I don't tow, but my 5-speed does great in the snow. I drive over the Sierras from Sacramento, CA to Carson City, NV once a week and often times in the snow. The control over the gears is good because I don't have to ride the brake going down the mountain.
Quite honestly, I'm not sure that the trac lock helps all that much, but the Dana 44 is good to have. If you decide you want lockers, I would shell out the cash for some nice air lockers.
I agree with tomster (tsjay). If you can find a second vehicle to compliment your Jeep purchase it would be great. Now that the Sport is getting more options that copy the Sahara features it's perfect. I should have done that before I got this Bird' (Firebird), and the expensive repair bills that came with it . I should have gotten my inexpensive vehicle first then my Prize Jeep.
Hug Your Jeep for me
dwrangler
come by itsajeep.org for a visit. I should be there for awhile
Though I am extremely happy with my recent purchase of a 1998 Wrangler SE (w/ auto transmission), I am having a couple of issues. Hopefully someone may have some advice on the following problems.
First question: I have begun to notice that the trany takes a while to switch between two specific gears. Its more of a slight hesitation - engine winds up a little - you know what I mean. I took it to a trany shop and they told me they could drop the pan/cut the trans filter to check for foreign particles in the trans oil. They also told me that the transmission is completely electronically controlled, and usually people who have the trans filter checked also have a computer diagnostic test run. $60 for the oil check (get your mind out of the gutter!) and $65 for the computer check. My question is (as I would prefer to hear more about this problem before dropping $125 just to have it looked at further) has anyone heard anything about this problem before? Is it common? Is it not?
Second question: A couple of the gages in the dash (mainly the tach and speed) turn on and off every now and again. Its more annoying than anything. I checked their fuses, and they were fine. I replaced the fuses, problem stopped for a while (month or so) but then started again (new fuses checked and still ok). Once again, has anyone heard of this problem?
I sincerely appreciate all of your help in the matter. I must admit that the people who enjoy their jeeps...seem to enjoy life a little more.
I have a 98 Wrangler also, though it is a manual. I can't address the tranny problem, but if you find all of your dash gauges going out and your air bag light coming on at the same time, then you have the same problem I have. There is a TSB out on it (see the NTSB web site) and those that have had it done haven't complained again, as far as I can tell. There is supposed to be a loose wire or a short or something in the dash. It was a problem last winter/spring but since I am so far over mileage on the warranty I didn't get it fixed (new tires came first). It went away in the spring and hasn't come back.
First, have you been changing your transmission fluid and filter at the recommended 30,000mile intervals? Second, is the fluid a nice clean bright red color? If not, get the transmission filter changed and the fluid flushed and renewed. That should be done regardless of whether you have problems or not. However, there's a good chance that it will fix your current problem.
Third, and warranting a paragraph all it's own, your transmission is NOT fully electronically controlled. The lockup of the torque converter is signalled by the PCM (PowerControlModule), but otherwise the transmission is as mechanical/hydraulic as it's always been. The transmission SENDS a signal to the PCM (via a simple switch) to say which gear it's in, but apart from the reverse light switch, that's the full extent of the electrical connections.
$60 for oil analysis? $16 would be closer to the mark. I recently paid $23 for an oil analysis on a marine Caterpillar diesel engine and anything marine always has the price marked up!
As was mentioned, there's a TSB out for the gauge problem. It's just a connector that needs the pins tweaking.
Finally, maybe you should take your Jeep to somewhere a little more honest/knowledgeable ;-)
Had to comment on the color issue, and although I'm biased, I have to recommend yellow. Personally, I've always loved yellow cars. They just seem to be a little different. You don't see too many on the road, but when you do they really stand out. Something about it looks great on a sportscar, it has a sporty feel, but also on a big tough car like a Jeep, it makes it feel like a Tonka truck. For me it really adds to, as tsjay would say, the FUN of driving a Jeep. Coincidentally, it seems like yellow has all of a sudden become the most popular color choice of new Wranglers. I think it's a trend of cars in general. I first noticed a lot of yellow in the Nissan Xterras around town, and then in the Ford Escapes (both of which I was considering before deciding on the Wrangler). Again, I just love yellow cars, especially the ones that are bright yellow or Solar Yellow like the Jeeps. Best of luck purchasing yours...I'm one to sometimes second-guess myself, and I haven't regretted my decision for even one SECOND since I got it in April. I almost envy the pre-purchase excitement!
I'm going to change my own oil on my next oil change (got all the supplies and the Mobil 1 ready) and I think it's about time to change the air filter...I'll be at around 13,000 miles and it will be my 4th oil change. Two questions - one, IS it time to change the air filter; how often do you all change it? And second, how would I go about doing this myself if it's a relatively simple job, or should I have it done for me? Thanks for any info.
yellowman
p.s. - my Jeep is 100% restored after the break-in...Got it back from the body shop last week and it looks GREAT! I just bought a package-deal of 20 hand car washes with intermittent express hand-wax jobs to make sure it stays looking like new :-) Thanks again for all your help and support during that tough time.
