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Comments
So... I returned it and got the CDA-9827, XM ready unit and purchased the external receiver I need to make it work. They are much smaller than the one I currently have in my sedan. That's good, cuz it will go under my car seat or somewhere in my dash (if I can find a spot w/o being a contortionist).
The radio install was a simple swapout and I was even able to reuse the existing wiring harness from my old Alpine (which is going to go in my daughter's Honda). As for the antenna, I want to put it on the rollbar where my speakers are located, but I'm concerned about the curvature of the bar.
Twylie, you out there??? How did you mount your XM antenna on the bar and have it secure? I have the Terk mini antenna, which is about 3 50 cent pieces thick and about as big around.
I hope to have the XM portion installed before I go to Turkey Bay on the 31st.
mtngal, did your setup have the subwoofer? How did they get it to work? Do you have fader/balance/AND subwoofer control?
-Paul
-twylie
I have a soundbar from www.edgeauto.com and I really like it and it has a cloth top so I will try it there. So I guess you have two layers of material to go through - the sound bar cloth AND the soft top!
Guess I'll throw some polyfil in there while I'm at it!
-Paul
-twylie
Thanks for the info.
BTW, you know of a place called Skyline over near Scottsboro by the AL/GA border?
-Paul
I must say i did not like the grey soft tops at first but they have kinda grown on me and really look good on the dark colors IMO...
I simply cannot believe that no dealers within a reasonable driving distance will treat you right. Aren't you in or near a big city, like Dallas/FW? There must be scores of DC dealers!
Have you tried Jeepwarehouse.com? They will deliver to a dealer near you.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
As to the taxes I was told i would have to pay the difference in tax between texas and indiana which texas is .005 higher.
However, i do have a question about the different axle ratios between the unlimited and rubi. unlimited. I see the rubi has a ratio of 4.11 and unlimited has 3.73. I do alot of highway miles (400M a week avg) and really dont know what the ratios would mean to me in performance, gas mileage, engine wear, etc. Im not an offroader, just really like the wrangler. Also, i noticed the rubi unlimited with auto is almost 300 pounds heavier than the regular unlimited with auto.
Would I be better suited to get the regular unlimited due to the axle ratio and lighter weight compared to the rubi unlimited and save the 5K. Just wanted a little advice from those that use em as a daily driver or in the know more than myself. Thanks, Jeff
A Rubi unlimited will weigh more than a regular unlimited.
A regular Rubi will weigh more than a regular Sport with D44.
Not to make you mad, but if you don't offroad, why did you want the offroad features of the Rubi? If you plan to at some time down the road, err trail, I can understand completely. But if this rig is only going to see cement and asphalt, the extra charges may not make much sense.
I'd check OKC dealers if I were you. There is one in Norman I believe right on I-35 (in the "Mile of Cars" area and I'm sure there are some more further north.
-Paul
I have an SE (97) and sure wish I could upgrade it to full lockers, bigger engine, better axles and all that, but given the engine, tranny, and axles, it just isn't cost effective to do so. I'll use this one as my learning Jeep and upgrade once I can do it all w/o the goodies. Wheeling w/o lockers I think makes you a better, safer, and smarter offroader in the long run. The equipment just makes it easier once you know all that.
If it is just the color choice, why don't you just find a dealer you like, then order what you want direct from the factory? That is what Tom did. The worst part is the wait. I would think they'd still honor the discounts.
-Paul
Thelma Jane has 31 x 10.50 tires, and she still has her orginal 3.73 gearing. It's not terrible, but I wouldn't mind having some more acceleration.
There is not one thing wrong, in my opinion, with buying a Rubi, even if you are going to keep it on the street. If that's what you want and what you like, then go for it.
However, if you want to save some money, then just get a regular Unlimited and put a lift and larger tires on it.
Since you will not be off roading, you will not need the 4:1 low range in the transfer case, nor will you need the D44 up front, nor will you need the front and rear lockers.
Other than available colors on one model vs. the other and the nice looking block letters that say "RUBICON" on the side of the hood, a lifted regular Unlimited with bigger tires will look the same as a Rubicon Unlimited.
It's entirely up to you, Jeff.
