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Comments
Check out post #13,607.
As far as your pinging, that would not throw a code there. That EMIC diagnostic thing is purely a check of your instruments (EMIC stands for Electro-Mechanical Instrument Cluster).
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Greta: As Tom said, the EMIC is just a gauge check. In regard to oil capacity, a 4.0 with a standard filter takes six quarts, period. Doesn't matter what the dipstick reads, or if you're parked on a slope etc., etc. The oil pan depth and volume is always the same.
I can tell that you have great curiosity about many of the systems on your Jeep, so I'd really recommend that you get the official Factory Service Manual (FSM). It's about $100, but well worth the cost.
I do think that women tend to be oblivious to the gas gauge if they are married. It's probably because most hubbys consider it their "thing" and don't let the gals do it (just kidding - had to try to crack a joke, even if it is a bad one. I'm too tired to think of a better one).
Before I moved to the mountains, I used to always drive down to the light, but then would fill up right away. My other half would go a whole lot longer than that.
I now try to never park at the house with less than a quarter tank on the gauge - somehow the idea of getting evacuated because of a fire or any other emergency (earthquake comes to mind, or a major power outage in winter) and being almost out of gas isn't a pleasant one.
I do think my gas gauge isn't very accurate - one time I decided I didn't want to pay the extra cost they charge in Castaic, so I didn't stop. The light came on about a mile north of the last exit, and the next gas station was 35 miles and quite a few feet in elevation higher. I only put in less than 16 gallons - a very big surprise. I keep track of my mileage also, but not as much perhaps as others - I'm often driving in wind and have to keep that in mind (kills gas mileage).
I finally sold my 99 Tacoma Prerunner to a private party after being offered $6000 by the dealer as a trade in. I sold it for a few thousand more than that. Dealers are such rip-off artists.
I can finally start looking at Rubicons now. I spoke to the dealer and he said that the 2005 Rubicon will have a 6 spd. manual, standard full doors and upgraded stereo system. The soft tops will no longer be offered in black. I want the silver and the top will be a medium gray. I'm not very sure how good that will look.
Is there a big difference between a 5 spd. and a 6 spd manual? The dealer (of course) was saying that there really isn't that big a difference. What's your opinion?
Thanks,
Kai-Ling
Having just spent a week in Vegas switching back and forth between a black Wrangler, a white Taco and a dark green Buick (not to mention 2 different sizes of U-Hauls and a white Colorado from Budget) I would far rather have anything other than a black top. I have bought my last black auto! My Noble Black Steed looks great, but it is MUCH hotter than any of the other vehicles. We saw a white Wrangler with a white top on our drive home today and I envied that person - it looked really sharp.
Just my 2 cents.
Supposedly, the new tranny has been used in Mercedes Benz vehicles and is reputed to be reliable.
I would like the lower first gear for off roading, but I don't have a Rubicon, so I don't have the 4:1 low range, just the standard 2.72:1 of the Sport. If I already had a low range of 4:1, then I wouldn't get too excited about the new tranny for off road use.
For on the highway, it can't hurt to have an extra gear. That new selection might give you a little better power when you would be "between" gears on the five speed.
No more black soft tops??? That is VERY hard to believe! I would ONLY want black with most body colors. That's a shame, if that dealer is giving you the right info on that.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Harriet, if you decide you want a change of color take a look at the concept of painting the hard top to match. You may even want to dress her with pin stripping. I really like the silver or yellow.
Glen
I'm impressed! On paper it doesnt really look like there's a ton more room than the regular wrangler, but in person, it sure looks/feels like it!
Mtngal and others- You weren't kidding when you said lifting a carseat into the back seat would be a chore! I'm 6', pretty long arms, and I can see where as an every day family hauler, it could do a number on your back.
Luckily, my wife was all for it, and I'm pretty sure when the altima dies that the unlimited will be my next car!
A few interesting things the dealer said: 6 spd will be available in the unlimited next year, though auto will be standard.
There will be some new top color choices.(different shades of grey and brown i think...)
The yellow that's available this year will be replaced with an orange. It's named something like "solar orange" or "blazing orange". I cant remember the name exactly, but it sounded very loud and garish. The dealer showed me a sample though, and it was actually kind of attractive-- more of an earth-tone orange.
Oh, and the factory incentive in the college grad program is 1% below dealer invoice and may be combined with other incentives... Pretty nice. Also, it sounded like simply being enrolled in any post-bachelors degree classes progressing towards an advanced degree was enough to qualify you for it. You don't have to wait to take advantage of the program until obtaining that elusive masters/phd/etc.
So now, 2 questions.
1. What's the nickname/designation of the unlimited? "TJL"?
2. The one I looked at had the factory step bars. It seemed like it would be useful, particularly if you dont want to get car schmutz on your work clothes or if you're putting something/someone in the back seat. Do those bars hamper your 4-wheeling ability/ ground clearance much?
