Jeep Wrangler

mtngal · January 2005

You wouldn't need to dig out the Black Steed to go snowboarding - just beyond it is a steep drop off. Many of the kids in the neighborhood sled or snowboard down it.

It was above freezing (about 35) when we got home and our road had been plowed (well, one lane had). There was too much snow to drive over (our usual lazy way of getting in and out of our driveway) so we dug out a spot (taking turns using our 1 shovel). We had just about finished digging out enough so the Unlimited wouldn't block the road when the tractor plow came by and in about 5 minutes had most of that side of the driveway dug out.

Note to self - time to buy a snow-blower!

Does anyone put snow tires on their Wranglers? If so, what size tires to you use?

stever · January 2005

Yeah, but you'd need to dig it out so you could pick me up at the bottom and shuttle me back up the hill for my next run. I'm too old to walk back up to the top. Assuming I made it to the bottom in all that powder. :-)

I'll never forget the fall camping trip I did to Tellico one year - I drove around a corner on a one-track forest service road in my CJ-5 and some good ol' boys had the biggest, ugliest wild boar you ever saw hanging from a tree. Ross Allan would have gone nuts.

Steve, Host

dirkpitt73 · January 2005

Like many on this board, I have always admired Wranglers from afar and had them on my list of "someday, that would be fun" things to own. Well, I've recently convinced myself that now is the time and my wife is onboard (surprisingly actually!). I really want a Rubi and drove an '05 model a couple weeks ago, it was sweet. But, my budget needs to keep this thing around $23k max, so the Rubi is out.

So, I've come up with this is an alternative, I'd like to hear opinions from you Jeep experts on this setup. Is it a good value, am I making good choices, would I be better off buying some things aftermarket instead or going with a whole different model?

'05 Wrangler Sport

6-speed manual

hard top (not dual)

30" tire & wheel group

floor mats

locking fuel cap

Any suggestions on alternatives would be appreciated. I'd also considering used, maybe an '02 or '03 in good shape. This will be a daily driver. Thanks in advance for any advice!

erickpl · January 2005

Sounds like somebody is a Clive Cussler fan? If so, shouldn't you be getting a classic Willys?

Seriously, that would be a great ride! If you think you might want to offroad it, be sure to opt for the Dana 44 axle in the back. It is the same rear axle found in the Rubicon and is stronger than the standard Dana 35. If you don't think you'll offroad, then you'd be fine. The Wrangler X is a more basic model, but does have the 6 cyl. With the savings, you could add more mods, such as fog lamps, the dual tops, etc.

I'd also opt for the 7 speaker system or go aftermarket for a stereo. The upgraded stereo sounds better and is easier to hear at speed.

If it is a daily driver and you commute a ways, cruise control might be nice.

You really need to figure how you might want to use it (daily driver only or DD and wheeling). If you wheel, you might consider what type and how much wheeling you will do.

For example, if it was only a daily driver going 10 miles to work, that would be a lot different than a daily driver that is 60 miles to work and THAT is different from a daily driver that will be wheeled every weekend, like Tom does. If the Rubicon had been available when Tom bought Thelma Jane, I suspect he'd be driving a Rubi right now.

-Paul

dirkpitt73 · January 2005

Willys would be cool, but I prefer the styling of the Sport. I priced out an X vs. Sport for same (similiar - wheel groups not same) and the Sport is only around $600 more. Any idea why the hard top option on the X is $300 more than on the Sport? Thanks for the input ...

zapatista2000 · January 2005

Thanks, everyone, for the advice. I've got two months to figure out exactly what I want. The hard part will be holding out until I find the right one.....after waiting this long there's no sense in settling.

Be well.

jefferson1964 · January 2005

That is a bunch of snow. Ive only been in snow like that when i lived in Denver in the Mid 80's....nice looking jeep really like the green...

erickpl · January 2005

Probably because they want to push sales of the Sport.

The X is meant to be basically an SE with a 6cyl (my opinion) and as such, those kinds of options are priced higher with that model to just push you up to a higher model. Like an X from an SE (for the 6), Sport from X (for dual tops and D44), etc.

