Sounds like you are getting closer to that wonderful moment when you take possession of a Jeep! (OK, a SHORT WHEEL BASE JEEP... I know you have a JGC)
So you don't know if you want a JEEP or a JEEEP, huh?
Man, Jeff, as much as I would like to tell ya to go Rubicon, with a family and all, you might be better off with the Unlimited. Those puppies will wheel real good too, I'm sure, if you get a little lift and some bigger tires.
I don't know the type of terrain you want to be able to negotiate when you go off roading, but for most people, the Rubicon is probably overkill. Oh, I would definitely be getting the Rubi, if I were in the market for a new Jeep right now, but I don't need the extra room that you most likely need.
Go new if at all possible! Take advantage of the rebate and the 7 yr /70K warranty.
I go away for a weekend and there's lots of new messages!
The Unlimited sure does have nice road mannors, but I was sort of disappointed - it is so easy to drive that it wasn't as much fun as my 5 speed Sport.
The radio made it sound like gas prices for the rest of the nation are starting to catch up to LA prices. Ours are now that high (they had been about 10 cents cheaper all winter), so I'm not as interested in taking road trips in my Noble Black Steed.
Paul - I really like those nerf bars! Sure wish I could do something like that with mine, but anything like that has to wait until gas prices drop (or the state suddenly gets more money available to give us a raise).
Bama - if it is any consolation, my Noble Black Steed hasn't had a bath in a couple of months. Maybe I'll treat him to one in a couple of weeks - I got the Taco hand waxed when we were going to sell it and it sure did make a difference. But first I've got to get some time to do it - my life seems to be one long commitment and every weekend is on the road.
My Jeep, which I've named Kermit, got the treatment this weekend: Washed twice (with the top off! ) Maguire's Paint cleaner (to remove oxidation and mineral deposits) Magquire's Wax (can't remember which type) Cleaned tires/wheels Detailed interior
Now it is sitting outside ready for me to drive to work this week! Just gotta get one bolt drilled out so I can finish my relocation brackets and take the doors off! I got new bolts for the brackets and painted them with a flat black paint and they match perfectly! Lots better than having green bolts showing.
My next stop is new flares. Does anybody know of 4" flares besides Mopar? I do not want the pocketed (Rubicon / Tomb Raider) flares and I don't want wide flares since I'm not going bigger than 31 or 32".
The rest of the Tuffy security console goes in this weekend when I get the subwoofer. I am adding (probably ToysByTroy) bumpers soon and a few additional stereo mods (XM and new front speakers), then I'm done - much to my wife's relief!
I've been very happy with the TBT guards appearance-wise. They add a nice look to the TJ. Hopefully I never have to use them for rocks, but I know I'm protected if I do. -Paul
I have a 60th Anniv. Jeep Wrangler that I (unfortunately) have to trade in. We have one kid and another on the way, so we're going to have to go with a JGC. Has anyone heard of resale value on these? Even the guys at the dealership have no clue. (One guy even asked if it had power windows!!!) They only came one way, in silver or black (mine's silver). If you've heard of these, let me know!
But I do know the resale on the JGC is lousy. I have a 2000 I'd like to trade in at some point, but it isn't worth it to do so. So I'll be driving it until its dead.
Hard to imagine that the dealership can't put a value on it. Sounds like they need a new Used Car Manager!
It's one of the better 'special editions', but it's not like people scour the countryside looking for them. It should be valued about the same as a comparable Sahara.
We all know how great of an engine the 4.0 six is. However would you consider that big straight-six to be an "overbuilt" engine, as in the sense of durability?
I guess it comes down to whether you plan on keeping your vehicle for a while. If I were only to keep a car for 70,000 miles, I might think that the engine was "overbuilt" and I'm paying extra for something I won't use.
However, I'm not in that situation at all. I still love my '98 Sport with its 120,000 miles (or there about) on the odometer. I don't plan on getting rid of it any time soon - in fact, I'm hoping it will go another 100,000 miles. So I'm going hopefully going to use all of its durability.
I just ordered some OEM style flares from 4wd.com (and the roll me over sticker for the windshield ). They are made by Omix I think. They were a decent price (125.00 or so). 4wd's prices seem reasonable with the other online shops.