Hope all are doing well, and welcome back Mac.
-Dave
The Unlimited will be available as a Base, Premium, and Rubicon. Premium differences will be mainly cosmetic. First build for the Rubicon version is scheduled for 11/18/04.
Solar Yellow will be replaced by Impact Orange (10/04/04). Shale Green will be replaced by Deep Beryl Green Pearl Coat(10/18/04).
For the Unlimited, Medium Gray replaces Black for the Top and Flares (Premium will have body color flares). Other models will have a choice of Medium Gray or Dark Khaki. The regular Unlimited will have Neutral Density Metallic Flares.
Six speed transmission becomes available (which Tom described above).
Sahara model ceases.
Engines continue as 4.0 I6 and 2.4 I4.
Have not seen the factory side steps for the Unlimited, but, if they are like most factory side steps, they could be a problem in off road situations. When side steps hang on something, you don't just mangle the step, you also end up bending the rocker panels too.
There are some very good after market rocker panel skids that also serve as steps.
I think that six speed will be nice. Should give you some get up and go at speeds where you now would kind of bog down a little.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Does that mean that you have me over a beryl?
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Terry
tidester, host
-Paul
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Thanks
Ad fees are line items on the invoice cost, and the dealer DOES have to pay them, just like any other item on the invoice.
There is a national ad fee that is the same anywhere in the country, and there is a regional ad fee that varies by region. This is to allow for the higher cost of air time on radio and TV in metropolitan areas and the lower cost of the same in rural areas.
These fees are no more negotiable than are any other items on the invoice.
Edmunds does not list ad fees as part of the invoice cost, but they warn you that they are not including them. It used to work that way, anyway.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
The easiest way is to negotiate an OTD (Out The Door) price. This price will be the total you pay except for Tax, Tag, and Title. Doing it that way, it doesn't matter what the dealer chooses to show as individual lines on the final invoice. As long as you're happy with the final price, then everybody will be happy!
Just do your research first and don't expect the dealer to sell at an overall loss (he won't).
Please let us know how it goes by describing your buying experience over in the Jeep Wrangler: Prices Paid & Buying Experience discussion.
Steve, Host
Of course, although it shouldn't be necessary, it's only sensible to establish the meaning of OTD before negotiations begin. Don't try to include TT&T in the deal though. Not only does it complicate the math, but these are fees that you have a responsibility to pay to your state, not the dealer.
http://www.speakeasy.org/~packnet/jeep/wrangler_2005.pdf
The only thing that makes me slightly doubt the veracity is the lack of a gear ratio for the 6th gear. But corporate documents are full of mistakes all the time, so it could be the real thing.
I'm wondering about the switch to medium grey tops from black. I saw an all black wrangler unlimited with a black top last weekend and it looked really slick. IMHO, the medium grey wouldnt look nearly as good,--like the plastic on an avalanche- and may be a reason to push for an 04 rather than an 05. But if the black tops/ flares fade a lot, that may just be a moot point.
So do the black flares/ tops fade much?
Also, when it describes a "bright" grill on the premium unlimited, does that mean that chrome look you see on some libertys(liberties?)?
-dave
Excellent point Mac, I'm going to start adding that to my spiel :-)
Steve, Host
The flares do fade, but I would still think a Jeep would look much better with black flares than with some other color. There are ways to bring back the black after the flares have faded.
I hope they don't screw up the looks of the Wrangler! I would hate to think a black top and black flares were not available!!!!
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
On a Jeep note, I'm putting my shopping list together for a SYE/CV shaft/rear adj uppers and looking at various belly ups since I'm doing everythign else required to run one...
Planning to do some camping this weekend or next with the Jeep and I'd really like that extra room in the Unlimited!
-twylie
I just bought that set of 31 x 10.50 BFG Muds to replace the set I had on her. I slashed a sidewall on a sharp root, and the spare had a deep gouge in it, so I had one unusable tire and one I couldn't trust. Couldn't find two used ones, so I had to bite the bullet and get a whole set. Kept the three used ones that weren't ruined.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Don't want to mention the name of my new vehicle since I did not get a Jeep and this is a Jeep site.
I did buy a diesel 4WD though and it is incredible what it can do compared to the TJ.
Still a happy camper.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
- 33 Engineering
- nth Degree Mobility
I currently have a Skid Row Engine skid to take into consideration. I also have a BL and MM lift kit at the house, but was waiting until I wore my current set of tires out before needing to install them.
