I know this sounds elementary, but are you sure the tires on the front and rear are the same size. They would not have to be much different to cause a problem. Also, could someone have changed the gearing in front or back. Could have happened with a repair on an old Jeep. I don't know how you would check this.
...has anyone seen this on the Mopar and Jeep website??
Sorry I couldn't cut/paste the link.. too long. If you goto mopar.com (or build a Jeep on jeep.com), click on Jeep Accesories for 2005 Wranglers, and click on 05 Interior Package. It shows a picture of what I'm taking about.
It appears this "converts" your Wrangler into a psuedo-Pickup Truck with a covered bed. Does anyone have this?? I've *never* seen it on any Jeeps in the Chicagoland area.
It's called a tonneau cover or duster. Take out the rear seat and get one from Quadratec (Bestop). I have one for trail riding in the summer.
I got the mirror relocators from Quadratec or JCWhitney, can't remember which. I also used Tough Stuff rocker guard between the relocators and the paint to keep it from rubbing and scratching.
Okay, I'll skip the midweek idling, and use it for a 1 mile - each way dash to the supermarket instead. Also since this makes the jeep a recreational vehicle, I plan to put Bridgestone Mud Terrain 30 x 9.50 x 15 on its 15 x 7 styled steel wheels since its not a commuter vehicle. I read on tire rack that this tire outperforms the original Good Year GSA, are these new high tech tires really quiter than the GSA which is a moderate noise all terrain.
I found the Unlimited was off with the standard 30" tires, and the Sport off with 30" BFG AT tires - both show more miles/faster than what it should. I checked the Unlimited by mile markers on a freeway in Nevada, and then checked both with a GPS. I don't mind the speedometer showing faster than what I'm doing - saves speeding tickets. Of course, since the gas mileage goes down steeply the faster you go, I'm not likely to go faster than the speed limit anyway!
Even a mile each way to the store won't get the oil up to temp. Either take the scenic route or let it sit till the weekend.
Bridgstone Dueler M/T or B.F.Goodrich (BFG) Mud Terrain? Either one is better in mud, snow, and sand than the GSA, both will be a little louder than the GSA though not greatly so. Personally I'd go for the BFG. Do you actually need a mud tire? If not, consider the BFG All Terrain (AT).
With the miles I put on a vehicle, the warranty would run out less than a month before it should - not all that big of a deal. I checked my notes because I couldn't remember last night - my odo is off 2% - which would be 750 miles for the bumper-to-bumper part of the warranty, and only 1,400 miles for 70,000 miles - less than a month for me.
I never figured out the on-off switch on the mirror, though I did read what the owners manual said (push both end buttons). The mirror is now working perfectly for the last couple of months, so it hasn't been very high on my list of priorities (is this like the tranny problem I had briefly with the Taco? Then I had problems that lasted for a week when it was about 2 years old and then disappeared forever).
There is one little annoying thing about the lights on the mirror I've noticed. Our mailbox is about a mile from the house, so we stop and pick it up on our way home. It's usually dark, so whoever is the passenger usually turns on the light and checks to see what is there. When we reach the house, the driver turns off the ignition and the interior lights go on. If you push the button to turn off the light when all the interior lights are on, the light won't turn off. The interior lights have to be off for the switch to work (so I close the door and then wait that couple of seconds for the lights to go out so I can push the button and turn off the light that was on).
Well despite the lack of responses in the "Prices Paid & Buying Experience" forum, I went ahead and ordered a Sport - yay! (I had a 2002, but rolled it through a ditch about a month ago.) This time I ordered from the factory, so I got all the options I want, and none of the ones I don't.
The dealer (playing it safe) said it could take 6 weeks for delivery . Can anyone give me a more accurate guess as to how long it should take to build, and deliver a JEEP to the Midwest?
Erick, great shots! Do you have the soundbar in your JEEP? I followed the link that gman put up, but it says the tonneau covers won't work with the soundbar , are there any available that do?
