I am running into a very interesting problem and I wanted to see if anyone has found something similar. I think I have a bulb burned out, but I can't find it.
If I hit the brakes, the dash lights turn on. The fog lights do as well if their switch is on.
If I hit the right (passenger side) turn signals, the dash lights and ALL turn signals (and fog lights if switch is turned on) flash except for the right outside front light (on the fender flare). The bulb is good, and works when the parking lights are on. There is a very dim light when the right turn signal is on, but it is at nowhere near normal brightness. Swapped the bulbs right/left and symptom stays on passenger side.
The drivers-side turn signals are fine. Backup lights, brake lights, parking lights, headlights, fog lights, all look good.
This just started this afternoon, and it is bugging me that I can't quickly find the problem.
If anyone has seen this before or has a shop manual that tells what the light interactions are, can you let me know? They may list this specific symptom, and it could be a bad wire. I just need to know where to look.
If you want a water proof cover get a rain gear jeep cover. http://jeepcovers.com/ I have one and it works great. It covers your whole door area if your doors are off. I have a black one and it has faded a little, but not enough for me to mind yet.
Hi everyone - As many of you know, I am a BRAND new Jeep owner (not brand new jeep, just new to me) and I have a question about the different 4wd system. When I put it in to 4H, the gauge indicator reads 'part time' instead of '4wd' which I have seen on other models. Does this indicate a different system?
Any light that you can shed on this would be great. Trust me, I am a quick learner so you shouldn't have to tell me more than once!
I think Jeep paint is is on the weak side. Mac is right about love bugs being highly corrosive. I would try to wash them off that day. You usually can't wait a couple days without a problem, but I wouldn't wait that long with your Jeep. I would take it to the dealer and at least see what they say. Mac is wrong about the 2:1 ratio of regular bugs to love bugs though. It has to be no less than 100:1.
It is not a different 4wd system. I can't remeber the exact reason but the wrangler shares the instrument cluster with another Jeep model or something. "Part Time" just means you have 4wd engaged, whether it be 4 High or 4 low.
I would think it is possible to get burned if you don't run carpet in your Jeep. Do you have the carpet in your Jeep? It is probably your transmission if you don't have carpet in. It doesn't matter where you sit in my Jeep, the floor is very hot. I usually have some husky liners in, which keeps the heat from radiating right up to my body. I am looking for a mod to keep the heat out of the cab. I have a 1.25" body lift and my floor still gets very hot.
Just in case others need to know - (see earlier message regarding what I thought was a transmission fluid leak).
This turned out to be an oil leak from an improperly sealed "gally plug" at the back of the engine plus rear main cap leak. Dealership did a dye test, found out that it was not the transmission fluid as I thought, but an oil leak. They had to pull the tranny to get to the plug.
Here is the wording from the repair: Verified Engine Oil leak. Added Oil Dye to trace leak. Found leak back of engine area. Necessary to remove trans and found leaking engine gally plug. Re-sealed oil gally plug. Also Also found rear main cap leak. R&R oil pan found no sealant between cap and block. Replaced main seal and rear main cap. Re-installed trans. no leaks.
So, new owners - check under your Wrangler directly behind oil pan and front of tranny - if you see even the least bit of oil, get it in for warranty. Maybe it was a Monday when my jeep rolled off of the line ! Anyway, a cause to keep an eye on it.
Anyone else go? I guess they only went to six cities. You could drive the new Jeep compass on a road test. I didn't realize until I was driving one that I could of test drove one with a Hemi. For the off road course I drove the diesel liberty. I would like to have driven that on the road to see how much power it has. They also had a little spot to drive your own Jeep on. They had all the Jeep models, some concepts, older military Jeeps, the unlimited from the movie Sahara and others that I can't remember right now. The TJ version of the golden eagle was there. It looked a little better in person but I don't care for it much. I need to get a digital camera. This event use to be called Jeep 101. I have been to it before. I have always enjoyed my time at these events.
Mac is wrong about the 2:1 ratio of regular bugs to love bugs though. It has to be no less than 100:1.
Maybe it's my obscure sense of humor, but the reason I said you'll get two love bugs for every one regular bug is because of the reason that they've become known as 'love bugs' (instead of 'Plecia nearctica Hardy' which doesn't roll off the tongue nearly as easily).