Recommended milage for changing the air filter is in the back of your handbook. It also depends on operating conditions, i.e. dusty conditions = more frequent changes. If you can change your oil, you can change your air filter. Unsnap the clips on the air filter box and lift the lid. Remove the filter and change for a new one. Replace the lid and resnap the clips. Simple.
For the benefit of tsjay who keeps telling me I should post in here, I finally got a Jeep. It is a Flame Red 99 Sport with dual tan tops, 30 inch tires(for the moment) 5 speed, all the goodies. You can see pictures if you want at Gill's site in the photo gallery section. http://itsajeep.org/gallery/albums.php
Nice jeep! Hope you got a good deal on it. Now go have fun with it!
Yellowman - When I first got my Wrangler I was driving it almost totally on the dusty, dirt roads up in the mountains, so I changed it much more often than I do now. I'm just not getting out there as much - it is so easy to go a couple of miles down the road and hike with the dog on National Forest land, so I haven't been as interested in going further away. The Wrangler is now much more of a snow vehicle for us, so the air filter doesn't get changed as often. If you've been trying some of the roads in the Angeles National Forest, or if you've ventured up to Hungry Valley State OHV area, you would need to change it sooner than if you are just driving around LA. If you haven't gotten up on some of those dirt roads, you should - they're easy and loads of fun!
Hey, I got to see jeepboy's new Jeep yesterday, and it is a nice one!
Congratulations, Dan!
I had to go on a business trip that brought me not all that far from Dan's home town, so we "met in the middle" at a Cracker Barrel in Decatur, Illinois.
That was really fun. It's good to meet in person the buddies that you chat with and who post in here.
I invited "Sniffer" to come here. I met him in gill's and told him about this place.
Please give him a nice welcome if he does post here, OK? His name is Scott, and I am not sure what username he will use, but it was "Sniffer" in Gill's.
Thanks for the advice! Sounds like a simple job. I checked my owner's manual and it says to change it at 15,000 miles so I'm going to wait until the next oil change. I still haven't gone offroad and generally haven't operated in very dusty areas, so I think 15,000 miles should be fine. Thanks again for the advice!
I have 2 yellow Sports I am looking at..........one have everything...but is a drive away to get.....the other has everything I want except cruise control (which supposedly can be put in) and the Trac-lock. Since I I may be doing some sand/gravel/mud driving is this not a big deal? And real its a limited slip is it not? I heard some one here mention about "air locking diffs" or sum such thing......whats that all about...and how much does it cost?
I am hopefully going to get this yellow jeep I have been toying with getting for 6 months....loaded yellow 5spd Sport with the 30inch tires.......before the end of the 7 year 100,000 mile thing on the Dec 31st!
I am going to also get......the oil pan, stearing protection plates.......rock guards.........a trailer hitch....and a ski rack for the spair..........all mopar.............good initial idea? Or are these mopar parts not so hot. I would like a wench but it will wait :-).
Sounds like you are ready to pull the trigger. Go for it!
I'm not the right one to advise you on the offroad options that you are considering. If I'm not mistaken, often the after market equipment is better and usually cheaper than the Mopar stuff.
You might want to consider just getting the Jeep without all the offroad stuff from DC and add that stuff later. There would be a variety of things available that way, rather than just accepting what DC offers.
Seek the advice of someone that offroads a lot, but time is getting short, I know, as far as the warranty deal. If you can't get the info you need in time, then I would say just leave off that stuff for now. It can always be added later.
Wait till you've got your Jeep for most of the stuff except for Trac-Lok. The Trac-Lok is a limited slip differential and the factory fitted price is quite a bargain.
Ok, here ya go... DO NOT GET ANYTHING OFF-ROAD wise from MOPAR! They are way too expensive and less effective than most aftermarket accessories. Trac-Loc is an OK option but not very usefull for heavy off-roading... it's ok for loose rocks and the such but for mud and rockcrawling it doesn't lock up sometimes. The air locker is made by ARB, it is a selectable locker that uses an air compressor to engage and disengage the locking mechanism. This is a great option for off-road vehicles that also have a road life. They are expensive though.. aroun 650... plus 200 for the compressor and around 200 for istalation. There is another type of selectable locker out there called the OX locker. It uses a cable to engage the locking mechanism. The rest of the stuff you were talking about can be bought from various websites. www.quadratec.com is a good start. Email at MoviMkr615@aol.com if you have any other questions. Sorry if this is a bit late because it's Dec 31 now... Oh which brings me to my next thing... HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Happy New Year to all on the board (members and hosts alike). 2001 was a wild year with lots of new Jeep owners (self included). May 2002 be safe and filled with lots of Jeep memories for us all.
