Jeep Wrangler

yellowman · September 2001

Hey all

Just thought I'd let everyone know, I took the top off the Jeep today and it will stay off for the weekend. Weather here in SoCal is around 90, so it's perfect topless weather. Tonight I drove around town and on the freeway, and it really is like driving a different vehicle. It was awesome to be able to look up and see the stars and the moon, and to actually smell your environment. Previously I'd only had the top off for a grand total of about three hours. Now that I have a warehouse, though, I have somewhere to put the thing. Just when I thought I couldn't enjoy my Jeep any more, along comes this! Anyone who hasn't tried taking the top off , you GOTTA do it! Great feeling.

Yellowman

tsjay · September 2001

Good to hear from ya!

That top off Jeepin' is great, ain't it? You didn't have to rub it in about your weather, though!

You gonna try doorless too? It adds quite a bit to the topless experience, but you might as well resolve yourself to the idea of having some scratches on the door hinge nuts, if you are going to try it.

You know how particular I am with Thelma Jane, but it was worth the scratches to have those doors off.

Currently, Thelma Jane is still topless/doorless, but the days of driving her like that are numbered around here. There will be occasional days where it is warm enough to go topless, but they are getting fewer and further between.

I'm still driving that little S-10 to work, which enables me to keep Thelma topless/doorless.

tsjay

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

tsjay · September 2001

Saharagal, Ducks, Texasjeep, and all of the rest of you guys who used to post a lot.... WHERE ARE YA?

tsjay

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

bamatazz · September 2001

Brrrrr..cold mornings here in the "Heart of Dixie"
Just drove to work with the windows out...then later on put the top down.
This is fantastic weather here...perfect football weather..
come on jeepers...lets get some posting going on..

Keep Jeepin
Bamatazz

tsjay · September 2001

I'd better caution you once again about being very careful when lifting the doors off, if you are going to take them off.

Be sure and go nice and slow, and be careful to come up perfectly straight with them. They are heavy and can become overbalanced, tipping one way or the other and causing the exposed threads on the hinge bolts to contact the paint on your fender.

I don't know if you're going to take your doors off or not, but in case you do, be careful.

The nuts you need to remove are 13MM metric size. I would recommend a boxed end wrench. The wrench will be very close to the paint surface on your fender, so be careful not to let it slip.

Don't forget to remove the fuse for the overhead light. It's the bottom fuse in the right hand column of fuses.

tsjay

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

jeephead · September 2001

Well, here in the heart of Indiana, the weather is starting to get a little too cold for topless/door less days. The highs have only been in the 60's for the last week. It is supposed to be warmer today and tomorrow, but it gets cold pretty quickly at night. I have given up on being door less for the rest of the season, as I FROZE at night during the heat of the summer with top down and the doors off. (I am usually pretty warm guy, too, which made it even weirder!) I am really jealous of all of you who are still able to run topless and/or door less. The lucky part for me was that with buying my jeep in April, I had the whole summer to enjoy top down days. I will be missing those now that summer is on its way out, but for the first time since I was a kid, I will be looking forward to a little snow.

Jeephead

tsjay · September 2001

Put me down for some of that snow too! I would love to have some BIG snows to play in with Thelma Jane this winter, but here in western Ky, big snows only come along every few years.

tsjay

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

Mrs Jeephead:

Have you hugged your Jeephead today?

sfjeeps · September 2001

For those who have their hard tops off right now. Before placing the top back one, you may want to get a rag and spray some silicone lube spray on the seals on top of the windshield and around the doors as well. The silicone spray will keep the seal from drying out and will help protect it. Another bonus is a slippery seal has a less possible chance or tearing. A little silicone spray goes a long way.

drivenow · September 2001

I would like some advice on aquiring a used Jeep CJ or newer in the 6K to 8K range. Any "best pick" years, caveats, engines or trannys or rear ends to avoid. I live in the Northeast. Thank you.

yellowjeep · September 2001

I thought I had read somewhere that you can make a minor modification like changing the air filter to the 4.0L Jeep engine that helps gas mileage some. However, I can't seem to find it now and there doesn't seem to be an effective way to search archives for this list. Any help is greatly appreciated.

dwrangler · September 2001

I apologize for not visiting this site or the other chat room, but I've been busy with the stresses of school and work. I've decided not to drop my college algebra class as it would put me below part-time status and I'd have to at least pay the interest. But I'm going to stay enrolled in the class and just not attend the lectures. That means that I will get an F in the class, but I will retake it next semester.