I have a soundbar. The tonneau cover covers the lower portion the tub. The bikini or safari cover goes on top. I have a safari top. Most cover setups (bikini, safari, windjammer) work in conjunction with the soundbar - they either cover them or they don't. The soundbar is designed to get wet, so either way, it shouldn't be a problem.
Welcome to Edmunds Jeep Wrangler. Sorry about your failure to get responses in the other forum, but you won't have that problem here. We LOVE to talk Jeep, and we are always glad to have new members.
Congratulations on that factory order! That's the way I got my Thelma Jane (2001 Sport). Ordering one sure gets you just what you want, and there is something pretty cool about knowing that your Jeep is YOURS from day 1! The waiting is the hard part, though.
Hey, did you know that the window sticker will have your name on it? It will say "This vehicle was built especially for ________." The dealership's name goes in the blank for Jeeps that are not ordered by an individual, but YOUR name will be there, since you placed the order. Just a kind of cool thing about ordering one.
Sales were slow at the time of my order, November of 2000. I live in Ky, and Toledo is only about an 8 hour drive from me. This meant that they didn't have to rely on rail shipment, and I got my Jeep in three weeks and two days from the day the order was placed!
What is even more amazing, the Jeep plant went down the week my baby was scheduled to be made. Sales were so slow, they needed to take a week down. This means, if they had not taken the down week, I could have had Thelma Jane in two weeks and two days!!!
I own a '91 wrangler. It was just given to me by a friend who owned it for 11 years and just got a new one. My problem is I can't get it to go more then 50 MPH in 2WD. I gave it a full tune-up and oil change and had the leak fixed. I don't think it is stuck in 4WD. Any ideas what I should look for or do next? Thanks for the ideas.
This might be a dumb idea, but I know someone who put bigger tires on and didn't re-gear at first. Her top speed was barely 50 mph until she changed the gears. So you might look at the size tires you are running and what type of gears you have.
I will recognize the symptoms of a clogged catalytic converter as long as I live. It happened to my S-10, and it will sure take the power from an engine! If I could drive your Jeep, I'll bet I could tell ya whether you have a clogged cat or not.
When my S-10 had the clogged cat, I could give it gas, and it would SLOW DOWN instead of speeding up!
You don't want to drive a vehicle too long with a clogged up cat. For one thing, it is eventually gonna croak on ya, and you don't want that to happen out on the road somewhere. Also, you can do some engine damage from excessive heat when the exhaust cannot escape like it should. Spark plugs and plug wires are the least of the things that could be harmed. Warped valves and/or cylinder head are possibilities also.
I would have the cat checked out right away, if I were you.
Mac, can you take your Jeep to the hospital and ask them to do a "cat scan?"
Tom, Thanks for the welcome Yeah, the salesguy did mention that it would come with my name on the window sticker I might have to get that framed - heh
Wow, 3 weeks - that's not so bad. I hope I'm as lucky. I had to buy an el_cheapo to get around in while I'm waiting, '89 Celica GT convertable that I picked up for about 1k - not a bad car, but nowhere close to being a Jeep.
(and no, I haven't hugged my Jeep lately, and if it ever needed a hug, it's now, I'm sure it's quite lonely in that salvage yard - waaaaah! I miss my Jeep!)
Erick, Thanks for the reply. I've been looking at the half-tops, and it's confusing. One place says it won't work with the soundbar, but there's no mention of this at bestop, in fact some of the instructions have an alternative installation process when the soundbar is installed. But bestop's site is confusing too:
"Halftop™ This Jeep soft top combines the best features of the Bikini®, Windjammer™ and Duster™ Deck Cover. There is a Jeep soft top for Wrangler 92-95, Jeep soft top for Wrangler 97-02, and Jeep soft top for Wrangler '03-'05."
That last sentence throws me off. What's different about 03-05 compared to 97-02? Are they referring to Unlimiteds?
Also, they sell different sets for soft-top vs hard-top. I still have the door rails from my '02 (came as a dual-top, but I ordered my '05 with just the hard-top since I'd rather have the halftop instead of a full soft-top), is this all I'll need for the Bikini? Or will I need to get some windsheild channels?
