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Comments
I was turned off by how Jeep packages the options, and the important ones like HD axles and lockers can't be ordered individually. (I know..its part of the selling game.) The Rubi supposedly comes with an "Offroad Pkg", but its not explained and certainly isn't the $2500 O/R pkg on the Wrangler accessories web page (that includes a winch). It seems to me I'd do much better with a std Unlimited and putting the Rubi upcharge into aftermarket equipment.
OK, now for the questions:
Does anyone know the gearing and final drive ratio for the automatic? Does it run OK on 87 octane at 5000 ft? Does the torque converter in the automatic lock in 4wd-lo? Can you restart the automatic while its in gear? The Jeep website is just about useless for detailed info. Thanks in advance for responses.
Yes you will need to purchase a channel adaptor. There are 2 different types or channels: drill and no drill. I would recommend the no drill.
will the adaptor need to be removed when the soft top is raised back up?
No you will not have to remove (at least on the current TJ's).
Hope this helps and if I missed anything I'm sure someone else can fill in the blanks.
Disconnecting the sway control bar allows for much greater articulation of the front axle. The existing connection links can be unbolted and pulled up out of the way, or 'quick disconnects' are available aftermarket items from various manufacturers to allow for disconnection and reconnection by the pulling or replacing of a pin.
Disconnection, or the use of other devices to allow greater front axle articulation, can be regarded as virtually essential to get full use of the Wrangler's capability offroad.
Does anyone know the gearing and final drive ratio for the automatic? Does it run OK on 87 octane at 5000 ft? Does the torque converter in the automatic lock in 4wd-lo? Can you restart the automatic while its in gear? The Jeep website is just about useless for detailed info. Thanks in advance for responses.
Manual and autos use the same final drive ratios, Rubicons get 4.11:1 and non-Rubicon Unlimiteds get 3.07:1 as standard, with 3.73:1 as an option.
87 octane is the recommended grade, but I can't speak from personal experience at 5000ft..
The t/c does not lock in 4WD-Low.
No manufacturer makes an automatic vehicle that can be started in gear for obvious safety reasons. The interlock is not hard to bypass but there's no reason the vehicle should stall, and if it did it can easily be restarted in Neutral while holding it with the brakes
Regarding your mirror question. I've been driving with the top down / doors off for the past month. we've had VERY LITTLE rain here this summer. the first thing i did after getting the doors off was notice how badly I needed side view mirrors.
I ordered safari mirrors, you get 2 for the price of 1 quick release mirror.
they work great around town, on the highway the wind does shake them. they are very easy to install, they just drop into the upper door hinge and tighten down with a lockwasher and nut.
heres a link to them on quadratech
http://www.quadratec.com/cgi-bin/sgin0101.exe?T1=11046+99&UREQA=1&UREQB=2&UREQC=3&UREQD=4&- - FNM=00&checked=Y
Jeff
I saw those on the Quadratec site, but when it said for "safari doors", I blinked. Wasn't exactly sure what that meant (i.e., fitting an 05 TJ), so I mentally excluded that product for the quick release mirrors.
Thanks for the tip. I'd obviously prefer to go with those, price-wise!
Randy
I've been told often I articulate quite goodly....sure didn't know sway bars could do the same!
Seriously, I now know what you mean. I'm surmising this disconnect is not done prior to arrival at your place of play, but at the site of the off-roading? Your final sentence/paragraph summed it up perfectly. Well said.
Thanks!
Randy
Disconnecting the sway bar, as Mac told you, gives much better articulation than you would have while connected.
Why is this important? It helps keep BOTH tires on the ground while negotiating obstacles that would otherwise cause you to lift a tire completely off the ground.
With an open front differential, when one tire is off the ground, you cannot count on the other tire to pull. The tire that is in the air spins uselessly, and the other tire just sits there doing nothing. This is where a locker comes into play. A locked differential will make that tire that is still on the ground pull instead of just sitting there.
So, even though disconnecting is a good thing whether the front differential is locked or not, it is especially beneficial with an open front differential.
I have to admit that I just leave my sway bar disconnected full time, but you get MUCH more body lean in corners when the sway bar is not connected. I just take corners nice and slow, but if I ever needed to make an emergency manuever, I could lose control easier with that sway bar disconnected.
So, the proper way to do things is to disconnect after arriving at the trail head and reconnecting before leaving for the day.
Another advantage that you can give yourself is to air down the tires. The terrain that you will cover will determine how important airing down will be, but for almost any conditions, airing down the tires will enhance traction.
Unless a person has bead locks, it is not good to air down below a certain pressure. For most wheels and tires, a person can safely air down to about 15 psi, or maybe a little lower. I have never run less than 15 psi on the trails, and I usually don't even air down at all at Turkey Bay due to pure laziness.
Tomster
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Articulation (Also called "Flex") with Sway Bar Disco'd
Your accompanying picture, while sorta painful for a novice for me to even look at, shows me exactly the "articulation" mentioned. Oh, to think I'll someday put eXcalibur in this type of situation...poor guy. Well, I guess it's comparable to letting a thoroughbred do what he loves most; Run fast,hard, and long.
Thanks to all my mentors.....
Randy
Absolutely!