When two of these insects mate, which is seemingly their main object in life, they become stuck together..............permanently! You never see a love bug on it's own, hence if you hit a love bug it'll always be a pair where you'll normally hit most other insects singly.
Very unusual to hear of two separate oil leaks in the same area on a new vehicle, especially from a lack of sealant on the rear main cap. The galley plug leak should have been picked up as well.
Glad to hear you got it taken care of, and I'd continue to keep an eye open for any signs of fresh leaks.
My bad. I thought you were referring to how many love bugs you can come across at a time. It is like hitting a patch of fog here. The entire front end of your vehicle will be covered.
The "part time" just means you don't have locking differentials, like the Rubicons. Their system says "part time" until you switch on the lockers and then they read "4WD" or "full time" I can't remember.
You may already know this, but just in case, or in case others here don't know it, you SHOULD NOT engage four wheel drive on a Wrangler on dry pavement. Wranglers DO NOT have a full time four wheel drive system like many SUV's do.
There needs to be some slippage of the tires when a Wrangler is in four wheel drive. Running in four wheel drive on dry pavement will bind up the drive train, and it can cause premature failure of driveline components.
The "part time" just means you don't have locking differentials, like the Rubicons. Their system says "part time" until you switch on the lockers and then they read "4WD" or "full time"............
No........ that's incorrect, 'part time' means that the drive system on your Jeep is full time 2WD and the indicator light means you have selected part time 4WD. It doesn't matter whether you have locking differentials or not, it's still a part time 4WD system.
In 2WD, the normal state, it's just like the drive system of a regular rear wheel drive vehicle. When 4WD is selected, the drive to the front axle is engaged and the front and rear propshafts are effectively locked together, so take note of Tom's previous post! :shades:
I don't watch the show, but I might tune in this week. The CBS promo showed teams four wheeling through mud in their Jeep Wranglers...and inevitably getting stuck. Should be good for a few laughs.
Hey, just posting to say "Hello!!" to fellow Jeepsters. I recently bought my first Wrangler in August of this year after drooling over a friends CJ. I've had numerous 4WD's but I feel my Hunter, that's what I named her, is the best riding, performing, and looking of them all. I've been looking for a "my" Jeep for a while and when I saw Hunter I just knew I would own her. The wife wasnt too happy with me in the search. So "Hello!" and thank you for any support I might get in the future. But for right now I do have a ? for anyone who might help. I bought a '97 TJ and while looking for a Jeep I cruised by the local Jeep Dealers to peek at some 2005 Rubicons. One I saw had a 4 cyl with a 6 speed tranny, locker diff's and some #$%^ awesome wheels!! Is there a chance of me to swap a 5 speed from mine and replace it with a 6 speed. Same 2.5 engine just different tranny. If it is possible, where is best place to get a new 6 speed? TYVM - Phil
Thanks Mac and Tom. So in my original post, am I correct that I have seen Wranglers that are not part time systems? I am quite sure that I have seen some of them that when the 4x4 is selected, it indicates "4x4" on the dashboard.
I live in the Wash DC area and we do get some snow during the winter, but not too much or very often. Given what you wrote Tom, would I be alright to use the 4x4 high on those days where the streets haven't been plowed? Given that my system is part time, can I assume that when I am in 4x4 high, that only when the back wheels slip, will the front wheels engage for true 4 wheel drive?
Your '97 has a 2.5 4cyl with a five speed tranny, but the later 4cyls have a different 2.4 engine with the six speed tranny. The Rubicons you saw (with locking diffs), all have 4.0 6cyl engines.
.........am I correct that I have seen Wranglers that are not part time systems?
No, DC has never produced Wranglers with anything other than part time 4WD drive.
I am quite sure that I have seen some of them that when the 4x4 is selected, it indicates "4x4" on the dashboard.
That's possible as the instrument cluster was also used for the Cherokee, which had an optional AWD system. It's also possible to alter instrument cluster in the Wrangler.
You seem to be thinking that '4WD' really means 'full time 4WD', whereas it actually means what it says..................drive is provided to all four wheels, doesn't matter if it's part time or full time. A full time four wheel drive system is usually described All Wheel Drive (AWD).