For a bikini top (goes just over the front seat area) or a safari top (goes over passenger and cargo area), you will need some type of windshield header with a channel in it.
Not sure about new Jeeps, but for 01's, like Thelma Jane, I had my choice of the drill type header or the no drill type header. I got the no drill type.
The drill type can be left on all the time, and your regular top will still work.
That half top is basically made up of three pieces: 1. Bikini top for cab. 2. Windjammer back window setup for behind the front seat. 3. Tonneau/duster
You can buy em separately. I've never really wanted the windjammer, but have the top and duster.
The difference in tops between 02 and 03 is probably due to the soundbar vs. sound POD design incorporated.
The bikini only covers the front. The safari covers front and rear. Tonneau covers the half tub.
For Bestop bikinis or safaris, you would need some kind of windshield channel. The no drill version is attached via the top latches over the windshield. The drill version requires drilling and is always attached, even with a hard or soft top installed. Either one is pretty inexpensive. I opted for the no-drill version myself.
I have just purchased my third jeep (2 cj's) and now have a 99 wrangler sport. How great it is to have a jeep again. I was wondering if anyone knows which wires are pos and neg on the front dash speakers. -Steve
OK, I'm close to making a deal on the Unlimited. I just wanted to ask, since this vehicle comes with an auto tranny if there's any reason I shouldn't get an auto (i.e. maintenance issues particularly), and lastly if the Unlimited is likely to hold its value over about a 4 year span (vs. the Sport), with respect to having an automatic (or any other issues you might think of)?
Thanks folks - this is a big help!
Glenn PS - just an aside - if that "cat scan" comes out positive, make sure you aren't drinking a gin and tonic when you find out - I wouldn't want you to end up "cat(a)tonic" (jeez, sorry - that just sort of slipped out )
Ooooh - aren't we getting clever here now! Wish I could come up with something as cute as that!
I'm happy with the auto and it doesn't seem to be having any problems on my extreme commute (I went through 2 auto trannys in a '89 Nissan pickup when I moved to the mountains). It doesn't seem to hunt much at all. And while some people prefer a manual, many others don't know how to drive one. I don't think the auto affects the resale at all (but then, I'm not in the car business).
As far as the Unlimited holding its value - it's anyone's guess at this point. It seems to be reasonably popular at the moment but who knows if that will continue. I personally think it is a great vehicle and that Jeep did an excellent job of blending practicality without changing the character of the Wrangler. In 4 years they might be considered so outdated that no one will look at them (of course, I don't believe that at all - most vehicles measure their longevity in years, the Wrangler measures its longevity in decades).
Speaking of Safari tops has anyone looked into the “Outland” acoustical Safari top? I have been looking at it because it claims to be quieter then a standard safari top and in So Cal the freeways can be real loud (with all them cars and MOTORCYCLES WITH NO MUFFLERS).
I am interested in their quality and if they truly reduce the sound. Are they worth the extra cost?
Are you buying a left over 04 Unlimited? If so, I think they are ALL automatics. Think you have to get an 05 to get an Unlimited with a manual tranny, and it will be the six speed.
I don't think an auto would be a problem, if you want to buy an 04, or if you just want an automatic tranny.
mtngal: "Ooooh - aren't we getting clever here now! Wish I could come up with something as cute as that!"
Be thankful you didn't - people have put prices on my head for this sort of bad humour LOL. Thanks very much for your insight - that helps. mtngal/Tom: I've been driving a stick for a whole bunch of years now, but this vehicle I can get the deal on is an left-over 04 as Tom suggested. I don't mind moving to an automatic now, to be honest. Especially if I'm doing backroad-crawling looking for stuff to photograph. It actually makes it easier.