Atlanta may get a couple of inches of snow tomorrow! What a great way to start the Jeeping year; riding in the woods with a newly fallen snow... I hope it happens.
So that's where all our snow went to - it left with the rain that came in. They are talking about more rain, then high pressure after that. The only funny thing is to see all the "snow bunnies" (people from the flatland cities) coming up here looking for snow. There are a couple of small rather icy patches left from last week's snow, and to watch 10 carloads of people try to play in them!
On the other hand, just about all the roads I often take to go hiking are still open, so I'm not really complaining. The Wrangler is now muddier than it's been in two years, and I'm still impressed with the Dueler AT tires - definitely an improvement over the Goodyears.
And to all, happy new year! May only good things happen to all of us this coming year!
Twylie.. I hope u get the snow... It missed me...I think South Alabama got the most of it here... Had a few flurries earlier today...nuthin much. Well.. What did santa bring to everyone...?? I got a Bikini top for Tazz & a Jeep T-shirt.. WOW..Ive got a good wife!!
just wet roads and an inch on the ground last night, but it still snowing now (6:30am) and we now have 3-4 inches on the ground with another 2" expected. Not much, but enough to go out in...
Has anyone had any experience with Mickey Thompson Baja Radial MTX tires. I am considering these tires along with BF Goodrich All Terrain TA, and Bridgestone Dueler AT's. The Mickey's are 598.93 out the door for 5 31X10.50. I have been told that this is a great price for Mickeys. Anyone know?
Just passed the 9 month anniversary of the Jeep...just over 12,000 miles and loads of fun so far! Looking forward to lots more. Once again, thank you all for your help since way back in February/March when I first started thinking about all this. I can't tell you how much it aided my search and transformed me from being brain-dead about autos to a know-it-all about Jeeps! (relatively speaking of course) Happy new year.
Seems like the changes will be mostly in the tire size and some off-road axle stuff. What I'm happiest about is that they don't seem to be about to change any basics of the look - same classic styling that we all know and love! I'll be going to the auto show here in L.A. this coming week, so I'll let you know if I learn anything there.
Well as some of you folks have seen I have been working on and lamenting on getting a 4x4 to compliment my mustang (can finally take the class 2 hitch of the stang :-) .) I have asked you good folks for advice and as of a yesterday I have my 2002 Yellow Sport 5speed ordered up!
Since I can get some accesories thrown on the jeep 0% loan, I did get some MOPAR stuff that seems decent....yes I know not as good....to expensive :-).
I order a jeep with:
Dual tops 7 speaker audio system CD Matts Sentry Key Track-Lock (worth putting detroit lockers on one day?) 30 inch group with DANA 44 Deep tint 5 speed
I also got from MOPAR............
Tail light guard with install Trailer hitch with install
Trunk pokets Oil and steer box skids Rock Rails Spair Tire Ski Carrier (Anyone familiar with how hard it is to install these latter things yourself?)
As I have said before gravel/sand at lake mead, moderate off road, and trips to go snow skiing is my Jeep's mission.......I saw the awsome new RUBICON and it looks unstopable...2 air locking diffs!.....I already have 500 down on the order for mine.......I was almost thinking of sucking it up and loosing the 500 and waiting till the Rubicon comes out this summer! Question is that kinda over kill for my use? Should I maybe wait a year or two for the Rubicon to get an bugs worked out? I hear Jeeps have read good resale value....true?
Thanks again guys and gals.......pritty soon I will be trying to track my jeeps progress at DC!
I am curious how the traklock LSD compares to Jeeps that have now....an those with rear lockers...partically in sand/gravel and ice/snow. I seems that the lockers are made more for ruck climbing and REALLY deep loose snow/sand. Should the LSD still work in sand/gravel?
Last question........is what sound system upgrades have you guys done? What quick things right off the bat help out alot with sound quality? As I said in the last post I got the 7 speaker CD system. Can you put 6 1/2s in the sound bar.......I was thinking about 6 1/2 Boston Acustics. What about upgrades to the fronts speakers subs.......and any need for a another amp?
Cpsteam....all ready lookincg to sink more ching in to the yellow machine :-)
Thanks for the information concerning the redesign of the Wrangler. It looks like an additional model choice. I was afraid the rumor of independent front end suspension would prove to be true. Looks like they were wrong by 180 degrees.
The Rubicon is probably overkill for my needs, sloppy and rutted forest service roads and snow, but man it does look nice!
The designers at jeep ought to come up with a tough looking four door with small pickup bed type vehicle that could compete with the Hummer H2, but probably get many more buyers with a lower price. Something like the old scrambler, but updated while keeping a military type look. It would be a great alternative for those who would love a wrangler, but need more space. Then again, maybe I'm crazy...
Congratulations on ordering that Jeep! Now comes the real hard part, waiting for that baby to get built and delivered! Sure gives you something to look forward to, though.
