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Comments
Hang in there, Tom. You're doin' great.
-Mike
-Mike
Mike - I hadn't seen the Unlimited info on jeep.com - thanks for posting about it. I'm going to look at it in the morning when I get to work - my home connection is too slow! I'm definitely going to take a look at one when they come out!
As for me, they better never get rid of the short wheel base Wrangler. I'm taking Amy to the grave with my like Toms poem says
Tom: keep going you can do it man. I hear you about having them around, I never thought about it that way. Sounds like a good way of doing it.
Tony
I've been there before (even visited the JD distillery in Lynchburg
-Paul
Unfortunately 2 of my favorite trails in N GA are either closing or under fire from the eco groups. Guess this just forces my hand to go wheeling with Tom in KY. I've been telling him I'd come visit for almost 2 years now... I made it one of my NY resolutions to get up there. My wife just laughed at me for that one.
-twylie
If I get to that area, we would HAVE to have a wheelin' and campin' trip. That would be a blast! Just no smokes! Right Tom?
-Paul
Huntsville is about 1.5 hours from me, I enjoy that city. The Space & Rocket Center is great.
Keep Jeepin!!
BAMA Tazz
DAY 7 ALMOST IN THE BOOKS!
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Tony
I don't want to answer a question you didn't ask.
;--)
I recommend you buy your own hitch, install it, and save the 70-80 bucks =p. You can get a bolt-on hitch that is pre-fit to your model Wrangler.
Regarding installation, no holes need to be drilled. The hitch is pre-shaped and drilled to bolt to the holes already in the Wrangler frame. You just need to get the correct hitch for the vehicle.
I am normally the type of person that prefers to pay others to work on my car, but this installation was *really* easy. Four bolts, that's it. No drilling, no welding.
p.s. If you have a rear factory tow hook (as I did), it will need to be removed to install the hitch. Now when I need a rear tow hook, I put one in the hitch receiver.
http://www.eligence.com/images/jpcleandirty.jpg
Reading the pics like a book:
- lined up at the trail head. I'm at the rear of the left line of Jeeps
- on the trail waiting for people ahead to complete an obstacle; now pretty dirty
- back at the house at the end of the day with the "high water" marks on the Jeep
- cleaned up side view the next morning
- engine bay before clean up
- engine bay after clean up
Fun both ways to me!!! I'm with you on rock chips, I try to touch those up as soon as I find them.
-twylie
Thelma Jane usually gets at LEAST a good washing at the spray wash, and a lot of times, she gets a hand washing at home after the worst of the mud is sprayed off at the spray wash.
I still try to keep Thelma Jane looking good between wheelin' trips.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
First, as was mentioned, you can bolt on a receiver hitch quite easily. Second, you can replace your bumper with a more heavy duty version with a receiver hitch built in. Easy to fit and no loss of ground clearance.
Don't forget the wiring. Easiest way is to get a kit that just plugs into your existing harness. Costs around $20 and takes about five minutes.
Fitting a hitch kit or replacing the bumper is about as easy as it gets, and you should be able to do either for less than U-Haul will charge.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
-Frank
And, I assume your last name is Wilson? Can we call you "Good old Mr. Wilson?" You know, like Dennis the Menace.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I think your drive to Turkey Bay would be about 4.5 to 5 hours. It would be worth it! I promise!
Check out my Turkey Bay website...
http://home.earthlink.net/~tsjay49/
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Tom - good going - you're almost through the worst of it. I thought it got easier after the first week and it was definitely easier after the second week. Unfortunately that means that I had to be more vigilant - it would have been easier to just sort of fall back into old habits.
I used to wash my Noble Black Steed about once a month for the first couple of years. It always seemed like I would go off-roading the day after he had his bath, then last year it started to be a bath every couple of months. It has been a while since his last bath and he really needs one.
Paul - What - someone who wants to move out of California? With all those millions moving here every day? I can certainly understand why you would want to move out of California, though your mountain location is better than much of the state. I've also lived in a number of other states (including Texas) and while I love Frazier Park, I can think of so many better places to live! Good luck - I hope you get that relocation (as I turn green with envy...).