One thing about it, if you DO decide to go off roading sometime, you will sure be ready for it with the Rubi Unlimited!
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Jeff, I didn't want to give you the impression that you shouldn't get the Rubi. If I did, I apologize. I completely agree with Tom, that if you want the Rubicon look, even a budget lift (spacers) and bigger tires will give you the look you desire and save the money.
I forgot about the 4:1 t-case. But if you do want to go offroad, the Rubi Unlimited is an awesome mix of interior space, wheelbase, capabilities right from the factory.
Bottom line, either one you will love.
-Paul
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
If you think you want a Rubi, then don't settle for less. The last thing you'd want is to spend major dollars and the drool every time you see a Rubi drive by.
However, I would not trust an out-of-state dealer. If it sounds too good to be true--it is. Eric is right. Drive up to Norman, OK or even a little further to Edmond. You'll find a dealer there that will treat you right and probably have a good inventory.
if the rubi unlimited would have been available as a 2004 I would have bought it instead. lots of extra features,, nice to have,,
If today you never think your jeep will be offroad, I'll bet within a month or so after buying it, you will be saying ,, I'll bet I could drive over "that"
then the next week, I'll bet you say I could drive through that creek (pronounced crik)
then you will be signing up to come to Western IL for the www.trjc.com 4x4 Blast!!
jeff
I know this has probably been hashed out a dozen times here on this board but if you don't mind......
I have been looking into both the rubicon and sport and would like to hear everyone's opinion. I don't do much offroading but I drive approx. 15,000 miles per year. I am leaning towards the rubicon only because of Dana 44 in the front (hey, it's for the potholes here in NY), the limited slip in the rear (which is stronger than the one you can get in the sport) and basically the look. Who knows, if I had a rubicon maybe I venture offroad more often.
Thanks in advanced
You're correct about the rear LSD and I can't disagree about the Rubicon 'look'. However, don't ever be led to believe that any of the other Wrangler models are anything other than extremely capable offroad vehicles. The features on the Rubicon will benefit you mainly on a specific type of offroading i.e. rockcrawling.
Finally, buying a Rubicon because it looks good is just as valid a reason as any. (Oh, and the 'Search' feature in the blue boxes at the top and bottom of the page works very well!)
BTW, even with 15,000 miles/year, neither one is exactly stellar with gas mileage.
-Paul
Anyway, I go along with what has been said above. You DO NOT have to justify getting a Rubi, if a Rubi is what you want. If you like the Rubi and can afford it, then go for it.
Mac is right that the search feature works well, but I'm not sure what you would type in there to search on for your question without getting way too many "hits." Type either "Sport" or "Rubicon," and I'm sure you would find about a gazillion posts.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
SO... I got the Alpine CDA9827 unit and the XM Direct adapter that you can see on xmradio.com's website. Installation was VERY simple once I found locations for the 2 pieces. The Alpine adapter is under my airbag setup and above my glovebox. That was fun. Then I mounted the receiver on the passenger side up out of the way. The antenna is run along the passenger side and up through the padding of the roll cage and the antenna itself is finally mounted UNDER my soundbar cloth and under the soft top.
I have 2 layers of fabric to go through and I was STILL able to receive the Preview channel (1) through that AND my house. I think that will work just fine and you cannot even see the XM components unless you REALLY search for them.
Activation today and I'll be a happy camper!
-Paul
got out bid on it,, then got a second chance offer through ebay to buy it. bought it. apparently they had more than one to sell.
So I'll be driving around topless when spring gets here!!
jeff
$950 (including shipping) from ebay,, sounded better than $1375+tax from the dealership.
I have a 2000 WJ (GC Limited). This was the second year for the WJ, so there were still some kinks to work out. The ONLY issues I've had are:
1. brake rotor warp - there is a known fix, I just haven't dont it yet
2. Slow pinion seal leak early on. After 3 visits to the dealer, it is fine and hasn't dripped since.
3. rattling noise in passenger front door below the window sill. Suspect it is related to when inside panel was removed for window tint.
Other than that, it has been an EXCELLENT vehicle and we have over 105,000 miles on it already. You could probably get a newer version (01-04)with less miles and in just as good a shape (and without the rotor issue). I know there is one on a particular Jeep website for sale, if you let me know, I'll get the info.