I just don't like those pocket flares. It is so dry here most of the year that those pockets would be nothing more than dust catchers. I like the smoother lines.
But if I upgrade tire size and/or go with wheel spacers after I investigate them, I may opt for wider flares.
Getting my stereo done this weekend with new dash speakers, a second amp for the subwoofer and a Kicker 8" sub in the Tuffy console. Should be nice (and concealed). -Paul
I put MB Quart 4X6 drivers in the dash locations on my Sahara and MB Quart 5.25s in the sound bar. I'm sure the 5.25s would sound better up front but I didn't want to spring for the adapters and also I didn't relish cutting the steel dash braces either. My setup sounds fine to me, but then I tend to reserve my critical listening for my home system. Later I may add an Infinity BassLink or a Kenwood WOOX to fill in the low end, but it's not on my short list of priorities.
Ok, I know this is a stupid question, but my jeep is almost 3 years old, and today I checked the light on the battery and it is out. I haven't noticed any starting problems, but the power windows seem to be operating a little sluggishly. If the light is out, is the battery beginning to fail?
It means the one cell that the indicator is connected to is low on charge, and by extension it's reasonable to expect that the others are too (though by no means certain).
It's probably time to clean the terminals and connectors, and to remove the cell covers and top up with distilled water if necessary.
A couple of weeks after that, have the battery tested at your local auto parts store.
Thought I'd chime in with our prices... Just filled up for $2.35/gal for 89 octane at a discount station here in the Portland area. It's getting painful to justify 4-wheelin' all day long at these prices.
I wonder if DC will ever build a hybrid Wrangler? Using a similar system as that in the Prius could be beneficial in an off-road vehicle. There's an extreme amount of torque available at low speeds from electric motors that would boost occasional hill climbs. Regenerative braking would be great during downhill descents. Of course they'd have to make sure it was durable for off-road use. Just dreaming...
I used Boston Acoustics NX57 5.25" in the dash with the 33Engineering adapters. Easy install and good fit. I used the NX67 6.5" in teh soundbar and had to drill new holes, but not enlarge the opening.
I'm putting in some MBQuart or Kicker 5.25's this weekend and a kicker cvr8 8" sub in the Tuffy console with a dedicated mono amp just for the sub. This should help the 6x9's and dash speakers work better by taking some of the frequencies out.
I'd go for an off-road hybrid if it would be durable enough. However, I'd hate to be stranded in one miles from a road and out of phone range... And I'm not sure how much extra mileage you would get - sturdy off-roaders aren't exactly light-weights and adding a second engine with all those batteries would make it even heavier. On the other hand, getting 30 mpg in 4x4 could be worth it!
What's up everyone I see I can get some good tips here. I won't buy my Jeep sport 2000 Wrangler until first week of June but I was wondering how good is it for a 6 mon.old in a car seat is it safe for everyday driving.
I also have the 60th AE Jeep myself, I had a man offer me $17,500 for mine as is. Witch I thoght was a good deal. Im not sure what you would get on a trade-in. I contacted Jeep they told me only 4,097 60th Anniversary Wrangelers we built. I hate you are having to trade-in, but I understand. I have 2 kids myself, its a tight fir for all of us to fit in my JEEP, but somehow we manage.
I have an 01 Sport, and I have the kill switch for the passenger side air bag, so you could put the child seat up front in my Jeep. Don't know if the 2000's had the switch or not.
Hi All, I have been monitoring this board for some time as my first new car was a 84 CJ7. The most fun in the snow or on the beach but not a great ride, Currently have a 2002 2wd Liberty in South Florida. Nice car but kind of boring. I do have two small boys and decided to check out the unlimited a couple days ago. Nice Vehicle and meets my needs . Fun on the weekend and able to do the weekly grind. Well the salesman said that their was a $2.500 rebate. I was surprised and took his card. I can't find anything about any rebate on the unlimited, but with that rebate I may be able to get my new JEEP. Any idea about a rebate?
There's a passenger side airbag disable switch on my '98 Sport - since the back seat is considered optional, I think it is required to have the disable switch (that was the law here at one point, don't know if that is still true, though).
I don't have kids, but I've used the back seat myself often enough. Getting in and out is awkward - it's much easier in the Unlimited, by the way.
