I agree with Tom on the no-smoking thing, but everyone is different. I tried to stop smoking by not buying a pack, but the anxiety of not having them around was too much for me. When I quit I had an unopened pack that I carried around for a couple of weeks. When I was having a craving I'd take the pack out, finger it, think about opening it, think about why I was quitting, and decide that I wouldn't have a cigarette right then and put it away. My husband is just the opposite - he couldn't quit when he had any around.
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!
Mike: thanks for posting the info. Went over and read it when I saw your post. Seems like Jeep is trying to get everyone into a Wrangler Not that that's a bad thing. Might have to try and talk my dad into one, he's 54 now and always wanted a Wrangler and never had one. Now he's got 2 little ones, 9 and 3 that he carts around so I'm sure the extra space would be good for him.
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.
I may be in Huntsville at some point in the not too distant future. My employer won a contract there and I may be relocating, if things work out like I'd like them to.
I've been there before (even visited the JD distillery in Lynchburg ) and love the rolling hills and greenery. I've lived in Texas and St. Louis, so know what the humidity is like. But if I'm gonna move there, I want my OWN Jeep, not my daughter's.
I was in Huntsville last weekend to pick up some Jeep stuff. It's a beautiful area and a nice town. With the decrease in housing costs, you'd be able to buy a new Wrangler for everyone in your family! Huntsville is 3 hours from my house in W GA. I guess that makes TB 6.5 hours away from me (right Tom :-) ).
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.
Right now, my house is worth a LOT more than we purchased it for. So I know we could make an easy switch to Huntsville. My wife wouldn't want a Wrangler - she wants a Lincoln LS V8. No problem here!
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?
Thats what I like to here, Everyone talking good about "The Heart Of Dixie". Huntsville is about 1.5 hours from me, I enjoy that city. The Space & Rocket Center is great.
I can't speak for Tom and his wife, but I'd love to make a long weekend of it. There are several campgrounds, including our favorite, just 15 minutes from Turkey Bay.
Yeah, my folks thought I was going to be an astronaut. They asked my teachers how I was doing in my studies, and the teachers all said that I was taking up space.
OK so I was thinking about this the other day. Everyone I know seems to think that since Amy is new that she will be spotlessly clean. I can't figure this out, she's a jeep and dirt ain't gonna hurt her. I was just wondering how many people are out there like Tom was and Bama is? Not saying it's bad to keep Tazz clean Bama, but a little dirt ain't gonna hurt Look what happened to Tom. The only things that I'm worrying about are rocks and crap flying at me on the highway, don't want any dings in the paint or chips in the window.
It came from a local family owned trailer store here in Cincinnati. I actually didn't buy it, it was purchased and given to me as a Chistmas gift .
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.
I'm probably somewhere in the middle of those that keep their Jeeps spotless and those that never wash them. When mine is clean, I try to keep it that way, but I've never let that stop me from getting it dirty. The following picture is all within a 24 hour period.
- 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.
Man, I STILL like a clean Jeep, when I ain't on the trails.
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.
I just wasn't sure what the question was. If you want an alternative to U-Haul for a hitch then there are a couple of alternatives.
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.
I forgot that you said in your post "right here in Cincinnati." So, I know you live in Cincy, and that ain't TOO far from Turkey Bay! So, when ya gonna come wheel with me????
I think your drive to Turkey Bay would be about 4.5 to 5 hours. It would be worth it! I promise!
Frank - Welcome from another Sport owner (though mine is a '98). We love hearing about new rigs.
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...).
I have a confession to make, I took Buffy off road while still in the break-in period.
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.
I cleaned the engine by hand but involved little work. The engine was cold when I did this. I started the engine and then used a mild degreaser/cleaner. I let the cleaner sit for about a minute and then hosed the engine off with a light spray, avoiding any heavy spray into the alternator, fuse box, and any electrical connections around the engine bay. Once I had rinsed it, I shut the engine off and let it sit for about 20 min then repeated the process. That's it. I use a product from 3dproducts.com call 106 Yellow Degreaser. I have also used Simple Green with great results. With this method, you can make an engine bay look showroom new with 5 minutes of work.