If you don't mind doing so for the benefit of those who are still in the market for one, please tell us what you paid in relation to invoice. This info would be very useful to those who are trying to make a deal now. Plese don't just quote what you paid, but tell us how much over or under invoice.
That Jeep sounds well equipped and I know you will love it. That yellow is the most popular color, I think. I personally like it too. Took me a while to decide if I did or not, but I finally came around to thinking that it is sharp and now I really like it.
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
P.S. You might as well join the gang at gill's chat room. You can chat with some fellow Jeepers and help pass the time until yours gets there.
Congratulations on ordering your new Jeep. Sounds like a winner. I don't think you'll have any trouble adding the other accesories you ordered. I installed rock rails on our jeep and it involved drilling into the frame and suspension mounts, but I'd guess the Jeep items are bolt on. For "mild" use, the LSD will probably be fine for most. If you find yourself doing difficult trails, you may want to check into real lockers (OX or ARB) as Spyro mentioned.
As for the sound system, the easiest improvements are to stuff some polyfil behind the drivers. The 6 1/2 Bostons will not fit without cutting the soundbar. I installed 5 1/4 in the soundbar and 4x6 in the dash (both Bostons - fx line). If I had it to do over, I'd mount RX's - 5 1/4 in the dash (using aftermarket brackets) and 6 1/2 (with cutting) in the soundbar. Check out http://www.ewylie.com/jeep/mods.htm for my experience.
Have fun with that new Jeep. I've had the chance to ride with the top down and in snow in the last 3 weeeks. Wranglers are great, flexible vehicles.
I've heard rumors of this model for a year+ now and am suprised to see DC bring it to production. I'll be curious where the sticker ends up. For my use, it would likely be overkill, but the option to get 4 wheel discs with the Dana 44 would have been nice. I'm guessing the sticker will be in the low 30's with no hope of getting it for less than MSRP. While that is a lot for a new Jeep, but it will be the best stock off road vehicle available without a doubt. Lots of goodies on it... 4.10 gears with the 5 speed and 6 cyl, 4:1 and upgraded transfer case, better u joints, front Dana44, air lockers. If I ever end up gettign that extreme with my Jeep, I'm sure I'll have fun doing the work myself.
Well I think I got the Jeep for 200-300$ under invoice, but it actually closer to 500$ under because the location out of town where I ordered it had a DAA/PPA of 285 and some small hokey gas/passenger loyalty charge of 33$ for god knows what. They put then another 300$ on the invoice there.......so its about 500$...........without the fees its 200-300$ under.
Alot of the pathetic dealers in Las Vegas actually add a 1500-3000$ markup...for now reason than as one put it arragantly..."for profit." I fly for a living and I can go pritty much where ever to get my vehicle. I tried northern nevada......and even in a small town one place said 500$ OVER invoice was it.........in Las Vegas one "fleet managers" 6 months ago said 400$ over invoice. With the good finacing, warranty, and the price....I feel pritty good...though I still wounder if I should have held out for the Rubicon........I want my jeep now though!
I was thinking of putting on the BFG All Terrain tires when I got the Jeep......should I stay with the 30inch or can I go with the 31inch? Do I need to do anything if I go to the 31inch BFG? Also is there a big sand/mud or snow traction benefit with dropping the stock 30inch tires for BFG 30 or 31 inch tires?
There are different types of lockers. The limited slip locker uses a clutch that will apply power to both wheels when slippage occurs. The limited slip is great on the street but off road it does slip and will sometimes require the parking brakes to be applied slightly to get it to lock up but for on road it is well behaved and will not cause you any major problems. The mechanical type locker don't use a clutch and will lock up mechanically. This will give you positive lock up on both axle and have no slippage. It the best for off road but on the streets is can be a handful to drive on icy roads. For daily driving on the road you will have to drive more gracefully and make sure both tires are at equal air pressure and be gentle on the throttle around sharp turns.
Congrats cptsteam on ordering your new Wrangler. Hope you like it and have as good luck as I've had with mine.
The Rubicon looks really interesting, but probably well out of my price range. Besides, I haven't had any real need for lockers with what I do, but then, if I had them I would probably look for situations where I would use them (that would be fun!). On the other hand, a friend of mine who is into more serious off-roading is always repairing something on her truck, something she broke on some trail or other. I just don't have the money to do that!
The only thing that concerns me about the Rubicon is what it might lead to. Right now the Wrangler that can do just about anything - it has nice road manners but still goes anywhere, and has the capability to be modified to fit most people's requirements. If they put out an extreme off-roading package, are they going to then come out with an even more "civilized" version of the Wrangler for those who don't off-road? That would be OK for some, but not for people like me who off-road the medium stuff and who need more than the CRV type of vehicle, but don't necessarily need the extras that the Rubicon offers (though the extra clearance would be nice so I wouldn't scrape the bottom when I go over that stream bed...).