Given that my system is part time, can I assume that when I am in 4x4 high, that only when the back wheels slip, will the front wheels engage for true 4 wheel drive?
No, when you engage 4WD (high or low) drive is sent to both axles and the propshafts are locked together. Due to the different paths taken by the wheels on the front and rear axles when cornering, they will turn at different speeds to each other on the same axle, and at different speeds axle to axle. The difference in wheel speed on the same axle is compensated for by the differentials, but there is no differential in the transfer case to allow the propshafts to rotate at different speeds. The stress that this builds up is relieved on a low traction surface by allowing the wheels to slip as necessary when the stress builds up. On a high traction surface that stress can't be released, as the wheels can't slip, and the internals of the transfer case get twisted in opposite directions. Additionally, it becomes progressively more difficult to steer. If this happens you may not be able to disengage 4WD, or even if the selector lever moves the system won't release. The way to deal with this is to reverse, sometimes for several hundred yards, which effectively 'unwinds' the stress from the system.
A full time 4WD (AWD), transmission has a third differential in the transfer case between the propshafts to allow them to rotate in normal conditions. That diff can also usually be locked to allow for better traction off road, when the system then becomes the same as your Jeep when 4WD has been selected.
........would I be alright to use the 4x4 high on those days where the streets haven't been plowed?
Yes, as long as you disengage it before you get back on tarmac.
i have a 1995 wrangler and when its rains i have water drippin on my air vent and im unable to find out were the rain is get in at. and is starting to let puddles of water on my floor boards i was wondering if any one else is having the same problem?
Is anyone aware if there is Jeep owners club in the Northern Virginia or Wash DC area? Being a new owner, I would like to find a group that I can go off roading with and would prefer to go with others instead of getting too stupid and trying to go alone.
Mac - Thank you so much for the education regarding 4wd systems in the Wrangler. I am much more comfortable and knowledgeable regarding how use my Jeep on dry roads and in less than inclimate conditions. Your explanation was very helpful.
I look forward to getting more 'jeep education' being a regular reader and sometimes contributor to this site!
Anything is possible if you throw enough money at it, but what is it that you want to achieve by installing a six speed transmission?
If you don't need to go off road then 33" tires are possible if you're prepared to accept a restricted turning circle as well. Otherwise, 31" is the practical maximum. However, to maintain reasonable performance from your 2.5 you'll need to consider regearing the axles.................and before you ask, no, a throttle body extension, K&N filter, bigger exhaust, chip, etc., etc. won't work instead.
Man, there is no one in this world who would be happier to take you out on the trails and introduce you to "wheelin' " than me, but you would be looking at probably twelve hours of travel time to get here. I'm in western KY, a long way from the DC area. Hey, if you are willing to drive that far, bring it on!
Do a google search or something, and try to find a local club. I'd almost guarantee you that you would have several to choose from in such a populated area.
You are very smart to be looking to hook up with some experienced Jeepers, instead of just heading out on your own.
Just be prepared to have the time of your life! One trip, and you will be hooked.
Glad you found your way here to Edmunds Jeep Wrangler. Now, just make yourself at home. We're always glad to have new folks become part of our family.
Congratulations on that Jeep purchase, Phil! Post a picture of Hunter.
Your profile says you are in Moline, IL, so it would be a long drive, but if you could ever get down here to western KY, I would be glad to take you out on the trails at Turkey Bay, where I do my "wheelin' ."
Phil, what would you be hoping to gain in going from a five speed to the six speed? (OK, before someone says it, "One gear.")
I guess my question should be worded, "What advantage do you expect the extra gear to give you?" I can't imagine any benefit that would be important enough to make the trouble and expense worth it, if it can even be done at all, given that the new 4 bangers are 2.4's.
I went wheelin' Saturday for the first time since I lost my best friend and Jeepin' Buddy, Ross Allen. It was very sad to be wheelin' without him being in his usual spot in the back of Thelma Jane.
Ross Allen's Jeep buddies and mine wanted to have a little ceremony to honor his memory, and that's what we did.
I took his ashes and two pictures of him with me to Turkey Bay, and we had a little get together at a spot where we have often taken our lunch breaks. Ross Allen would always make his rounds to see if anyone might have something to eat that they might want to share.