The airbag switch is ommited on latest models with the LATCH child seat fitting system. The exception is the SE which could be ordered without a rear seat, therefore having to have any child seat fitted to the passenger front.
Currently, there are no rebates from DC available on the Unlimited. Not surprising really, as it's a new model for which there seems to be a rising demand.
I almost think it's getting too fractionalized. I grew up in MS and like the sweetish quality to my chopped pork, with the vinegar in the slaw. Our local guy here in Boise learned his technique in KC, but can do a Memphis dry rub on his ribs, or just about anything else.
I hit a Caddy coming out of a BBQ joint in Memphis one time but the ribs survived. I wasn't driving my CJ-5 that day (lame attempt to relate this to Jeeps somehow <g>).
Maybe we better start asking Bama if he does FedEx :-)
Just wanted to let you guys know that dchristo1 and family arrived at LBL safely on Friday, and we hooked up yesterday for a day of wheelin' at Turkey Bay.
David (dchristo1) had a good time, and I think his family did too. His little girl got scared a couple times, but I think she liked it other than those times. I KNOW his little boy liked it! He was having a BLAST.
Here's a pic of David at the place I call "Sit Up and Beg."
So, who's next to come for some Turkey Bay wheelin'? I'll be glad to take any of you to some of my favorite spots.
Looking to get a 2 inch lift kit, but not trying to go too deep into the wallet. Any suggestions on a kit for around $250-$350?. Looking for something that will keep the same ride quality.
Also if it will lose its warranty because of larger tires and different suspension??..
Quick update on the jeep.. Just got the back light guards on. and the front grill is in the mail from wisconsin. Hopefully get it on sometime this week. Beautiful day in jersey today, just got the doors off today for the first time. Little scary on the parkway doing 65 at first, but you get use to it quickly.
You might be a candidate for a 2" Budget Boost, as they are called. That would consist of spacers and longer shocks. You keep your factory springs, but you install the spacers provided in the lift kit under the springs. You also change out the factory shocks for longer shocks, which are often included in the lift kit.
I know Rubicon Express has such a kit, and there are several others also.
As far as warranty issues, they cannot refuse to do warranty work, if the modification cannot be proven to have lead to the failure of the part in question. That is the law. It's called the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act.
Well, here's a post to thank our service men and women who are currently serving and to thank our veterans.
God Bless our Armed Forces! Thanks to all those who have sacrificed to keep us free, and a special honor to the memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice.
I would guess that everyone is out there enjoying a day of picnics and good friends. I noticed that many of my fellow citizens (probably residents of SoCal) were on the I-15 today, driving back from a weekend in Vegas. Actually, it wasn't all that bad early this morning - wouldn't want to be in that traffic about now, though.
I'll be taking the Wrangler into work tomorrow (love that) to drop it off to get the A/C fixed. And next weekend is free - sure wish I could make it to Turkey Bay - I'd love to go 'wheeling! I'll probably spend it walking behnd my trimmer-mower instead of driving in the mountains. Brush clearance deadline is next week. Think of me kindly when all of you are out enjoying your Wranglers!
I went over to "that other site" and saw the pictures... Awsome!!! I also have some video of Alan as he goes sideways and has to be righted..You runnin a hill and Mike and his Rubi finally makin it up that same hill(after you showed them the way of course).I'll have to burn a DVD for you.
So now I got to go shoppin for some Dana 44's,air lockers, rocker guards,and install my lift just to keep up with you!(I also purchased in Murray a 18mm combo ratcheting wrench that works great for disco's as well as a small can of WD 40)
Thanks for takin the time out to show me the ropes and a great time.It was good to meet you.
I've got to get some sleep. I'll try to PM you tomorrow to find a way to post the pictures Toni took.
I was hoping you would post, so I would know that you got back home OK. Glad you made it safely.
Hey, you are most welcome for the guiding I did at Turkey Bay. You did great for your first time out and being in a stock Jeep. I was proud of ya, Dude!
Tell the family howdy for me.
Hope you guys get back down here soon, and we'll do it again.
Lockers and lift needed or you will have to use your(or a friends) tow strap!
I'm still amazed that I made it through the day with no lift,lockers and 3.07 gears. Jeeps are truly incredible vehicles.
This now the new wallpaper on my computer.
