Jeep Wrangler

hawkeyes84 · July 2001

I'm thinking of gettin a Wrangler 88-94. If I get one I plan to raise it and add at least 30" tires to it for "mudding". My only concerns are that most of my friends think I'm going to flip it and kill myself. How often and dangerous is this? For Info I'm 17 and love going fast, should i instead opt for a low car so i can see my college years? Or are they safe so long as I don't slide at 60 around corners? How easy are they to "upgrade" in Performance and suspension aspects. How much mud will it take to damage the engine? Ect.
Thanks for any and all help.

jrjeep1 · July 2001

Hello all

Well I finally have my 2001 sport. Wow it is FUN. I picked it up last Friday the 5th of July and already have 1000 miles on it. If you all remember I ordered it back in mid April so the long wait is finally over and the jeep is here! I can't seem to keep the mud off of it either

There are just too many trails to explore in the woods and mountains here in Germany. If you are thinking about buying a jeep, do it! They get bad gas mileage, and are impractical but they are fun, fun, fun! Well I'll see you in cyberspace or on the road

tsjay · July 2001

Hold on, son! "Fast" and "Jeep" don't mix!

You'd better stick with a sports car, and, even then, use your HEAD about your speed! We too would like to see you stick around for your college years and beyond.

Jeeps are NOT for speed and can get you in BIG trouble if you drive them as if they were a car. They have a short wheel base and a high center of gravity for offroad capability, but these factors combine to make them require much lower speeds for cornering.

Think of it this way... Would you take a Corvette and go up rutted, rocky dirt roads or through deep mudholes? That would be stupid, right? OK, it is just as stupid to think you can drive a Jeep on the highway as fast as you would drive a car and to try to take corners like you would in a Corvette.

Jeeps are a world of FUN, but you have to remember at all times that you are in a Jeep, and drive accordingly!

Whatever you drive, drive carefully!

tsjay

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

tsjay · July 2001

CONGRATULATIONS! Way to go, Sarge!

Man, I know you are in 7th heaven right now! I'm really happy for you. Please post some pics and tell us more about your escapades with that baby!

tsjay

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

lookin4sahara · July 2001

That was me who said the add a trunk was useless. I should have been more clear. I have a bad habit of not elaborating. I meant useless as far as security, not keeping things neat and organized. I would also use it for that purpose but I would not store something of value in there. I could be wrong but it just dosen't seem that secure. Dosen't seem like much force would be needed to "break in".

tsjay · July 2001

Hey, Guys and Gals, I bought one of those plastic containers from Walmart that is about 2' wide by about 4' long and about 18" deep. It has a cover lid that snaps on. Think of it as "Tupperware for your Jeep."

This keeps lots of stuff from being scattered all over the back of the Jeep. I have my back seat out, obviously, to make room for this container.

tsjay

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

mtngal · July 2001

I wouldn't get one of the add-a-trunks. I looked at a Sahara recently that had one, and since I normally drive with the back seat either out or folded forward, it would have been the first thing I would remove. I like the idea of "tupperware for the jeep" idea - I sometimes use a plastic dirty laundry basket. The dog doesn't seem to mind sharing the back with a small basket. It still gives him room to lie down or get up and look around.

jrjeep1 - Where can you go off-roading in Germany? I was there years ago and had a van, so I wasn't interested in off-roading but it seemed to me that everything was so regulated as far as the woods where we were, that you couldn't really do much. But then, there's always the military maneuver areas - can you play there on occasion? I'm just curious. And congratulations on the jeep - just be careful on the autobahn!

bamatazz · July 2001

Congratulations on your jeep!!
i'm sure you will hug it everyday!
Lookin
Yea black is hard to keep clean. But, then
it "makes me" wash it, instead of ignoring it.
I had a balck camaro several about 12 years ago.
I've always liked basic color cars, White, Black,
Blue...
hawkeyes
Im with Tsjay..Jeeps werent meant for speed..
they were meant for crusing..

Got jeep?
BamaTazz

saharagal · July 2001

Well, after all these weeks of waiting, my Sahara came in with an identical twin in 5-speed! Being the lover of twists and turns that I am, I had to torture myself with deciding between 5-speed and automatic. Those Jeep guys at Nalley Jeep in Roswell were incredibly patient with me! They insisted that I take my time and make a decision I felt good about...

