Ya know..... I have been debating about a solo trip to check things out. I'll check my calender tonight and see. Maybe just maybe... I can sneak away.
I sure would enjoy meeting up.
I still am in the process of modding up Sara the Jeep. Olympic Dave's rack is on the way and I will have it next week. As I mentioned before my bro is making me a bumper tire swing similar to what Durango makes cause I have 31" MTR's on Jeep 15X7 grizzlys and the standard tire carrier scare's me a bit.
I have enough space for the 8" sub where the OEM is intended to go (if the previous owner had added it). Where I put my CB inside the console and already remove the white plastic bin, it makes a good lockable space for both.
I was going to see if the amp would fit under the driver's seat- between the tip N fold mechanicals. Similar to the way the jack sits under the passengers seat.
I do fold up my back seat frequently- so under there won't work for me.
I'll take a look at putting it by the steering column. I was thinking about putting it in the glove box- but without a center console my insurance, registration and manual will be without a home.
I know that many people have put CB's in overhead consoles, most even have a place for them. That will fit fine.
As for the amp and sub. You have to think about all of the wires you would have to run up to it. A medium size amp wouldn't require too large of a power and ground wire but you would need to get both up there (I ran 2 gauge for my 2 12" subs I had in my old car, think your thumb thick), also a signal line from the headunit.
The sub itself will need some space and I see that as the largest problem. Just getting enough space up there to fit it all.
Just bought a used 2000 Sahara with 30" Dueler H/Ts. I drove in the snow this week for the first time and ended up sliding all over the place. These tires are terrible - has anyone else had these tires before?
I'm probably going to replace with BFG All-Terrain and would like to get 31" tires. Will these tires fit on the stock Sahara as-is?
Great summary of a Wrangler for non-owners. We need to bookmark that one for the future!
Either you or your boss is an audiophile/HT enthusiast, hauling a HSU home in a Jeep. I remember when I went to pick up an REL Storm and the dealer didn't think it would be an easy fit in the back!
Yes, you can put 31 x 10.50 tires on a stock Wrangler. Some folks have had to add washers behind their steering stops to prevent rubbing on the control arms at full turn, but most people have not had to do that. I was one who did NOT have to do that.
No matter how good your tires may be, or how bad they may be, always remember that you are in a Jeep, and SLOW WAY DOWN. You are driving a narrow track, short wheel base, high center of gravity vehicle. They certainly DO NOT handle like a passenger car.
I have Dueller AT tires (a totally different animal) and was very pleased with them the first year I had them. They are now getting worn down (probably less than half the legal tread left?) and they are not doing as well in the snow (or rain for that matter). I'm sort of thinking abbout getting the BFG AT tires next time (saw them at Costco when we replaced the Taco's feet a while back).
But there are a couple of other issues I need to sort out first. Like the crack in the windshield that mysteriously appeared Saturday morning and is slowly working its way up the windshield (along with a stone chip that's been there for something like 4 years that we've ignored). Can both of those be repaired or am I looking at a new windshield?
Thanks to a small (non-spreading) basal cell on my nose, nothing to worry about but I will be parting ways w/ my jeep b/c I basically can't drive topless anymore.
Any idea what I should be looking at in terms of trade / resale? It is a 2002 Sport (yellow) w/ both tops (tinted), 5 speed, kenwood indash cd and upgraded soundbar speakers. It has 22k miles and has never been offroad. I'm thinking of selling private party but afraid I'll be stuck w/o a new ride if it sells quickly. Thoughts / suggestions?
Tom: You're right about most subs needing an enclosure. But you can get what are called "free air" subs that don't. I wouldn't want to go that route in the Jeep only because of weather exposure destroying it.
Suvbuyer4: welcome to the club. Hope you love the Jeep as much as we all love ours. Like Tom said tires don't matter in the weather. Just have to slow down and take your time.
I have to second gman's statements. Bikini tops (either just the front, or covering front and rear) would be a great option. Just use the sunscreen (true of almost any outdoor activity).
If you DID want to sell it, how much would you be asking?
I'm in soCal, but would be tempted to have it shipped.
Well, the weather in Boston in the summer is so iffy that it would be a major hassle to go top on / off, put on the bikini top etc. Plus it is my daily driver so leaving the top off is not possible b/c I can't be soaked on the way to work. Basically, I didn't wheel (no opportunity to in these parts) and it was a drop top toy.