Looking at Dana 44's and debating about buying one for the rear and regearing to 4.10 or just buying already built Rubicon 44s for the F/R and working up a way to supply 5lbs air to lock/unlock them.
Any thoughts?
I want to run Silo Hill some day soon and my stock jeep will absolutely not cut it there.
David, hold on, Brother! How much money are you planning on spending on that Jeep? Putting 44s front and back with lockers and all would be a very expensive proposition. I would guess $7,000 to $8,000.
You won't need a 44 up front, unless you are going to do some AWFULLY extreme off roading with some HUGE tires. The stuff that we did at Turkey Bay would not require a 44 up front, and most of it would be OK with a 35 in back. That climb up Silo Hill is where I would be real nervous with a 35 in back, but the other stuff during the day should not be a problem for a 35.
I would decide what size tires I thought I would want to run, then get only enough lift to clear those tires. You DEFINITELY need to regear, though. The 3.07s STINK on the trails. Your crawl speed is way too fast like that.
David, they make a thing called a Super 35 kit that beefs up a Dana 35 axle and puts a locker in there. That might be your best choice. I guess they are still not quite as good as a 44, but they are much better than a standard 35, and I'll be they would handle about anything we would be likely to do at Turkey Bay. They use beefier axle shafts, and I think they even put struts on the axle tube to keep it from bending.
Remember, a lot of axle breakage is due to driver error or to driver stupidity in a lot of cases.
I like your Jeep and would not suggest your trading it for any other reason, but you might want to look at the option of finding a Jeep that already has a 44 under it. Such a Jeep would most likely have 3.73 gears, which would be fine with 31 x 10.50 tires. I run that gear and tire size combo, and I wouldn't mind a little more power, but it isn't that bad like it is now.
Sure glad you enjoyed yourself, and your enthusiasm makes me smile from ear to ear. You are just like I was after my first wheelin' trip! I just couldn't wait to get back out there.
After reading your post and some others.... I'm thinking now of finding a 44 for the rear and keeping the 30 up front. There is a place that will sell me a new Jeep 44 with 3.73's(less brakes) for around $800.00.They also have a 44 with the traclok for $200.00 more.My only concern is with the 3.73 gearing. Driving on the highway up hill and against the wind was awful with the 3.07's(I had to drop to 4th as I just kept slowing down in 5th.)
If 3.73's will work well on the highway and trail with 31x10.5's then this will be an easy decison.I'll do a rear axle swap and regear the front.Hmmm.....Maybe add an ARB or two with the money I would have spent on a front 44.
I plan on making a decision in the next couple of days and doing the swap and adding my OME 2" lift as well as my gas tank skid. My brother is making me a front bumper. I am also planning on selling my roof rack as it is far to noisey on the highway and hit every tree branch on the trail(dumping daddy long legs spiders and assorted critters all over my family)
Had a ton of fun and want to come back with a Jeep that can keep up with Thelma.As for driver capability... I have a lot to learn.
Tough call on the gearing, but I think you are on the right track in thinking 44 for the back and keeping the 30 up front. I would pass on the "TracLoc" version, since you want a full locker. I guess you know that TracLoc is limited slip and not a full locker.
You say you would already be at 3.73 in the back when you get your 44, so you could save the cost of regearing the back by just going with 3.73s up front. However, if you are going to have a locker installed in the back, then you could save part of the labor cost of regearing by just having it done at that time.
Like I said, I have 31 x 10.50 tires and the 3.73 gears. I really wish I had 4.10 gears, but that's not enough difference to make the cost of regearing worth it in my opinion.
Now, if you think you will want 33 inch tires in the future, then I would go with 4.10 gearing. Some people say that 33s and 3.73s are OK, but, heck, if I ain't real happy with 31s and 3.73s, I know I would not want 33s with 3.73s.
Be careful about your locker selection too. There are cut-offs for gear ratios with some lockers. I think the break is at 3.92 for a Detroit Soft Locker like Thelma's rear locker. If I re-gear now, I would need to buy a new locker for about $500. ARB lockers have cut-off points too, but I don't remember now what that point is for the 30 and for the 44. I believe the Dana 30 break for an ARB is 3.73, so I could have gone ARB instead of the Lockright I just bought, but I didn't want to spend the nearly $1000 it would cost by the time it was installed and the air compressor was included.