The ride is excellent the Quadradrive is nice and seamless, and the 4Lo works just like you'd expect it to work.
-Paul
My impression is that it's like the little girl in the nursery rhyme:
"When she was good, she was very very good;
but when she was bad she was horrid!"
I told my wife if i get the wrangler i will sell the GC myself and use money for bills etc... She gave me a strange look and said she would not let me sell the GC and asked me to store it in the garage until she is out of her lease on her Envoy..........I cannot believe she said this but if she insists 8~) LOL.......in the garage it will go.....
Heck the dealers do not stick by the blue/black book on trade-in and i was told by the dealer that all those pricing sites are completely wrong. They wanted to give me 3K for my GC while in average condition trade-in was 5.5K and retail 7-9K.....My father-in law sells new GMC's and is head of used lot. He said he makes not less than 1K on every used car sold and thats the minimum and on new he may make $100 if its discounted and 1K if hes is lucky.....so he focuses on the used line......dont blame him......
everyone has names for their jeeps,, Toad would be one no one else is using..
jeff
A gal on here named her Rubi something about a frog or toad, but can't remember for sure.
Good luck with all of it!
-Paul
To recap, when trying to remove the flush torx bolts at the base of the windshield pillars I stripped three of them. One, I was able to drill out and remove. I broke off E-Z Outs in the other two which put a quick end to any further drilling. The solution finally came by way of a local auto body shop that was able to get them out for me with some left handed drill bits and an air chisel. I'm considering the $60.00 I gave them cheap tuition. Here's what I learned.
First, don't strip them in the first place. If you feel them starting to give then stop and get a better tool. I stripped mine with a torx socket purchased from Quadratech. Most of the advice I've gotten leads me to believe that rather than a socket set, I should have used an impact wrench.
Second, if you do strip it drilling it out can be easy if you take it slow and use good equipment. Use brand new bits, start small and work your way bigger. I drilled a small hole all the way through the bolt. Then I used a larger bit to drill the head off. When all I had was the bolt stud with a hole all the way through it I heated a metal rod and inserted it in the hole to release the Loctite. Then I used an E-Z Out to very carefully work the bolt free. If I had done this procedure with a left handed drill bit I may have never needed the E-Z out at all.
Third, E-Z Outs are made of really hard stuff. At all costs, avoid breaking them off in the bolt.
Thanks to everyone on this board who offered advice along the way. I'll try and post some pictures once I get everything installed. It's supposed to be 60 degrees this weekend so all the vehicles are getting a bath.
Yours in Jeep Coolness,
Dave
Just wanted to wish everyone a (belated) Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year!
-Dan
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item- - - =4514148865&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT
Here you go:
Sorry if any of these questions are redundant, but I’m just starting out with this. After lusting after a Wrangler for 12 years, I’ve decided my 30th is the year to do something about it. I’m looking to spend $10,000-$15,000 on a 99-02 Sport or Sahara. I live in DC and I don’t want something too nice that I’ll be distraught when it gets dinged up or broken into, but obviously I still want to be infatuated with my first Wrangler. It’ll mostly be driven on short commutes to work, running around the DC/NOVA area, and 3 hour drives to the beach on weekends, so serious offroading will be minimal-to-none. I’m imagining a silver or black or red Sport with a black hardtop and black wheels with tires that are bigger than stock but not lift-worthy. Here are my general questions.
Are there any huge differences between the 99 to 02 model years that would influence a generalist like myself?
Do people prefer hard or soft tops? I realize this is a subjective question but feel free to offer opinions. How common (and expensive) is it to have both?
Has anyone had experience buying one in the Washington DC area? I like the “no hassle/no haggle” idea of Carmax? Any thoughts on that?
Thanks for entertaining these inane questions.
The condition of the vehicle is far more important than the age. Much better to have an earlier one (at the right price) that has low mileage and has been well maintained, than a later model that had an owner that drove it like he stole it!
Hard vs. soft top is like milk vs. dark chocolate......there's no right answer, only opinions. With a secondhand vehicle there's little price difference between single and dual tops. However, they're harder to find and you'll need somewhere to store the hardtop when you're not using it. You mention six hour drives at the weekend, so I'd give consideration to cruise control.