My Unlimited does quite nicely with 87 octane at 6,000 feet. I haven't taken it over 7,000 feet yet, so I don't know about how it'll do there, but I've never noticed any difference between sea level and 6,000 feet (which mine does every workday) and I always run 87 - with the number of miles I drive a day (150 plus) I can't afford to use anything else!
The following is a mesh top that looks good for my needs, and requires a specific adaptor. However, it doesn't specifically say if, in fact, the soft top will fully raise with it installed. Any help or thoughts would be appreciated.
Randy
http://www.quadratec.com/cgi-bin/sgin0101.exe?T1=11024+511&UREQA=1&UREQB=2&UREQC=3&UREQD=4- &FNM=00&UID=2005080317430139
(Just to safe and avoid the lawyers, I spelled it differently....... :P )
Ryan
Steve, Host
My jeepin' has certainly been a good way for me to unwind, and now that I'm beginning to off-road, perhaps too good, if you know what I mean...hope the grades don't plummet! Anyway, sorry...back to Wrangler talk...
Ryan
I would have though it's a no brainer. Over-revved Wrangler with repaired valve body, or factory fresh new one.....................hmmmmm, which should it be? :shades:
I have the non drill type header and like it overall. I would prefer the drill type if I was buying now. My non drill type has to be removed to put the soft top up. The drill type does not have to be removed. Mine is a bestop header I believe.
I went with this product.
http://tinyurl.com/cfevq
It will permantely move your stock mirrors on to the body. Although the passeger is not usable with my half metal doors on. I have my driver mounted on the body but left my passenger on the door so I can use it when my door is on. When I am doorless I just have my drive side mirror and review mirror which is plenty for me.
I guess I haven't been around in awhile (nothing new there ). I hope all is well with everyone.
-Dan
Tomster
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
But I would also go w/ water proof, whats the point of putting on a bikini if its not going to protect your electrical components?
On my '04 X, I went with Quadratec's QUICK MIRROR II (Black). The kit includes a bracket that attaches (bolts) to the windshield (in the preexisting holes). In the fall, I turn the knob, loosen the set screw and yank the mirror. During the winter the bracket (with the knob) stays attached to the windshield, but is hardly noticeable. In spring, the doors come off, I pop the mirror in, tighten the set screw and the knob and I'm ready to rock 'n roll. I have one on each side and yes they are about $50 each. But I don't have to screw around with relocating or using the door mirrors, or, as I have read, lose my right-hand mirror use when the half-door goes back on. I would also consider the mirrors that pop into the door hinges, but I just liked the Quick Mirror set-up better (less vibration, as I'm told). Let me say, however, I would not even pull out of my driveway without both mirrors (maybe from my experience driving school bus in college). Good luck.
Thanks all who responded on my Rubicon wheel and tire question.
And remember, let's be careful out there...
Steve
I'd have been surprised if the displayed mileage hadn't changed!
The same size tire from manufacturer A as compared to manufacturer B is almost guaranteed to have a different rolling radius. Not only is the tire nominally different in its actual size, but the sidewalls will likely flex by a different amount.
Finally, the Goodyears you removed will probably have been worn considerably, thereby reducing their diameter.
example: 10,000 miles on odometer = 11,000 actual miles
Because I bought my Sport new I am not going to complain to the dealer, now with my warranty I am getting more miles for my money.
(bumper to bumper) 36,000 = 39,600
and
(powertrain) 70,000 = 77,000
I know not much, but more is better.
http://www.jeepit.com/bracket_gallery_2.htm
Cheaper than the quadratec option by a long shot.
Because I bought my Sport new I am not going to complain to the dealer, now with my warranty I am getting more miles for my money.
the local dealer here has already picked up on that trick, they warned me to not wait until 36,000 miles if I wanted warranty work.
jeff
We were Jeep newbies in March last year when we bought our first unit (Rubicon).
Being completely unfamiliar with offroading, we elected to try out the Jeep Jamporee in Rocky Mountain House Alberta. As stated by folks in this forum, it is indeed a blast! We had no idea how capable this vehicle was until this experience.
As a result, and now being hooked, we're heading back again in a couple of weeks to do it again!
Our Jeep has been problem free, and the 4.0 Litre six seems bullet proof. I noted a lot of traffic related to gas mileage, and we weigh in with a consistent 20 mpg in the city (that's a Canadian Gallon mind you).
There's great info in this forum; thanks to those who make it all happen .
But wouldn't you think it should be the dealers responsibility if you do these changes before you purchase the vehicle so everything is under the bumper to bumper warranty? Any lawyers or people with first hand experience out there with some legal input?
Tomster
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I can't believe you fell for that! Just kidding. Maybe I can manage to stick around this time.
How has Turkey Bay been?
Do they have camping and showers?
Randy
And, you're right about the water proof bikini....why worry about saving a few dollars if it rains and your instrument cluster gets shorted out??!!!
Thanks for the advice.
Randy
Here's the new one installed:
The header is from 1 A Auto and ran about $150 with shipping and has the expansion joints and a lifetime warranty.
Got a local boy here to install it for $160 and he did a great job. So I spent about $310 altogether. Not a bad deal.
$15 each from the local Pep Boys!
Wranglers Camp is within LBL and is only about five miles from Turkey Bay.
Wranglers is a super nice campground with bathhouses for showers. There's even a small restaurant.
Come on up! Wait for cooler weather, though, unless you can only come now.
Tomster
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Thanks
Steve