Just take your time and be sure you have a clear picture of where you want to be when all is said and done. This stuff is expensive enough and much more so when you have to re-do things you have already spent money on.
It's generally accepted that 3.73s are fine with 33s if you have an auto. However, with a manual you should really be looking at 4.10s or 4.56s. Either way, don't forget to correct the speedo with a new gear in the t/c.
Comments
9:30am Saturday is ok. I hope the weather holds. We've had a lot of rain up here!
David
Sounds like you are getting closer to that wonderful moment when you take possession of a Jeep! (OK, a SHORT WHEEL BASE JEEP... I know you have a JGC)
So you don't know if you want a JEEP or a JEEEP, huh?
Man, Jeff, as much as I would like to tell ya to go Rubicon, with a family and all, you might be better off with the Unlimited. Those puppies will wheel real good too, I'm sure, if you get a little lift and some bigger tires.
I don't know the type of terrain you want to be able to negotiate when you go off roading, but for most people, the Rubicon is probably overkill. Oh, I would definitely be getting the Rubi, if I were in the market for a new Jeep right now, but I don't need the extra room that you most likely need.
Go new if at all possible! Take advantage of the rebate and the 7 yr /70K warranty.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
The Unlimited sure does have nice road mannors, but I was sort of disappointed - it is so easy to drive that it wasn't as much fun as my 5 speed Sport.
The radio made it sound like gas prices for the rest of the nation are starting to catch up to LA prices. Ours are now that high (they had been about 10 cents cheaper all winter), so I'm not as interested in taking road trips in my Noble Black Steed.
Paul - I really like those nerf bars! Sure wish I could do something like that with mine, but anything like that has to wait until gas prices drop (or the state suddenly gets more money available to give us a raise).
Bama - if it is any consolation, my Noble Black Steed hasn't had a bath in a couple of months. Maybe I'll treat him to one in a couple of weeks - I got the Taco hand waxed when we were going to sell it and it sure did make a difference. But first I've got to get some time to do it - my life seems to be one long commitment and every weekend is on the road.
Washed twice (with the top off!
Maguire's Paint cleaner (to remove oxidation and mineral deposits)
Magquire's Wax (can't remember which type)
Cleaned tires/wheels
Detailed interior
Now it is sitting outside ready for me to drive to work this week! Just gotta get one bolt drilled out so I can finish my relocation brackets and take the doors off! I got new bolts for the brackets and painted them with a flat black paint and they match perfectly! Lots better than having green bolts showing.
My next stop is new flares. Does anybody know of 4" flares besides Mopar? I do not want the pocketed (Rubicon / Tomb Raider) flares and I don't want wide flares since I'm not going bigger than 31 or 32".
The rest of the Tuffy security console goes in this weekend when I get the subwoofer. I am adding (probably ToysByTroy) bumpers soon and a few additional stereo mods (XM and new front speakers), then I'm done - much to my wife's relief!
I've been very happy with the TBT guards appearance-wise. They add a nice look to the TJ. Hopefully I never have to use them for rocks, but I know I'm protected if I do.
-Paul
-Paul
It's one of the better 'special editions', but it's not like people scour the countryside looking for them. It should be valued about the same as a comparable Sahara.
Geeze every time I wash and wax the Jeep it rains!
3 more days till Turkey Bay....
David
Isn't that like worrying that it's over performing in the sense of horsepower or gas mileage?
;--)
However, I'm not in that situation at all. I still love my '98 Sport with its 120,000 miles (or there about) on the odometer. I don't plan on getting rid of it any time soon - in fact, I'm hoping it will go another 100,000 miles. So I'm going hopefully going to use all of its durability.
I just don't like those pocket flares. It is so dry here most of the year that those pockets would be nothing more than dust catchers. I like the smoother lines.
But if I upgrade tire size and/or go with wheel spacers after I investigate them, I may opt for wider flares.
Getting my stereo done this weekend with new dash speakers, a second amp for the subwoofer and a Kicker 8" sub in the Tuffy console. Should be nice (and concealed).
-Paul
It's probably time to clean the terminals and connectors, and to remove the cell covers and top up with distilled water if necessary.
A couple of weeks after that, have the battery tested at your local auto parts store.