That spot has been officially designated "Ross Allen Park," by our usual gang of Jeepers.
I set Ross Allen's ashes on the hood of Thelma Jane and placed the two pictures next to them, one on either side. We all gathered around, and after I started things off with a prayer of thanksgiving for the ten wonderful years that God gave me with Ross Allen, each of our friends that we had often Jeeped with shared something that they remembered about him.
It made me feel good to know that these folks understood what a very, very special doggy Ross Allen was and that they loved him too.
The picture below shows how things were set up for the little ceremony.
If anyone cares to check it out, I have created a website in honor of Ross Allen.
Thanks Jeff, these photos are very helpful. Your TJ mounting plate is significantly different that the rectangular "universal" plate I have, so rather than try to modify it I think I will take Tom's advice and check eBay for a TJ plate. BTW, if you have a photo of your Jeep from the side I would really like to see what it looks like with the suspension and body lift and 33's. I have an Unlimited as well and I'm thinking about lifts if I can ever wear out these stock 31's. Lastly, how do you ever find that Jeep in a parking lot? Bet it blends right in
There turned out to be two problems - a slight intermittent in the ground on the front-right-outside signal, and a problem with the rear-right brake light bulb. Had to fix one before the other became clear.
Thanks for the help so far Mac. I guess the soul purpose of my swapping to a 6 spd. is the brain child of a late night at the bar. See, I work for John Deere in Davenport, IA. I live in Moline, IL which is just across the river, but it's all Interstate driving, about 13 mins. I'm running 72mph @3050rpm. Soooo.....with the current "cheap" gas being $2.89/gallon, was thinking fuel economy on the Interstate with out the compromise of fun on the trails.
Hi Tom, and thankyou for the Welcome. I will try to get some pic's posteed b4 too long. 6 spd. could help on fuel usage, but still have the lower gears for trails. ght while drinking late one night. TYVM- Phil
We endured 5" of rain on Friday. Came out Saturday morning to find lots of water standing in the floor boards on both sides. The Jeep had not been moved so I know it did not come through bottom drain plugs. My Jeep was purchased in April with factory install hardtop which I have never removed. At first I suspected a leak around the hardtop but can find no indications such as wet dash, etc. Thought perhaps it was seeping through door gaskets but there is a substantial lip at the at bottom of threshold that should reflect the water back to exterior. I am totally puzzled. Wondering if it may have come through the front hood cowl and found it way inside. A few months ago I noticed the floor on the driver's side to be wet but dismissed it to possible A/C drip. Basically been in a drought for last 6 weeks in MD.
I realize that the good news is that it is a warranty issue but I would like to know if anyone has had the same problem. Sometimes it is helpful to point the service writer in the right direction to save time and return trips to the dealership.
Super common problem. Your last hypothesis is the correct one. It comes in through the cowl vent, but usually only when you leave the vents open, although, it doesn't seem to happen often...
My new Bilstein shocks are on order. Will find out soon enough if it cures death wobble. My shocks are shot anyway, so I certainly need new ones. One point consistent with shocks being the source of my death wobble is that as the shocks get worse and worse, wobble has been getting more and more frequent.
I remembered suddenly that the Jeep Liberty had a recall at some point involving steering. I found relevant messages and the recall listing over in the Liberty group. I won't take up valubale space here with all the info, but the recall involved lower ball joints, control arms, and steering knuckles. Obviously these are different vehicles and years, but I also know automotive makers use identical parts/platforms on various models to cut costs. Is it possible what was wrong with the Liberty may also be wrong with the Wrangler??
I saw the bumper sticker below in a parking lot over the weekend and it reminded me of you and Ross. I apologize in advance to any ultra conservative, religious right wingers who may take offense. :P ">
I THINK the top gear is the same, whether you have a six speed or a five speed. In other words, sixth gear on the six speed has the same ratio as fifth gear on the five speed.
So, at interstate speeds, there would be no advantage to one over the other.
Someone please confirm what I have said, or correct me on it, if I am wrong.
Yup, I was about to post the same. I think that the six speed has a lower first gear, but that's about it. I believe the change was made to a six speed for economic reasons.