I test drove both of them over the last 2 days. Man, what a tough decision. I wanted auto in the first place because of stop-and-go traffic in my area. Hmmm, but I don't commute back and forth to a job. It's really not that bad. The auto really doesn't have much pep, either. Hmm, what to do. Will I get sick of fooling around with pedals and gear shifts?

It was very tough. I was sweating it out big time, being the weirdo that I am! I knew I was going to have to make a decision somehow! I called my hubby in Milwaukee, and after talking a little, he actually helped me decide. He's a pretty conservative type of guy, so I knew which one he'd lean toward. We both came to the same conclusion:

Go with the fun one! I picked the 5-speed! Yep, I now own a white Sahara with dark tan soft top. Thank God they didn't get one in with dual tops! I'd still be there!!

I got speed control and Dana 44 with Trac Lok for free. Full metal doors, add a trunk, 30" wheels, and a cute little dark tan Nalley tire cover.

I drove off with the top down and stereo blasting. I got a great deal! I paid $21,437 for a Jeep that Edmunds listed invoice total at $22,279. No kidding!! Then, I paid 7% tax ($1528), $41 license and fees, plus the $399 rip off processing fee. No additional advertising fees or anything. Out the door was $23,405. I got a great deal! No question!

I can't believe I actually did it! Boy, I took my little "Muffin" dog for a ride. I thought she was going to toss her little cookies! She didn't like it one bit, poor thing! My boys did, though!

Sorry for the long post! Just making up in advance for all the posting I'll be missing when I'm out driving!

Laura

bamatazz · July 2001

ALLL RIGHT!!!
Laura....Tazz has a new cousin!!
Sounds like you got a GREAT deal !!!
I'm glad you got the one you wanted!!!
Enjoy that jeep gal..i'm KNOW that you will love it!!

Got Jeep?
BamaTazz

twylie · July 2001

I'm excited for you. Sounds like you did a smart thing and compared the two before making your decision. We love our 5 speed and as long as you're not stuck in a lot of traffic, you will not regret the decision. Congrats again; I know it's been a journey for you and your Jeep!

-twylie

davidb72 · July 2001

I've been driving mine for about two weeks to commute into NY City... Holland tunnel in, Lincoln tunnel out... No big deal. I like to drive though, not just go along for the ride...

mtngal · July 2001

Congrats on finally getting your Sahara! I also have the 5 speed, and I wouldn't have anything else. It's fun! I use it for commuting in the winter and have to drive slow and go freeway traffic. Usually I leave lots of room in front of me and leave it in second gear. It's geared pretty low so you don't have to shift unless the traffic comes to a complete halt for several seconds (shorter stops are taken up by the "cushion" I leave between me and the car in front). That way you don't have to shift much. So go have fun!!!! Now go get it dirty!

tsjay · July 2001

Yeeeeeeehhhhhaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!

YOU DID IT! WAY TO GO!

I think you made the right choice.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Now, tell us all about the fun you are having, Post! Post! Post!

tsjay

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

nkelly1 · July 2001

Saharagal - A stick shift is the only way to go, you'll see. Your gonna have many years of fun. After a while it will become second nature, the only problem I ever had with a stick was driving an auto later and reaching for the clutch and slam on the brakes. Congratulations, to bad about your dog though, mine loves it.

hawkeyes84 - Do yourself a favor, don't get a jeep. IMHO, you will end up a statistic on why teenagers should not have one. So do them a favor too, buy a car that can handle speed. There are a lot of responsible teenagers, you don't sound like your one of them.

drew_ · July 2001

...at 6-7pm Pacific/9-10 pm Eastern. Hope to see you there!

http://www.edmunds.com/chat/jeepchat.html

saharagal · July 2001

I still can't believe it! Wonder how long it will take 'til it sinks in! WOW!

lookin4sahara · July 2001

Congrats!!!.....Good choice. 5spd is the way to go. You will certainly enjoy it much more than the auto.

Shifting will be second nature in no time......