Ok enough about school. I too have been abit jealous of those that own or just recently purchased a Jeep. I now however live vicariously through the stories of those that have my dream vehicle and patiently wait for the day that I will too become a Jeepster

It will have to wait a few years until my financial situation improves.

Bama,
That's ok if you fell asleep. Hopefully at least Bama' won for you. I am at this point beaming with pride that the Rams won today and that the Cardinals are back on a winning streak. Mizzou however NEEDS WORK!

Too bad that my finances aren't in better shape, that 0% interest rate is interesting.

As far as the air filter goes, I have been on this website quite often and many times this question or ones similar to it has come up frequently. However the answers may not be of much help. The consistant answer seems to be that filters, devices added to the air filter and things of the like are only "snake oil" remedies and don't change the mileage much if any. You can try them but there's no guarentee that they will help much. But keep looking maybe someday they will find something that will.

Oh and "Sarge" (Joel I believe) as someone called you, I too wanted to say thanks to you and all those that serve the country both here and abroad. I'm not saying that I'm old at thirty-eight, but I'm not in good enough shape to join up myself and my Mother would not be happy if her only daughter joined the service and something happened she would be devistated. So I have to stay and take care of her and my Father.

I tried to give blood, but they rejected me. My counts were too low so I'll try again later. If you get deployed somewhere else stay safe and make us proud.

For my fellow Mud Hole Gang...hope to see ya soon at the chat room, but if I'm not there for a few days I will probably be trying to cancel my second phone line and switch to Earthlink DSL to save money. I'll be back.

Hug your Jeeps for me
And God Bless America!

dwrangler

yellowman · September 2001

Hey tsjay

Thanks for the suggestions - I decided to keep the full doors on this time with the top off. I took them off the only other time the top was off, and I loved it, but here in California the law states you can't drive without side mirrors. I didn't want to hassle with moving the mirrors or installing substitute ones, so I just left the full doors on. It actually came in handy - I found that it got pretty cold up front when driving topless at night, but I could keep plenty warm by rolling up the windows and turning on the heat. Also, the look of the top off/full doors on has grown on me. I used to think it looked kinda silly, but I like it now. Did a little curb-hopping today with my friend in the Jeep. I told him it was made for offroading, and even though I don't go offroad, I hop curbs from time to time. I think he only half-believed me, so he said, "Okay, hop a curb." I said, "Okay!" and immediately drove to the side of the road, got my right side up over the street curb, then drove back down. He was impressed! :-) I'm kind of bummed I have to put the top back on tomorrow, but I might remove it again next weekend if the weather holds up. It's been great - and I've got a decent tan to boot!

yellowman

dixiechick · September 2001

I'm buying my first Jeep tomorrow. I'm getting a softtop Sport. I've wanted one since I was 8 and tomorrow the dream is finally coming true. If you have any advice that I should know please let me know.

Thanks.

erniej · September 2001

Just bought a 98 wrangler,automatic. Want to tow it behind my RV. Any suggestions

tsjay · September 2001

Congrats on getting the Jeep! It sounds like it's a little late to be asking advice, if you are definitely buying one tomorrow. You must have already agreed to terms on a particular Jeep, right?

Give us some details, and be willing to wait a few days, then we might be able to help you.

But if you have one picked out and have a deal you're happy with, then go for it! I would have a hard time waiting if it were me.

Let us know if we can help, but if you go ahead and buy, let us know all the details and post a pic, if you can.

Have fun! Good luck.

tsjay

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

tsjay · September 2001

I would say put the RV in front and the Jeep in the back.

Seriously, I don't know if it's just as simple as putting the transfer case in neutral or if there are other things that you would need to do, but, hopefully, someone else will answer your question (without giving you a smart@ss answer).

