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Comments
Congrats.
My recommendation......... change the oil and filter at 1500 miles to remove all the initial debris, then again at 3000. Thereafter, change them every subsequent 3000 mile interval with whichever high quality oil and filter you like. Synthetic certainly won't do it any harm.
As for mtngal's dried up seals, try JCWhitney again. I just got their new catalog and they have replacement seals for almost all areas of your Jeep, including the windshield and rear doors. May be worth a look. Drop me a line at erickson_paul@bah.com and I can give you more info.
-Paul
Steve, Host
-twylie
I just bought a new 2003 wrangler x and have really enjoyed it. It has just what I needed, no power windows or locks, just the basic stuff. You truly have to admire a vehicle that in the owner's manual tells you not to run preminum gas because its useless. You can no longer buy vehicles that don't come loaded with all that electronical stuff. My only question is, I noticed that when I disengage the clutch and have it in neutral there is a slight noise that occurs,and when I engage the clutch it goes away. Is this normal for wranglers? Thanks, Scott
Jim
With the Wrangler redesign, which may be coming for 2006, Jeep could integrate glass windows that roll down into the half doors. I have read that a new window regulator design has been developed that eliminates the cross brace hardware previously associated with window regulators.
Unless its loud or has an obnoxious screach to it, it's normal.
-Bill
If you hear noise when the pedal is in, or the clutch is engaged, then it could be the throw-out bearing like mullins87 said. If you hear the throw-out bearing in your new Jeep, take it to your dealer for repair.
BTW, welcome to the group! How about a picture of your new X?
-Pete
An extra $1430 on top of the standard Wrangler X price buys you Camouflage cloth seats, a dark green soft top, foglights, body color sill guards and SE 'look alike' wheels. Oh, and high gloss Moss Green paint with white stencil type lettering plus a Willys badge!
I like milspec stuff generally but I find this fake MB pretty naf! Now, if they painted it in olive drab, dropped the fake lettering, gave it green seats to match the hood, maybe added jerrycans and a winch..............that would be a package to turn heads!!!
Anyhow, here's a window sticker, and there's several pics on Jeep.com if you want to see it.
I have been out of town, and I was very glad to see that we have a fair number of new posts, and, best of all, some new folks.
Some questions have been asked, and some good answers have been given.
Without trying to remember who asked what, I will put my two cents worth in along with the other people who have responded.
1. Manual tranny noise
For those with the 4.0 engine (Sport, X, Sahara, Rubicon) and a manual tranny, you have the NV3550 transmission. These puppies are famous for a noise they ALL make when they are in neutral, the engine is running, and the clutch is out. I describe the noise as being similar to the sound of marbles rolling around in a coffee can. This noise is not an indication that something is wrong: it's just the NV3550 being itself. Thelma Jane, my 01 Sport, has made that noise the whole time I have had her, and after 38.5K miles I have had no trouble with that tranny. I guess I have never heard of anyone having an NV3550 that DIDN'T make that noise.
There was a TSB for the 01s concerning this noise, but the "fix" was just something that reduced the amount of the noise transferred into the cabin and did nothing to address the source of the noise. I didn't even bother. I have heard that the people who had this TSB performed could tell no difference anyway.
It wouldn't hurt to take your Jeep back to the dealer and let them listen to the noise just to be sure that it really is just the typical noise for the NV3550. If they tell you its normal, then you can probably believe them. You will at least be on record as having take the Jeep back to have it checked out. That could be important later, if there really is a problem.
2. Break-in oil
For a long time now manufacturers have been saying that no special oil is used for break-in. I wholeheartedly agree with Mac24 that it is good to change the oil at 1500 miles and again at 3000 miles. As parts wear together during break-in, it is conceivable, or even probable, that metal filings could end up in the oil. It makes sense to me to change the oil early to get those out, but a good filter should trap most or all of them. Just a good safety precaution to change the oil and filter early the first time.
3. Willys edition
I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but I feel quite a bit like Mac does on this one. I sure don't think you get $1400 worth of desirable stuff out of that option package. I have to admit that I have never actually seen one in person, but I just don't think I would be all that crazy about one.