I personally prefer the Sport/Sahara/Rubi's too, but ended up with an SE (long story). It has met most of my needs just fine (with upgrades of course) except for highway driving. That 6 makes a big difference!

-Paul

jeff62301 · January 2005

if mntgal would put a winch on gigi or NBS ,, she could pull you and everyone else back up the hill at the same time..

jeff62301 · January 2005

we are predicted to get some winter weather here in the next day or so too...

I'd gladly trade our 1/2 inch to 1 inch of ice for all that snow!!

jeff

mtngal · January 2005

I might have gone with an X model as a daily driver this time if I hadn't really wanted the Unlimited - especially if you don't go with many options. Add on a few things and definitely go with the Sport. I love having the fog lights - something I never felt a need for until I had them.

Are you going to want to take off the hard top? If so, do you have a place to put it? I don't have a garage so my Sport's hardtop has never been off. There have been times when I would have loved to have been topless, so the Unlimited is a soft top.

The Rubicon is really nice, and if you are planning on adding lockers at some point, get the Rubi - it is cheaper than trying to add all the extras to a Sport. However, the Sport is very trail-worthy without any mods at all. Both my Wranglers are stock and while I do choose my trials accordingly, I really wonder how much I would use the extras (I don't do the extreme stuff that Tom does).

I'd buy new instead of used, if you can - Wranglers maintain their value very well, so you don't save all that much when you buy late-model new (unless you get the right deal).

I do find that the Unlimited is much more stable and comfortable to drive long distances on the freeway, so you might want to check them out also if you are going to have use it for a daily driver.

pdix · January 2005

Thanks for the suggestion. I will check that out.

jefferson1964 · January 2005

I guess it takes a while to get an auto shipped. Maybe the shipper has to get other auto's scheduled to the same general area to make a profit. I was contacted today by the shipper and my jeep will not be here until Jan 18 at the earliest......2 weeks.....makes me want to buy a ticket fly up and drive it back....if i had known it was going to take 2 weeks i would have made the trip........

tsjay · January 2005

I would never have been able to wait for delivery under the original expectations, but I KNOW I would be trying to cancel and head up there now, if it were me.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

jefferson1964 · January 2005

Tom,

Im calling today to see if its possible to cancel the transport. The only problem is they rolled the cost of the transport into the loan as it made things easier to handle. If the dealer can cancel the transport and give me a check for the amount Ive rolled into the loan i will head up there thursday. I found some cheap tickets on AA for $163 and its 960 miles back or 16 hours. Even if i have to wait until next friday tickets are still only $185 while transport cost $865. Im thinking it will cost me about $400 to do it myself with ticket, gas, hotel. So its all about being able to cancel and get a check from the dealer. I'll have to check the weather also as i don't want to get snowed in etc...

It may be a long drive, however, it makes for a nice adventure....

tsjay · January 2005

Jeff:

I just heard something that could either make it more important to go get your Jeep yourself, or it could mean letting the delivery go on, with a possible delay.

They are saying that next week (exact time not given) THREE major weather systems will converge and make a "once in a generation" winter storm. Sounds like a LOT of the US will be effected by that puppy.

So, unless they can get that Jeep on the road ahead of that thing, you might want to go get it NOW.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

tsjay · January 2005

dirkpitt73:

You don't say whether or not your Jeep will be used for " wheelin' ." You like the Rubicon, and who could blame you for that? To get into your price range, though, you can go with a Sport, as you have already indicated that you might. The things you would give up in going from the Rubi to a Sport are not things that you would miss, if the Jeep will see only "moderate" off roading.

A super good value is available for the Sport in the "AAS" package (if that is still available in the 05's) that gets you 30" tires, gas shocks, the super nice looking "Ravine" wheels, and a Dana 44 (heavier duty) rear differential. BY ALL MEANS GET THIS PACKAGE! It is an UNBELIEVABLE bargain!!