Congrats on the Jeep!

tsjay

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

madman390 · September 2001

Hey all:

Just wanted to drop a line and say that the family, the dogs, and the jeep have arrived in Colorado.

Been busy, finding a place to live, moving in, and of course, work has been a little "interesting."

The weather has been great. Had the top down, and the back seat out, since we had to acquire a few things for the new house.

Sorry haven't been able to post much. Hope you all understand.

Madman

stever · September 2001

Congrats on your new ride. Check out this post for madman390's checklist link (and welcome back Madman):

madman390 Apr 26, 2001 7:12am

Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

twylie · October 2001

Madman sent me the updated checklist for accepting a new Jeep at delivery:

http://www.ewylie.com/jeep/delivery_checklist.htm

Madman & yellowman - glad to see you guys are doing well.

-twylie

sfjeeps · October 2001

The last year for the CJ-7s was '86 and that was the best year because of the option for the Dana 44 rear. When shopping for a CJ-7 keep an eye on the AMC 20 axles. The rear axle is a two piece design and they can a will fail. It will start with a grinding sound from the rear or oil will be seeping out of the rear drums. I would also stay way from the quad a trac transfer case. It is a vacuum operated transfer case and the controls are in the glove box. The quad a trac is not a strong unit and it's a real pain to work on (expensive too).

Follow the owners manual for towing your Jeep. It will give you the distance you may tow your Jeep. The reason for the distance is after so far of towing, you will want to drive your Jeep to get the oil slooshed around in the transfer case to make sure everything is lubricated.

I believe the TJ and some later model YJs maybe towed without worrying about the distance but always double check the manual.

pokey10 · October 2001

Does anyone know if there is a speed limit to our TJ Jeeps. Yeah, yeah I know I shouldn't be going that fast but these are things I like to know, especially if you have to pass and need that 5 extra mph.

Pokey

redkey1 · October 2001

Test drove an SE a while ago and had a bit of a problem, my knees kept bumping the doors and steering wheel while pushing in/out the clutch (I'm 6'3). Obviously not very comfortable. Strange thing is that the sales guy basically just shrugged his shoulders at me when i made the complaint. A friend of mine said that there should have been some dort of adjuster on the wheel that could have made things more comfortable. In hindsight, i am thinking that the dealer just blew me off b/c i straight up told him I was just starting a search and was not buying that day. Does the wheel adjust on sport/sahara models? I am really considering getting a jeep with the new incentives out there. Also, what is this X Jeep? No real explanation on the jeep site. Thanks.

twylie · October 2001

redkey,

The wheel adjusts on most models. It is a lever under the left side of the steering column. Pull the lever down, adjust the wheel to the right height, and return the lever to the upright and locked position... I'm 6'1" and have no problem fitting behind the wheel or engaging the clutch. For 2001, the adjustable wheel was standard on the Sahara and D package Sports, and is part of the Convienience group 1 for C package Sports and N package SE's. For 2002, it appears that it is optional on the SE, X, and Sport, standard on Sahara.

The X model falls between the SE and the Sport. It contains many of the popular options that people equip an SE with, but you get the 4.0 engine as well.

HTH

-twylie

yellowman · October 2001

Although most models have the adjustable "tilt" steering, I seem to recall it was an option I had to add. So it is possible that you test drove a Jeep that didn't have it as a feature. Then again, it might have had it and the salesman didn't know. The one thing I was amazed at was the extreme lack of knowledge of almost every salesman I spoke with during my scouting trips. I knew more than all of them, and some of them were laughably inept.

yellowman

superman1975 · October 2001

Hello all,

I'm kinda new to looking at Jeeps. I currently have a Chevy S-10 (4 cyl./5 sp.) on a lease. My lease is up in about a year and I would like to buy a new Jeep. Is there any good info anywhere on the web for newbies (other than Jeep.com and Edmunds)?? About the only things that I know for sure that I want are 6 cyl., auto, 4wd, CD, and possibly a/c. I noticed Madman's checklist and saved it for later. It seems to be good advice, for any car buyer. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Superman

hotcoffee · October 2001

If you ever meet the sad day where practicality, family, and lack of room for an extra vehicle makes you switch to a larger more family-friendly vehicle.