4. Full vs half doors
Have only owned full doors and am very satisfied with them. I have the hard top only, so I had no choice but to get the full doors. I think that even if I had a soft top I would prefer the full doors. Heck, I take the doors off for the summer anyway when I take the top off.
Well, once again, welcome to all newbies, and I hope each and every one of you will stick around and continue to post.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Jim
Anyway, I think Mac already posted something to this effect earlier, that the throw out bearing would only make noise with the clutch in.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I like the half doors because they are at the right height for my elbow and the ledge on the full doors is too high. However, if I were to get the half doors, I would want to get sliders - I would not want to deal with the zippered windows all the time. The interesting thing is that they had just come out with the dual tops when I bought mine (hard top) in '98. According to my owners manual, they came with both sets of doors. Now that would be the best of all worlds - both tops and both sets of doors.
Your input on the "half vs full door" issue was very helpful. Because I'm not the world's tallest driver (and would like to rest my elbow on the door sill), and because the Sport will more than likely be left here in the desert, I'll probably order the half-doors, as I intend to pull the window anyway, as well as both sides and the rear, leaving only the top on to protect from the sun. Whether I pull the door on the Sport is still open to debate (if I bought the Willys, I would definitely pull the door).
By the way, this is a great site and very responsive. As you can see, I posted my first message on this site this past week, and the response has been great. I have enjoyed the banter on other issues, as well.
I've gone 25 years since my last Jeep...long enough!
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Steve
I have full doors on my 01 Sport, because I was lucky enough to find it in cherry condition and the original owner ordered the dual top group (yippie!).
Anyway I have seen aftermarket armrests in quadratec's catalog and 4wd.com for the full doors. Does anyone have this accessory in their Wrangler yet? I am debating the purchase but, as usual you can only see and learn so much from a catalog or website.
-Bill
Oh well, I checked the brake pads and brake shoes on the S-10, took the spare out from under the truck and checked air pressure, and left the tire in the bed of the truck for easier access. Good thing I checked pressure... had only 20 psi. I can't believe I have driven that little truck for two years and had never even checked the pressure in the spare. Not smart!
Now, if I can muster the energy, I will hand wash Thelma Jane and clean her up good inside. She hasn't had more than a spray wash for a long time, and she shows it.
Now, aren't you all excited over all that news???
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
If you are talking the rear, and if you have the Dana 35, it might be safer to go with limited slip rather than with a full locker. You said you are going back to 30" tires, so that should keep the stress down on the Dana 35.
I have a Detroit Soft Locker in the rear on Thelma Jane, but I have the Dana 44 rear end. My locker's street manners are not too bad, and I can easily live with the quirks for the great benefits that locker provides off road.
I don't know which limited slip might be better than others. I think there are several good ones available.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Hey, I see from your profile that you are in St. Louis, so you are only about 3.5 hrs from a real good place to wheel your Jeep! I'm talking about Turkey Bay, where I go almost every Saturday. Think you would be interested sometime?
If you would like to see some pics from Turkey Bay, you can go to itsajeep.org and go to the photo gallery. Click on the photo gallery link at the top of the home page, and then click on "tsjay" on the home page of the gallery.
Let me know if you are interested. My e-mail addy is in my profile.
CONGRATS on that new Jeep!
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
If you've read very many of the old posts in here, you already know how excited I get when someone gets a new Jeep.
CONGRATS ON THE NEW SPORT!
Welcome, Jim! Hope you plan to stay with us and be a frequent poster.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I think you have received the info you were looking for from our Jeep buds here on this board.
In your initial post you were concerned about roll overs. Well, as I think you were very well informed by others here, yes, a Jeep can be rolled over much more easily than a passenger car. The high center of gravity, due to the good ground clearance of a Jeep, the narrow track, and the short wheel base combine to make a Jeep extremely capable off road, but also very much susceptible to roll overs if they are driven like a sports car. You DON'T want to take curves nearly as fast in a Jeep as you would in a car. You should allow extra following distance and drive very conservatively so as to avoid the need for emergency manuevers. You'll be fine as long as you drive it like a Jeep... SLOW DOWN.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
However, when I choose to upgrade mine it will be to a Superior Super 35/ARB locker. Of course, the locker and shafts come to just under $1000, whereas the Tru-trac will run about $350.
