My vote is to keep the Wrangler discussion like it is now. We don't seem to have a big problem with repeat questions. When we do, seems like someone (mostly Tom) has the patience to post a reply. I think two good suggestions on haw to handle this have been made.
1. Explain to the questioner how good the search feature works (I use it a lot) and how easy it is to use.
2. If you want to post a repeat answer, look it up, then copy and paste it.
I just hate to see us dilute the volume here that keeps a lot of people peeking in every day (like me).
I also like things the way they are. Sometimes I add to the info about something that is affecting my Wrangler later when I post about it. I know if/when I get my dash gauges fixed I'll update what I have to say about it, so I don't mind posting my thoughts whenever someone asks (even if it is only "why can't I drive in 4WD on the pavement?").
It has finally cooled off around here. Unfortunately, it is supposed to get hot again by the weekend, which will be my first chance in 3 weeks to take my Noble Black Steed out somewhere. Just my luck!
I think we all feel the same way, right? Let's just keep on the way things are. That gets my vote too.
All in favor, say "Aye"
Those oppposed?
The motion carries.
I have learned something through all of this... we DO have a pretty cool search feature. I had not been taking advantage of it, though, since I didn't know how good it was.
It wasn't that I was upset over repeat questions that I was asking you guys about some new discussions. I just thought it might be cool to have designated places to go for specific info.
But, the points some of you made that doing that would cause less traffic in here make sense, and I sure don't want THAT to happen.
So... "NEVER MIND" (wasn't that Gilda Radner's line?)
I agree, it's good to have everything on the same page. It can broaden your knowledge on wranglers reading through everybodys posts. One of the (MANY) reasons i bought one, was because most of the posts would say how much people loved their jeeps. Anyways, i got back from my trip to Vermont. Beautiful up there, such a relief from Jersey. Found so many trails up there i didn't know what to do with myself, the only thing that stopped me was the gas running out. Had a little problem though..I thought i could make it through a pretty big pit of mud,, my friend thought so to,, so i figured what the heck i'll try it. Well, got stuck in it for a good 15-20 minutes. I thought i'd never get out, but after rocking back in forth 40 or 50 times i finally got out!!... BUT...I'm now noticing a light clicking noise in the tranny or clutch, not to sure what it is. It doesn't sound to bad but not going to take any chances. So my mechanic said he'll check it out for me on wednesday. It's only when i shift into 1st and reverse. Other than that it was a great trip, we found this trail near smugglers notch, (if that sounds familiar to any of you) it took us way up this hill that brought us to a view that was amazing. Mountains as far as the eye can see. Can't wait for my next trip up there, anyways i'll be crossing my fingers that it's nothing to serious with her tranny.....
CONGRATS on you first "stuck!" You are an official Jeeper now.
If you never need to winch or be winched or take a tow strap, you just ain't pushin' the limits enough.
So, did you manage to get yourself out of that one, or did ya need some help? Do you have mud tires on your Jeep or All Terrains? Mud tires make a HUGE difference, if you get them spinning fast enough to self-clean (mud flies out of from between the lugs when the tire spins fast enough, and the tire can take a fresh bite when it rotates back around down into the mud again).
I have the all-terrains....After i pay off my jeep, then i'll start buying as much as i can for it. NO i forgot to bring the damn camera up there, left it home !!!, and i'm still kicking myself for it. Next time i'm there, it'll def. be with me. It's a shame i can't find anyone else to go with, all my other friends drive little sport cars, which is ok, but just not the same. I'm going down to the pine barrens, which is south jersey, a friend told me a bunch of good spots he use to go to until he wrecked his truck,,,(not offroading though) which isn't that far from me, so hopefully i can get some good pics from that trip.. That's if the news is good from my mechanic on Wed.
I could sure use another wheelin' bud! I told you guys what happened to me Saturday... drove all the way down to Turkey Bay and just sat there waiting for someone in a Jeep to show up.
I have no interest in mud, unless it happens to be in the way of where I need to be. One of the reasons is that it requires little skill on the part of the driver. All that's needed, as tsjay said, are aggressive mud tires and the heaviest right foot you can find!
Another reason is that, unsurprisingly, mud gums up the works. Have your mechanic check your brakes, and if it were mine I'd change the axle fluids. It would also be a good idea to give the underneath a good wash.