I suggest you drive a 5speed Xterra. Other than the open air you get alot of fun and attitude as well as capability.

I was sad, and now I can handle the pain. I miss the open air.

I also enjoy increased dependability.

tjx02 · October 2001

Hey gang. Finally bought my first Jeep. Have wanted one as long as I can remember. It's a 2002 TJ X, Silverstone with the Ecco tire & Wheel group & AC. Paid $20 over invoice at Nalley Jeep in Roswell GA ($19980). I compared the X and Sport and could only find minor differences for the almost $3k extra. I can change the bumpers and add lights for much less. I doubt it will ever be offroad enough to need many mods, but who knows. I can say that I felt right at home on the test drive and have loved all 175 miles so far. No problems yet, but I wish had had that checklist when I bought! L8r

redkey1 · October 2001

tjx02

what do you mean by :

"I compared the X and Sport and could only find minor differences for the almost $3k extra. I can change the bumpers and add lights for much less"

what is the diff with the bumpers and lights in the X/Sport?

spyrodragon · October 2001

Pokey: You should have bought an eclipse or some other ricer. My top speed is 75mph going DOWNHILL! But you asked so here it goes. There is always the obvious. New exahust syste (catback, muffler, headers, etc.) Jet chips sometimes work, not recommended. Get rid of the stock air box. Chop the tube and stick on a cone K&N filter. Spark plugs, wires, Jacobs ignition, etc. There's all kinds of things you can do. But the best is a SUPERCHARGER, if you've got the money.

X Model: The main BIG difference is that the X Model does not have a D44 rear end as an option. It's basically an SE with a 4.0L engine and a sticker is IT!

Happy Jeepin'

dixiechick · October 2001

Thanks twylie for the delivery checklist. It'll come in handy.

I'm getting a 2002 Sport with A/C, Canyon Wheel Group, CD, Sentry Key, Side Steps, 7 Speakers, Cruise Control, Deep Tint Windows, Add-a-trunk, Patriot Blue and a tan soft top for those great Florida summers! I got it all AT Invoice price. I had to order it so I have to wait on delivery. I'm hoping to take advantage of the 0% financing Jeep is offering right now. That will save a pretty penny....

The dealership gave me an order number. Is there somewhere on the web that I can track the status of my order?

Waiting to feel the wind blowing through my hair!

tjx02 · October 2001

Spyro is right that the X is essentially an optioned up SE with the I6. Some of the more serious offroad options aren't available. Which is fine for a city boy with only potholes and speed bumps to climb. As for the bumpers, the metal is the same, but the tow hooks and fog lights are optional. I will put tubular on anyway, so why pay for stuff to throw away. Bottom line is that I got the X for under $20k with everything I wanted and needed and am pretty happy with it. l8r

drew_ · October 2001

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

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

sfjeeps · October 2001

If your buying a Jeep TJ for speed, save your money and get a Mustang or something built for speed. The Jeep was never designed for speed because the of the short wheel base. At high speed the TJ handles like an upside down shopping cart and it will not corner or win awards in the high speed slalom. We have tested the after market chips and they are worthless. The superchargers do work but they do shorten the engine life. The 4.0 engine was never designed for high RPMs and high horse power. It was designed for lots of torque for a very long RPM range. Adding the headers, cat back exhaust, bored out throttle bodies and throttle body spacers will give you a few more horses and gain in torque, but your still not going to the fastest kid on the block.

Keep in mind the average TJ gross weight is around 4200 LBS and if you have a lot of added on gear it will be quite heavier. The weight will make you slower for acceleration, cut down on you MPG and add in your braking time.

pokey10 · October 2001

Thanks for the feedback.....

I was just curious about the rev limiter and don't think they have one. I actually bought my Jeep to slow me down for a while, another Trans Am is in my 5 year plan

The Jeep will then become my winter/camping/4x4 vehicle.

On a different note: I noticed I can hear my clutch engage/disengage when depressing the clutch pedal anyone else notice this. I haven't taken it in yet but will shortly.