Paul - I'd be willing to deal if you want to make an offer on it.
Paul! Buy that Jeep of Redkey's and have it shipped HERE. Wheel with me and then drive it back to CA. ????
Redkey, sure sorry about your situation, and I hope things turn out well in the long run. It must be tough selling your Jeep. I don't see how I could part with Thelma Jane.
Yeah, that'll happen. I like the Yellow TJ's with the black tops. I'd have to see what FMV is on the thing and then the hard part, negotiate with my wife.
redkey, do you have some pics of your TJ you could send me? We can take this offline. Just let me know your email.
My fiancee just got a new digital camera so I'll see what I can do. It is a bit dirty right now, but she cleans up real well. I'll shoot an email to the address on your profile when I have them.
Thelma Jane has just a two inch spring and shock lift (Procomp). I have replaced the rear shocks, since the bar pin broke on one of them. I got Trailmaster shocks, just because they were the most readily available, and I was getting ready to head to Hot Springs for a trail ride at Superlift ORV Park.
Hey, mine are doing fine. They had about 15/32 to 17/32 tread left on them after 18 K miles when I had them gauged. They start out with 18/32 or 19/32 new.
I have NOT been good about having them rotated every five or six thousand miles like I should have.
I would buy another set, if I were in the market for tires right now. As far as I know, those are the tires that will go back on Thelma Jane when these wear out.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
P.S. Mine are Mud Terrains. Is that what you were thinking about? I DID own BFG All Terrains, and they were fine for the street, but only fair on the trails. I like the Muds MUCH better for wheelin', and I don't mind them a bit on the pavement, even though they make some noise.
Although I don't currently use any JKS products, I do intend fitting a pair of their "Quicker Disconnects" in the near future. I've only heard good things about JKS, though their products can be bought more cheaply from independent vendors than directly from their website.
I was asking not just about the JKS brand, but bar pin eliminators in general. Are they supposed to be OK? No side effects? Seems like I remember some negatives about them, but I can't remember the particulars. Maybe it was just that they were hard to install???
No problems that I've come across. BPEs aren't hard to fit. Just compress everything in a vise and slip the bolts in, then fit to the vehicle. No harder than normal.
The JKS ones can be used with OME shocks, though the website denies this. OME shocks come with very stout seperate bar pins and bushings which are retained by circlips and installed by the user. Some people have had problems with the circlips jumping and allowing the shock to move on the bar pin. Some people use BPEs to solve this (though a tack welded washer will do just as well). I use OME shocks and haven't had any problem (guess I'm just lucky!).
One additional issue with using BPEs with the OME shocks is that the shock bushing eye on the OME has a slightly smaller diameter hole than most shocks. BPEs wont' fit without a slight modification. You can either use different bushing eyes or open the bushing holes up a shade.
My guess on people losing the snap rings on their OME shocks is that the install instructs you to slightly tension the pin/washer on the side holding the snap ring in. Failure to properly set the ring with tension could make it more likely for the clip to work itself loose.
Turkey Bay is closed due to high soil moisture this weekend. This is KILLIN' me! A Saturday without wheelin' just ain't right! No, I'm not complaining about the decision to close, cause it was the right thing to do. I'm just complaining about the fact that I can't wheel today.
Well, just to show you what a good "customer" I am at Turkey Bay, the Forest Service guy who manages the place emailed me to tell me they would be closed this weekend.
Hey, when I don't show up on a Saturday, they wonder if something has happened to me. Those are some awful good folks down there that work for the Forest Service, and I consider all of them to be my friends.
I feel for you. Today I headed up the road I chickened out on last weekend (parked at the bottom and hiked up). This time I drove up to the top, watching the tracks of other people who had been up since our last snow this week. Had a great time hiking on trails no one else had touched. Didn't go far - I forgot my snowshoes and the snow was above the tops of my boots.
Now I have a Jeep-101 question. Remember, I'm a native Californian and even though I've lived in other snowy places, I wouldn't consider myself more than a beginner snow/ice driver. I had some problems coming back down the hill (going up was easy in 1st gear, 4 high. The road is a dirt road that normally doesn't require 4x4 at all). I ended up having a bit too much understeer for comfort in 4 hi, 1st gear. I put it into 4 low and 2nd gear and went down without any more problems. I tried 3rd (4low) but it felt too much like 1st-4hi and I was getting too much speed. Was this the right thing to do? It just felt more controlled, but I don't know if that would have been "right."
I think your experience answers your question. You had better control in four low, second gear. So, that was obviously the best choice.
The engine compression was doing most of your braking for you coming down in four low, second gear. This kept you from locking up your tires by applying the brakes, and, therefore, you kept control of the Jeep.
Buying a new Rubicon and the one I drove had a slight shutter at 1700-2000 rpms. It is a automatic with only 40 miles on it. Dealer is selling at what he says his cost 91% of invoice less 2000 rebate and 48 mos int free. I told him I won't accept the shutter. Anyone else have a shutter problem? Oh by the way it is a 2004. Thanks
I have no experience with Rubicons, and no experience with the auto tranny in a Wrangler, so I guess I ain't gonna be a lot of help.
One thing I wonder, though, is whether that shutter occurs only when the Jeep is moving, or does it happen when the engine reaches that 1700 - 2000 RPM range, even if the Jeep is in neutral or park? (Is the shutter in the engine or in the driveline, in other words? Can you tell?)
I agree w/ Tom- whatever gear you felt most comfortable with is the best. I think that most people, at least the flat-landers visiting us up here in the sticks get too tense about driving in the white stuff.
Personally, I usually don't use 4 low. In my old man's old F-150 and in the Dakota i used to have I tended to just let it run down an incline in 4hi, 2nd gear- so i always have 1st if i need to slow it down even more. In my Jeep, the gearing is even lower.
However, I have been known to use curbs, loose snow, or hardpacked snowbanks to slow me down when needed- so, I may not have the best judgment.
Dick - I have an older 5 speed Sport so I can't help you. But I hope you find your Rubicon - let us know how it goes if you decide not to buy the one you are looking at.
Bill - I might have tried your method but one side of the road had no curbs or snowbanks to use for slowing down - only a couple of trees on the steep drop-off side...
Well, how about getting Edmunds to host pics for us????
Was the problem that watermark thing with Gill's logo on it? Bet it was! Shoot! I didn't think about that. Wish that weren't on there. Was not trying to promote Gill's site, just trying to share pics with my Buds here and teach them how to do the same.
This keeps coming up but Edmunds hasn't figured out a way to pay for hosting pics. There is a site called CarDomain.com that just has pics and no forums, so links to it are ok.
We used to be more liberal about allowing links to other sites that had forums, but we got taken advantage of so often that we had to go to a more black and white policy. No free ads for the competition in other words.
Sorry this is late, but I installed the JKS discos last weekend (along with the sway bar). Installation was a snap! I took my time to make sure I didn't screw anything up, but there really wasn't anything to screw up.
Wow, go away for a weekend have close to 50 posts to catch up on. Gave a friend a lift recently and seems he now might be interested in getting a wrangler himself. I don't think it's quite "another one bites the dust" yet, but give him some time... ;-)
Mtngal, sounds like you did the right thing. Slow enough to have control and not delivering too much power to induce spin, which is what it's about.
Dick, I have a '04 Rubi, but it's a manual... I guess I should ask, how would you describe the shutter? I'll be going for a drive later on and can see if I notice anything.
Mtngal: Sounds right, just like Andrew said. Keep it slow and steady.
Tom: Sorry no wheeling this weekend. We know Thelma Janes probably heart broken. You should spend some time with her anyway.
Dick: I've also got an '04 Rubi, but like Andrew's mines a manual. Does it sounds like the shutter is coming from the engine or the tranny? Welcome to the club when you finally get that Jeep.
This one about windshields. I didn't get around to checking anything out about the crack in my windshield and it has now spread the whole height of my windshield. Is it repairable or am I looking at a new windshield? I really don't know anything about glass repair and don't have a clue what is possible. Any idea how much a new windshield goes for?
Windshields are you usually only repairable if it's a small chip. I learned from the past if it's bigger then a nickel or so it's harder to fix. With the crack that you have you are most likely looking at a totally new windshield. The glass gets much weaker with the repairs.
Comments
I sure would enjoy meeting up.
I still am in the process of modding up Sara the Jeep. Olympic Dave's rack is on the way and I will have it next week. As I mentioned before my bro is making me a bumper tire swing similar to what Durango makes cause I have 31" MTR's on Jeep 15X7 grizzlys and the standard tire carrier scare's me a bit.
David
I'm thinking that if it's too bad to wheel then perhaps do a day trip to visit Mammouth Cave or rent a boat and cruise the lake.
David
I have enough space for the 8" sub where the OEM is intended to go (if the previous owner had added it). Where I put my CB inside the console and already remove the white plastic bin, it makes a good lockable space for both.
I was going to see if the amp would fit under the driver's seat- between the tip N fold mechanicals. Similar to the way the jack sits under the passengers seat.
I do fold up my back seat frequently- so under there won't work for me.
I'll take a look at putting it by the steering column. I was thinking about putting it in the glove box- but without a center console my insurance, registration and manual will be without a home.
-Bill
Sorry it took me so long to reply. I was travelling and my company laptop died....
Keep it up we are all proud of you!
As for the amp and sub. You have to think about all of the wires you would have to run up to it. A medium size amp wouldn't require too large of a power and ground wire but you would need to get both up there (I ran 2 gauge for my 2 12" subs I had in my old car, think your thumb thick), also a signal line from the headunit.
The sub itself will need some space and I see that as the largest problem. Just getting enough space up there to fit it all.
Tony
Congrats to YOU too!
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Doesn't a sub need some kind of enclosure to be housed in to sound like it should? No audiophile here, but I think that's right.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I'm probably going to replace with BFG All-Terrain and would like to get 31" tires. Will these tires fit on the stock Sahara as-is?
Either you or your boss is an audiophile/HT enthusiast, hauling a HSU home in a Jeep. I remember when I went to pick up an REL Storm and the dealer didn't think it would be an easy fit in the back!
Yes, you can put 31 x 10.50 tires on a stock Wrangler. Some folks have had to add washers behind their steering stops to prevent rubbing on the control arms at full turn, but most people have not had to do that. I was one who did NOT have to do that.
No matter how good your tires may be, or how bad they may be, always remember that you are in a Jeep, and SLOW WAY DOWN. You are driving a narrow track, short wheel base, high center of gravity vehicle. They certainly DO NOT handle like a passenger car.
Once again, welcome aboard!
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
But there are a couple of other issues I need to sort out first. Like the crack in the windshield that mysteriously appeared Saturday morning and is slowly working its way up the windshield (along with a stone chip that's been there for something like 4 years that we've ignored). Can both of those be repaired or am I looking at a new windshield?
Any idea what I should be looking at in terms of trade / resale? It is a 2002 Sport (yellow) w/ both tops (tinted), 5 speed, kenwood indash cd and upgraded soundbar speakers. It has 22k miles and has never been offroad. I'm thinking of selling private party but afraid I'll be stuck w/o a new ride if it sells quickly. Thoughts / suggestions?
Suvbuyer4: welcome to the club. Hope you love the Jeep as much as we all love ours. Like Tom said tires don't matter in the weather. Just have to slow down and take your time.
Tony
If you DID want to sell it, how much would you be asking?
I'm in soCal, but would be tempted to have it shipped.
-Paul
Paul - I'd be willing to deal if you want to make an offer on it.
Redkey, sure sorry about your situation, and I hope things turn out well in the long run. It must be tough selling your Jeep. I don't see how I could part with Thelma Jane.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
redkey, do you have some pics of your TJ you could send me? We can take this offline. Just let me know your email.
-Paul
Hey Tom, I saw some of your pics on Itsajeep.org- how much lift did you say Thelma has?
I should have some pics posted this evening once I get home and go plowing (yes, thankfully my Father returned my truck).
-Bill
I'm very interested, but gotta check with the wife.
-Paul
Thelma Jane has just a two inch spring and shock lift (Procomp). I have replaced the rear shocks, since the bar pin broke on one of them. I got Trailmaster shocks, just because they were the most readily available, and I was getting ready to head to Hot Springs for a trail ride at Superlift ORV Park.
Thelma has 31 x 10.50 BFG Mud Terrains.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
http://www.jksmfg.com/images/product/Bar_Pin_Eliminators.jpg
I have NOT been good about having them rotated every five or six thousand miles like I should have.
I would buy another set, if I were in the market for tires right now. As far as I know, those are the tires that will go back on Thelma Jane when these wear out.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
P.S. Mine are Mud Terrains. Is that what you were thinking about? I DID own BFG All Terrains, and they were fine for the street, but only fair on the trails. I like the Muds MUCH better for wheelin', and I don't mind them a bit on the pavement, even though they make some noise.
Do you have any experience with them, or any opinions about them?
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
http://www.jksmfg.com/bar_pin_eliminators.htm
Although I don't currently use any JKS products, I do intend fitting a pair of their "Quicker Disconnects" in the near future. I've only heard good things about JKS, though their products can be bought more cheaply from independent vendors than directly from their website.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
The JKS ones can be used with OME shocks, though the website denies this. OME shocks come with very stout seperate bar pins and bushings which are retained by circlips and installed by the user. Some people have had problems with the circlips jumping and allowing the shock to move on the bar pin. Some people use BPEs to solve this (though a tack welded washer will do just as well). I use OME shocks and haven't had any problem (guess I'm just lucky!).
My guess on people losing the snap rings on their OME shocks is that the install instructs you to slightly tension the pin/washer on the side holding the snap ring in. Failure to properly set the ring with tension could make it more likely for the clip to work itself loose.
-twylie
Thank you Tom for your assistance.
-Bill
:--)
Nice Jeep, Bill.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Well, just to show you what a good "customer" I am at Turkey Bay, the Forest Service guy who manages the place emailed me to tell me they would be closed this weekend.
Hey, when I don't show up on a Saturday, they wonder if something has happened to me. Those are some awful good folks down there that work for the Forest Service, and I consider all of them to be my friends.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Now I have a Jeep-101 question. Remember, I'm a native Californian and even though I've lived in other snowy places, I wouldn't consider myself more than a beginner snow/ice driver. I had some problems coming back down the hill (going up was easy in 1st gear, 4 high. The road is a dirt road that normally doesn't require 4x4 at all). I ended up having a bit too much understeer for comfort in 4 hi, 1st gear. I put it into 4 low and 2nd gear and went down without any more problems. I tried 3rd (4low) but it felt too much like 1st-4hi and I was getting too much speed. Was this the right thing to do? It just felt more controlled, but I don't know if that would have been "right."
The engine compression was doing most of your braking for you coming down in four low, second gear. This kept you from locking up your tires by applying the brakes, and, therefore, you kept control of the Jeep.
Sounds to me like you did fine.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Dick
I have no experience with Rubicons, and no experience with the auto tranny in a Wrangler, so I guess I ain't gonna be a lot of help.
One thing I wonder, though, is whether that shutter occurs only when the Jeep is moving, or does it happen when the engine reaches that 1700 - 2000 RPM range, even if the Jeep is in neutral or park? (Is the shutter in the engine or in the driveline, in other words? Can you tell?)
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Personally, I usually don't use 4 low. In my old man's old F-150 and in the Dakota i used to have I tended to just let it run down an incline in 4hi, 2nd gear- so i always have 1st if i need to slow it down even more. In my Jeep, the gearing is even lower.
However, I have been known to use curbs, loose snow, or hardpacked snowbanks to slow me down when needed- so, I may not have the best judgment.
-Bill
Steve, Host
Bill - I might have tried your method but one side of the road had no curbs or snowbanks to use for slowing down - only a couple of trees on the steep drop-off side...
Was the problem that watermark thing with Gill's logo on it? Bet it was! Shoot! I didn't think about that. Wish that weren't on there. Was not trying to promote Gill's site, just trying to share pics with my Buds here and teach them how to do the same.
Get Edmunds to host pics for us, Steve!
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
We used to be more liberal about allowing links to other sites that had forums, but we got taken advantage of so often that we had to go to a more black and white policy. No free ads for the competition in other words.
Steve, Host
-Paul
Mtngal, sounds like you did the right thing. Slow enough to have control and not delivering too much power to induce spin, which is what it's about.
Dick, I have a '04 Rubi, but it's a manual... I guess I should ask, how would you describe the shutter? I'll be going for a drive later on and can see if I notice anything.
Andrew
Tom: Sorry no wheeling this weekend. We know Thelma Janes probably heart broken. You should spend some time with her anyway.
Dick: I've also got an '04 Rubi, but like Andrew's mines a manual. Does it sounds like the shutter is coming from the engine or the tranny? Welcome to the club when you finally get that Jeep.
Tony
Tony
Your windshield is beyond repair now, so plan on a new one.
They can repair chips before they spread, but yours is way past that stage.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?