I've never dealt with Carmax so I can only assume that 'no haggle' means 'we won't negotiate to reduce the price'.
I saw the post about your deal being finalized on that Rubi Unlimited.
I am SO HAPPY FOR YA!!!!! Yeeeeeehawwwwwww!!!!!!!
Man, how are you gonna be able to sleep between now and delivery????
I saw the pic that mac posted for ya, and I really, really like the looks!!!
Tom
Paul - sorry I was out of touch getting GiGi (my Green Giant - an Electric Green Unlimited, not a Rubi) covered with red Utah mud (we don't see much mud where we live). I've got to find a hand car wash soon - there is no way I'll be able to wash her at home. I'm still in LV (leaving today) and wondering if I'm going to get home easily - they were talking about snow in feet on the NWS web site. I'm not sure I could have been much help, though. I do have the subwoofer package, but I had the shop where I bought the Alpine head do the install. I know they did mess around with the wiring harness a bit, but don't ask me how they got it to work.
Hard top vs. soft top - Definitely a personal choice. I love having the sunroof option on the Unlimited, though I've only used it a couple of times (got it too late in the fall for good topless weather). The hard top is marginally quieter. Doesn't matter as far as keeping the vehicle warm or cool. Soft top could need to be replaced sooner than the hard top, and definitely needs more care (reason for making sure you find a hand done car wash, versus using any car wash - what I have always done with the '98 Sport hard top we have).
If you are looking at an older used Wrangler, check out the exhaust manifold. I think they were redesigned in 2001 (or 2000?). Before that they cracked/failed most of the time, and they are expensive to replace - it cost me something like $800 to have it done to the Sport.
Just a comment (my opinion) about color - the Sport is black and I have no intention of ever owning another black vehicle. It looks great, but it is hotter than other vehicles. And if you ever go to Camp Jeep with a black Wrangler, don't forget where you parked. We did that this past summer - the VAST majority of Wranglers there were black and we walked up and down 5 aisles before we found ours! At least I won't have a problem with GiGi - I don't think I've ever seen another bright green one.
I am glad to hear that you are going to fulfil a long standing dream! You will LOVE that Jeep.
A couple things that come to mind that changed during the period from 99 to 02 are the distributorless ignition (at least I don't THINK they had that in 99) and the NV3550 manual tranny replaced the AX-15 late in the 2000 model year. You might want an auto tranny, since you will be in city traffic a lot.
As far as hard top vs. soft top, there are several things to consider. As Mac mentioned, you need a good place to store the hard top when it is off of the Jeep. That's one major consideration.
Also, will you have someone to help you take the hard top off and put it back on. Those puppies are HEAVY and awkward to handle. It's a job that you would NOT want to do every day or two. When you take the top off, you are going to want to leave it off for a long time, and vice versa.
The hard top works out fine for me, because I have a garage to keep the Jeep parked in on days when rain is in the forecast, and I have an alternate means of transportation to get to work. As a matter of fact, the Jeep is NOT my daily driver, although she sure sees a LOT of that duty in the summer when I have the top off.
I don't have the soft top, just the hard top. There have been times when I wished that I did have the soft top, but, overall, I am satisfied having the hard top only.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I had a great time, and the weather was terrific. It was in the 60's the whole time we were there. The scenery was beautiful, even though this is not a pretty time of year.
This pic shows a representative obstacle that one encounters on the trails. The trails are cut into the sides of mountains, so that adds a little "thrill" to the wheelin' (it's a LONG way down most places). Behind me as I took this pic was the edge of the trail. Trust me, you would not want to go over the edge.
We had a super good time, and no one got any trail damage. (Well, guess I had better inspect Thelma Jane's underside to be sure, because there were plenty of scary scraping and banging noises at times.)
Here's a scenery shot. This was taken right beside the Ocoee River. The road follows the river for a long ways. This is just a little feeder creek that dumps into the Ocoee just a few yards from this spot.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Can you find my Noble Black Steed (a black Wrangler) in this photo?
Steve, Host
I think that snow is photoshopped! j/k
I heard Tehachapi got quite a bit too... figures, once I leave, the snow falls... *sigh*
-Paul