In my 2001, I found the following which is close to the '98:
Item Color Left Front (+) Green Left Front (-) Brown w/ Red stripe Right Front (+) Purple Right Front (-) Blue Left Rear (+) Brown w/ Yellow stripe Left Rear (-) Brown w/ Blue stripe Right Rear (+) Blue w/ White stripe Right Rear (-) Blue w/ Orange stripe
No problem, I got an indirect route to the store that would add a couple miles more outbound. The GSA has a really bad hydroplane problem, almost made me side swipe the freeway K-rails here in southern california during the storms. Tire-rack reviews really show the Bridgestones with Unit-T technology is state of the art. Mud tires are clearly superior to all terrains in snow and mud, not a bad tire for a 200 mile a month mostly off road jeep.
I hear you about the SoCal hydroplaning problem with the Goodyears - I'm sure I drive the cars behind me nuts when I would slow down on the I-405 for bigger puddles. They've been OK on the snow - did fine on our trip to Jackson Wyoming in January, and haven't had a problem on our occasionally slushy roads here in Frazier Park.
While there are some moments I wish I had a manual in the Unlimited, most of the time I don't miss it at all. My back is much happier now - though it doesn't complain when I drive the Sport once a week. My poor Noble Black Steed doesn't get driven very often now - I'll drive it somewhere on the weekends, and it fires up right away and keeps on rolling along. The turn signal flasher now needs to be replaced. How difficult is it to change out?
Thanks for giving me answers for my questions, on speakers. I've been a forever jeep fan, and its great to find people who love jeeps as much as I do. I live in Nebraska and plan on doing alot of mods to my wrangler, but I drive it 30 miles to work everyday and want to make it still handle decent, so any advice would be great. My first jeep was a 78 CJ5 with a 304V8, I put a 4 inch lift and 33's, what a ride but only got 6 miles per gallon (that hurt). My second jeep was 1988 jeep wrangler sierra, I also added a 4 inch lift with 32's, I really wish I would of kept this one, so after 3 years I talked my wife into a 99 wrangler sport and I'll never be without one again. Keep it on all 4's later
I have told the dealer and head office on the other side of aus,that i think a new car is the way to go.No answer from head office yet,only faxed the letter a day ago.As for the dealer they say its not up to them,and seem to think a free t-shirt will make it better.
Long time lurker, now back in the Jeep game. I had a 1989 wrangler years ago, just bought a 97 i negotiated a new top - CANT TELL YA HOW EXCITED I AM. Question - The sound bar pad is alll moldy and worn - I cannot find anywhere that sells jst the pad anyone got any suggestions. Thanks. Spartan
Now why would you want to keep it on all fours? That takes the fun out.
If you want a good lift with lots of flex AND a great ride onroad, Old Man Emu (OME) has a 2.5" and a 4" lift available. This 'kit' has shocks and springs and all accessories to do it right, including relocation brackets and a body/mml lift. www.dpgoffroad.com offers it and their customer service is top notch.
Twlie has this setup and he could address how it handles and rides. I haven't added it yet, but that is the one and only lift I'm going with.
chatted with the quadratec guy - he said they dont carry the cover separatly. I am going to stop by the dealer -ugh- i cant find it on any of teh jeep sites. Thanks.
Another question- I know its been beat to death - but how do I check/diagnose if the exhuast manifold has been replaced or if its cracked? if it hasnt been replaced what do I need to diagnose of it starts to crack? and finally, does the crackin happen to both the 4 and 6 cyl models - i have a 4 - thanks aso much
I have been extremely satisfied with the OME lift on my Jeep. It rides better than stock and flexes great for a small short arm lift. It has been on for a little over one year in my case. I noticed that once my springs were fully "broken in" they flexed beyond what they did on intial install. Even with 31's, I can graze the lower edge of the flare on the front. If I'm careful, it's not a problem, but I plan to add either some small spacers or possibly a 1.25" BL in the future to open up some more room. As far as height, I gained between 2.5 and 2 7/8 " depending which corner you measure. It's a great lift and I would recommend it to anyone that values a nice on-road ride, but wants some additional height and flex.
Tom: the RPM tops out at about 1500. She is a 6 cylinder. I have been in her when she has gotten to 80. started getting a bit unsafe at that point. The tires are 34s and a 3" lift done. This weekend I'm going to look into a friend's idea that the new exhaust is the wrong size. I am also sending her in for a fuel injector cleaning. If you got time, let me know what you think.