Changing the final drive ratio by regearing the axles is the way to go to be cost effective in any gearing change. Fitting the 31's may improve fuel consumption but will reduce performance.
A VERY common problem with Wranglers is the lack of a good seal around the heater box where it comes through the firewall. Water from the cowl gets into the cabin via that route. That would possibly explain the water on the passenger side. Not sure what the problem might be on the other side.
My Jeep is an 01, and the problem was very prevalent back then. I guess they have not done much to correct it in all this time. An Internet buddy was told by the service department where he bought his Jeep that there was no seal whatsover from the factory!
the 4 ft red / white tip CB antenna is what I look for in parking lots.
here's a side photo,
please pay no attention to the winch line being hooked up it doesn't look like it would have been stuck,, but it was,,, the trailer hitch was holding the back end up enough that the tires weren't getting any traction.
I understand. That would have been a LONG trip, and I wouldn't have expected you to come down. I know you and your family loved Ross Allen.
Tell Michael and Kelly that I will definitely be seeing Ross Allen again. I firmly believe that dogs go to Heaven. There's no such thing as "Doggy Heaven." There's just one Heaven, and our doggies will be there with us.
A guy in our group Saturday snapped an axle shaft in his Dana 35. It was a disaster waiting to happen.
He had a locker, and he was running 33" tires. Now, he might have gotten away with that combination a lot longer, but he did something that he shouldn't have done with his set-up. He did some rock climbing, and that involved tire spin. When his tires got traction all at once, that's when the axle shaft snapped.
Jeep Buds, be careful with those Dana 35's. I would not recommend the use of a locker in a Dana 35, and especially not a locker AND bigger tires.
Lots of people run Dana 35s and don't break. These people stay out of situations that involve tires spinning and grabbing. They don't install lockers in the back.
The guy was carrying extra axle shafts, so he was able to do a trail repair, but it took about three hours.
A guy in our group Saturday snapped an axle shaft in his Dana 35. It was a disaster waiting to happen.
Absolutely it was! I'll always jump in to defend the D35 when it unfairly gets a bad rap, but this guy did everything wrong (except carry spare shafts).
However, the same technique can be used to destroy a D44 just as easily. Takes a little longer or a little more right foot, that's all! :shades:
This furthers my info, thanks guys. I talked to a couple Jeep owners at the store today and they have the Rubi with the 6 spd. tranny. After a bit I went for a drive with one of the guys. SWEET!!! Hmmmm, thinking about trading in, just kidding. The way it seems to be is that 1st gear is a "granny" gear for crawling out of the rut. We hit the Interstate and he's running about what I am. So I guess I'll just deal with the fuel economy the way it is. But anyways, thanks all, I'm off to look for some wheels and tires for Hunter.
It might save you some grief if you do a little search on "backspacing" before you buy wheels and tires. In short, the factory backspacing is 5.5" on Jeep wheels. With that backspacing, the widest tire you can run is 10.50." If you go wider than that on the tires while keeping the factory backspacing, the tires will rub on the spring perches in the rear and on the control arms up front.
If you want to run wider tires, then you should buy wheels with less backspacing. Backspacing pulls the wheels and tires in toward the center of the Jeep, so less backspacing pushes the tires outward.
Comments
If I hit the brakes, the dash lights turn on. The fog lights do as well if their switch is on.
If I hit the right (passenger side) turn signals, the dash lights and ALL turn signals (and fog lights if switch is turned on) flash except for the right outside front light (on the fender flare). The bulb is good, and works when the parking lights are on. There is a very dim light when the right turn signal is on, but it is at nowhere near normal brightness. Swapped the bulbs right/left and symptom stays on passenger side.
The drivers-side turn signals are fine. Backup lights, brake lights, parking lights, headlights, fog lights, all look good.
This just started this afternoon, and it is bugging me that I can't quickly find the problem.
If anyone has seen this before or has a shop manual that tells what the light interactions are, can you let me know? They may list this specific symptom, and it could be a bad wire. I just need to know where to look.
Thanks in advance!
I have one and it works great. It covers your whole door area if your doors are off. I have a black one and it has faded a little, but not enough for me to mind yet.