I wonder if DC will ever build a hybrid Wrangler? Using a similar system as that in the Prius could be beneficial in an off-road vehicle. There's an extreme amount of torque available at low speeds from electric motors that would boost occasional hill climbs. Regenerative braking would be great during downhill descents. Of course they'd have to make sure it was durable for off-road use. Just dreaming...
-Pete
-twylie
-Paul
I hate you are having to trade-in, but I understand. I have 2 kids myself, its a tight fir for all of us to fit in my JEEP, but somehow we manage.
Keep Jeepin
Bama
www.geocities.com/bamatazz2001
Steve, Host
I have an 01 Sport, and I have the kill switch for the passenger side air bag, so you could put the child seat up front in my Jeep. Don't know if the 2000's had the switch or not.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Getcha one! The Unlimiteds are cool!
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Terry
I don't have kids, but I've used the back seat myself often enough. Getting in and out is awkward - it's much easier in the Unlimited, by the way.
Your '00 model should have the switch though.
Now is that Carolina- (vinegar-based) or Western-style BBQ sauce on that pork? Both have their merits in my book. Dang, I could go for some right now.
Go figure... but my kids are 14 at the youngest.
-Paul
I hit a Caddy coming out of a BBQ joint in Memphis one time but the ribs survived. I wasn't driving my CJ-5 that day (lame attempt to relate this to Jeeps somehow <g>).
Maybe we better start asking Bama if he does FedEx :-)
Steve, Host
David (dchristo1) had a good time, and I think his family did too. His little girl got scared a couple times, but I think she liked it other than those times. I KNOW his little boy liked it! He was having a BLAST.
Here's a pic of David at the place I call "Sit Up and Beg."
So, who's next to come for some Turkey Bay wheelin'? I'll be glad to take any of you to some of my favorite spots.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Also if it will lose its warranty because of larger tires and different suspension??..
Quick update on the jeep.. Just got the back light guards on. and the front grill is in the mail from wisconsin. Hopefully get it on sometime this week.
Beautiful day in jersey today, just got the doors off today for the first time. Little scary on the parkway doing 65 at first, but you get use to it quickly.
I know Rubicon Express has such a kit, and there are several others also.
As far as warranty issues, they cannot refuse to do warranty work, if the modification cannot be proven to have lead to the failure of the part in question. That is the law. It's called the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
God Bless our Armed Forces! Thanks to all those who have sacrificed to keep us free, and a special honor to the memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice.
Tom
I'll be taking the Wrangler into work tomorrow (love that) to drop it off to get the A/C fixed. And next weekend is free - sure wish I could make it to Turkey Bay - I'd love to go 'wheeling! I'll probably spend it walking behnd my trimmer-mower instead of driving in the mountains. Brush clearance deadline is next week. Think of me kindly when all of you are out enjoying your Wranglers!
I went over to "that other site" and saw the pictures... Awsome!!! I also have some video of Alan as he goes sideways and has to be righted..You runnin a hill and Mike and his Rubi finally makin it up that same hill(after you showed them the way of course).I'll have to burn a DVD for you.
So now I got to go shoppin for some Dana 44's,air lockers, rocker guards,and install my lift just to keep up with you!(I also purchased in Murray a 18mm combo ratcheting wrench that works great for disco's as well as a small can of WD 40)
Thanks for takin the time out to show me the ropes and a great time.It was good to meet you.
I've got to get some sleep. I'll try to PM you tomorrow to find a way to post the pictures Toni took.
Many thanks again!!
David
Hey, you are most welcome for the guiding I did at Turkey Bay. You did great for your first time out and being in a stock Jeep. I was proud of ya, Dude!
Tell the family howdy for me.
Hope you guys get back down here soon, and we'll do it again.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
-Paul
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I'm still amazed that I made it through the day with no lift,lockers and 3.07 gears. Jeeps are truly incredible vehicles.
This now the new wallpaper on my computer.
Looking at Dana 44's and debating about buying one for the rear and regearing to 4.10 or just buying already built Rubicon 44s for the F/R and working up a way to supply 5lbs air to lock/unlock them.
Any thoughts?
I want to run Silo Hill some day soon and my stock jeep will absolutely not cut it there.
David
Getting the air to the lockers shouldn't be a big deal. ARB makes compressors for that, don't they Tom?