... I apologize if some of these questions are common knowledge; I'm going to test drive one this Monday or Wed., but I figure the more I can find out beforehand, the better. This forum has been very helpful so far. Otherwise I can always ask the salesman.
- The jeep.com website is very decieving. It shows all Unlimited Wranglers with a BLACK hard top and/or soft top. I thought in 2004 they switched all tops to light gray?? Or am I wrong?? - The jeep.com website charges $1435 for the "Dual Top Group", which gives you a hard top and soft top. Some suggested just getting the hard top at the dealer and the soft top through Mopar. Well, the Mopar site charges $1100 for a soft top, and $1700 for the hard top! Plus the hard top is only offered in a Khaki color?!?! For a total of $2800. Am I missing something here???
- Not a question, but a gripe. I can't believe they only offer the "H" Pkg. in 4 colors! I would really like the Impact Orange, but the "H" Pkg cannot come with it. What a pain.
Anyways, that's all for now. Thanks again for all the help so far. I'll be checking back here often, and report on how I felt about the test drive. I probably will be purchasing one within the next month or so!
Does the new exhaust include a new catalytic converter? How new is this "new exhaust?" Didn't you say you bought the Jeep from a buddy? How was it running for him after the exhaust job?
The 04's had the black flares. It was the 05's that started off with gray tops and flares and no option for black. There must have been a tremendous outcry about that, because sometime in December, they went back to black (THANK GOD!).
Don't know about your tops, but it used to be smart to get the hardtop and wait and see if you really needed the soft top too. It was cheaper to get the hardtop with the Jeep and then get the soft top later.
Tops take a LOT of thought to be sure you are getting the right thing, unless you aren't worried about the cost and just get the dual top option. For folks like me, with a garage to keep the top and the Jeep in, and a different vehicle to drive when it is raining, hard top only might be the best way to go. You can just take the top and doors off and leave them off all summer.
I've debated adding bumpstop to the front to fix my problem. I remember a "hockey puck" bumpstop that some people have liquid nailed to the lower perch that seems to work well and is cheap. My real debate on doing spacers or a BL is that I have 2 itmes that I may do down the road. 1st is a belley-up and I've yet to decide on which one makes the most sense for me. Some require a BL, some don't. 2nd is that I also have a set of used Rubi rims (acquired in a barter) that I have considered mounting some 255/85 tires on for offroad use. I should probably just go ahead and do the bumpstops with the thought I can always remove them later :-).
Comments
Where did you order your relocation brackets for your side mirrors from?
This is a definate thing for me to do!
I know this sounds elementary, but are you sure the tires on the front and rear are the same size. They would not have to be much different to cause a problem. Also, could someone have changed the gearing in front or back. Could have happened with a repair on an old Jeep. I don't know how you would check this.
Terry
Glen
Sorry I couldn't cut/paste the link.. too long. If you goto mopar.com (or build a Jeep on jeep.com), click on Jeep Accesories for 2005 Wranglers, and click on 05 Interior Package. It shows a picture of what I'm taking about.
It appears this "converts" your Wrangler into a psuedo-Pickup Truck with a covered bed. Does anyone have this?? I've *never* seen it on any Jeeps in the Chicagoland area.
I got the mirror relocators from Quadratec or JCWhitney, can't remember which. I also used Tough Stuff rocker guard between the relocators and the paint to keep it from rubbing and scratching.
-Paul
http://www.tops4less.com/jeephalftops.html
Bridgstone Dueler M/T or B.F.Goodrich (BFG) Mud Terrain? Either one is better in mud, snow, and sand than the GSA, both will be a little louder than the GSA though not greatly so. Personally I'd go for the BFG. Do you actually need a mud tire? If not, consider the BFG All Terrain (AT).
But your warranty mileage runs out sooner!
:--)
By the way, did you ever find the on/off switch for your mirror?