There I was, just driving along with my brother not far behind, scouting out locations for the future when there they were - snowy fields that are used by locals for snowmobiling.
I just couldn't help myself. I tried to take it easy, but did have to engage 4-Lo (and eventually both lockers) in a couple of spots. The RPMs never stayed above 2500 for any real amount of time but still... feeling guilty.
For what its worth, I had a total hoot. Nearly got stuck (and the H1 fared no better, but then he has no lockers and GSA tires), and couldn't make one snowy hill (that the H1 did) as the diff was plowing snow. Didn't do it for long (maybe a half hour most of which was pretty easy in 4-Hi, 2nd gear) but can't console myself with thinking that a break-in period should include all manner of driving.
So now Buffy is home, safe and sound with the transfer case skid packed with snow! Hopefully this wasn't too bad for her. Worse yet, I didn't have a camera with me for a good shot of Buffy showing off her articulation. Bad me.
Just had to get this off my chest...
Andrew
Andrew
Also, how did you get it to be so dirty? Does the dirt affect the vehicle by clogging some important stuff in the engine?
Thank you
Why are you worried about offroading before break-in? Does it say something in the owners manual about that?
I was still in my non-offroading mode when Thelma was breaking-in. Heck, she was 14 months old before we went wheelin' the first time.
You da man, Andrew!
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
The engine bay got that way because the trail went through some standing water "pools" that were about 2 - 2.5' deep (hence the muddy water line running down the side of the Jeep). Once you entered that stuff, the fan throws junk all up in the engine bay. It was my first ride on that trail and it's where the group decided to go.
I still run this trail, but now turn around at the top of the mountain and head back down the same way. The backside of the trail isn't very challenging and offers no great views, so heading back down saves me some cleanup time the next day.
-twylie
twylie - loved your photos! One of these days I should head somewhere muddy.
Paul - have you discovered the OHV area near Little Rock (by Palmdale)? I vaguely remember going past it several years ago when I was driving down a dirt road from the Angeles Forest Highway (Mill Creek Station?). I haven't been in that area since we moved to Frazier, so I don't remember exactly. Thinking about all that mud on twylie's jeep brought it to mind.
Are you going to the Jamboree at Land Between the Lakes? div jr. wanted to go to Camp Jeep but it's a longer drive and most of the folks at JU think that the Jamborees are more fun.
It was a ton of fun and I am definitely planning on doing it some more, and soon. There were obvious trails left by other wheeled vehicles there so I am guessing that others have had the same idea. Having mentioned this to my friends it appears there are more who now want to go... should be amusing to see a couple of Jeeps, a Hummer, and a 4-Runner all playing together. I'll make sure to have a camera handy this time around.
Should I somehow try to get the snow out of that factory skid? The weather won't warm up enough to melt it anytime soon. Seems that I have some learning to do on engaging and disengaging 4-Lo... seems trickier than I remember it. On the bright side, no more problems with 2nd gear since day 2. :-)
Mtngal, if it wasn't for winter, I'd likely have something rockier and more "forested" to experience... Later this year I'll check out some other areas around here. If I remember correctly, you mentioned the possibility of coming out this way one day. Maybe I'll manage to find something good for you. I agree that the break-in period should include a little off-roading given that's what the Jeep design has in mind.
Andrew
As for the relocation, I love Tehachapi, but it is just too dang far to go anywhere. Huntsville is about the size of Bakersfield, which is fine for us. We originally moved here to take care of my wife's father, but he has since passed away and our nearest family is in Oklahoma and Missouri. My parents are in Virgina, so Huntsville, is actually pretty well situated between all of them. They have a university there so I could get my master's a lot easier and my wife could finish up her bachelor's.
Besides, before all this is said and done, Tom will have all of us over at LBL at the same time.
I have been to the Space and Rocket Center a few times - I work with them, so to speak. I love Huntsville and the terrain/vegetation. I just have to make sure I have a storm cellar (and my own TJ)!
-Paul
Why don't you and Jr. just come on over on any weekend and wheel with me??? Doesn't have to be a Jambo.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Hungry Valley is very nice, but I'm not sure it is more varied. There isn't any water there, but if you are willing to wander out to other spots in the national forest around the area (like Lockwood Valley) you can find streams as well as hills and rocks.