Here is my thought process so far:
33 Eng
Pros:
- my current engine skid can be modified to fit
- cost is $150 less
- 2 piece design allows for easier fluid changes
- completely flush bottom
Cons:
- requires me to go ahead and to a BL or use 1" spacers to drop the skid (kinda goes against why I'm thinking about the skid)
- almost assured to require some exhaust hanger re-work
nth Degree
Pros:
- designed to work with no BL/MML
- only drops where needed as opposed to all the way between the frame rails
- better mount for transmission
Cons:
- Cost $150 more
- no easy provision to use my existing engine skid
- not completely smooth so may be easier to hang up on it
- messier to change fluids
Based on this, I'm leaning toward the 33 Eng one, but am still open to opinions and experiences of others. Even if I used spacers on the skid, I'd pick up a minimum of 2" over what I have now, and I could easily remove the spacers when I do my BL down the road.
-twylie
-twylie
That's cheating. It's more fun to reel them in like a big fish. :-)
Still a happy camper.
-Paul
I love trucks, but they’re not as fun as a Wrangler.
Glen
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep and your Kubota today?
With your input and me being lazy about shifting 6 times instead of 5 and also wanting that black top (it'll LOOK cooler than gray), I decided to start looking hard for a 2004 Rubicon.
This evening, I was trying to find a Silver Rubicon online via google when I decided to click on www.invoicedealers.com and filled out the form. I got called within an hour. The lady spoke to me and found out what I wanted. She called me back within an hour with a 2004 Silver Rubicon with ALL the options I wanted. I put a $500 down payment on it and I am now waiting until Tuesday when they can hopefully trade vehicles with the other dealership!!!
Wish me luck that everything works out!
Also, how good are Mopar hitches and their light bars? Would you get a Reese hitch Class I, II, or III? Would you get Mopar's front or rear tow hooks also?
I just want to add everything onto the vehicle I might need. Any other suggestions?
Thanks,
Kai-Ling
Got a 29HP Kubota with front end loader, box blade, and shredder. It will definetly do things that my Wrangle won't. And it is 4WD and a diesel. Sorry, no Hummer for me, am happy with what I have.
Plan on keeping the Sport for a bunch more years. I have almost 16,000 miles on it and just recently went to synthetic oil.
My next mod will be some lights in case I need it to be a critter getter (coyotes) and I need to light up the place. Still no lift, just armor everywhere, tires and wheels.
Had planned on getting a diesel Liberty to go with the Wrangler. The weight of the tractor has now got me looking at Dodge 2500 trucks with the Cummins diesel.
Still a happy camper.
You are gonna LOVE that Jeep!
Tow hooks would be a good add if the Jeep doesn't have them, but don't Rubicons have tow hooks standard?? I can't believe that they wouldn't, since they are so trail-ready otherwise.
You'll have to talk to someone else about trailer hitches. I think you might not be able to use your factory rear tow hook with the hitch, but you can buy a D-ring mounted on a bar that fits the receiver of the hitch.
Hope all this works out! How does that invoicedealer.com thing work? They just a locator service or something? You still have to deal with a local dealer??
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Gonna take some moonlighting jobs with it, or will it just be strictly for use on your own property?
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I really, really want to take the doors off my Wrangler, but am not sure whether it is legal to drive without the side mirrors. Has anyone gotten in trouble for driving without the side mirrors?
Thanks.
Ray
tidester, host
Ray - It depends on the state. California requires a drivers side mirror and I wouldn't want to drive here without one. There are kits you can use to mount mirrors to the body. I've never used one, so I can't help you. The only vehicle I've driven without doors had an OD green web strap that went across the door opening. I never figured out if it was just a reminder so that you wouldn't hang out the opening or if they thought it would actually protect someone from falling out.
Here in KY, no problem driving without side mirrors. Your profile says that you are in VA, and I don't know about over there. Check it out to see what the laws are there.
Doorless is COOL! You will love it!
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
OTOH, my parents are in Pennsylvania and pop told me the cops are busting people for driving without doors, let alone without mirrors, because of some law saying you can't remove standard factory equipment from a car.
Thelma Jane is an 01 Sport, by the way, like the Jeep you had.
Do you go off road at all with your Jeep? I had Thelma Jane for 14 months before I could muster the courage to take her off the pavement. Gee, I was afraid she might get DIRTY! Well, that one off road experience got me hooked for life. I can't get enough of it now.
Your email is private, but if you would like to email me (mine is public in my profile) and identify yourself in the subject line, then I can email you a link to see some of my off roading pictures.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
The ride is much quieter than I had expected due to the tread spacing on the Rubi tires. Clutch is much smoother than I had expected too. 7 speaker stereo upgrade is fantastic and well worth the $$$. Anyone know if it's possible to install XM satellite radio with a soft top only? Other than that, the only thing left to do is install a tow hitch for my boat.
I thank everyone for posting their messages and advice on this board. It really helped someone like me who didn't know a whole lot about jeeps.
And yes I have hugged my jeep today