Now give that jeep a big hug:-)

hawkeyes84 · July 2001

I'm going for a nissan 300 zx thanks for the advice

saharagal · July 2001

I really appreciate all the comments. Thanks for listening to me rave at the Chat too! It's especially nice to have people to share the excitement with since my husband's working in Milwaukee. He's probably lucky he's not here. I'd be talking his ear off!

Thanks again!

Laura

nkelly1 · July 2001

Here is some of what I have

Dana 44/226mm rear
Dana 30/186mm front

Full length floor console (is there a shorter one? Does the "bottom" come off?)

Upgraded OBD - II connectors (Anyone know what this is?)

It also has a "paint order code" number, I take it I can order paint that matches what I have.

It is a pretty detailed list, but I am going to study it and see if I can get some more. (I can post it all if anyone is interested)

ottowrkr · July 2001

obd is on board diagnostics. This is the plug that the dealer uses to access your on-board computers . all cars use the same shape connector now.

bamatazz · July 2001

OK..all lets not start paising your manuals ok..
i've heard some of you having "noise" problems with your maunuals..
Welcome to the 21st century...auto is the way to go.
I am aready sitting down..I need my free had to change the radio..

Got Jeep
BamaTazz

sasquatch_2000 · July 2001

Congrats Saharagal!

I also took the 5 speed. I think it was a wise idea.

I hope to have pictures soon (before and after 31" BFG's).

potential names:

BaBa (black Jeep)
Buckwheat
Blackie
(others, but I've forgotten)

mac24 · July 2001

Please, post the rest of the list. All changes will be good to know about.

kwilson4 · July 2001

Congrats and welcome to the Jeep Club. Are you sure you have the Trac Loc? You mentioned that you have Trac Loc, 30" tires and a rear spare cover. That leads me to believe that your spare is not a 30" tire. I thought that DC didn't like to put the smaller spare on vehicles with Trac Loc (because all tires should be the same size to avoid damage).

twylie · July 2001

my '01 came with a cheap spare cover that was silk screened with the dealers name and logo. We have the 30" tire group as well, but the cover they provided fit. It was pretty ugly; so it was removed when we got home.

-twylie

jacorob · July 2001

auto the way to go? *grin* i thought that, until i got my manual. My new jeep was the first manual i ever owned and i learned how to drive a manual with it. Now i can honestly say i love driving a manual more then an auto! Who woulda thunk it?

Of course i do think an auto would be better for certain types of offroading - rock crawling in particular. But i have too much fun with a manual both on and off the road.

To each their own.

In other news, i should be getting my jeep back today - was in the shop getting repaired after a slight accident. Get a free warn bumper out of it. Works for me.

It'll be nice to get out of my rental Hyundai Sonata and back in to my jeep. Argh...that sonata is soooo annoying!

Bob

saharagal · July 2001

Well, I didn't climb under the Jeep, but the invoice definitely says it has it! I got it for free because I hadn't agreed to it. I waited weeks for this Jeep to come in, and it came in with several options I hadn't agreed to buy...

As far as the tire cover on my Canyon wheels, it is a dealership one (Nalley Jeep). It's real cute. I like it a lot. I would have definitely preferred the Sahara one! Mine is a nice dark tan color with white logo. Good enough for now!

I'm happy all the way around! Can you tell??

wheelshigh · July 2001

Saharagal, congrats on the new jeep...now you can see what fun you've been missing out of.

Bamatazz, well I personally prefer a manual transmission over an auto for a few reasons. 1 manuals are easier to rebuild and do not wear out as fast as an auto. 2 there are no cooling issues with a manual trans unlike an auto. 3 I like to be in control especially off-road and manuals give you more control through the clutch and gears. 4 easier to stop with a manual. 5 manuals seem to hold up to more abuse and if you do break one you can almost always get home. 6 I hate the lag in an auto when you hit the gas because of the torque converter....manuals have no lag. These are just a few reasons I prefer a manual over auto. Plus I do believe they weigh less and get better MPG.

wheelsdown · July 2001

I have the automatic. My reason is one I have not seen posted. I drove manuals for fifteen years. Just gor tired of shifting.