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.
We did some light off-roading during my Noble Black Steed's break-in period. Figured that's what it was designed for, and it was a good way not to keep it at the same speed for a long period of time. Of course, my light off-roading is nothing like trying to drive snowmobile trails - it was more like driving dusty, somewhat rocky trails up in the mountains. Sounds like Buffy had a good time.
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.
Dumb Question 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.
Tom, I'm not *that* worried... All the manual says is to drive it "moderately", and that can be rather subjective. As a man that used to stop along the highway to wipe the bugs off Thelma Jane, I am sure you can appreciate that sense of pride (and possibly worry) with a new Jeep! ;-)
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.
Yeah, I've seen the OHV area there, but honestly Hungry Valley looks like a lot more variety, plus it gets me out of the Antelope Valley.
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)!
I will most likely be at Turkey Bay wheelin' while the Jambo is going on, but I won't be part of the Jambo. I have a hard time seeing why I should pay so much to go wheelin' where I go every weekend anyway.
Why don't you and Jr. just come on over on any weekend and wheel with me??? Doesn't have to be a Jambo.
Paul - "...it is just too dang far..." LOL! We have the same problem in Frazier - the closest supermarket is over 30 miles away! I don't mind, since I FAR prefer Frazier Park and the 30 miles to the supermarket over what I saw in the Antelope Valley.
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.
It looks to be a pretty good idea, especially given the precious little cargo space in the Wrangler... However, if I were part of designing it, I'd have thrown in changes to allow the Cummins TD engine. Maybe 35" meats, lockers front and back, on-board air compressor.... Oh wait, I am slowly going to a stripped down Rescue.
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.
The thing that most appeals to me about the Unlimited is the quiet aspect. That is the only real complaint about my Wrangler. I can live with 15 mpg on the highway, but the road noise at highway speeds really gets to me, especially at 65 mph+.
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.
I love the sound of MTR's at 65mph....It's music to my ears.Heck I love the sound at any speed because it means I'm in my Jeep! If the noise is too much I just crank the tunes! The Unlimited sure would solve my gear storage issue when I load up the family and head to the hills.
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.
I like that DC is offering a longer wheelbase option for the TJ. Not really somethign I'm interested in owning, but the additional towing capacity woudl seem to be a big advantage to owning one. You can't even tow a decent ski boat or bowrider without exceeding the 2000 lb tow rating on the current ones. I woudl expect the cost to bring it to market was pretty minimal and they should easily sell enough to make it worth their while. I'd like to see it as testing the waters for a true Scrambler/CJ-6 return when the Wrangler gets a full redesign.
I've been reading this board off and on since November. I think I've read up to 8900 of the post so far. Not far to go now! Anyway, I had my mind set on a "traditional" Wrangler until I got word of the Unlimited. More room and greater towing capacity, sounds good to me. I wish they would offer a diesel engine (currently have a Dodge 2500 Cummings & a VW Jetta TDI), there's nothing with the I6. I had one in a 96 Cherokee Sport 4x4 that I really enjoyed. Sometime this spring I'm hoping to return to the world of Jeep. I really appreciate all the help and information that y'all share here.
Jacknimble: I'm with David when he says that the road noise is part of the enjoyment. There's nothing like driving down the road at 65 and hearing those 31's, I love it. If it's too loud for you, you might want to try lining the floor with Dynamat. It's a material that car stereo installers use to limit body vibrations in cars. I've only used it once but it worked very well and I would guess if you lined the whole thing that at least the vibration noise would be less, and it would even ad a little bit more sound insulation. I don't think it would be that hard to do either as the carpet is easy enough to get out.
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 I loved our poor '91 XJ, rest her soul.
Way to go! Hang in there (as hard as it is to do sometimes).
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...
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I might try the dynamat. I've also wondered if someone makes a hard top liner.
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.
Although I haven't had Buffy on the highway yet, I really enjoy the sound of those MTRs. Or the rumble of the tranny. So the sound insulation isn't so big for me. So far all I can say is that I love driving her...
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! :-)
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.
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
Edmunds.com
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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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