Pokey

goducks1 · October 2001

A TJ weighs closer to 3200lb than 4200 lbs, a bit more with someone in it. Still, it's not all that quick and the steering is pretty quirky at high speeds. I generally keep mine below 65mph to lessen noise and increase mileage.

yellowman · October 2001

I've noticed I can hear my clutch, especially when I have the radio off. But I think it's just part of the whole Jeep experience - you tend to hear things you normally don't on a car. (road noise, occasional shakes, etc.) I also notice a squeeking sound when I go over bumps - I think I've traced it to the sun visors - if they're not tucked up all the way, they can cause this squeeking. After I thought about it for 2 minutes, I realized it's silly to get upset over it. After all, this is a Jeep we're talking about - I went in expecting it to be very loud and very bumpy. It's no car ride to be sure, but so far it's been much less of both than I expected.

yellowman

tsjay · October 2001

I was on a business trip and had to miss the chat last night. Was anyone there?

tsjay

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

stever · October 2001

The chat was too quiet - we missed you! I was all set to tell this long involved story about picking up a late 40's/early 50's Jeep Truck front grill at an estate sale for $10. It looks cool hanging on my fence (not sure my wife is as enthusiastic).

Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

smokemypole · October 2001

Hello all,

I seems that the Wrangler is a great vehicle, but I do have concerns with regard to a Wrangler as an only vehicle. Is it suited for this task? I have test driven, but not for any long duration. What about road trips? Ride, noise, etc.?

appstate88 · October 2001

Hey Wrangler Dudes and Dudettes,

To anyone heading up to the Appalachian Jeep Jamboree in Murphy, NC.

Was wondering if you might do me a favor. I am presently on a 6 month rotation in Bosnia-Herzogovina. We arrived here a week after the WTC attacks. (By the way, it wasn't a surprise, though we did leave a few days ahead of schedule...)

Would those of you going, mind making it a point to look up my wife and father in law at the Jamboree in Murphy next weekend? This is their first time at a Jambo, and my pa in law is flying in from Washington State for it.

The Jamboree and plane ticket was a wedding anniversary present from me.

Am I a great Husband or what?:)

Anyway, they are both pretty personable, so I don't think they will have any problems making friends. But it would be neat for them to have Jeep guys and gals are looking out for them.

It would definitely put my mind at ease. Just post on the board or drop my email. My address is listed on my profile for appstate88.

Take care, and don't get stuck!

appstate88

drew_ · October 2001

Yes, where all of you in the Jeep chat yesterday evening? :-) We could've used more people! Hope to see all of you there next Thursday at 6-7pm Pacific.

Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

tsjay · October 2001

I asked the same question of this group before buying mine. "Is a Wrangler acceptable as an only vehicle?"

I heard from several people in here, and the responses were overwhelmingly in favor of the idea of a Wrangler as an only vehicle. I think it was about 7 - 2 or something like that. That's not a statistically significant sample, I grant you, but these responses were from people who owned Jeeps and ought to know what they were talking about.

If you want to read my posts and the responses I got, go to post number 281 and start there. The next 25 or 30 posts are where I heard from people on the subject.

I recently bought an '89 S-10 as a work truck so that I could leave the top and doors off my Jeep, but for several months, my Jeep was my daily driver, and I had no problem with it being so. I drive 27 miles one way to my job five days a week, and I have to take fairly frequent business trips up to 300 miles one way. I didn't have a problem driving my Jeep under these circumstances.

A lot depends on how much room you can afford to give up. I am almost always alone in the Jeep, so I took out the back seat to increase my cargo area, which is still very small even without the back seat.

The ride and handling of the Jeep are fine as far as I am concerned, even on a long trip. I am no more tired after driving the Jeep a long ways than I would be if I had traveled in a car.