mtngal · July 2001

I, too, have 30" wheels, a full sized spare and a cover that fits it. It is from the dealer, and since I wasn't real happy with them, I keep wanting to replace it. However, I haven't bothered. It fits but gets blown off by the blowers in car washes. Before anyone gives me a hard time about car washes, I figured that since my paint job gets scratched up by brush and branches, it wouldn't make much difference if I used an automatic car wash. The one I usually go to doesn't have brushes, but even if it did, I wouldn't be able to tell what scratches would be caused by the brushes, and which ones were caused by brush and low branches on the trails!

saharagal · July 2001

Only time will tell, but I think I did the right thing getting the manual. So far it's alot of fun! I like it more than I thought I would when I first started thinking about Jeeps.

I must admit, sometimes it feels a little like work, but I think it might be because I didn't learn the correct way to downshift when I was younger. I had a VW bug for a while, and was never really taught the right way. Unfortunately, I was the one who taught my teenage son how to drive a stick. A brake job later, we both found out what a bad job I had done in teaching him how to slow down with a stick shift.

Now he's teaching me the right way to do it. Ready for a good laugh--I always used to just put my foot on the clutch, the other on the brake, and shift down to one. I rode the brake and the clutch all the time! OOPS! I never used to down shift to slow down. NOW I do, but it requires more thinking on my part, since I did it the wrong way for so long. I'm getting used to it quickly. Funny, I never had to replace the clutch or brakes on the VW. I can't remember how many miles I had on it when I got rid of it, though.

I put the top back up this afternoon. Man, it's sunny here! Hot too! Can't wait until fall. Soft top is nice! It wasn't hard putting it up at all.

Thanks again for all the congrats!

Laura

bamatazz · July 2001

I just dont see that an auto breaks down more than a manual...Everyone that I know has rebulit their. manual...I've NEVER had to do that with an auto..Toms..is hearing noises from hie thrugh out bearing.. Gill had to give his back to the dealer.. looks like manuals have the more problems.
does it really make THAT big of diffrence on MPG?
plus..Is the lag THAT noticable..I'm not in THAT big of hurry. Jeeps arent meant for speed.
too bad they dont have dual trans...like dual tops.
to each his own..my wife would rather have a manual too..

manual or auto...still fun to drive

keep jeepin
Bamatazz

sasquatch_2000 · July 2001

When I bought the BFG AT KO's, the guy took my Wrangler GSA (hated them) in 225/75R15 for an even swap on a BFG 31X10.5R15 for a spare. We both made out, because the Goodyear sells for more than the BFG, and I get a full size spare in the right size which I like better anyhow.

How does one tell what final drive ratio one has? Also, how does one tell if one has trac loc? I can see a tag on xfer case, but don't know what to look for.

Thanks in advance.

Will try to get a trailer hitch this weekend, and also am getting the boat in the water (finally!!!). Anyone have a preference for trailer hitch versus receiver bumper???

wheelshigh · July 2001

It all depends on what type of trans you have manual or auto and what flaws they have. You have never heard of an auto needing a rebuild? I have seen more auto's grenade than manuals personally. Lag is created because in an auto you must reach the stall speed of the converter, usually 1200-1500 stock, to put all the power to the ground. As I'm sure you know, a manual puts all the power down as soon as you let out the clutch. There are both good and bad things about both, but I think driver experience with either trans can overcome the bad and provide all the good aspects of the trans. Oh BTW I'm not in a hurry I just hate lag off-road....when I hit the gas I want my jeep to move that instant. I guess it all depends on your personal preference.
Sasquatch2000, I do not like bumper hitches...they always seem to end up bending but they do look nicer than a receiver hitch. Bumper hitches also are set at a certain height and cannot be changed for either different trailor heights or if you lift your jeep. If you end up getting a bumper hitch make sure it is plenty thick and mounts solidly to the frame.

bamatazz · July 2001

You say tomato...I say mater,,,still the same food..I guess thats why they make them diffrent to try to please everyone...I still think you should come to the present quit living in the past... just my .03 extra cent just in case

bamatazz

wheelshigh · July 2001

I didn't mean to get you all worked up over the transmission issue. I'm just saying what I like and prefer. I must say if I build my next car it will be an auto.....but that will be for the drag strip. Anyway no hard feelings, these are the kind of topics I like though.

bamatazz · July 2001

I just like getting feathers ruffled...
I think i might start the Hard/soft top debate now...
then go back to the "real jeep" issue...
good idea..
No hard feelings here either...