Next time your friend says you can get through a mud pit with ease........ send them on ahead to check the depth.
I also stay out of mud, unless there is no way around it. But, if mud is all ya got to play in, guess a guy has to have a little fun once in a while.
Billy, Mac is exactly right. Mud ain't real good for your Jeep in the long run. It has a way of getting into places where you don't want it to be. It can get into your differentials, grease fittings, transmission, clutch, etc.
Yeah, Jeeps are made to handle some mud, but we're just saying, it is not good to make a habit of playing in mud, unless you are prepared to go to extremes in maintenance, like replacing differential and tranny fluids often.
I doubt if you hurt anything by just doing what you have done so far, though.
Mud is one thing I don't have much experience with. Sand, yes. Mud, what's that? If it would ever rain here (not counting the flash flooding thunderstorms that have been east of my mountains) I might get some experience. What little experience I've had is of the lead foot variety (and gritted teeth). Been through some patchy sandy places like that, too, come to think of it.
I've got to get out on a trail somewhere this coming weekend - it's been too long!
Mtngal, I hear ya about those rain storms. We've been getting a LOT of sandstorms here at Edwards the last month or so from those storms. Makes keeping a car clean darn near impossible. I've put some pictures from those storms up in Webshots at http://community.webshots.com/user/skimblz_.
I'm also going to be putting pics there of the upgrades I'm doing to my 97 TJ. Got the audio in there this past weeked (gotta love 6x9's a foot from the head!)
I don't have the patience to stand there with a wide open shutter, with heavy winds and lightning like that in the area. Just kinda goes against my desire to live. hehe
Quick question, with the exception of eBay, do any of you know where I could look for Jeep wheels, in particular, the Canyons, Ravines, or Rubicon Moabs?
Also, I read yesterday on here that the TJ could handle 31's with no problem if they are the 9.5" wide variety? Is this correct? I just want to make sure I don't get a too big a wheel/tire set using one of the above wheel types, and not have it rub. So if I read correctly, I can put a 31" tire on those wheels, but if I don't want to rub, I can't go bigger than 9.5" wide.
Loved all your pics - they made me glad I don't live about 20 miles east.
The ones of Edwards are awesome, along with one of the Mammoth photos. Just as I was looking at them a co-worker came in and knew exactly where they were taken.
Going back to Wranglers - that '97 looks like it is in excellent condition. It's going to be fun seeing how it all comes together as you work on it.
We had exhaust manifold leaks (and broken bolts) to get replaced. We knew about this when we bought it, but before we did that, the catalytic converter took a nose dive. It sounded like a baby rattle. So... 1,000 later, it runs GREAT and has a bit more oomph.
To this point, I've yanked the nasty carpet and put in new carpet from JCWhitney, but went with black. Looks great! We're transforming the tan interior to a black/tan interior. We're replacing the top with a black denim sailcloth top (and coordinating safari bikini top running front to back) that should be here this weekend. I've also ordered cloth tan/black seat covers (from jparts.com) to hide the vinyl and cracks that are visible. Just this weekend, we did the audio. I want to put 30 or 31's on it. My daughter doesn't like the Canyons, but admittedly hasn't seen them so I sent her pictures of twylie's Jeep from his site.
I also have a few trim pieces to put on to cover scratches in the door sills. I have a fire extinguisher for her and a couple of the Uhoh handles for the riders in the back. I plan to add fog lights and black tubular bumpers (any recommendations on manufacturer here?), but I need to figure out if the fog lamp wiring is in place.
I have one switch that, when you pull off the cover, has some type of wiring. I don't know if that would be for a fog lamp, rear defrost or rear wiper (I don't have a hard top). Any input would be great here too.
The last gotchas I have are a leaking valve cover that is on my list too. I have the goop to seal it, I just haven't done it. It's a minor leak at best. I also have a pinion seal leak that I'm not too sure is even a leak. I've look all over the front suspension and can't find any drips at all, so I'm wondering if it may be runoff from an earlier problem.
Yea i hear it's not that great for your jeep to go through but i really had no other option, either i turned back and drove all the way back down or keep at it and try to make it through the mud. Should of turned around now that i think about it but i guess it's just a little to late for that. Is there any recommended ways of cleaning the mud underneath the jeep.