I never figured out the on-off switch on the mirror, though I did read what the owners manual said (push both end buttons). The mirror is now working perfectly for the last couple of months, so it hasn't been very high on my list of priorities (is this like the tranny problem I had briefly with the Taco? Then I had problems that lasted for a week when it was about 2 years old and then disappeared forever).
There is one little annoying thing about the lights on the mirror I've noticed. Our mailbox is about a mile from the house, so we stop and pick it up on our way home. It's usually dark, so whoever is the passenger usually turns on the light and checks to see what is there. When we reach the house, the driver turns off the ignition and the interior lights go on. If you push the button to turn off the light when all the interior lights are on, the light won't turn off. The interior lights have to be off for the switch to work (so I close the door and then wait that couple of seconds for the lights to go out so I can push the button and turn off the light that was on).
The dealer (playing it safe) said it could take 6 weeks for delivery
Erick, great shots! Do you have the soundbar in your JEEP? I followed the link that gman put up, but it says the tonneau covers won't work with the soundbar
-Paul
Congratulations on that factory order! That's the way I got my Thelma Jane (2001 Sport). Ordering one sure gets you just what you want, and there is something pretty cool about knowing that your Jeep is YOURS from day 1! The waiting is the hard part, though.
Hey, did you know that the window sticker will have your name on it? It will say "This vehicle was built especially for ________." The dealership's name goes in the blank for Jeeps that are not ordered by an individual, but YOUR name will be there, since you placed the order. Just a kind of cool thing about ordering one.
Sales were slow at the time of my order, November of 2000. I live in Ky, and Toledo is only about an 8 hour drive from me. This meant that they didn't have to rely on rail shipment, and I got my Jeep in three weeks and two days from the day the order was placed!
What is even more amazing, the Jeep plant went down the week my baby was scheduled to be made. Sales were so slow, they needed to take a week down. This means, if they had not taken the down week, I could have had Thelma Jane in two weeks and two days!!!
Hope you have similar good luck.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Thanks for the ideas.
How many RPM is the engine turning when you are going 50 MPH?
Speedometers can get WAY off when modifications are made to the Jeep, like mounting bigger tires and re-gearing the differentials.
Is this a four banger? If so, top speed might only be about 70 or 80 MPH, and that would only be on level roads.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I will recognize the symptoms of a clogged catalytic converter as long as I live. It happened to my S-10, and it will sure take the power from an engine! If I could drive your Jeep, I'll bet I could tell ya whether you have a clogged cat or not.
When my S-10 had the clogged cat, I could give it gas, and it would SLOW DOWN instead of speeding up!
You don't want to drive a vehicle too long with a clogged up cat. For one thing, it is eventually gonna croak on ya, and you don't want that to happen out on the road somewhere. Also, you can do some engine damage from excessive heat when the exhaust cannot escape like it should. Spark plugs and plug wires are the least of the things that could be harmed. Warped valves and/or cylinder head are possibilities also.
I would have the cat checked out right away, if I were you.
Mac, can you take your Jeep to the hospital and ask them to do a "cat scan?"
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Thanks for the welcome
Wow, 3 weeks - that's not so bad. I hope I'm as lucky. I had to buy an el_cheapo to get around in while I'm waiting, '89 Celica GT convertable that I picked up for about 1k - not a bad car, but nowhere close to being a Jeep.
(and no, I haven't hugged my Jeep lately, and if it ever needed a hug, it's now, I'm sure it's quite lonely in that salvage yard - waaaaah! I miss my Jeep!)
Erick, Thanks for the reply. I've been looking at the half-tops, and it's confusing. One place says it won't work with the soundbar, but there's no mention of this at bestop, in fact some of the instructions have an alternative installation process when the soundbar is installed. But bestop's site is confusing too:
"Halftop™ This Jeep soft top combines the best features of the Bikini®, Windjammer™ and Duster™ Deck Cover. There is a Jeep soft top for Wrangler 92-95, Jeep soft top for Wrangler 97-02, and Jeep soft top for Wrangler '03-'05."
That last sentence throws me off. What's different about 03-05 compared to 97-02? Are they referring to Unlimiteds?
