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Comments
jeff
just remember if building a shed, the dimensions of the door are just as important as the dimensions of the shed. no one will steal my top, unless they bring their tools and remove one of the wall panels.
we have a local shop that deals almost exclusively with jeeps, I was new to jeeps and this is the setup that john recommended.
no death wobble or any of those other nasty things that people fear when talking about lifting a jeep.
jeff
I can't remember that subject coming up before. You would think it would have come up many times, huh?
I have no experience with soft tops, but someone here will be able to help you, I'm sure.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
That's good news. Let me know how it goes. Good luck.
-Mike
I can't remember that subject coming up before.......
Only two days ago Tom! Must be an age thing.....
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I have a black soft top on my scout. I have used waterproof adhesive on small holes in my soft top. I apply it while the top is up on the outside. Once it dries, paint it black, you can't see it and it is able to flex when you put the top down. It's a cheap fix idea that I have used..............
Sorry its been so long for an update. As of now I have ~1050 miles on my new Sport. After some calls, I had the bllack hard top switched out for the correct dark khaki hard top. All is good.
The only issue I have noticed is an occasional squeaking from the driver seat. It happens in, well, fits. I can go for a few days and no noise what so ever, then I'll have one trip that the thing sounds like a pack of rabid mice! It has gotten less frequent so I am attributing this to the break in period. If it doesn't dissappear by 2500 miles, to the dealer I go.
Now I am looking to add a hitch (with the wiringng harness of course0 so I requested a quote from my dealer on the Mopar parts. Got a quote of $178 + tax or $400.63 plus tax installed.
I think I'll do it myself....which leads to my question:
What knowledge do I need to install this? I know how to change oil, spark plugs, etc. Any special tools?
The wiring kit is on backorder from Chrysler.
Thanks everyone!!
Semper Fi,
Mike
If you have an older top that is pre-sailcloth (like a 97-99) top, you might want to invest in a new sailcloth replace-a-top. Much quieter and much stronger.
I was offered by a friend a black sailcloth top for a 98. I am finding out today if it includes the mounting hardware or if it is just the cloth and windows. If it has the hardware, I might pick it up as my header has a slight crack. This way I could run one set of windows for wheeling and another for any other times. If I can't use it, I might pick it up anyway and see if any of my jeep friends need it.
-Paul
Also, when people say they paid less than invoice, is it before or after rebates or either ?
-Paul
I bought a 1 1/4" hitch from U-Haul for $99.00. The 2" was $129.00. It is a Draw-Tite hitch. Put it on myself in about 45 minutes. Take out two bolts, put in four. No drilling.I could have done it faster if I had somone to help me hold it up to the frame while I started the first bolts.
I use mine for a hitch mounted bike rack, so I did not need wiring. I understand that is pretty easy. Mac24 might be able to help out with that.
Terry
If it is a used vehicle, that stamped piece may or may not be accurate. If it is a new vehicle, look at the option packages to see which ones will give you the 3.73 gearing.
-Paul
Inside the Wrangler Rubicon Tomb Raider are unique Dark Slate fabric seats with red accent stitching down the center, silver surround instrument panel bezel, red seat belts and a Tomb Raider badge with serial number. As with the custom vehicle in the film, all Wrangler Rubicon Tomb Raider models are offered in Bright Silver.
This information was from the press releases about it.
-Paul
It means what it says. 3.07:1 is the standard axle ratio, and 3.73:1 is available as an option when the vehicle is ordered and built. Yes, the axle gears can be changed at a later date, but it's a much more expensive proposition.
I think I'll do it myself....which leads to my question:
What knowledge do I need to install this? I know how to change oil, spark plugs, etc. Any special tools?
Easy peasy! Just regular wrenches and sockets, and maybe a couple of Torx bits. Shouldn't take more than a couple hours including the wiring, which should be 'plug'n play'. Just study the instructions first.
Thanks for the replies. I'm going with the Mopar unit. I appreciate the help!
Semper fi,
Mike
you need to know how to cuss if you don't already.
I put on an ACME hitch on mine, it fits but took some "persuading" with a hammer to get it in place. The nuts are a bear to hold in place while tightening the bolts. I'm putting a hitch ( different model, bought used from a guy in town) on Heathers Jeep this weekend (hopefully) I tried last weekend, but could not figure out how to fit the bolts through the openings in the frame. It used carriage bolts with the bolt on the inside / nut on the outside of the frame. I got some different bolts and will do it like mine rather than what came with hers.
$200 is an awful lot for install of a hitch. try it yourself first and save that money toward a winch or other mod!!!
jeff
jeff
I'm not opposed to a lift kit because I want to do things right, but I'm on a limited budget right now. Anyone have any feedback on a good 2 inch lift kit?
Thanks
The gear ratio can be a very important factor, if you go to larger tires. The 3.07 ratio is a very high gear (lower number = higher gear). It gets the job done with the standard tire size, I suppose, but when you go to larger tires, the engine lugs down and works harder. Larger tires have the same effect as going to an even higher gear (lower ratio).
Let's say you have 3.07 gears and 28" tires, and you go to 31" tires. This would be the same as going to about a 2.75 gear ratio. For a given speed, your engine will be running about 10% lower RPM than it would have been running before the change in tire size. This can put you below the optimum RPM range for your engine, i.e., it may not make enough power at the new RPM level to sustain speed on even the slightest inclines or against the slightest headwind. You will not accelerate nearly as well. You will need to shift down to a lower gear. You might lose the use of fifth gear all together.