Sounds good to me. I knew I had read it a bit back. You say you can fit 30x9.5 with no rubbing issues and you say width is the issue, so I could conceivably go with 31x9.5 with no problem as well (do they make such a setup)?
31's would be my preference.
You also mentioned the spacers. How hard are those to install for the steering? Can I do it myself? Do you have any images of those installed?
I apologize for the ignorant questions, but my technical expertise on cars is limited to basic stuff, and virtually none of it 4x4 type stuff. I've never even put new wheels on any of my cars - trusting the manufacturer to get it right.
You can buy 31 x 9.50's but it does limit your choice somewhat. 31 x 10.50's may or may not rub at full lock. If they do, you need to insert one or more washers behind the steering stops. These are simple bolts, the head of which is contacted by the steering mechanism to prevent further travel. Have someone turn your steering while you look at it from under the front bumper.
When you can see where they are, and how they work, it will be obvious where and why you have to fit the washers.
A recent report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety puts the Wranger in the top five of stolen vehicles. Why the Jeep? It's an affordable vehicle with a specific buyer base, and not generally en vogue. Why steal it?
My guess would be for parts. Doors, full and half, are a common item to go missing, wheels too. Not much of a market for a Kia door, but for a Jeep it's a different matter. Take a look on eBay.
I've not had to work on a 2.5 recently and assumed that the gasket was similar to the 4.0. My bad!
Anyhow, I looked it up for you and the FSM says "a cured gasket is part of the engine cylinder head cover."
Under installation is the following:
"NOTE: The original dark grey gasket material should NOT be removed. If sections of the gasket material are missing or are compressed, replace the engine cylinder head cover. However, sections with minor damage such as small cracks, cuts or chips may be repaired with a hand held applicator. The new material must be smoothed over to maintain gasket height. Allow the gasket material to cure prior to engine cylinder head cover replacement."
Mac, don't worry bout it. Never hurts for anybody to get second opinions on things like that. I would have preferred a gasket myself, but such is life. If I wanted the gasket, I shoulda gotten 2 more cylinders. hehe
But then my daughter would never be driving it.
Here's another wheel question: do you know if the material between the Moab (Rubicon) wheels is made of any softer material than the Canyons? I've heard rumblings about how easy it is to scratch the Rubi wheels, but I'm thinking that they are the same material, just with the Rubicon wheel design, they are just more apt to scratch.
I haven't heard anything either way. Primary concern in material formulation will have been strength, rather than scratch resistance. However, any alloy wheel will scratch easily if you rub it on a rock or a kerb! Don't forget that the Rubicon Moab wheels are 16", which limits your choice of tires.
Remember, dude, you have to consider wheel backspacing AND tire width, when you are trying to be sure not to have a tire rubbing something on the inside.
The Canyons, and I believe the Moabs and Ravines also, have 5.5" backspacing. You should be able to go with 31 x 10.50s, with the only possible problem being a rub of the front tires at full turn of the steering wheel, and this is EASILY fixed, as has been mentioned.
As long as you end up with wheels with no more than 5.5" backspacing, you can go with 10.50s.
Here's a picture of a Rubicon front axle with a missing u-joint cap (a not uncommon occurence). The pic is of the drivers side end of the axle with the wheel removed, viewed from the front. At the very bottom of the picture, just right of center, is the steering stop. You can see the bolt head with a slightly fatter nut below it, secured with a tack weld. Behind the nut, one dull and thin, the other fatter and shiny, are two washers. These are the spacing washers referred to earlier. The number and thickness required will be determined by the amount of rubbing that occurs.
I haven't driven the new version of the four banger that came out with the 03 model year, but the old version was a pain when you had a headwind or were going up a hill.
The new four cylinder engines have 150 HP vs. 120 HP for the older ones. I'm sure this helps.
Best thing you could do would be to test drive one, and get it out on the highway. Try to find a long hill to go up, and see what you think.
I would definitely prefer a four cylinder Jeep to no Jeep at all!
Around town and on the trails, the four does just fine. I wheel with lots of people who have the SE model, and they are not one bit limited in their off roading because of the engine. (You are in four wheel drive low range most of the time on the trails, and the low range makes the four cylinder plenty strong enough.)