Also, they sell different sets for soft-top vs hard-top. I still have the door rails from my '02 (came as a dual-top, but I ordered my '05 with just the hard-top since I'd rather have the halftop instead of a full soft-top), is this all I'll need for the Bikini? Or will I need to get some windsheild channels?
You can, but if you do they'll probably keep you there!
:--)
By the way, I think div2 gets the credit for mentioning the cat.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
For a bikini top (goes just over the front seat area) or a safari top (goes over passenger and cargo area), you will need some type of windshield header with a channel in it.
Not sure about new Jeeps, but for 01's, like Thelma Jane, I had my choice of the drill type header or the no drill type header. I got the no drill type.
The drill type can be left on all the time, and your regular top will still work.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
1. Bikini top for cab.
2. Windjammer back window setup for behind the front seat.
3. Tonneau/duster
You can buy em separately. I've never really wanted the windjammer, but have the top and duster.
The difference in tops between 02 and 03 is probably due to the soundbar vs. sound POD design incorporated.
The bikini only covers the front.
The safari covers front and rear.
Tonneau covers the half tub.
For Bestop bikinis or safaris, you would need some kind of windshield channel. The no drill version is attached via the top latches over the windshield. The drill version requires drilling and is always attached, even with a hard or soft top installed. Either one is pretty inexpensive. I opted for the no-drill version myself.
-Paul
-Steve
Welcome to the forum and congratulations on that Jeep purchase. How long were you Jeepless?
Where do you live, Steve? Would be cool if you lived close enough to go wheelin' with me.
Don't have an answer to your question, but I wanted to welcome you.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Thanks folks - this is a big help!
Glenn
PS - just an aside - if that "cat scan" comes out positive, make sure you aren't drinking a gin and tonic when you find out - I wouldn't want you to end up "cat(a)tonic" (jeez, sorry - that just sort of slipped out
I'm happy with the auto and it doesn't seem to be having any problems on my extreme commute (I went through 2 auto trannys in a '89 Nissan pickup when I moved to the mountains). It doesn't seem to hunt much at all. And while some people prefer a manual, many others don't know how to drive one. I don't think the auto affects the resale at all (but then, I'm not in the car business).
As far as the Unlimited holding its value - it's anyone's guess at this point. It seems to be reasonably popular at the moment but who knows if that will continue. I personally think it is a great vehicle and that Jeep did an excellent job of blending practicality without changing the character of the Wrangler. In 4 years they might be considered so outdated that no one will look at them (of course, I don't believe that at all - most vehicles measure their longevity in years, the Wrangler measures its longevity in decades).
I am interested in their quality and if they truly reduce the sound. Are they worth the extra cost?
Glen
I don't think an auto would be a problem, if you want to buy an 04, or if you just want an automatic tranny.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Be thankful you didn't - people have put prices on my head for this sort of bad humour LOL. Thanks very much for your insight - that helps. mtngal/Tom: I've been driving a stick for a whole bunch of years now, but this vehicle I can get the deal on is an left-over 04 as Tom suggested. I don't mind moving to an automatic now, to be honest. Especially if I'm doing backroad-crawling looking for stuff to photograph. It actually makes it easier.
Thanks people!
Glenn
LF+ = DG
LF- = BR/RD
RF+ = VT
RF- = DB
LR+ = BR/YL
LR- = BR/LB
RR+ = DB/WT
RR- = DB/PK
In my 2001, I found the following which is close to the '98:
Item Color
Left Front (+) Green
Left Front (-) Brown w/ Red stripe
Right Front (+) Purple
Right Front (-) Blue
Left Rear (+) Brown w/ Yellow stripe
Left Rear (-) Brown w/ Blue stripe
Right Rear (+) Blue w/ White stripe
Right Rear (-) Blue w/ Orange stripe
HTH
-twylie
While there are some moments I wish I had a manual in the Unlimited, most of the time I don't miss it at all. My back is much happier now - though it doesn't complain when I drive the Sport once a week. My poor Noble Black Steed doesn't get driven very often now - I'll drive it somewhere on the weekends, and it fires up right away and keeps on rolling along. The turn signal flasher now needs to be replaced. How difficult is it to change out?