I can easily see people like me being without any options! I guess we aren't vocal enough or there aren't enough of us to make it economically viable for the auto makers to make a car for us anymore...
Well I'm back has two meanings, 1- I was spent a lot of time in the town hall about a year and a half ago looking for details concerning the Isuzu Trooper, I bought one and gave it to my wife to drive. I wanted her in a bigger, safer vehicle; the other car was Dodge Neon. 2- I have owned a few Jeeps in my time, 1 Grand Cherokee and 2 Wranglers, so I was in the Jeep family. I am currently driving a Nissan Xterra. I like it but have been toying with the idea of getting a Wrangler again. My daughter is turning 16 and really wants my Xterra, so this means I can get a new SUV. Now don't get me wrong, I like the Xterra but like they say "It's a Jeep thing". Do me a favor keep it quite that I might be getting a Jeep, the Xterra owners think they are the only ones out on the trails and they might string me up if they thought I was jumping ship. I have been reading the post you all have done, but with over 4400 posts in this thread alone it is a daunting task to read them all. I look forward to reading the post to come.
Hey jeepers..just checking in... My hard drive crashed...so..im working on it... got temp internet service...for now... Just wanted to let ya know im still here...
Any rubbing or closeness with the 31inch BFGs? How much ground clearence you gain.... 1/2 an inch about? Notice a big difference with the BFGs in the snow and off road as far as traction?
Also anyone know if my Jeep is strait from the factory with no miles....if there is a way to get a tire credit for the stock tires for the BFG 30 or 31 inch All Terrains? Wishfull thinking huh!
I have no rubbing or any type of problem with my 31's, but I do no serious off roading with sway bars disconnected. I'm not sure if I would have a problem under those conditions with the 31's and no lift. All I can say is that I don't have problems now.
I stumbled onto the deal of the century when I swapped my factory 30's for the BFG's! I'm sure you can't count on finding a deal like this, and I'm pretty sure the guy made some kind of mistake. Heck, I wasn't going to argue though.
Listen to this! I had 10,500 miles on the factory tires that were on the ground, and a spare that had never been used. They gave me $83 apiece for the four that were on the Jeep, and $95 for my spare on trade-in! Instead of paying the full $641.00 for all five BFG's mounted, balanced, tax and all, I paid only $263.88 or $288.63 (can't remember which, but I can look it up).
I'm sure you can shop around and find someone who will give you a trade-in allowance, but that guy MUST have made a mistake by giving me that much on mine.
Man, I DID get a steal on those BFG's! I looked in my check register and the check for the tires was for $188.63!
I also found my post where I announced my purchase to the group, and it also said $188.63!
Here it is:
#3081 of 4454 Thelma got some 31's by tsjay Jun 27, 2001 (01:40 pm) Hey everyone! Took Thelma today to have some 31 inch tires put on her. I got the 31 x 10.5 BF Goodrich All Terrain TA's, like old Tonkadave did.
I couldn't believe the deal they gave me, and I jumped all over it. It was going to be $641 for five new tires, mounted, balanced, and tax included. I was ready to forget it, but I went to the tire store to let them see what they could allow me on Thelma's 30's for trade in.
The spare was new, and they gave me $95 for it. The four that were on Thelma had 10,500+ miles on them, and they gave me $83 apiece on them!
Bottom line, I got five new 31 x 10.50 BF Goodrich All Terrain TA's mounted, balanced, and tax included for $188.63.
I think they will be great tires, but I haven't driven anywhere except from the tire dealer back to work.
I must admit that I thought they would make a little more difference in Thelma's looks than they did. They definitely look better, but it just isn't as dramatic as I though it would be.
I haven't had a chance to scrub them good and put the armor all on them yet, so maybe that will make a big difference.
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Hey, I know that the math doesn't work out between the initial asking price of $641 and the total allowance for the five tires that I had, but, nevertheless, the fact is that I only paid $188.63. WHAT A DEAL!
Comments
Let's have a Jeeper's Christmas party! It's about 7:45 PM CST, and I'm heading there now. Come on and join me!
http://itsajeep.org
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Quite honestly, I'm not sure that the trac lock helps all that much, but the Dana 44 is good to have. If you decide you want lockers, I would shell out the cash for some nice air lockers.
Hug Your Jeep for me
dwrangler
come by itsajeep.org for a visit. I should be there for awhile
Though I am extremely happy with my recent purchase of a 1998 Wrangler SE (w/ auto transmission), I am having a couple of issues. Hopefully someone may have some advice on the following problems.
First question: I have begun to notice that the trany takes a while to switch between two specific gears. Its more of a slight hesitation - engine winds up a little - you know what I mean. I took it to a trany shop and they told me they could drop the pan/cut the trans filter to check for foreign particles in the trans oil. They also told me that the transmission is completely electronically controlled, and usually people who have the trans filter checked also have a computer diagnostic test run. $60 for the oil check (get your mind out of the gutter!) and $65 for the computer check. My question is (as I would prefer to hear more about this problem before dropping $125 just to have it looked at further) has anyone heard anything about this problem before? Is it common? Is it not?