At least your smart enough to buy a jeep..
lol

Got jeep?
BT

jacorob · July 2001

*laughs*

"quit living in the past"

and yet we've all bought wranglers which i'm sure non-jeepers would say are much more "in the past" then almost any other production vehicle.

when auto trannys give the same or better performance as manuals then we can talk about "in the past", but not until.

Of course, I read about Audi autos for one of their cars (can't remember which - pry A8) last year and was quite impressed. Some reviewers said it soon might make customers choose autos over manuals because of performance rather in spite of. Of course we're talking high performance audis, and it'll pry be another 5 or so years till they hit mainstream. I know my current auto civic (99) shifts like crap -never drops down right when i want more power.

Hmm..when will us jeepers stop living in the past and realize that IFS is the present and future.

Bob

mtngal · July 2001

Where else but with a Wrangler would you get so many different views? I love my hard top and won't take it off until I have a garage (since our lot is all down slope, I don't think I'm going to see a garage any time soon!). Others think I'm crazy or missing out. I went through 2 auto trannys in one year in my Nissan pickup after I moved up here, so now we own two manuals without problems. My '98 manual Wrangler has 90,000 miles and I haven't done anything to the tranny or the clutch. If I were still a "flatlander" it might be different - my requirements would be different. A Wrangler is one of the few vehicles that can be made to fit so many different needs. I love it when so many people can find ways to fit this impractical car into their lives...

yellowman · July 2001

Hey all

I just ordered a spare tire cover from Quadratec. I'm planning to put my company logo on it at a sign & banner place, so I opted for the vinyl finish (as opposed to the denim finish). I checked my tire size and it said P225 75/R15. When I told this to the Quadratec guy, he said that means I have 28" tires. I thought for some reason that they were bigger than that. I got the Full Face Tire and Wheel group when I got my Wrangler, and these are definitely bigger than the dinky stock tires that come with the SE. I figured they were at least 29". What does everyone think - are they really 28 inches or do you think the guy at Quadratec made a mistake? He said I could return the tire cover if it doesn't fit, so I guess I'm okay either way.

yellowman

sfjeeps · July 2001

As a mechanic, my money is always on the manual. The reason being, I've seen manual gear boxs with over 200,000 miles on them and all that was replaced was the clutch and throw out bearing. A manual is much simpler and has less parts to make it work, so there is less parts that can fail. Another added feature for the manual is you can push start the vehicle if the starter dies, you don't need a tranny cooler and you have a really low gear for crawling. One of the biggest advantages is the fact you can leave it in first gear and engage the starter to really help you crawl over obstacles.

tsjay · July 2001

You guys do some posting today, so I will have some stuff to read tonight. This one of those rare occasions that I have to work on Saturday, but it looks like that won't be as rare in the near future as it has been in the past.

On the bright side, I will be taking Ross Allen with me, since it's Saturday. I am on straight salary, so I don't get any compensation for the OT. I can at least take my buddy with me!

I vote for the five speed in this recent discussion of auto vs. five speed. I like shifting gears! It's more fun, plus the other advantages that have been mentioned.

But, to each his own. A Jeep is no less a Jeep if it is an auto.

Well, time to get ready for work, load up my Puppy Dog, and head for the office.

Might sneak on the Net a time or two during the day and see what's going on in here.

See you guys later.