Any light that you can shed on this would be great. Trust me, I am a quick learner so you shouldn't have to tell me more than once!
Thanks - Chuck
"Part Time" just means you have 4wd engaged, whether it be 4 High or 4 low.
Any Jeep question is welcome here.
Do you have the carpet in your Jeep?
It is probably your transmission if you don't have carpet in. It doesn't matter where you sit in my Jeep, the floor is very hot. I usually have some husky liners in, which keeps the heat from radiating right up to my body. I am looking for a mod to keep the heat out of the cab. I have a 1.25" body lift and my floor still gets very hot.
This turned out to be an oil leak from an improperly sealed "gally plug" at the back of the engine plus rear main cap leak. Dealership did a dye test, found out that it was not the transmission fluid as I thought, but an oil leak. They had to pull the tranny to get to the plug.
Here is the wording from the repair: Verified Engine Oil leak. Added Oil Dye to trace leak. Found leak back of engine area. Necessary to remove trans and found leaking engine gally plug. Re-sealed oil gally plug. Also Also found rear main cap leak. R&R oil pan found no sealant between cap and block. Replaced main seal and rear main cap. Re-installed trans. no leaks.
So, new owners - check under your Wrangler directly behind oil pan and front of tranny - if you see even the least bit of oil, get it in for warranty. Maybe it was a Monday when my jeep rolled off of the line ! Anyway, a cause to keep an eye on it.
I guess they only went to six cities. You could drive the new Jeep compass on a road test. I didn't realize until I was driving one that I could of test drove one with a Hemi. For the off road course I drove the diesel liberty. I would like to have driven that on the road to see how much power it has. They also had a little spot to drive your own Jeep on. They had all the Jeep models, some concepts, older military Jeeps, the unlimited from the movie Sahara and others that I can't remember right now. The TJ version of the golden eagle was there. It looked a little better in person but I don't care for it much. I need to get a digital camera.
This event use to be called Jeep 101. I have been to it before. I have always enjoyed my time at these events.
Link to Camp Jeep on the road
Maybe it's my obscure sense of humor, but the reason I said you'll get two love bugs for every one regular bug is because of the reason that they've become known as 'love bugs' (instead of 'Plecia nearctica Hardy' which doesn't roll off the tongue nearly as easily).
When two of these insects mate, which is seemingly their main object in life, they become stuck together..............permanently! You never see a love bug on it's own, hence if you hit a love bug it'll always be a pair where you'll normally hit most other insects singly.
Phew, it must be a slow day! :sick:
Glad to hear you got it taken care of, and I'd continue to keep an eye open for any signs of fresh leaks.
You may already know this, but just in case, or in case others here don't know it, you SHOULD NOT engage four wheel drive on a Wrangler on dry pavement. Wranglers DO NOT have a full time four wheel drive system like many SUV's do.
There needs to be some slippage of the tires when a Wrangler is in four wheel drive. Running in four wheel drive on dry pavement will bind up the drive train, and it can cause premature failure of driveline components.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
No........ that's incorrect, 'part time' means that the drive system on your Jeep is full time 2WD and the indicator light means you have selected part time 4WD. It doesn't matter whether you have locking differentials or not, it's still a part time 4WD system.
In 2WD, the normal state, it's just like the drive system of a regular rear wheel drive vehicle. When 4WD is selected, the drive to the front axle is engaged and the front and rear propshafts are effectively locked together, so take note of Tom's previous post! :shades:
-Mike
I live in the Wash DC area and we do get some snow during the winter, but not too much or very often. Given what you wrote Tom, would I be alright to use the 4x4 high on those days where the streets haven't been plowed? Given that my system is part time, can I assume that when I am in 4x4 high, that only when the back wheels slip, will the front wheels engage for true 4 wheel drive?
Still somewhat confused! :confuse:
Chuck
Your '97 has a 2.5 4cyl with a five speed tranny, but the later 4cyls have a different 2.4 engine with the six speed tranny. The Rubicons you saw (with locking diffs), all have 4.0 6cyl engines.
No, DC has never produced Wranglers with anything other than part time 4WD drive.
I am quite sure that I have seen some of them that when the 4x4 is selected, it indicates "4x4" on the dashboard.