You may never need the heavy duty Dana 44 rear axle, but it is included in that package, which is worth every penny even without the Dana 44 being included. Looking at it this way, you get the Dana 44 for "free." The Dana 44 allows you to go to bigger tires and have a locker without being constantly afraid of breaking.

If you go the route I have suggested above, you will have a great platform to build on, if you want to add things later for off road capability.

If you never go off road, then you have not paid for a bunch of features that you would never use, as you would have by getting the Rubi.

Good luck, and keep us posted on how it goes.

Also, on the 05 models, the early production units had the grey flares and tops ONLY. Beginning in December, black flares and tops were available again (not sure if they went to black exclusively, or if both colors became available). So, if you don't like the looks of the grey flares and tops, you can get black now.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

erickpl · January 2005

Bet that affects Turkey Bay eh?

When is that storm supposed to hit these parts Tom? I haven't heard anything about it.

-Paul

tsjay · January 2005

My regular radio station, WBKR, was giving that info on their weather forecast. No details, just that three systems looked like they would converge and wreak havoc. Guess enormous amounts of rain would be the result in a lot of places, and then, where the colder air is present, lots of snow and ice.

When I look at our ten day forecast for this area on weather.com., it shows temps in the 60's and even one day at 72° next week, so I guess we get the rain. I'm betting Turkey Bay is gonna be closed for the whole month of January.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

jefferson1964 · January 2005

After reviewing the weather and my time schedule i will have to wait for 2 weeks for delivery. I would rather play it safe than get out there with 980 miles to drive in bad weather......This could also delay the delivery of my jeep....oh well ive waited this long, its give me time to clean out the garage for toad.....

div2 · January 2005

I'll have to tell Ms. div about "The Perfect Storm". It might convince her to buy that 2004 Solar Yellow X that is for sale just up the road...;)

guy21 · January 2005

The price figures out as follows based on differences in standard equipment between the two models. On the Sport full hard doors ($125 on X) and sunscreen windows ($240 on X) are standard. Thus, $125 + 240 + 795 = $1,160.

It is interesting to note that the sunscreen soft top window option was only $125 on the 2004 X and now appears to have been dropped as a 2005 X option.

koolbreeze2 · January 2005

Great picture and super Jeep. Is that the Noble Black Steed covered in snow in the background? I notice that you have a pair of dice hanging from your window. I have my change tray full of dice that I have picked up here and there through the years. One other question. Did you go through Death Valley when you were in Sin City. Its one of my favorite place in the country.Go Easy, John

mtngal · January 2005

Yes, that's my Noble Black Steed covered with snow. It isn't going anywhere for a while - I'm not interested in digging any more!

What's hanging from the mirror is our parking permit (we have to pay for parking at work) - not half as interesting as dice. It doesn't fit all that well on the mirror stem, so it is usually at an angle (not a problem - they inventory the lots by bar code readers).

We haven't been to Death Valley in a while. I was thinking about camping there this fall, but they had a terrible flood in August and some of the dirt roads I want to explore are still closed. Hopefully either in the spring or next fall we'll go. It is certainly a wonderful spot for off-roading!

div2 · January 2005

Here's some more information on the storm convergence that Tom mentioned:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002141092_stor- m05.html

tsjay · January 2005

What will the old Tomster do on weekends now? All the precipitation we have had has made the soil too soggy, and they have closed my wheelin' area, Turkey Bay. We have BIG TIME rain on the way, so any hopes of them reopening TB any ways soon haved been dashed.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

mtngal · January 2005

Good heavens, my little area of the world was mentioned in a Seattle newspaper article! I live above the I-5 where we really did have 3 feet of snow, and more than that on the ground.

Second thought - and we're going to be driving to Wyoming on Friday!??! Guess I'll find out just how much a soft top Unlimited can handle...

koolbreeze2 · January 2005

I feel much better knowing that dice are not hanging from your mirror. Bad eyes!!! No offense to anyone with dice hanging from their Jeep mirror. They just look better in the change tray. I was in Death Valley two years ago. I think it was March. Always a nice area to off-road or the just drive. Especially topless on a clear night. Creepy and clear. Go Easy, John

erickpl · January 2005

with all this rain, maybe the Gauntlet will wash out again and be back for ya!