Oh yeah, let's hear more about that new Sahara, Gal!

tsjay

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

bamatazz · July 2001

ok..you guys win..i'm the stupid one for getting in Tazz turn the key and go,,,no shifting..no moving feet around. no down shifting..
no stalling..no thowout bearing making noises..
just driving enjoying it all...
just call me simple...Manual..too much hassel

BT

lookin4sahara · July 2001

Sorry tazz, I have to side with the manuals for all the reasons and advantages stated above. I haven't driven an auto in 16 years and will probably drive a manual until the day the combustion engine cease to exist. Then I will go back to the horse and buggy. :-)

....but your jeep is still sweet.......

tonkadave · July 2001

Ok. I wasn't going to get involved in this debate but here goes: I have an Auto Trans. When I first started looking at jeeps I wanted the Manual. Thats how I imagined a Jeep should be. My wife, however, won't drive one. So, if I wanted a jeep it had to be an Auto. To be honest the Auto trans. is very nice to have. The only problem is that its a 3 speed and on the highway the RPM's tend to rev kind of high. For example at 3000 RPM's I can go 73 MPH. 3000 Rpms doesnt sound like much, but just try to sit in your driveway in neutral and rev your jeep up to 3000 and see how long you can stomach it. Not long I will bet. Although probably fun in a jeep, the fact is however that manual transmissions are on the way out in almost all vehicles. Even Most Fire Engines now are Automatics. The Auto Industry Probably sells 20 or more Autos for every Manual. I expect that rate to increase. Autos have come a long way baby. Many are now 6 speeds and are very, very reliable. In most applications you just cant beat the auto trans. Lets face it. A Wrangler is a throw back vehicle from another era. I would have to say in this day and age that an Auto would be more reliable than a Manual. The Auto Industry markets things for the masses and the masses want Automatic Transmissions. Just look around you.

tntbeauty · July 2001

First and MOST importantly: Congratulations Sahara Gal on your lovely new Baby... it makes me smile to read you ecstatic posts of late. Keep 'em coming (I remember how excited I was when I got my GCL, and I still feel satisfied every time I get in her.)

Okay... for the record, I drive an auto. However, even an auto requires some attention. Why am I on original pads and rotors at now approaching 50K (in spite of the notorious trouble DC has with their rotors on 99 GCL's)? Because I use the auto transmission to restrain me going down hill rather than riding the brake pedal. And there are an infinite number of other ways you can "really drive" with an automatic. (Not to mention the whole eating a sammich, drinking my latte, painting my nails, talking on the phone thing - but I won't go there again! ;o) Also, no one has touched on - and frankly I don't really know - the benefits of automatic when towing a load.

) Just had to add my two cents **winks @ TonkaDave** - more fun when y'all are riled up.

Jay - give Ross Allen a puppy treat for me - can't believe you are taking him into work with you. I am jealous! Need to get a doggy of my own... I think I nice golden lab would go well with my Jeep. ;o)

Tara

dwrangler · July 2001

I'm soaking all of this in and I love it!

)

hey tom you might need to tie down that dog of yours...I though I saw him flying away (being cardboard and all;o) ).

As far as the "great auto vs. manual debate" goes, whatever your preference I'd say. I might have thought manual some years back, but when I eventually ;o) get my Jeep, I'll go the auto route. Of course if I get myself in better shape later I may change my mind. But then again, if I won the Powerball...I'd just get both ;0)

Keep on talkin' bout that new baby gal, it's nice to hear.

Hug your Jeeps for me today

)

dwrangler

nkelly1 · July 2001

This is the list DC sent me, it doesn't answer all my questions... but it does give me a good foundation for the next set of questions.

Upgraded OBD - II Connectors
Skid plate shield - fuel tank
Skid plate shield - Transfer case
Fuel filler cap tethered
Protective coating and remover
8 additional gallons of gas
Air Conditioning bypass
Cloth high back bucket seats/ tip and slid/ reclining front
30" Canyon tire group
4.0L Engine (ERH) / 5 spd M/T Nv3550 (DDD)
117 Amp alternator
600 amp battery
Air bags, front (next generation), W/ off-on switch (passenger)
Carpet, front/rear
Cargo tie down loops
Sport bar, rear W/full padding
Console - full length floor
Transmissions - all manual
Transmission - 5-speed HD manual
Axle - front, Dana 30/186mm
Axle Ratio - 3.73
Axle - Rear, Dana 44/226mm
Engine - 40l Power Tech I-6
Windshield glass - Tinted
Glass - front door tinted
Windows - Deep tint (soft top too)
Door - full metal w/roll up windows
Defroster - Rear window
Mirror - left and right manual/swing-away
Heater - w/Instrument pnl Ventilation
Instrument cluster w/Tach

Jeep Wrangler

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