That's possible as the instrument cluster was also used for the Cherokee, which had an optional AWD system. It's also possible to alter instrument cluster in the Wrangler.
You seem to be thinking that '4WD' really means 'full time 4WD', whereas it actually means what it says..................drive is provided to all four wheels, doesn't matter if it's part time or full time. A full time four wheel drive system is usually described All Wheel Drive (AWD).
Given that my system is part time, can I assume that when I am in 4x4 high, that only when the back wheels slip, will the front wheels engage for true 4 wheel drive?
No, when you engage 4WD (high or low) drive is sent to both axles and the propshafts are locked together. Due to the different paths taken by the wheels on the front and rear axles when cornering, they will turn at different speeds to each other on the same axle, and at different speeds axle to axle. The difference in wheel speed on the same axle is compensated for by the differentials, but there is no differential in the transfer case to allow the propshafts to rotate at different speeds. The stress that this builds up is relieved on a low traction surface by allowing the wheels to slip as necessary when the stress builds up. On a high traction surface that stress can't be released, as the wheels can't slip, and the internals of the transfer case get twisted in opposite directions. Additionally, it becomes progressively more difficult to steer. If this happens you may not be able to disengage 4WD, or even if the selector lever moves the system won't release. The way to deal with this is to reverse, sometimes for several hundred yards, which effectively 'unwinds' the stress from the system.
A full time 4WD (AWD), transmission has a third differential in the transfer case between the propshafts to allow them to rotate in normal conditions. That diff can also usually be locked to allow for better traction off road, when the system then becomes the same as your Jeep when 4WD has been selected.
........would I be alright to use the 4x4 high on those days where the streets haven't been plowed?
Yes, as long as you disengage it before you get back on tarmac.
Thanks!
Chuck
Tom - How far are you from our area?
I look forward to getting more 'jeep education' being a regular reader and sometimes contributor to this site!
Chuck
If you don't need to go off road then 33" tires are possible if you're prepared to accept a restricted turning circle as well. Otherwise, 31" is the practical maximum. However, to maintain reasonable performance from your 2.5 you'll need to consider regearing the axles.................and before you ask, no, a throttle body extension, K&N filter, bigger exhaust, chip, etc., etc. won't work instead.
Man, there is no one in this world who would be happier to take you out on the trails and introduce you to "wheelin' " than me, but you would be looking at probably twelve hours of travel time to get here. I'm in western KY, a long way from the DC area. Hey, if you are willing to drive that far, bring it on!
Do a google search or something, and try to find a local club. I'd almost guarantee you that you would have several to choose from in such a populated area.
You are very smart to be looking to hook up with some experienced Jeepers, instead of just heading out on your own.
Just be prepared to have the time of your life! One trip, and you will be hooked.
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeehawwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Glad you found your way here to Edmunds Jeep Wrangler. Now, just make yourself at home. We're always glad to have new folks become part of our family.
Congratulations on that Jeep purchase, Phil! Post a picture of Hunter.
Your profile says you are in Moline, IL, so it would be a long drive, but if you could ever get down here to western KY, I would be glad to take you out on the trails at Turkey Bay, where I do my "wheelin' ."
Phil, what would you be hoping to gain in going from a five speed to the six speed? (OK, before someone says it, "One gear.")
I guess my question should be worded, "What advantage do you expect the extra gear to give you?" I can't imagine any benefit that would be important enough to make the trouble and expense worth it, if it can even be done at all, given that the new 4 bangers are 2.4's.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Ross Allen's Jeep buddies and mine wanted to have a little ceremony to honor his memory, and that's what we did.
I took his ashes and two pictures of him with me to Turkey Bay, and we had a little get together at a spot where we have often taken our lunch breaks. Ross Allen would always make his rounds to see if anyone might have something to eat that they might want to share.
That spot has been officially designated "Ross Allen Park," by our usual gang of Jeepers.
I set Ross Allen's ashes on the hood of Thelma Jane and placed the two pictures next to them, one on either side. We all gathered around, and after I started things off with a prayer of thanksgiving for the ten wonderful years that God gave me with Ross Allen, each of our friends that we had often Jeeped with shared something that they remembered about him.
It made me feel good to know that these folks understood what a very, very special doggy Ross Allen was and that they loved him too.