I like the concept of the Wrangler Unlimited and am waiting to see/drive one before I buy the Tacoma's replacement. From what I've seen, it could be a better commuter vehicle (longer wheelbase and more room). If I were to get one, I might even leave the back seat in. On the other hand, I'm not looking at it as a replacement to my current Wrangler.
My first reaction is that if it were an either/or situation I would choose the shorter Wrangler first as a trail/play vehicle. But until I can actually drive one I don't know for sure.
Seriously, I think it's a decent idea for the person who wants/needs a little extra room while maintaining a fun vehicle. Let's hope it does well for them.
Andrew
The Wrangler seats are comfortable for long rides, and the ride is not bad, so with a little more sound insulation, I could proclaim it the best vehicle ever made! Wonder how soon the extra sound deadening material will be available aftermarket?
The space is a bonus, but mine is fine the way it is, and I like the short wheelbase.
My '03 Sport is 5 months old. It had 12 miles on it when I bought it and has 7300 miles on it now. It's Patriot Blue and with the exception of the 2" hitch I added is unmodified. Also, it's a 5 speed soft top.
It has the 16" wheel and 30" tire package (Dana 44, 3.73 gears, etc), A/C, cruise, 7 speaker package, tow hooks, fog lamps, full metal doors, tinted windows, CD player. Am I missing anything?
I have a laundry list of modifications I want to make (3" lift, new tires, rear locker, 4.10 gears), but am waiting until the bumper-bumper warranty expires before I make any of them. I actually would have liked to have gotten a Rubicon, but having bought my wife an '03 Accord just three weeks earlier, the funding just wasn't there =(.
I am looking hard at the Electrac Detroit locker for my Jeep. Does anyone out there have any experience installing/using these lockers? Is it a job my buddies and I can do, or is it best left to the professionals? I figure I'll change the gears at the same time.
Thanks,
Frank
I like the short wheelbase as well,and I don't think I would trade my Jeep in for anything else except for another Jeep.
Tom and the team, I'm hooked for life.
David
-twylie
cwdobber
You are going at it whole hog on mods and all, and that's great!
Now, just get down here for some wheelin' with me.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Unlimited: I like the idea and for people that need more space I think it's a great idea. If the dealership that I got Amy from gets one in I might have to go test it just to see. No Amy isn't going anywhere but like I said I know at least one family member that I might be able to get into one. Heck we're already a Jeep family
Well off to celebrate the brothers birthday.
Tony
I am using the nicorrette gum. When I get an urge I chew the gum. Over time I will substitute sugarless gum until I am weaned off of the nicorette.
Worked for me before and works now.
Keep the faith!
All our snow has melted, so we're driving the Taco. Can some of you folks that have too much snow (like Washington and Oregon) send some our way? I'm looking for an excuse to drive the Wrangler for a while...
Thanks,
Jeannine Fallon
PR Director
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I am a little perplexed why an improvement of NVH that has no impact on capabilities or performance would not be desired. I remember reading several threads back the positive comments regarding the improved sailcloth top, and how it is much quieter than before.
The longer length of the Unlimited does have an impact on capabilities, and I doubt it could make Toms buttpucker hill run. The additional storage capacity and rear seat leg room is very nice for those that need it.
having said all that, if you enjoy hearing the noise of the tires, wind, etc. on the highway, then go for it, and have fun with your Jeep! A Wrangler is like a swiss army knife: some of us will use the screwdriver more, and others may use the corkscrew more. Either way, its appeal to a diverse range of people is undeniable.
Frank, that's a pretty sweet ride - good picks on the options list. Did you go with the electrochromatic mirror? It's a nice feature, especially given all the SUVs out there shining their lights directly onto the mirror!
Well, looks like tomorrow should bring a little more light wheeling... can't wait! :-)
Andrew
I have obtained info. on local resorts,hotels, etc. and am working with my events coordinator(aka wife) to determine dates. According to mapquest it's about a 7.5 hour trip so I'll probably do at least a 4 day weekend. I'm still targeting spring break in March but may have to push out till Labor day weekend.
If I can catch a break, I might just do a solo run before then.
I'll keep ya posted.
David