I thought I recognized that spot. Sure looks different there though with leaves on the trees.
-Paul
You won't need a 44 up front, unless you are going to do some AWFULLY extreme off roading with some HUGE tires. The stuff that we did at Turkey Bay would not require a 44 up front, and most of it would be OK with a 35 in back. That climb up Silo Hill is where I would be real nervous with a 35 in back, but the other stuff during the day should not be a problem for a 35.
I would decide what size tires I thought I would want to run, then get only enough lift to clear those tires. You DEFINITELY need to regear, though. The 3.07s STINK on the trails. Your crawl speed is way too fast like that.
David, they make a thing called a Super 35 kit that beefs up a Dana 35 axle and puts a locker in there. That might be your best choice. I guess they are still not quite as good as a 44, but they are much better than a standard 35, and I'll be they would handle about anything we would be likely to do at Turkey Bay. They use beefier axle shafts, and I think they even put struts on the axle tube to keep it from bending.
Remember, a lot of axle breakage is due to driver error or to driver stupidity in a lot of cases.
I like your Jeep and would not suggest your trading it for any other reason, but you might want to look at the option of finding a Jeep that already has a 44 under it. Such a Jeep would most likely have 3.73 gears, which would be fine with 31 x 10.50 tires. I run that gear and tire size combo, and I wouldn't mind a little more power, but it isn't that bad like it is now.
Sure glad you enjoyed yourself, and your enthusiasm makes me smile from ear to ear. You are just like I was after my first wheelin' trip! I just couldn't wait to get back out there.
You will definitely have to come back down here!
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
After reading your post and some others....
I'm thinking now of finding a 44 for the rear and keeping the 30 up front. There is a place that will sell me a new Jeep 44 with 3.73's(less brakes) for around $800.00.They also have a 44 with the traclok for $200.00 more.My only concern is with the 3.73 gearing. Driving on the highway up hill and against the wind was awful with the 3.07's(I had to drop to 4th as I just kept slowing down in 5th.)
If 3.73's will work well on the highway and trail with 31x10.5's then this will be an easy decison.I'll do a rear axle swap and regear the front.Hmmm.....Maybe add an ARB or two with the money I would have spent on a front 44.
I plan on making a decision in the next couple of days and doing the swap and adding my OME 2" lift as well as my gas tank skid. My brother is making me a front bumper. I am also planning on selling my roof rack as it is far to noisey on the highway and hit every tree branch on the trail(dumping daddy long legs spiders and assorted critters all over my family)
Had a ton of fun and want to come back with a Jeep that can keep up with Thelma.As for driver capability... I have a lot to learn.
David
Tough call on the gearing, but I think you are on the right track in thinking 44 for the back and keeping the 30 up front. I would pass on the "TracLoc" version, since you want a full locker. I guess you know that TracLoc is limited slip and not a full locker.
You say you would already be at 3.73 in the back when you get your 44, so you could save the cost of regearing the back by just going with 3.73s up front. However, if you are going to have a locker installed in the back, then you could save part of the labor cost of regearing by just having it done at that time.
Like I said, I have 31 x 10.50 tires and the 3.73 gears. I really wish I had 4.10 gears, but that's not enough difference to make the cost of regearing worth it in my opinion.
Now, if you think you will want 33 inch tires in the future, then I would go with 4.10 gearing. Some people say that 33s and 3.73s are OK, but, heck, if I ain't real happy with 31s and 3.73s, I know I would not want 33s with 3.73s.
Be careful about your locker selection too. There are cut-offs for gear ratios with some lockers. I think the break is at 3.92 for a Detroit Soft Locker like Thelma's rear locker. If I re-gear now, I would need to buy a new locker for about $500. ARB lockers have cut-off points too, but I don't remember now what that point is for the 30 and for the 44. I believe the Dana 30 break for an ARB is 3.73, so I could have gone ARB instead of the Lockright I just bought, but I didn't want to spend the nearly $1000 it would cost by the time it was installed and the air compressor was included.
Just take your time and be sure you have a clear picture of where you want to be when all is said and done. This stuff is expensive enough and much more so when you have to re-do things you have already spent money on.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I will celebrate that mile stone as a NON-SMOKER! It has been five months, and you guys have been a great source of support. Thanks to all of you.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?