The picture below shows how things were set up for the little ceremony.
If anyone cares to check it out, I have created a website in honor of Ross Allen.
http://home.earthlink.net/~tsjay53/
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Just in case anyone else ever sees this.
And I'm thinking 31-10.5/15 for a tire.
I realize that the good news is that it is a warranty issue but I would like to know if anyone has had the same problem. Sometimes it is helpful to point the service writer in the right direction to save time and return trips to the dealership.
Appreciate your thoughts and help.
Harlan
I remembered suddenly that the Jeep Liberty had a recall at some point involving steering. I found relevant messages and the recall listing over in the Liberty group. I won't take up valubale space here with all the info, but the recall involved lower ball joints, control arms, and steering knuckles. Obviously these are different vehicles and years, but I also know automotive makers use identical parts/platforms on various models to cut costs. Is it possible what was wrong with the Liberty may also be wrong with the Wrangler??
Thanks,
Mike
I saw the bumper sticker below in a parking lot over the weekend and it reminded me of you and Ross. I apologize in advance to any ultra conservative, religious right wingers who may take offense. :P ">
<img src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b370/wmarkpowell/Photo_100705_001.jpg"
Mark
I THINK the top gear is the same, whether you have a six speed or a five speed. In other words, sixth gear on the six speed has the same ratio as fifth gear on the five speed.
So, at interstate speeds, there would be no advantage to one over the other.
Someone please confirm what I have said, or correct me on it, if I am wrong.
Tomster
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
That's cool.
Reminds me of the dyslexic, agnostic insomniac. He laid awake all night wondering if there really is a Dog.
Tomster
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Changing the final drive ratio by regearing the axles is the way to go to be cost effective in any gearing change. Fitting the 31's may improve fuel consumption but will reduce performance.
A VERY common problem with Wranglers is the lack of a good seal around the heater box where it comes through the firewall. Water from the cowl gets into the cabin via that route. That would possibly explain the water on the passenger side. Not sure what the problem might be on the other side.
My Jeep is an 01, and the problem was very prevalent back then. I guess they have not done much to correct it in all this time. An Internet buddy was told by the service department where he bought his Jeep that there was no seal whatsover from the factory!
Tomster
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Wished I could have made it.
I was going to make a surprise visit but my work schedule ended up surprising me.
Mike and Kelly are still sad that the Jeep Dog is gone.
here's a side photo,
please pay no attention to the winch line being hooked up
I understand. That would have been a LONG trip, and I wouldn't have expected you to come down. I know you and your family loved Ross Allen.
Tell Michael and Kelly that I will definitely be seeing Ross Allen again. I firmly believe that dogs go to Heaven. There's no such thing as "Doggy Heaven." There's just one Heaven, and our doggies will be there with us.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
He had a locker, and he was running 33" tires. Now, he might have gotten away with that combination a lot longer, but he did something that he shouldn't have done with his set-up. He did some rock climbing, and that involved tire spin. When his tires got traction all at once, that's when the axle shaft snapped.
Jeep Buds, be careful with those Dana 35's. I would not recommend the use of a locker in a Dana 35, and especially not a locker AND bigger tires.
Lots of people run Dana 35s and don't break. These people stay out of situations that involve tires spinning and grabbing. They don't install lockers in the back.
The guy was carrying extra axle shafts, so he was able to do a trail repair, but it took about three hours.
Tomster
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Absolutely it was! I'll always jump in to defend the D35 when it unfairly gets a bad rap, but this guy did everything wrong (except carry spare shafts).
However, the same technique can be used to destroy a D44 just as easily. Takes a little longer or a little more right foot, that's all! :shades:
Phil
It might save you some grief if you do a little search on "backspacing" before you buy wheels and tires. In short, the factory backspacing is 5.5" on Jeep wheels. With that backspacing, the widest tire you can run is 10.50." If you go wider than that on the tires while keeping the factory backspacing, the tires will rub on the spring perches in the rear and on the control arms up front.
If you want to run wider tires, then you should buy wheels with less backspacing. Backspacing pulls the wheels and tires in toward the center of the Jeep, so less backspacing pushes the tires outward.
Tomster
Have you hugged your Jeep today?