Hope this helps. Check out those posts, and you can see what others advised me before I bought my Thelma Jane.

tsjay

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

Here's a link to Thelma Jane's web page....

http://www.members.aol.com/tjoh298765/thelma.html

yellowman · October 2001

Hey all

I went surfing today in San Diego (still learning how) and I was thinking about how I'd transport a surfboard in my Wrangler if I ever got one. Those things are long, about 8-9 feet. Anyone have any suggestions for carrying it, ASIDE from getting a roof-rack? Can I just let it stick out the back?

yellowman

drew_ · October 2001

Uh I don't think so. That might be illegal. Your best bet might be a roof rack. Your other fellow Jeep owners here might know of more alternatives.

Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

tsjay · October 2001

Well, it was certainly a sad day yesterday, but I decided it was time to put Thelma Jane's top and doors back on. The topless/doorless days are about over for this year.

I gave her a good bath today, and I will start driving her to work once in a while now. All that sitting in the garage hasn't been good for her since I got that little S-10 for a work truck.

I think I'll drive her about one day a week to work now. At least I can pick and choose which days I drive her, so I will only drive her when the roads are dry so she will stay clean. (Unless we have a good snow, of course)

tsjay

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

bamatazz · October 2001

Just wanted to let all you know..
im still here...been working more lately..
we had to fire a worker last week..at our restuarant..so im working more...
Tsjay...so thelma has her top on...I guess i better do the same..at some time..
gotta find help to pick up that hard top...
take care all..

UNITED WE STAND
BamaTazz

dwrangler · October 2001

Still dreamin' bout my Jeep to be (for right now that's where it will have to stay);-)

Hey yellowman....I don't know how long ago I saw it but I seem to remember somebody last year with a rack on a Jeep with what I think was a windsurfing board at Creve Couer Lake (not sure on spelling)a local lake. I haven't seen him for at least a year, but I'll keep my eye out for him/her and ask um' where they got it.

Bama, where ya been son? Now I know that a Bama' game don't last THAT long :-)

Congrats to new Jeep owners...and patience to the person that ordered yours. Saharagal was the same way. It just about drove her crazy waiting...and waiting...and waiting.....and waiting... But at least you haven't been waiting as long as I have...and I haven't even ordered one yet. (money, my only hold up ;-) )

Tomster, whatzzzaaaap. Have a great trip I hope. I still haven't switched to DSL yet I want to be sure I can rewire my phone lines back to my parent's main line. Cable and DSL look like they may work out to the same price about $49 a month.
I'm still getting static on my line so if I can get the set up for DSL and cancel my second phone line about the same time...I just don't want to have a screw up on the bill, ya know?

Well, hug your jeeps for me ;-)
dwrangler

tsjay · October 2001

Hey, Gill has his chat room back up and running, so all you Jeepers get back there once in a while.

And, DON'T FORGET OUR THURSDAY NIGHT CHATS RIGHT HERE! The last few weeks hardly anyone has been showing up for our Wrangler chats here in Edmunds. I was on the road and couldn't make it last week, but I'm planning on being there this week, if nothing happens.

tsjay

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

redkey1 · October 2001

I apologize b/c I know this topic has surfaced before but, I just don't have time to check out the whole archives.

Anyway, I am interested in a loaded X wrangler and it is not offered with the dual top package. That said I would like some advice on which top I should get. Part of me thinks get the soft top only but I am not sure how practical that would be in the winter (I live in Boston - no garage). The other half says go with the hard top only and add on an aftermarket soft top later on. Or I could just drop the extra $1500 - 2000 and get the sport with dual tops instead of the X.

Any advice?

mtngal · October 2001

It depends. I have a hard top and wouldn't have anything else. If you are thinking of later getting an aftermarket top, buy the hard top originally and get an aftermarket soft top. The Wranglers with factory hard tops have the connections for the defroster and wiper.

It is a problem storing a hard top when it isn't on your vehicle. I don't have a garage, and don't have a hoist, so my hard top stays on all the time. The Wrangler isn't great handling in high winds, and the hard top makes it worse. However, if you are caught in a sand storm, you don't have to worry about the windows as much.

There are lots of other points for both sides of this discussion, as has been stated in the past postings. Since I carpool to work, when I'm researching a car I print the messages and then read them as I'm riding to work. I've learned lots of interesting facts, things I didn't think about, by doing that.

The answer to this question is personal - what is right for me isn't right for someone else.

Jeep Wrangler

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy