Jeep Wrangler

mac24

Just budget for a replacement set of wires and use plenty of dielectric grease inside the boots when you fit them. How old are the wires anyway?

mac24

I know you said the suspension was all good and tight, but the symptom is also one of a broken sway bar link. They sometimes break inside the boot at the top, and if the vehicle is sitting on level ground you might not see it.

Other than that, 87k is pretty good for an original set of shocks, whatever expectations you might have had for 100k. If you're considering a lift then now would be the time to do it, as you'd have to replace the shocks anyway.

goducks1

Boots and wires are both from 3 years and 30K miles ago. I guess I ought to replace the wires while I'm at it.

div2

Thanks. Due to the lack of roll stiffness I grabbed all four end links and gave them a good pull. They all refused to budge. That said, before I order the Bilsteins I'll give the links a closer inspection. As for a lift, the stock height is perfectly adequate for my purposes, and besides, any extra money in the toy fund is allocated to the track rat or the motorcycle fund

hipsterdoofus

The wife and I had a baby boy on July 1st -- I was worried about putting him in the back of my 95 YJ so I went to buy a Dakota Quad cab during the employee pricing program. While I was at the dealership I discovered they had a leftover 2004 Unlimited -- my true idea of the family truckster. The list price on the Unlimited was 25600 after lots of back and forth and several phone calls from my wife -- a cover for having her check the internet and other car dealers -- I got the price down to 19300. I'm positive I got the deal of the year -- and a new Jeep for my boy.

embeeduece

Mac, I didn't get a good look at the shocks myself, but they seemed pretty generic. Any identification I can look for on the shocks to know for sure the correct ones are installed, and what their brand / designation is? If they are shot, seems odd to me they'd need to be replaced after 24K miles.

Thanks as always,
Mike

jeff62301

I thought I did well at $22800 on my 2004..

so are you spending what you saved on your son or on mods ... better yet,, tell your wife that your son REALLY wants new tires and a winch....

jeff

how about some pictures??

of the jeep and your son
Congrats on both!!

barnz_69

Mine were the same when I bought my used 97 TJ. I decided to give it a tune up myself, as it had 90 000 kms on her when I bought it, not knowing if they were EVER changed. Turned out that they were worn as ever, and the wires were extremely difficult to budge. Since I had new wires (seriously, like $25), I reemed on them, breaking some, but got them all off. Plenty of grease went on the new wires!!!!!!!!

So yeah, best advice is get new wires (if you haven't already) and don't be afraid to use lots of muscle!

Ryan

mac24

Despite div2's optimism that a set should last 100k, it wouldn't be unusual to find them worn at 24k, especially if they're the standard non-gas charged ones. Original Wrangler shocks are usually black in color.

How old is your Jeep? At only 24k this should be covered by the warranty.

jacknimble

I thought I would update my experiences with the death wobble on my unmodified Sahara, which I'm pretty sure comes with the hi-pressure shocks standard. It has 38k on the odometer and it is a 2001 model with Canyon wheels.

As I related earlier, my Wrangler was wobbling consistently from 55 - 60 mph, and then at lower speeds after hitting large and small bumps on normal pavement. I started noticing it about a year and a half earlier, and it gradually got worse. I finally had to do something when I just slowed a bit at around 57 mph, and the entire Jeep violently shook to the point it was dangerous and I really felt that I may lose control.

I put a set of BFG AT 31 x 10.5 on it and the vast majority of the wobbling stopped, especially in the 55 - 60 mph range. This did not make any sense to me, because the other tires, even though worn, had been rotated and balanced several times with absolutely NO CHANGE to the wobble characteristics, nor did any of the repair facilities (Dodge dealership and private repair) mention anything about tread separation or out-of-balance problems with the tires themselves.

Now, I *think* that the wobble is still there on bumps, and I am worried about it getting worse. It seems to be more noticeable when I hit bumps with the right front tire. I don't have the engineering understanding of the system, but I wonder if that is somehow related to how the components link up?

I have had a shop check everything out the front suspension and steering components twice, and they are telling me that everything is solid as a rock. Just as a precaution, we went ahead and upgraded the steering stabilizer to a larger one, and that *might* have helped some. The shop (which I have alot of confidence in, but they are not Jeep specialists) is giving me the proverbial "its a short wheelbase Jeep with big tires, blah, blah, blah... live with it, its normal" routine now.

Mac mentioned that the tires probably did not solve the underlying problem and I agree with that. It is really strange that the wobble gets worse as the tires wear (at least on the first set, although I unhappily expect it to happen with this set of tires, too).

This is my 2nd Wrangler TJ Sahara, and the first one did not do this, although I sold it at 36k. I can also tell you that if this one begins doing it again, and I am unable to figure out the problem, I will be in the market for a TK model, which I really don't want to do, because the one I have now is exactly like I want.

Don't know if this helps, but maybe the Canyon wheels and hi-pressure shocks are common to all of our experiences? I would be willing to install the Bilsteins if that theory has validity.

koolbreeze2

Nellybelle!!!!!!!!!!!! Now that brings back memories. Did you watch it in actual time or re-runs. I saw it in actual time. Scary. Nellybelle was my first Jeep love. I have to Google it to see what year Nellybell was around and see if there is any info on the actual Jeep. Thanks for the reminder of an old Jeep from my childhood. I do remember that OOGAH sound. Anyone else? Keats? Go Easy, John

redrocker15

Depending on how much gear you expect to take with you, you might also consider one of those rear carriers which attach to your hitch and look like a shelf. They're typically about 5-6 feet wide and 2 feet deep or so (per memory) with a short rail surrounding the perimeter. If you can fit it on and strap it down, I think they'll handle a few hundred pounds. Available at most stores including Wally-World, auto-supply stores and places like Harbor Freight. Costs in the 60-90 buck range and requires minimal storage room in your garage when not in use.

redrocker15

After entering my last post, I decided to check the 'net for more details. Here's a link to Reese Hitch's versions:

http://www.reese-hitches.com/cargo_carriers.html

Or on e-bay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1000-LB-Hitch-Excess-Cargo-Carrier-Hauler-60-X-24_W0QQcmdZV- iewItemQQcategoryZ33653QQitemZ7995685076QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

Hope this helps

koolbreeze2

I found some info on Nellybelle. Nellybelle was a 1946 Willys CJ2A owned by Roy Rogers and driven by Pat Brady on the Roy Rogers show. The show was on from 1951-1957. It was the only Jeep used on the show and was painted grey.It was affectionately referred to as "a moving junkpile". It is on display at rhe Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum in Missouri. They even had Nellybelle toys. The site is- www.film.queensu.ca/cjbb/siblings or Google Nellybelle. John

redrocker15

I absolutely remember watching Nellybelle (actual time). In fact, my siblings and I named our '59 Chevy station wagon "Nellybelle" in her honor! I wonder how many old TV shows featured Jeeps...... I guess "Rat Patrol" and "MASH" come quickly to mind. There had to be others.......

embeeduece

She's an '04, bought in '03. Cominig up on her second birthday.

The shocks are black, and are supposed to be the "high pressure gas charged" ones, but even if they are covered by warranty, it's worth it to me to go out and pay for better shocks. It may not solve death wobble, but I assume it will improve the ride. If you say so, I will accept that 24K is normal for the shcoks to wear, but I'd rather invest in some heavier duty, longer lasting shocks. Kinda like how everyone dumps the GSAs for better tires.

Thanks as always for your expertise and time.

-Mike

mrnatural

Yeah I'm plenty old enough to have watched it in real time. When I was a kid we used to hunt rabbits in the desert in an old CJ2 that had an OOGAH horn. I think some old flatties came from the factory that way!
Roy Rogers used to have an old Jeep parked in front of his home in Apple Vally (not far from my Dad's house). Not sure if it was Nellybelle but it looked the part anyway. I never did stop to ask but you'd often see Roy and Dale out working in the yard before they got too old and sick.

ggumpert

We just bought a Jeep Outback Wrangler off the lot at Ilderton Jeep in High Point, NC. It is definitely a Specialty Jeep. Fortec deals with Ilderton exclusively in North Caroline. This is a custom built jeep that Ilderton Jeep sent to Fortec in Atlanta to perform the modifications. Dual tubular front and rear bumbers w/ 100W Hella foslights, 33.5" tires, American Racing wheels, 3" body lift, Neoprene custom seat covers (black). Its basically a modified Jeep Wrangler X, but me and my wife love it. Fortec's website is www.fortecjeep.com. The Outback Wrangler is shown on the website but they do not have a detailed mod list. Hope this helps....

starbucks

I got a call from the dealer earlier today, and he said that my new Wrangler would be in on Friday morning. I'm getting excited, now I just need to pick up a few aftermarket items that will "personalize" it.

I plan on picking up XM radio for it, and an aftermarket security system/electronic key system. A buddy of mine installed an electronic system that detects when they keys are near the car so the doors unlock automatically.

I think I might even wake up at 6:30 A.M. and drive to the dealership to see my new Jeep come off the ramp.

durability05

My Wrangler X is an 04, equipped with Bilsteins and 30 x 9.50 x 15 Bridgestone Dueler Revos. This TJ performs like a Land Rover Defender 90 , excellent ride and handling on moderate rough roads, the original shocks had no rebound control. I replaced the original shocks at 6000 miles, might as well enjoy the vehicle now, than wait for the shocks to age.

dhr53

Here's my story... I have a 97 Wrangler with a 4 cyl. and automatic. I had to remove the transmission to replace the freeze plug (which corroded), so I decided to replace the rear main seal and transmission seals. Now their has been a slight leak from the back of the pan, which was dented at some point, so I replaced the gaskets, tried to bend it back in shap etc. Still leaking, though. Bought a new pan, with gasket... replaced the pan, STILL LEAKING! Now, the trasmission seals ahve been replaced, and the pan has been replaced, new gaskets, etc. Still a slow leak from the back of the pan... What The?? How can I stop this leak... It's driving me nuts!! Car is in perfect condition otherwise... 98,000 miles. Does the dealer know something, my mechanic doesn't??

koolbreeze2

I don't have any experience with the Bilstein's but some folks definately recommend them. Are there different models of their shocks? If there are, what are Jeeps folks running? And why? Thanks, John

koolbreeze2

I checked it out. Go to www.geocities.com/jeeptoys/movies.htm You will get a complete list of movies and some TV that had Jeeps. It can be added to if you remember something not on the list. Very long list and very interesting. I sometimes watch B Sci. Fi movies on Friday night. Titles like "Frankenfish", "Vampires in Outer Space", etc. Every other week I see several Jeeps used in running to or from the monster on the day. I am waiting for "Monster Jeep Eats Connecticut". Go Easy, John

shawn1260

Hi,
Can anyone one help me? Can you tell me the different between the 2005 Wrangler Sport and the 2004. And if I get a 2005 how should I get it equipped, thanks Shawn. :confuse:

mac24

First, are you sure it's the pan gasket leaking and not the rear main seal again? Successfully replacing that seal is a little harder than doing the pan gasket.

If it is the pan gasket, and assuming you were scrupulous in cleaning the mating surfaces, it's most likely that you didn't torque the pan down correctly. Either the incorrect pattern, incorrect setting, or a combination of the two.

There's nothing high tech or out of the ordinary in the way the components fit.

dhr53

Hmmm... well it's not leaking from the main seal, (if you mean engine) because it's transmision fluid... I replaced the main seal in the transmission, and the pump seal, (transmission) but the transmission housing is dry. Only area that seems to be showing the fluid is behind the pan from the bottom plate, and at the back of the pan... if there is a special torqueing sequence for the pan, and or the actual torque settings are essential for a proper seal, then it could be that my mechanic buddy, is not being "professional" and doing this right? Maybe I should take it to the dealer... I don't have much faith in the local dealers, and have always relied on local mechanics... Maybe time to reasess!

mac24

Sorry, I missed where you said it was transmission fluid that was leaking. Remember that the torque converter itself can leak, and that it's possible for fluid to be ejected from the breather behind the torque converter. It's really important to make a careful inspection on initial disassembly.