Thanks for giving me answers for my questions, on speakers. I've been a forever jeep fan, and its great to find people who love jeeps as much as I do. I live in Nebraska and plan on doing alot of mods to my wrangler, but I drive it 30 miles to work everyday and want to make it still handle decent, so any advice would be great. My first jeep was a 78 CJ5 with a 304V8, I put a 4 inch lift and 33's, what a ride but only got 6 miles per gallon (that hurt). My second jeep was 1988 jeep wrangler sierra, I also added a 4 inch lift with 32's, I really wish I would of kept this one, so after 3 years I talked my wife into a 99 wrangler sport and I'll never be without one again. Keep it on all 4's later
-Steve
I have told the dealer and head office on the other side of aus,that i think a new car is the way to go.No answer from head office yet,only faxed the letter a day ago.As for the dealer they say its not up to them,and seem to think a free t-shirt will make it better.
No jeep to hug here.[one day soon i hope]
Ps,love the photos from the others.
Long time lurker, now back in the Jeep game. I had a 1989 wrangler years ago, just bought a 97 i negotiated a new top - CANT TELL YA HOW EXCITED I AM.
Question - The sound bar pad is alll moldy and worn - I cannot find anywhere that sells jst the pad anyone got any suggestions. Thanks. Spartan
If you want a good lift with lots of flex AND a great ride onroad, Old Man Emu (OME) has a 2.5" and a 4" lift available. This 'kit' has shocks and springs and all accessories to do it right, including relocation brackets and a body/mml lift. www.dpgoffroad.com offers it and their customer service is top notch.
Twlie has this setup and he could address how it handles and rides. I haven't added it yet, but that is the one and only lift I'm going with.
-Paul
Part #4874 294 COVER Soundbar
No info on your sound bar cover, but have you checked Quadratec?
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
chatted with the quadratec guy - he said they dont carry the cover separatly. I am going to stop by the dealer -ugh- i cant find it on any of teh jeep sites. Thanks.
Another question- I know its been beat to death - but how do I check/diagnose if the exhuast manifold has been replaced or if its cracked? if it hasnt been replaced what do I need to diagnose of it starts to crack? and finally, does the crackin happen to both the 4 and 6 cyl models - i have a 4 - thanks aso much
Spartan
-twylie
PS - doesn't Mac run this lift on his TJ too?
If you got time, let me know what you think.
thanks,
Sean
- The jeep.com website is very decieving. It shows all Unlimited Wranglers with a BLACK hard top and/or soft top. I thought in 2004 they switched all tops to light gray?? Or am I wrong??
- The jeep.com website charges $1435 for the "Dual Top Group", which gives you a hard top and soft top. Some suggested just getting the hard top at the dealer and the soft top through Mopar. Well, the Mopar site charges $1100 for a soft top, and $1700 for the hard top! Plus the hard top is only offered in a Khaki color?!?! For a total of $2800. Am I missing something here???
- Not a question, but a gripe. I can't believe they only offer the "H" Pkg. in 4 colors! I would really like the Impact Orange, but the "H" Pkg cannot come with it. What a pain.
Anyways, that's all for now. Thanks again for all the help so far. I'll be checking back here often, and report on how I felt about the test drive. I probably will be purchasing one within the next month or so!
- Karl
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Don't know about your tops, but it used to be smart to get the hardtop and wait and see if you really needed the soft top too. It was cheaper to get the hardtop with the Jeep and then get the soft top later.
Tops take a LOT of thought to be sure you are getting the right thing, unless you aren't worried about the cost and just get the dual top option. For folks like me, with a garage to keep the top and the Jeep in, and a different vehicle to drive when it is raining, hard top only might be the best way to go. You can just take the top and doors off and leave them off all summer.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Yes I do, and I'll happily echo your comments.
By the way, did you install bump stop extensions? They be all you need.
-twylie