out in the 03s, Wranglers are not produced in great numbers relative to other types of vehicles, and probably no more than half the Wranglers have the auto tranny.
I wish you the very best luck with yours, and maybe the problem is not as wide spread as it seemed to me to be.
Daughter and grand baby are doing GREAT. Thanks for asking.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
When the TJ came out in '97, virtually everything except the basic design of the engines, transmissions and drive system was brand new. It took until the mid '98 model year to get the bugs properly sorted. The '03 auto looks as though it's going to be a good product, but I wouldn't be looking for it to be perfected for a while yet.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
The '03 Wrangler auto is the 42RLE which I'm not aware of being used in any other model.
I didn't even know that Libbies could be had with a manual tranny. Never was much interested in the Libby, and I'm still sad that the XJ was killed. I might never have bought an XJ, but from the buds I have wheeled with that own them, they sure seemed like they were great vehicles. They would wheel like a demon and still served as grocery getters.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Even assuming the tranny will be perfect, the other black mark it gets is that it's responsible for the new 'shovel' crossmember, now fitted to both manual and auto '03s. For an '03 to have the same ground clearance as earlier models it either needs a small lift, or a 'belly up' skid plate. It's ironic that a standard Rubicon will hang up on stuff that an earlier Wrangler will walk right over!
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
:-)
up to 5,000 miles with no problems 2 28.57%
up to 10,000 miles with no problems 1 14.29%
up to 15,000 miles with no problems 0 0%
over 15,000 miles with no problems 1 14.29%
have had minor problems with it 1 14.29%
have had serious problems with it 2 28.57%
Only seven people have responded, but two of the seven have had serious problems, and one has had minor problems.
Hopefully, the ones that have the serious problems have Jeeps built before the Feb 02 "fix."
you guys are really on the QT on the 42RLE AT on the TJ. Mac gets that info PDQ or ASAP.
Take care, its in the PM, I have to get up in the AM.
Sorry guys I had to do it
BT
;-)
Now, here's another question. Are the Libby folks having 4-Speed auto troubles? If they aren't, then DCX engineers better have fixed these problems for '04.
Tom...it was always available with a 5-Speed, but currently, only with the 2.4L. Previously, you could buy a 3.7L and 5-Speed combo, but it was quickly dropped.
All I can say is this... Do not mess with our Wranglers!
Andrew
drosketer, the crossmember is very different on the '03s and I've heard nothing to indicate it's changed on the '04s. It was re-designed to accomodate the new 42RLE autobox. For its own reasons DC decided to use it for both transmissions. It hangs down further and the auto has an additional skid tacked on. It's easiest to just go look and compare the two if you can. AFAIK the difference is probably just an inch or two (I've not actually measured it), but look at what a two inch lift will do for the earlier Wranglers!
Heh, I don't even have Jeep yet to worry about going wheeling with and I am already wondering about whether that 1"-2" of clearance difference should steer me towards picking up a used 2002 as opposed to new...
Advantages and disadvantages to be considered going with either decision. Just spotted a 2002 Sport with 14K kms sporting a 3" lift and 33" tires on alloy wheels for sale. Wonder what options it has!
Anyway, enough rambling. Time to get back to work.
Andrew
I've been listening to the news and for once I'm glad I live in California (something that doesn't happen very often). It's nice that someone else has power problems for once.
Really do hope everyone without power is OK.
I have decided not to go tomorrow, since it is so hot and humid, and Thelma Jane is topless and doorless. The trip home is killer in this heat, especially for Ross Allen.
Now, if Thelma Jane had her top and doors on and I could use the old air conditioner...
Oh, well, I could change my mind, but I don't have anyone lined up to wheel with tomorrow, and with this heat, I guess I'll just go to work for a while and get some things caught up. Of course, Ross Allen will be going with me, since it will be Saturday. It will be hot for the trip home, but the distance is less than half of what it would be from Turkey Bay back home.
I know this is exciting news for everyone, but no one is posting, so I thought I would ramble a while.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Hug your Jeeps for me.
No power in the north
Looks like living in the south AINT too bad.
"Sweet Home Alabama"
BT
Steve, Host
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Steve, Host
LoL! A good fraction of your fellow Town Hall members were without power also!
tidester, host
-twylie
A few days ago, when driving to work, I noticed a slight wobble in my steering wheel. I didn't think much of it at the time, but before I left for home, I decided to check the tires. Sure enough, the front left tire had two lug nuts missing. The worst part was that the studs behind had snapped off, and the remaining three lugs were all loose. I jacked my Jeep up and tightened the lugs enough to make it home on back roads. Luckily, the studs that were broken were on opposite sides, not right next to each other. I was able to get it fixed for around $50, which is good in the end. One guy that I talked to at church mentioned that he had a tire on his Wrangler come loose after a rotation, because he didn't have the tire on straight. I haven't rotated the tires or done anything to them for at least 5,000 miles or so. I have a feeling that this was a result of the neighborhood punks that are constantly breaking into cars in my apartment complex. Anyone have a similar experience?
JeepHead
As well as having your wheels fall off, other things associated with incorrectly torqued lug nuts are warped rotors, distorted wheels, damaged studs and nuts, and the inability to change a flat at the roadside with the standard tools.
A 'click' type torque wrench can be bought for less than the price of a tank of gas and will last a lifetime. Your handbook gives the correct torque loading and tightening pattern.
This ain't exactly the type of wheelin' I enjoy!
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Wish our grass was that green. Wish anything was that green during August.
Is RA turning away so he doesn't have to watch?
Thought you had a rider?
Still a happy camper.
I am just taking a break and cooling off now. Still have that road ditch and around the back of the house to get done with the push mower.
I was going to go to the office today and get some stuff done, but that yard had gone too long, and I thought I had better get it done. It's ten times harder to mow now, since I let it go so long.
Man, it is too hot for an old fat man to be out there mowing today!
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
At least he has good taste in vehicles. He wasn't real thrilled with riding in the pickup last night, but seemed to love riding in the Wrangler when we went up a dirt road to one of my favorite hiking spots.
P.S. - I'm like oceantoad - I'm starved for the color green. Everything is so brown right now.