Anyhow, torque settings and pattern of the transmission pan bolts is critical to achieving a good seal. Tightening should be done in a 'criss cross' pattern, first to 6 ft/lbs then to 13 ft/lbs. This is a relatively low figure and most problems arise from overtightening and crushing the gasket. Too many 'shadetree' mechanics assume they can do it by feel alone, which just isn't possible. Not only will a torque wrench do the job accurately, but it will do it consistantly, which is just as important.

dhr53

Thanks for the replies! I'll have to take it to the dealer I guess... and see what they say. I hate to keep paying money to solve such a simple problem (although my buddy has done a lot of adjustments for nothing), but it's beginning to seem like he's not doing something simple, and I'm getting nowhere! I guess I'll see what the dealer says...

durability05

Bilsteins also are available in I think 2 inch and 4 inch lifted version sizes. The color is silver instead of yellow. Then with the external reservoir version, only in lifted sizes. I got the regular non lift size with the yellow body and blue boots.
It seems weird in driving a pleasant to drive Jeep TJ due to the Bilsteins and Bridgestone dueler all terrain tires that are even quiter than most regular highway tread tires. Also I have not seen any Jeep folks running Bilsteins, I guess it just seems alien to them to run German shocks in a Jeep.

keats

The only significant different between 04 and 05 is the transmission on the manual, from a 5 speed to 6 speed. How should you get it equiped might better be answered if you tell us what you want to do with it, off road, modify, etc...

jeff62301

KarenS, "Jeep Wrangler Owners: *Wave* & Meet" #1, 7 Jul 2005 1:47 pm

Edmunds started a separate forum just for us to introduce ourselves, post pictues of ourselves and our jeeps.

check it out if you haven't seen it.. and let us hear more about you and your jeep(s)

jeff

kginfjeep

Hi all,
I purchased a 2005 Wrangler Unlmited 1 month ago, enjoying it so far. This is my first Jeep.
One thing I noticed is that the Interior Blower Fan (that sends air through the vents) is very loud on full speed when in re-circulate mode. Very much a "brrrr" sound coming from the fan blower area that is reduced when not in recirculate mode. Radio has to be turned up quite a bit to compensate. I believe I heard this in another Jeep I test drove, but didn't remember if it was this loud. So, I am curious - have others noticed this in your Wranglers? Please advise, I did a search and did not see other comments about this.
Second question - any suggestions on "hoists" to lift off hard tops? I have seen 3 products on the Web. The most advertised seems to be the hoist-a-top, but I see that to use it one must leave the rear window fully open, and my garage ceiling has obstacles that do not allow this. The second worked with the window closed but still placed a winch at the rear window area. The best product I have seen is one by Rnventions, which does not involve the back window, but not sure it is the way to go.
I am now inclined to make my own solution. It also seems that the best solution for long term storage is to support the top on 2X4 or larger boards hung from chains from the ceiling, but regardless one needs to use straps or hooks to initially raise the top from the vehicle.
Thanks in advance for any advice.

kevin

mac24

Without actually hearing yours I can't tell, but the fan noise is certainly much greater on recirculate than the other settings. I think it's even mentioned in the handbook.

It's easy to make your own hoist, either with a hand winch or using ratchet straps instead of the chains you mention.

div2

Bilsteins are going on my non-lifted 1999 Sahara; I'm gradually transforming it into a 100% German vehicle-Hella headlamps, MB Quart speakers... :P

normis

All - I'm hoping to be able to listen to an IPOD or other similar MP3 player through my facotry stereo ('05 Unlimited). I saw this option at quadratec:

link title

I'm really only looking for hard wired solutions. Does anyone have any experience with these types of hookups?

Thanks - Norm

keats

normis,

That option is not bad, however, it is an FM modulator. If you want to get closer to digital sound then look at the PIE adaptor. I use it for my Ipod and Satellite Radio. The PIE adaptor plugs into the CD changer control on the back of the OEM headunit.

Here's a link to where I purchased mine: PIE adaptor

embeeduece

I've been concerned, as anyone would be, about this Death Wobble, but as it happened infrequently (4 times in 2 years??) I was moving slowly to correct it. Watching this board to look for solutions. Getting around to my mechanic when I had the time. Etc.

Well, yesterday Death Wobble happened twice. For you SoCalers, once on the 10/405 interchange. Then again, coming back on the 405 while making a lane change. Typical symptoms. Hitting a section of road with what feels like washboard bumps, then the Jeep bucking violently, shuddering through the steering wheel, feeling like the front end was going to collapse and I was going to careen off the road. In heavy, fast, traffic, I had to hit the breaks, throw the hazards on, and hope nobody hit me; then when the Wobble subsided, get back into gear and accelerate.

Not happy about this. Guess I have to make time to hunt down and solve this problem before my luck runs out. Sadly, money and time are at a premium. I'll keep you updated.