My TJ is a 97 SE with the 4cyl. Since I got the exhaust fixed, it runs much better, but it still strains at highway speeds. Last night we had HUGE wind storms here and I was frequently downshifting to 4th and 3rd to keep a speed between 50 and 55. Granted these winds were upwards of 40+ mph. I was also going uphill and into mountains.
For daily driving though, it is fine for what we do with it.
If you can't get a top end model, try the Wrangler X, where you basically get an SE but with the 6cyl.
Be careful with that little sheltie. That's a breed that I've always loved, but prefer to own larger dogs. Hope she is OK. I'm still dog-less and will probably continue to be that way until spring at the earliest. I'd need to put up some type of kennel or fence, and I've got to save up for that (just paid for a new roof!). By the time I have that money available, it will be winter and I don't want to leave a very young pup outside in the snow and cold.
Good luck getting the wheels. I looked at some when my Wrangler was in an accident and M2 was having problems matching the existing rims. I didn't know much about wheels etc. at the time, and before I came to any conclusions, they managed to find rims to match. I'm pretty sure the backspacing is different - the rims (not the tires) rub on a bolt when at full turn, while the other set of rims don't. It took me a number of years to figure it out, and only did with the help of this board (thank you, Tom).
Thanks for the thoughts. We'll find out Saturday - we had to move the appointment. She's quite healthy and very energetic, but last night she seemed a bit tired.
We may keep the pups and give them away, but we'll see how it goes on Saturday.
As for the wheels, I got some Canyons last night for 100/wheel + shipping. We're ready for them to be here already so we can put some tires on them. This weekend will be full since the stuff from JC Whitney and the Jeep dealership get here tomorrow. It's a Jeep weekend!
I would rather walk or ride a bike than drive a 4 cyc Jeep again. I agree with Tom that the 4 cyc will be fine around town and off-road, it just sucks on the highway in winds and on hills. I know I will never own one again. It may depend on the person some. I don't drive slow on the highway and for some people it may not bother them as much.
Tom, Have you started a off-road club in your area? Doesn't have to be anything special. Just get some emails of whoever will go out there and setup a list on yahoo or where ever. I got stuck kindof bad when I went wheeling by myself once. It can be hard to account for everything that could go wrong. I think I have some pics somewhere if I can find them.
erickpl - tublar bumpers. Usually you don't buy these if you go off-road so if you think you will you may want to look for something else. Here are 2 sites for some tublar ones. First one looks like a good price and the second ones should be mopar ones which I think you can order from the dealer as a option on 04s. http://www.tellico4x4.com/bumpers/bumpomix.htm http://www.wyckoff-mopar-parts.com/19bumtubsila.html
Here is a link to ones that hold up better on the trails and give you better clearance. http://jeeperman.com/ You could always get the rear bumper by itself and then if you go with larger tires, add the swingaway tire carrier.
Are you getting the lug nuts with the Canyon wheels that you are buying?
I hope the guy included them in the deal.
They have their own lug nuts, Paul, and they are beveled to fit the recessed area in the wheels. I don't think just plain old lug nuts would work, and they wouldn't look very good anyway.
They guy that is selling the wheels really shouldn't use them on some other wheel anyway, because of the bevel, so he ought to have thrown them in for you. That's what I did when I sold my Canyons... just gave them to the guy that bought the wheels.
If he won't let you have them, they can be bought through Quadratec for $1.95 apiece.
The Canyon wheel lug nuts are two piece construction, with an inner lug nut and an outer cap that has the surface texture and color to match the wheels.
You want to be sure to carry two different size lug wrenches, one to fit the lug nuts as they are, and one to fit the inner lug nut, in case the outer cap comes off or gets twisted off.
I can't remember the two sizes, but you can easily find out which sizes you need.
Thanks for the info on the lugnuts. Yes, he is including them. I suspect, once I put 30 or 31's on the car, I'll need a different jack. Right now it has the traditional scissor jack so I'm not sure it will be able to handle the changes. We'll see.
That info on the lugnuts is appreciated. I hope he included both pieces of the lugnut. It sounds like the second piece is like a cover. Is this the case and is it metal as well?
will expire somewhere on the way home from Turkey Bay tomorrow. I guess I oughta go drive her around some tonight, so that her warranty will expire on the trail somewhere.