If you ever get into off roading, you are going to want to have good engine braking for going down steep trails. The 3.07 gearing would allow the Jeep to go down the hill faster than you would want it to, and it would force you to use your brakes too much.
If you are NEVER going to off road, and if you are NEVER going to go to bigger tires, then the 3.07 gearing is not a big deal.
Tomster
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
If you do that, the time will come when you will thank me profusely for putting you onto that option. You will name a child after me. You will ask me for a picture of myself to hang from your rear view mirror, so that you can thank me every time you drive your Jeep. You will come to my funeral.
Tomster
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Welcome! Glad to have you with us.
If you want a cheap way to run 33" tires, and if the Jeep will be used on the pavement only, then you could probably get by with a two inch "budget boost." These kits are just spacers that are used with your factory springs and have the same effect on ride height as longer springs.
Rubicon express makes a BB kit for $229.95, as listed in the Quadratec catalogue. You get the spacers plus four new, longer travel shocks.
Installation would be simple, and it would be something you could easily do yourself.
The 2" lift would be insufficient to allow you to disconnect your sway bar for off roading. You might get some rubbing even if the sway bar is still connected, if you get into positions that flex the suspension to the max. On the street, there should be no problem.
Yes, 31" tires can be installed with no lift of any kind needed. You can go up to 31" x 10.50" tires.
Tomster
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!! :P
If you want cheap, go with a 2" budget boost (and send the $15 to Tom instead!).
I also have had my Sport for a couple of weeks now (500 miles) and am so happy with it. After the first week, I took the hard top off and have been driving mostly with the soft-top down to work and back each day. Friggin cold some times in the morning but when I leave at 6:00, the looks I get from co-workers and other people on the road is well worth it. My Sport came with the Ravine wheels which are quite nice but I have come across new Rubicon wheels pretty cheap so I am going to swap them out this weekend and try to sell the ravines wheels. I have found a couple of weird items (noises) as well that bother me but none are deal-breakers and I am so happy with my purchase and am thankful for all of the stuff that I have read here that helped guide me in my purchase.
thanks,
Trew
Please, no soliciting on the boards!
tidester, host
I installed the Mopar hitch and wiring harness on my 04 Wrangler X 14 months ago. Use the Mopar wiring kit, it is just a plug and play easy install. The Mopar hitch is a class 1 hitch good for 2,000 pounds only. Also a very easy install, except around the exhaust pipe. You will need a good set of extension for your sockets. My hitch is excellent for its purpose, If I had to do it again, I would stick with the Mopar wiring kit, but probably buy a Class 2 after market hitch good for 3500 pounds
Man, I hope you are not going to end up spending much money when all is said and done and you have sold your Ravine wheels. I have to agree that the Moabs are a little nicer looking than the Ravines, but not by very much in my book. They are both beautiful wheels.
Don't let those Ravines go too cheap. They should bring a real nice piece of change, especially being so new.
Glad you are enjoying that Jeep. They are more fun than you even imagined, aren't they???
Yeeeeeeeeeeehawwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
As for lifts, Tom nailed it with the spacer budget boost. You can use these offroad, but IMO, if you are going to offroad it lifted, get heavier duty springs and shocks and lift it right. I know spacers are safe, but for some reason, a 'properly done' kit just makes more sense to me. For a good 2" suspension lift, I went with OME. Rubicon Express, Skyjacker (I think), and others make em. OME is pricier, but the ride is reported to be as good as, or better than, stock. With a lift you will never get a perfect ride, as your CG is shifted and such, but since my springs are worn, anything will be an improvement!
-Paul
FYI I purchased a Hidden Hitch which i really like as it fits up under the bumper and just shows the reciever, it was a tad bit more but looks much better IMO......
Just rec'd this message from DCX regarding orders for 05 TJs:
"Thank you for your recent email to DaimlerChrysler Motors regarding your
interst in a 2005 Jeep Wrangler. Unfortunately, those orders are 'out
for model year,' which means that they are no longer available. Orders
for 2006 will be accepted shortly.
Thank you again for your email."
Wonder if that means all 06 orders will be the redesign? I hope not...
Had a dealer tell me today he could possibly sell me an 05 Unlimited on the lot for about $21,100 not including taxes etc., and now that I cannot order an 05 exactly how I want (there are none w/in 500 miles of me) I may jump on it (if I can convince my wife that we can afford it...)
This Jeep has been on their lot for awhile, all thru winter up north, and I noticed that much of the mechanicals are rusty underneath like the driveshafts, and much of the outer front axle (knuckles on outward). Is this something I should hesistate on or am I being too picky?
I compared it to another that they just got in and that one looks like it rolled right off the factory floor - no rust at all. Unfortunately its not one I would consider buying.
Thanks for the help and wish me luck with the missus!
Good luck in getting a Jeep just right for your wants and needs.
Tomster
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
-Dan
I'm buying my first Wrangler within the next week and would like to know if you folks feel that a hard top is really necessary living in New England or is a soft top OKAY? Does Ice / snow build up on the windows of the soft top and if so can it be scraped off with an ice scraper or would I destroy the plastic window removing the ice? I'll be leaving the Jeep out doors in all weather conditions. Also, does snow / ice build up on the plastic windows while driving as it does on glass?
Thanks for your advice.
Jackpd
Welcome to the board.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
-Mike
Oh, and I spotted the undercarriage rust almost immediately after taking delivery. Was concerned, but like Tom said, it was no biggee. The Jeep that's factory new will have the same rust soon enough, so you might as well go for the vehicle you really want.
-Mike