-Mike

normis

Thanks Keats - was the PIE adapter difficult to install?

durability05

Excellent choice for shocks or dampers as they call them in Europe, when I first took my TJ off road, I felt that you don't have to suffer from poor ride to enjoy the Jeep experience, therefore the Bilstein upgrade, even if they cost $65 each for the non-lifted version.

drewmeister

Keats,
This looks like the best option. I would like to do the same thing. However, how do I know if I have the CD Changer controls it requires? I have the basic 2004 dash radio with 4 speakers ( no 7 speaker package). The instructions say you have to have the changer controls to make this work. I do have a mode switch, which activates the CD.

mtngal

Sounds like you should do something about tracking it down sooner rather than later. The freeways are getting crazier and crazier. Wish I could help you.

mtngal

It sounds like Katrina is causing havoc and will continue to cause problems along her way north. I hope that all of our Wrangler owners are safe, and that their Wranglers stay dry.

erickpl

Things here were rather windy last night, but winds were only about 48 mph max. Nothing compared to daily wind on the high desert near Mojave, but when you factor in trees over the roads and powerlines, it can get messy.

Did NOT need to use my winch or 4 wheel drive here at all (Huntsville), and there is very little standing water around. Given that we are below average for rainfall this year, it has absorbed the 1.5 inches we got yesterday/last night pretty well. We are in Tropical Storm Warning until 10:00 Central time and it is supposed to be sunny the rest of the week after today.

I truly feel for those who were caught in the storm closer or in the landfall areas. It was one nasty beast!

-Paul

yellowjeep1

Hi. I have a 2002 wrangler, and own a 2003 hardtop for it. I read that it can be put on a jeep from 1997-2005, but i'm having a hard time getting it to fit correctly. Does anyone know how to put a hardtop on correctly. I asked the dealership and they were no help.
Thanks.
Mike

drewmeister

My understanding would be that it should fit, but I may be wrong if there were some detail changes involving the brackets on the windshield, etc.

Also, if you've only had a soft top before, make sure any channels or other soft top hardware are removed first. The top needs to sit on "metal" all the way around.
The visors should be out and folded to the side. I also leave my doors open. I'm not sure when the white "pins" first came into use. My 04 has them. They are white plastic "nubs" on the bottom of the top that fit into special holes in the body rail on either side. This also helps you line it up.

Where is it that the top doesn't seem to fit? (Windshield, rear gate, etc?)

mac24

There was a change in '03 to both the vent system and the headrail fixing. Up to '03 the interior was vented through outlets in the rear of the hardtop, after '03 the hardtop was sealed and the vents were formed into the lower tailgate. Therefore, if you use an '03 or later hardtop on an earlier Wrangler, your HVAC will perform poorly at best. Also from '03 on, the roll bar coverings were enlarged and plastic trim was added around the windshield frame, necessitating a difference in the securing clamps on the headrail.

So, one style of hardtop will fit '97 to '02, the other style is required for '03 onward.

keats

Norm,

The install is a piece of cake if you've done anything like it before. You could always pay a professional, though. Took me and a buddy about two hours, but we were also installing XM and a permanent powersupply. You just have to pull the head unit out far enough to plug into the CD changer control. I used doublesided tape to secure it to the firewall.

One thing you need to order with the pie adaptor is a Y adaptor to plug from the PIE adaptor to the Ipod.

keats

I think all the headunits come with it except for the RB models.

ranchgirl

I've been following your posts about the "Death Wobble" and the last one made me shiver. The freeways here in CA are not in the best shape. It's frightening to think one could get in such a nasty tangle so easily. No fun getting bucked off in a stampede...
Has Jeep done anything to compensate for the wobble in later models? Would an Unlimited have less of a chance of shaking loose due to the longer wheel base? Just curious....

wpowell

I was in Sam's Club over the weekend and spotted a Chinese-made 7,500# winch, along with roller fairlead, 95' of 5/16" cable and 1/4" mounting plate for $299. It is a Champion brand and looks similar to the imported (non-hydraulic) Mile Marker winches. A winch was down a bit on my list of priorities, but the price point on this ones is making me consider it. I ride the trails alone by necessity a good bit and it may turn out to be a good $300 insurance policy. Anyone have a fact-based opinion on what I assume is an inferior quality winches in general or Champion in particular? Thanks!

Mark