She has 35,9XX miles on her now (just a tad over 35,900 but don't know the exact number). It's 68 miles to TB, and I usually only end up putting about 10 miles or less on her at TB.
The three years won't be up until December 8th, but the milegae will hit 36K tomorrow.
Comments
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
1. Explain to the questioner how good the search feature works (I use it a lot) and how easy it is to use.
2. If you want to post a repeat answer, look it up, then copy and paste it.
I just hate to see us dilute the volume here that keeps a lot of people peeking in every day (like me).
Terry
It has finally cooled off around here. Unfortunately, it is supposed to get hot again by the weekend, which will be my first chance in 3 weeks to take my Noble Black Steed out somewhere. Just my luck!
All in favor, say "Aye"
Those oppposed?
The motion carries.
I have learned something through all of this... we DO have a pretty cool search feature. I had not been taking advantage of it, though, since I didn't know how good it was.
It wasn't that I was upset over repeat questions that I was asking you guys about some new discussions. I just thought it might be cool to have designated places to go for specific info.
But, the points some of you made that doing that would cause less traffic in here make sense, and I sure don't want THAT to happen.
So... "NEVER MIND" (wasn't that Gilda Radner's line?)
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Terry
Andrew
Anyways, i got back from my trip to Vermont. Beautiful up there, such a relief from Jersey. Found so many trails up there i didn't know what to do with myself, the only thing that stopped me was the gas running out. Had a little problem though..I thought i could make it through a pretty big pit of mud,, my friend thought so to,, so i figured what the heck i'll try it. Well, got stuck in it for a good 15-20 minutes. I thought i'd never get out, but after rocking back in forth 40 or 50 times i finally got out!!... BUT...I'm now noticing a light clicking noise in the tranny or clutch, not to sure what it is. It doesn't sound to bad but not going to take any chances. So my mechanic said he'll check it out for me on wednesday. It's only when i shift into 1st and reverse. Other than that it was a great trip, we found this trail near smugglers notch, (if that sounds familiar to any of you) it took us way up this hill that brought us to a view that was amazing. Mountains as far as the eye can see. Can't wait for my next trip up there, anyways i'll be crossing my fingers that it's nothing to serious with her tranny.....
If you never need to winch or be winched or take a tow strap, you just ain't pushin' the limits enough.
So, did you manage to get yourself out of that one, or did ya need some help? Do you have mud tires on your Jeep or All Terrains? Mud tires make a HUGE difference, if you get them spinning fast enough to self-clean (mud flies out of from between the lugs when the tire spins fast enough, and the tire can take a fresh bite when it rotates back around down into the mud again).
Did ya get any pics?
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I could sure use another wheelin' bud! I told you guys what happened to me Saturday... drove all the way down to Turkey Bay and just sat there waiting for someone in a Jeep to show up.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Another reason is that, unsurprisingly, mud gums up the works. Have your mechanic check your brakes, and if it were mine I'd change the axle fluids. It would also be a good idea to give the underneath a good wash.
Next time your friend says you can get through a mud pit with ease........ send them on ahead to check the depth.
:-)
Billy, Mac is exactly right. Mud ain't real good for your Jeep in the long run. It has a way of getting into places where you don't want it to be. It can get into your differentials, grease fittings, transmission, clutch, etc.
Yeah, Jeeps are made to handle some mud, but we're just saying, it is not good to make a habit of playing in mud, unless you are prepared to go to extremes in maintenance, like replacing differential and tranny fluids often.
I doubt if you hurt anything by just doing what you have done so far, though.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I've got to get out on a trail somewhere this coming weekend - it's been too long!
Mtngal, I hear ya about those rain storms. We've been getting a LOT of sandstorms here at Edwards the last month or so from those storms. Makes keeping a car clean darn near impossible. I've put some pictures from those storms up in Webshots at http://community.webshots.com/user/skimblz_.
I'm also going to be putting pics there of the upgrades I'm doing to my 97 TJ. Got the audio in there this past weeked (gotta love 6x9's a foot from the head!)
I don't have the patience to stand there with a wide open shutter, with heavy winds and lightning like that in the area.