Second question: A couple of the gages in the dash (mainly the tach and speed) turn on and off every now and again. Its more annoying than anything. I checked their fuses, and they were fine. I replaced the fuses, problem stopped for a while (month or so) but then started again (new fuses checked and still ok). Once again, has anyone heard of this problem?
I sincerely appreciate all of your help in the matter. I must admit that the people who enjoy their jeeps...seem to enjoy life a little more.
Thanks again. Happy Holidays!
-Josh
Third, and warranting a paragraph all it's own, your transmission is NOT fully electronically controlled. The lockup of the torque converter is signalled by the PCM (PowerControlModule), but otherwise the transmission is as mechanical/hydraulic as it's always been. The transmission SENDS a signal to the PCM (via a simple switch) to say which gear it's in, but apart from the reverse light switch, that's the full extent of the electrical connections.
$60 for oil analysis? $16 would be closer to the mark. I recently paid $23 for an oil analysis on a marine Caterpillar diesel engine and anything marine always has the price marked up!
As was mentioned, there's a TSB out for the gauge problem. It's just a connector that needs the pins tweaking.
Finally, maybe you should take your Jeep to somewhere a little more honest/knowledgeable ;-)
HTH
Had to comment on the color issue, and although I'm biased, I have to recommend yellow. Personally, I've always loved yellow cars. They just seem to be a little different. You don't see too many on the road, but when you do they really stand out. Something about it looks great on a sportscar, it has a sporty feel, but also on a big tough car like a Jeep, it makes it feel like a Tonka truck. For me it really adds to, as tsjay would say, the FUN of driving a Jeep. Coincidentally, it seems like yellow has all of a sudden become the most popular color choice of new Wranglers. I think it's a trend of cars in general. I first noticed a lot of yellow in the Nissan Xterras around town, and then in the Ford Escapes (both of which I was considering before deciding on the Wrangler). Again, I just love yellow cars, especially the ones that are bright yellow or Solar Yellow like the Jeeps. Best of luck purchasing yours...I'm one to sometimes second-guess myself, and I haven't regretted my decision for even one SECOND since I got it in April. I almost envy the pre-purchase excitement!
yellowman
I'm going to change my own oil on my next oil change (got all the supplies and the Mobil 1 ready) and I think it's about time to change the air filter...I'll be at around 13,000 miles and it will be my 4th oil change. Two questions - one, IS it time to change the air filter; how often do you all change it? And second, how would I go about doing this myself if it's a relatively simple job, or should I have it done for me? Thanks for any info.
yellowman
p.s. - my Jeep is 100% restored after the break-in...Got it back from the body shop last week and it looks GREAT! I just bought a package-deal of 20 hand car washes with intermittent express hand-wax jobs to make sure it stays looking like new :-) Thanks again for all your help and support during that tough time.
Yellowman - When I first got my Wrangler I was driving it almost totally on the dusty, dirt roads up in the mountains, so I changed it much more often than I do now. I'm just not getting out there as much - it is so easy to go a couple of miles down the road and hike with the dog on National Forest land, so I haven't been as interested in going further away. The Wrangler is now much more of a snow vehicle for us, so the air filter doesn't get changed as often. If you've been trying some of the roads in the Angeles National Forest, or if you've ventured up to Hungry Valley State OHV area, you would need to change it sooner than if you are just driving around LA. If you haven't gotten up on some of those dirt roads, you should - they're easy and loads of fun!
Congratulations, Dan!
I had to go on a business trip that brought me not all that far from Dan's home town, so we "met in the middle" at a Cracker Barrel in Decatur, Illinois.
That was really fun. It's good to meet in person the buddies that you chat with and who post in here.
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Please give him a nice welcome if he does post here, OK? His name is Scott, and I am not sure what username he will use, but it was "Sniffer" in Gill's.
Thanks
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
yellowman
I am hopefully going to get this yellow jeep I have been toying with getting for 6 months....loaded yellow 5spd Sport with the 30inch tires.......before the end of the 7 year 100,000 mile thing on the Dec 31st!
I am going to also get......the oil pan, stearing protection plates.......rock guards.........a trailer hitch....and a ski rack for the spair..........all mopar.............good initial idea? Or are these mopar parts not so hot. I would like a wench but it will wait :-).
Joe
I'm not the right one to advise you on the offroad options that you are considering. If I'm not mistaken, often the after market equipment is better and usually cheaper than the Mopar stuff.
You might want to consider just getting the Jeep without all the offroad stuff from DC and add that stuff later. There would be a variety of things available that way, rather than just accepting what DC offers.
Seek the advice of someone that offroads a lot, but time is getting short, I know, as far as the warranty deal. If you can't get the info you need in time, then I would say just leave off that stuff for now. It can always be added later.