NO! NO! A THOUSAND TIMES NO! Do NOT pay $10K for a 98 SE with 70K - 80K miles on it!!! That is almost double what you should expect to pay for a Jeep like that! Now that Sport for $10K with only 52K miles on it is more in line with what you should pay for a used Jeep.
Used vehicles are much tougher to evaluate a deal on. With a new one, you have access to the invoice price, so you know what you should expect to pay. For a used Jeep, however, the condition and the miles on it make all the difference in the world in the price. You have to do a lot more research to find out what is a good deal and what isn't.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Oh well, can't help it: I love to have new folks showing up in here. You all know how much I love Jeeps and Jeep people too.
Guess I'd better get out there and clean up Thelma Jane. Hope I didn't fail to personally greet any newbies. Not that that would be any great disappointment to the newbie, but it would be to me.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
TOM?? washing Thelma.. Im proud of ya man.
now, try to keep her clean.
I hate to go aqainst the grain but,
I like the willys edition Jeep.
of course i liked the Tomb Raider Jeep too.
I have a habit of looking at cars at a resale value in the future, If I did ever wanted to sale what I could get for it in the future.
I guess thats why i got the 6oth Anniversary Wrangler
WELCOME new members.
KEEP JEEPIN
ROLL TIDE
Bama
"A buddy of mine in st. louis owns a custom jeep shop and owns some land in potosi, MO and he goes pretty regularly."
It's always good when you "go" regularly. That's something that we old people are always concerned about.
Yeah, Scott, it would be cool if you and your Bud could come over here to Turkey Bay sometime. Has your Bud been over there before?
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I went on a test drive today in a 98' SE with 40,000 miles. She's red with a hard top and these lovely fat tires and great fat front chrome bumpers. It was soooo much fun! And I didn't even roll it over 'cuz I didn't drive her like a sports car! ;-)
I drove over a curb in a deserted shopping mall--ON PURPOSE!!!!!!!!! :-) Driving the Jeep definitely does something for you...changes your whole outlook. :-)
The Jeep didn't ride any rougher than my CRX. Actually smoother, I think, since I was farther from the bumps in the road. And it has air conditioning. Believe it or not, I've never had air conditioning. :-) I love that it doesn't really have power anything, except for the steering and I guess the brakes.
So now I know I want one, which is great!
Thanks for all the info! I've already ordered a JCWhitney catalog! :-)
Thanks for the kind welcome, Tom, as well as your input about tons of other things.
Bye4now.
Susan
Hey, all of us here are willing to help ya in any way that we can. So, if you have questions, ask away.
Susan, used vehicle shopping, as I have already said, is nowhere nearly as straight forward as shopping for a new one. Just be careful and check things out with someone knowledgable in used cars. We can help ya with stuff that pertains to Jeeps in particular, but there are things that need to be checked out by someone you know and trust who could take a look at the vehicle before you buy it.
Maybe you have some experience buying used vehicles, but if not, get someone to help you. We all want to see you get just the right Jeep at the right price.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
One basic thing that someone told me to check when looking at used 4x4s is the wheel wells. If they are all dented and scraped up, the vehicle has been off-roaded quite a bit. A vehicle with ones that aren't damage may not be a better buy (depends on how it was maintained, etc.) but is something to check out. I would rather buy an off-roader that has been lovingly maintained by a good mechanic than one that has never been off road but had no regular maintenance done on it.
http://community.webshots.com/album/97672750ATzUHS
My Noble Black Steed is not pictured there, just what I saw out my windows yesterday morning.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Might have to put the snow tires on the ol' t-bird...
Andrew
They've lifted the fire restrictions for our area - just in time for me to go to work. Guess I'll have to wait until next weekend to play somewhere...
Rich
Glad to hear that the weather is cooperating as far as the fires are concerned over there. We have no such issues by this point. This morning we had another layer of fresh fall, and as I look out the window now, it's snowing again...
Andrew