-Paul

canman1971 · January 2005

Hello all, my Jeep is just about to hit 36000 and I'm considering getting a extended warranty. There are so many out there so is there any one that is better and if anyone has had success with a particular one. Thanks

Anyone use the one on Edmunds Warranty Direct?

erickpl · January 2005

If you have any mechanical abilities, you may find it better just to do most of the work yourself. Wranglers are SO easy to work on. I am not the most mechanical, but I was able to work on my interior and exterior, and even put in a whole new radiator, change plugs, belts, etc. I even redid the gasket liner for the head cover to fix an oil leak.

Can I fix it all? nope. But I can do the majority of it myself, leaving more knowledgeable wheelers to help me with stuff like suspension or finding a good local garage. If you have modded your Jeep, an extended warranty company may not cover much, if any.

If it provides you with comfort and reassurance, then it may be worth it to you. I personally enjoy messing with it. I may, in fact, be doing some body work on it this weekend.

-Paul

dirkpitt73 · January 2005

Thanks all for the advice! It will be used mainly as a daily driver with some light to moderate off roading. I think I've settled on the specs I mentioned in silver or khaki. I've got a dealer trying to find one for me. There seems to be a dearth of vehicles with just the hard top option. Hard tops are rare enough (at least around where I am) and the ones that have them almost always have the dual top group, which I don't want.

Tom, interesting info re: switching back to black fender flares. I'm not a fan of the gray, this is the first I've heard of that. Thanks again, will keep y'all posted ...

99tj · January 2005

If you decide that you want a soft top later, there are plenty on EBAY. I bought a used soft top on EBAY for a pretty good price that was in good shape. Personally, I love having both tops.

I live in a cold weather area, so the hardtop's been great. I like having rear defrost, wiper and real windows.

You absolutely can't beat the soft top during the summer. Topless and doorless is a GREAT way to drive. I don't have a garage, so I became very good / quick at putting the top and down. If it were an Olympic event, I'd go for the Gold

-Dan

tsjay · January 2005

Dirkpitt73:

You are most welcome.

Please keep us posted as to how your Jeep shopping is going. We all get excited around here when someone buys a new Jeep, and I am the world's worst about that.

I'm with ya on the grey flares and tops. That's why I wanted to be sure that you know that you DO have a choice now.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

jeff62301 · January 2005

Tom,

I still think you should quit your day job and sell jeeps!!

you are more convincing than any salesperson I've ever met.

jeff

I nearly crashed my jeep this morning and I wasn't even having fun playing. pulled into the parking lot at the office like i always do, the streets were just sloppy, but the parking lot was a sheet of ice, I didn't realize it until I was sliding right at a pickup mounted snowplow. she stopped just in time

tsjay · January 2005

Close call! Glad Nicole is OK!

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

P.S.

Man, as long as I had weekends off for wheelin', I would LOVE to sell Jeeps for a living!!!

stever · January 2005

Weekends is when you'd do your test drives. :-)

I'm thinking Jeep tour guide for your next job myself.

Steve, Host

mtngal · January 2005

Definitely Tom should be a Jeep tour guide - his advice about 'wheeling is beyond price.

Everyone be good while I'm trying out my soft top in some really cold, snowy weather. I'll report how it does when I get back. I might be tempted to take my Noble Black Steed because I like the BFG AT tires better, but I'm NOT going to dig it out! I'll try to sneak on once or twice if I get a chance.

jeff62301 · January 2005

Mtngal,

just turn that heater on, melt off the snow and drive NBS out of there!!