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Spyro
Already registered.
Anyone else going?
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I like to wish everyone a VERY happy new year!!
I hope everyone will be safe out there...
Take care
see u in 2002
BamaTazz
Atlanta may get a couple of inches of snow tomorrow! What a great way to start the Jeeping year; riding in the woods with a newly fallen snow... I hope it happens.
Best to ALL in the New Year.
-twylie
On the other hand, just about all the roads I often take to go hiking are still open, so I'm not really complaining. The Wrangler is now muddier than it's been in two years, and I'm still impressed with the Dueler AT tires - definitely an improvement over the Goodyears.
And to all, happy new year! May only good things happen to all of us this coming year!
I hope u get the snow...
It missed me...I think South Alabama got the most of it here...
Had a few flurries earlier today...nuthin much.
Well..
What did santa bring to everyone...??
I got a Bikini top for Tazz & a Jeep T-shirt..
WOW..Ive got a good wife!!
Take care Jeepers..
BT
-twylie
Hey, we've been missin' ya here and in gill's. What's the deal? That goes for you to, goducks1, if you are reading this.
Come on, Guys, get with the program!
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Just passed the 9 month anniversary of the Jeep...just over 12,000 miles and loads of fun so far! Looking forward to lots more. Once again, thank you all for your help since way back in February/March when I first started thinking about all this. I can't tell you how much it aided my search and transformed me from being brain-dead about autos to a know-it-all about Jeeps! (relatively speaking of course) Happy new year.
yellowman
Thanks,
Huck
For details, which are from 'Four Wheeler', go here:
http://wsphotofews.excite.com/020/fk/hj/G1/eK95750.jpg
and here:
http://wsphotofews.excite.com/039/Qw/kH/XF/eN72883.jpg
If you not yet heard about it, it'll give you plenty to drool over. :-)
Seems like the changes will be mostly in the tire size and some off-road axle stuff. What I'm happiest about is that they don't seem to be about to change any basics of the look - same classic styling that we all know and love! I'll be going to the auto show here in L.A. this coming week, so I'll let you know if I learn anything there.
yellowman
Since I can get some accesories thrown on the jeep 0% loan, I did get some MOPAR stuff that seems decent....yes I know not as good....to expensive :-).
I order a jeep with:
Dual tops
7 speaker audio system
CD
Matts
Sentry Key
Track-Lock (worth putting detroit lockers on one day?)
30 inch group with DANA 44
Deep tint
5 speed
I also got from MOPAR............
Tail light guard with install
Trailer hitch with install
Trunk pokets
Oil and steer box skids
Rock Rails
Spair Tire Ski Carrier
(Anyone familiar with how hard it is to install these latter things yourself?)
As I have said before gravel/sand at lake mead, moderate off road, and trips to go snow skiing is my Jeep's mission.......I saw the awsome new RUBICON and it looks unstopable...2 air locking diffs!.....I already have 500 down on the order for mine.......I was almost thinking of sucking it up and loosing the 500 and waiting till the Rubicon comes out this summer! Question is that kinda over kill for my use? Should I maybe wait a year or two for the Rubicon to get an bugs worked out? I hear Jeeps have read good resale value....true?
Thanks again guys and gals.......pritty soon I will be trying to track my jeeps progress at DC!
Cptsteam
Last question........is what sound system upgrades have you guys done? What quick things right off the bat help out alot with sound quality? As I said in the last post I got the 7 speaker CD system. Can you put 6 1/2s in the sound bar.......I was thinking about 6 1/2 Boston Acustics. What about upgrades to the fronts speakers subs.......and any need for a another amp?
Cpsteam....all ready lookincg to sink more ching in to the yellow machine :-)
The Rubicon is probably overkill for my needs, sloppy and rutted forest service roads and snow, but man it does look nice!
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
If you don't mind doing so for the benefit of those who are still in the market for one, please tell us what you paid in relation to invoice. This info would be very useful to those who are trying to make a deal now. Plese don't just quote what you paid, but tell us how much over or under invoice.
That Jeep sounds well equipped and I know you will love it. That yellow is the most popular color, I think. I personally like it too. Took me a while to decide if I did or not, but I finally came around to thinking that it is sharp and now I really like it.
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
P.S. You might as well join the gang at gill's chat room. You can chat with some fellow Jeepers and help pass the time until yours gets there.
http://itsajeep.org
As for the sound system, the easiest improvements are to stuff some polyfil behind the drivers. The 6 1/2 Bostons will not fit without cutting the soundbar. I installed 5 1/4 in the soundbar and 4x6 in the dash (both Bostons - fx line). If I had it to do over, I'd mount RX's - 5 1/4 in the dash (using aftermarket brackets) and 6 1/2 (with cutting) in the soundbar. Check out http://www.ewylie.com/jeep/mods.htm for my experience.