-Paul
Also, I read yesterday on here that the TJ could handle 31's with no problem if they are the 9.5" wide variety? Is this correct? I just want to make sure I don't get a too big a wheel/tire set using one of the above wheel types, and not have it rub. So if I read correctly, I can put a 31" tire on those wheels, but if I don't want to rub, I can't go bigger than 9.5" wide.
-Paul
The ones of Edwards are awesome, along with one of the Mammoth photos. Just as I was looking at them a co-worker came in and knew exactly where they were taken.
Going back to Wranglers - that '97 looks like it is in excellent condition. It's going to be fun seeing how it all comes together as you work on it.
We had exhaust manifold leaks (and broken bolts) to get replaced. We knew about this when we bought it, but before we did that, the catalytic converter took a nose dive. It sounded like a baby rattle. So... 1,000 later, it runs GREAT and has a bit more oomph.
To this point, I've yanked the nasty carpet and put in new carpet from JCWhitney, but went with black. Looks great! We're transforming the tan interior to a black/tan interior. We're replacing the top with a black denim sailcloth top (and coordinating safari bikini top running front to back) that should be here this weekend. I've also ordered cloth tan/black seat covers (from jparts.com) to hide the vinyl and cracks that are visible. Just this weekend, we did the audio. I want to put 30 or 31's on it. My daughter doesn't like the Canyons, but admittedly hasn't seen them so I sent her pictures of twylie's Jeep from his site.
I also have a few trim pieces to put on to cover scratches in the door sills. I have a fire extinguisher for her and a couple of the Uhoh handles for the riders in the back. I plan to add fog lights and black tubular bumpers (any recommendations on manufacturer here?), but I need to figure out if the fog lamp wiring is in place.
I have one switch that, when you pull off the cover, has some type of wiring. I don't know if that would be for a fog lamp, rear defrost or rear wiper (I don't have a hard top). Any input would be great here too.
The last gotchas I have are a leaking valve cover that is on my list too. I have the goop to seal it, I just haven't done it. It's a minor leak at best. I also have a pinion seal leak that I'm not too sure is even a leak. I've look all over the front suspension and can't find any drips at all, so I'm wondering if it may be runoff from an earlier problem.
-Paul
31's would be my preference.
You also mentioned the spacers. How hard are those to install for the steering? Can I do it myself? Do you have any images of those installed?
I apologize for the ignorant questions, but my technical expertise on cars is limited to basic stuff, and virtually none of it 4x4 type stuff. I've never even put new wheels on any of my cars - trusting the manufacturer to get it right.
-Paul
When you can see where they are, and how they work, it will be obvious where and why you have to fit the washers.
-Mike
Not much of a market for a Kia door, but for a Jeep it's a different matter. Take a look on eBay.
:-(
-Paul
Anyhow, I looked it up for you and the FSM says "a cured gasket is part of the engine cylinder head cover."
Under installation is the following:
"NOTE: The original dark grey gasket material should NOT be removed. If sections of the gasket material are missing or are compressed, replace the engine cylinder head cover. However, sections with minor damage such as small cracks, cuts or chips may be repaired with a hand held applicator. The new material must be smoothed over to maintain gasket height. Allow the gasket material to cure prior to engine cylinder head cover replacement."
Just goes to show what making assumptions does!
:-)
But then my daughter would never be driving it.
Here's another wheel question: do you know if the material between the Moab (Rubicon) wheels is made of any softer material than the Canyons? I've heard rumblings about how easy it is to scratch the Rubi wheels, but I'm thinking that they are the same material, just with the Rubicon wheel design, they are just more apt to scratch.
What cha think?
-Paul
The Canyons, and I believe the Moabs and Ravines also, have 5.5" backspacing. You should be able to go with 31 x 10.50s, with the only possible problem being a rub of the front tires at full turn of the steering wheel, and this is EASILY fixed, as has been mentioned.
As long as you end up with wheels with no more than 5.5" backspacing, you can go with 10.50s.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
What would I do w/o you both? You make everything easy for us new TJ owners. I just wish I could make the upgrades to my WJ.
-Paul
The new four cylinder engines have 150 HP vs. 120 HP for the older ones. I'm sure this helps.
Best thing you could do would be to test drive one, and get it out on the highway. Try to find a long hill to go up, and see what you think.