I bought a soft top from a dealership in AZ on EBAY. They said they are taking them off new Unlimiteds. Does anyone have any idea why they would be swapping out softtops in AZ? I cant' think of a better place to have a convertible top.

and not just one, but they sold one before me, mine, one after me, and another up for sale. $960 shipped, compared to $1375 + sales tax (new) from my dealer.

jeff

guy21 · January 2005

Is the dealer swapping out new gray tops for black ones? I called the Jeep 800# the other day and was told that production has switched to black tops and flares. Also, the soft top sunscreen window option is still available on the X, just not currently on the website.

jeff62301 · January 2005

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item- =7944499117&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT

it says black,,and it better be black.

oldgoat2 · January 2005

Just bought a 2005 Wrangler X for my teenage daughter. Did not have side steps. Per earlier posts, I understand the cautions on the steps if off-roading - - but she will not be doing that. Thoughts on some easily mounted alternatives that are both functional and look good (all black soft top with std steel wheels/tires). ....well maybe some day we will off-road, but not anytime soon...

keats · January 2005

I finally did a permanent install of my Roady 2 in my Rubi. With the help of a buddy I mounted it behind the shifter to the coin tray. Drilled a clean hole in the coin tray to run the wires up through, and now you can barely tell there are wires. It looks great and I can finally easily see the display. I also installed a permanent power supply and used the PIE adaptor to connect between the XM and my factory CD changer control. The difference in sound running this way vs. FM Modulator is enormous.

erickpl · January 2005

glad you got it installed. I finally got mine in too, but went w/o using a Roady or external tuner. My tuner for my Alpine is built in, but I still had to add the XM receiver and AiNet adapter. I have the adapter above the glovebox, velcro'd to the underside of the airbag box. My receiver is mounted in the footwell of the passenger side, up and out of the way of dirt, water, and feet!

My antenna is under my soundbar padding and works great through the soundbar material AND the softtop.

As for oldgoat's issue, the factory side steps are okay, but if you are going to add steps, go ahead and get some that will protect the side. I think Olympic makes a reverse-a-bar that will give you nerf bar looks. If you mount them one way, it is a lower step. If you reverse them, the lower step is actually higher.

Here is a link:

http://www.quadratec.com/cgi-bin/sgin0101.exe?T1=13116+80+07&- UREQA=1&UREQB=2&UREQC=3&UREQD=4&FNM=10&UID=20- 05010710564530

Hope that works. These would give nicer looks than the factory steps and offer a measure of protection, especially in parking lots.

-Paul

keats · January 2005

eric,

Yeah, I think I could have gotten a head unit for the amount I spent on the Roady and two adapters, but I like the factory head unit look and it is much less apt to be stolen. I too utilized the area behind the glove box and mounted both adaptors with extra strong double-sided tape. Another great thing about that area is the access to all the wiring harnesses.

tsjay · January 2005

oldgoat2:

Welcome! Hey, you must be a great Pop! That was an awful nice gift for your daughter.

Sorry, but no help for ya on side steps. I've never wanted them. I'm sure someone will step up with some info for you.

Hope you and your daughter will stick around here with us.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

P.S.

I see now that Paul (erickpl) gave you some info in his post.

erickpl · January 2005

Tom uses rock rails / sliders so doesn't need the steps. I wanted rockers for mine, but wanted a step bar of some type for my 5'1" wife. They even give additional protection from offroad obstacles like trees and rocks. As an added bonus, they work great to keep wild car doors from slamming into the side.

-Paul

jeepmcd · January 2005

I am a new owner of an Unlimited with the 6 speed manual. I love the jeep but the gas mileage is atrocious. Also the 4.0 seems to be very rough after it warms up. Is this normal? Will the mileage get better after it is broken in?

jeepmcd · January 2005

Oops.....

I get about 13.5 overall. The best I have gotten is 15.6.

erickpl · January 2005

but don't expect to get Honda mileage.

Most get between 16-20 average combined. If you keep it under 70, it will be better. The 4.0 generally is smooth, but noisy. I have a 2.5 so can't really comment on that aspect too much. Riding in Tom's Thelma Jane, it is pretty smooth.

Can you explain the roughness some?

BTW, congrats on the new Jeep.

-Paul

Jeep Wrangler

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