Have fun with that new Jeep. I've had the chance to ride with the top down and in snow in the last 3 weeeks. Wranglers are great, flexible vehicles.
Good luck with the wait...
-twylie
Alot of the pathetic dealers in Las Vegas actually add a 1500-3000$ markup...for now reason than as one put it arragantly..."for profit." I fly for a living and I can go pritty much where ever to get my vehicle. I tried northern nevada......and even in a small town one place said 500$ OVER invoice was it.........in Las Vegas one "fleet managers" 6 months ago said 400$ over invoice. With the good finacing, warranty, and the price....I feel pritty good...though I still wounder if I should have held out for the Rubicon........I want my jeep now though!
I was thinking of putting on the BFG All Terrain tires when I got the Jeep......should I stay with the 30inch or can I go with the 31inch? Do I need to do anything if I go to the 31inch BFG? Also is there a big sand/mud or snow traction benefit with dropping the stock 30inch tires for BFG 30 or 31 inch tires?
The Rubicon looks really interesting, but probably well out of my price range. Besides, I haven't had any real need for lockers with what I do, but then, if I had them I would probably look for situations where I would use them (that would be fun!). On the other hand, a friend of mine who is into more serious off-roading is always repairing something on her truck, something she broke on some trail or other. I just don't have the money to do that!
The only thing that concerns me about the Rubicon is what it might lead to. Right now the Wrangler that can do just about anything - it has nice road manners but still goes anywhere, and has the capability to be modified to fit most people's requirements. If they put out an extreme off-roading package, are they going to then come out with an even more "civilized" version of the Wrangler for those who don't off-road? That would be OK for some, but not for people like me who off-road the medium stuff and who need more than the CRV type of vehicle, but don't necessarily need the extras that the Rubicon offers (though the extra clearance would be nice so I wouldn't scrape the bottom when I go over that stream bed...).
I can easily see people like me being without any options! I guess we aren't vocal enough or there aren't enough of us to make it economically viable for the auto makers to make a car for us anymore...
I have been reading the post you all have done, but with over 4400 posts in this thread alone it is a daunting task to read them all. I look forward to reading the post to come.
Take care and be safe-
I got the BFG 31x10.50 All Terrain TA KO's, and I really, really like them!
You can see what mine looks like with those tires at...
http://members.aol.com/tjoh298765/thelma.html
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
My hard drive crashed...so..im working on it...
got temp internet service...for now...
Just wanted to let ya know im still here...
Tom...can i borrow your best buy CC?
lol
Jeep jeepin
bamatazz
Congrats Cptsteam!!
Sound like a great JEEP!
Also anyone know if my Jeep is strait from the factory with no miles....if there is a way to get a tire credit for the stock tires for the BFG 30 or 31 inch All Terrains? Wishfull thinking huh!
Cptsteam
I stumbled onto the deal of the century when I swapped my factory 30's for the BFG's! I'm sure you can't count on finding a deal like this, and I'm pretty sure the guy made some kind of mistake. Heck, I wasn't going to argue though.
Listen to this! I had 10,500 miles on the factory tires that were on the ground, and a spare that had never been used. They gave me $83 apiece for the four that were on the Jeep, and $95 for my spare on trade-in! Instead of paying the full $641.00 for all five BFG's mounted, balanced, tax and all, I paid only $263.88 or $288.63 (can't remember which, but I can look it up).
I'm sure you can shop around and find someone who will give you a trade-in allowance, but that guy MUST have made a mistake by giving me that much on mine.
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I also found my post where I announced my purchase to the group, and it also said $188.63!
Here it is:
#3081 of 4454 Thelma got some 31's by tsjay Jun 27, 2001 (01:40 pm)
Hey everyone! Took Thelma today to have some 31 inch tires put on her. I got the 31 x 10.5 BF Goodrich All Terrain TA's, like old Tonkadave did.
I couldn't believe the deal they gave me, and I jumped all over it. It was going to be $641 for five new tires, mounted, balanced, and tax included. I was ready to forget it, but I went to the tire store to let them see what they could allow me on Thelma's 30's for trade in.
The spare was new, and they gave me $95 for it. The four that were on Thelma had 10,500+ miles on them, and they gave me $83 apiece on them!
Bottom line, I got five new 31 x 10.50 BF Goodrich All Terrain TA's mounted, balanced, and tax included for $188.63.
I think they will be great tires, but I haven't driven anywhere except from the tire dealer back to work.
I must admit that I thought they would make a little more difference in Thelma's looks than they did. They definitely look better, but it just isn't as dramatic as I though it would be.
I haven't had a chance to scrub them good and put the armor all on them yet, so maybe that will make a big difference.
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Hey, I know that the math doesn't work out between the initial asking price of $641 and the total allowance for the five tires that I had, but, nevertheless, the fact is that I only paid $188.63. WHAT A DEAL!
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?