I would definitely prefer a four cylinder Jeep to no Jeep at all!
Around town and on the trails, the four does just fine. I wheel with lots of people who have the SE model, and they are not one bit limited in their off roading because of the engine. (You are in four wheel drive low range most of the time on the trails, and the low range makes the four cylinder plenty strong enough.)
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
For daily driving though, it is fine for what we do with it.
If you can't get a top end model, try the Wrangler X, where you basically get an SE but with the 6cyl.
-Paul
So what would you consider to be a good deal for 5 very good condition Canyons?
My daughter finally saw some (thanks to twylie's site) and she REALLY loves em - more so than the Moab's.
I've seen them for around 5-600 for all 5 wheels (I'd be buying new tires anyway). What ya think?
-Paul
Mine had a few light scratches from wheelin', but nothing you would even notice, unless you almost stuck your nose down on them.
If the wheels are in real good condition, I would say $500 is reasonable (for five).
You wouldn't believe the price of brand new ones! They are over $400 apiece through DC, which is the only source I know of for brand new Canyons.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I appreciate your input. Without you, Mac, and twylie, I'd be pretty much clueless!
How's Ross Allen doin? I think my little girl Sheltie is pregnant, and she's 12! We'll find out more this afternoon.
-Paul
Man, you GOTTA be kidding about your doggy being pregnant at 12 years of age! I never heard of such a thing.
Let us know how it turns out.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Good luck getting the wheels. I looked at some when my Wrangler was in an accident and M2 was having problems matching the existing rims. I didn't know much about wheels etc. at the time, and before I came to any conclusions, they managed to find rims to match. I'm pretty sure the backspacing is different - the rims (not the tires) rub on a bolt when at full turn, while the other set of rims don't. It took me a number of years to figure it out, and only did with the help of this board (thank you, Tom).
We may keep the pups and give them away, but we'll see how it goes on Saturday.
As for the wheels, I got some Canyons last night for 100/wheel + shipping. We're ready for them to be here already so we can put some tires on them. This weekend will be full since the stuff from JC Whitney and the Jeep dealership get here tomorrow. It's a Jeep weekend!
-Paul
Tom,
Have you started a off-road club in your area? Doesn't have to be anything special. Just get some emails of whoever will go out there and setup a list on yahoo or where ever.
I got stuck kindof bad when I went wheeling by myself once. It can be hard to account for everything that could go wrong. I think I have some pics somewhere if I can find them.
Usually you don't buy these if you go off-road so if you think you will you may want to look for something else.
Here are 2 sites for some tublar ones. First one looks like a good price and the second ones should be mopar ones which I think you can order from the dealer as a option on 04s.
http://www.tellico4x4.com/bumpers/bumpomix.htm
http://www.wyckoff-mopar-parts.com/19bumtubsila.html
Here is a link to ones that hold up better on the trails and give you better clearance.
http://jeeperman.com/
You could always get the rear bumper by itself and then if you go with larger tires, add the swingaway tire carrier.
I hope the guy included them in the deal.
They have their own lug nuts, Paul, and they are beveled to fit the recessed area in the wheels. I don't think just plain old lug nuts would work, and they wouldn't look very good anyway.
They guy that is selling the wheels really shouldn't use them on some other wheel anyway, because of the bevel, so he ought to have thrown them in for you. That's what I did when I sold my Canyons... just gave them to the guy that bought the wheels.
If he won't let you have them, they can be bought through Quadratec for $1.95 apiece.
The Canyon wheel lug nuts are two piece construction, with an inner lug nut and an outer cap that has the surface texture and color to match the wheels.
You want to be sure to carry two different size lug wrenches, one to fit the lug nuts as they are, and one to fit the inner lug nut, in case the outer cap comes off or gets twisted off.
I can't remember the two sizes, but you can easily find out which sizes you need.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
That info on the lugnuts is appreciated. I hope he included both pieces of the lugnut. It sounds like the second piece is like a cover. Is this the case and is it metal as well?
-Paul
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
She has 35,9XX miles on her now (just a tad over 35,900 but don't know the exact number). It's 68 miles to TB, and I usually only end up putting about 10 miles or less on her at TB.
The three years won't be up until December 8th, but the milegae will hit 36K tomorrow.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?