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Comments
I finally go tired of the factory Stereo in Pepe. The system was tinny, had no bass, no CD, and distorted a loud volume. Unfortunatly you have to turn it up loud to hear it when your top down on the road.
My goals were not blow the next car off the road bass, but distortion free sound with CD and reasonable Bass. All at a paupers price...
I got an Alpine Head unit with 50 watts per channel, with In dash CD player and removable head unit for security. I am replacing the front speakers with component units and the rears with alpine.
In Hi Fi Buys this sounded great and I am sure it will transform the Jeep.
The good news is that I cen re-install the factory system if I ever sell it.
I can't wait to get it installed.
Still saving for the super 35, 4.56, and Ox lockers... SIGH
I don't know if the rain made something rusty, or what? It feels like when I push the clutch in, there is some "crunchy" resistance. It almost feels like there is a bunch of hay or twigs under there.
????
stereo: I got a Pioneer (don't really like Pioneer, but the price was right). I put it in myself before a trip to Maine (not many stations up there). I got Polk 4x6 front speakers, and JBL? GT speakers for the sound bar. I wish I got 5.25 speakers for the front, and 6 1/2 for the rear now, but it is still a vast improvement over stock. The Pioneer has some technology which puts a lot of the sound through the front speakers, and more just filler bass in the back, so as to improve the "front soundstage" effect. It works pretty well, too!
We live in Flagstaff, AZ at 7,000 feet. Snow is coming and after last year's missing ski season, we are pretty excited. The Jeep is a '99 Wrangler Sport with 21,800 soft miles. It has chrome tube bumbers and nerf bars, rocker panels, custom alloy wheels, full trim and duel tops. A local fellow had just retired and this was going to be his show Jeep. He hurt his leg and after a couple of years, gave up on the clutch and traded the Jeep in on an auto Xterra. The color is a deep purple, almost black and although it is more tricked out than I would have chosen, it is a nice ride and I am pretty lucky grab it. I have never had real chrome before. Hope it looks as good in dirt and mud. : )
No lift and average 30" tires (Wrangler I believe, they are replacing them today since he had never rotated them and they were oddly worn).
Man is this different than my old CJ. It seems almost plush, but compared to the Liberty, it is still nicely rustic.
Keep the posts coming.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Also, I noticed it is hard to shift out of 5th gear after I've been driving down the highway a while (20+ miles).
I see a couple of TSB's (21-002-01 & 21-003-01A) that may be related, but they're for a 2000. I can only view the TSB headers. If someone can post the whole TSB, I'd sure appreciate it. Could this be as simple as changing gear oil wt. or even going to synthetic?
By the way, my YJ only has 50,000 miles on it even though it's a 90.
I'll keep you posted.
Jay
There is a TSB on them (for the 01's at least), but all it does is attempt to reduce the amount of noise that is transmitted into the cabin through the transfer case lever. It does nothing to address the source of the noise, so I didn't even bother having it done.
My Jeep has 23K miles on her, and she has made that noise since day one. Well, I NOTICED it within the first couple weeks, so I assume it was there from day one. The tranny is fine, just noisy.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
First off, I love coming to this forum. Everyone here is knowlegable and helpful. I actually bought a Liberty back in May. I wasn't sure if a Wrangler was the right choice for me at the time. We recently hired a young woman for our office ans she came with a Wrangler. One day we all decided to go out to lunch and we rode in Jeep. Topless!!! (the Jeep of course) Okay, I'm hooked. I ahd been toying with the idea of getting a little 2 seater convertible, but now I think I just may have to get that Wrangler. Of course I'll keep my Liberty, cos she is great, but I think a Wrangler parked right next to her will be just fine. I'll keep you posted on how when I'll get htis done. Thanks for giving me a great place to come to and people to get to know.
luca
P.S. Yes Tom, I have hugged my Jeep today ! :=))
tidester
Host
SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
You won't regret getting a Wrangler. Good luck in your search for one. Glad to hear that you are happy with your Liberty, but the fun factor for a Wrangler goes off the scale.
Please do keep us posted during your search.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
It might not hurt to take the Jeep to a dealer just to confirm that we are talking about the same thing. If they tell you that it is normal, then you can believe them.
It sure sounds like what you are describing is just the good old NV3550 being itself, but why not get confirmation of that through a dealer?
Keep posting! Tell us how you are enjoying that Jeep.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Hey, I'm not gonna miss two weekends in a row, so I'm going tomorrow, even if I just take pot luck and try to find someone to hook up with once I get down there.
Anybody wanna go???
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
tsjay - you just live too far away for me to come 'wheeling with you! But I sure wish I could. Last weekend was opening weekend for hunting season and since the national forest next to us is closed, everyone headed our direction. My poor dog only got walks around the block instead of his usual hikes, so my noble black steed stayed home. I'm considering heading to one of the big hiking areas tomorrow in the hopes that the rush is over and only responsible hunters would be around here this weekend.
Jeephead
I was looking for a sport, but ended up with a Sahara. I was unable to find a sport in the specs I was looking for.
It is a 2002 Green Sahara. Dual Tops. Automatic
I went back in forth on which top I wanted. The decision was kind of made for me. Since this was the only 2002 that I could find that met my wants. I like the green, but my wife really wanted the green. I just really wanted a Jeep. So I would go with whatever color she chose.
I am very happy with the purchase.
I think the car was on the dealer lot for about 6 months before I bought it do to the inspection sticker. The 0% for 60 months is what pushed us into getting one.
The only real problem is the paint is not smooth on top of the hood and fender flares. I am not sure what causes this. I did try waxing, but that did not help.
Since this is a fun vehicle I want to upgrade the stereo. It has the 7 speakers, but I think I will want to change out some of the speakers, and possibly add an amp. I am not sure if the subwoofer needs to be upgraded or not.
anyway thats some background -
thanks for the information on storage of the hard top
I assume that one of the tires was not balanced properly since I did not have this before the swap. Has anyone had any experience with something like this? I did not notice it until I got closer to home because the roads were all slush and ice, creating their own vibrations.
Bummer, I had hoped to do some exploring this weekend, but looks like I will have to take it back in on Monday
How do they do that?
Where do you live with slushy, icy roads?
(P.S. An out of balance tire shouldn't affect your off road performance. You go less than 3MPH and deflate the tires anyhow!)
http://itsajeep.org/
(Member's Rides)
Yes, I agree, I'll get a second opinion from my dealer about the tranny noise. I don't mind the noise so much if it's normal, but I'm wondering about the difficulty coming out of a gear. It's smooth shifting in and out while it's cold, but when it's hot it get's almost stuck in the gear.
-Pete
I would definitely talk to your dealer. My '98 MT isn't noisy in neutral. When it is really cold it is stiff going from 1st to 2nd, but only when it is really cold. Otherwise it shifts very easily.
I have been sort of keeping track of the comment about my vanity plate. It seems that about half of the people who comment know what it means and the other half don't have any idea.
AU ZILLA
That was a clue! It's been fun.
This is sort of an update of what is going on with the new Jeep.
Welcome to the new poster.
"OtherTom"
Best bet would be to go to mapquest and check it out.
Man, I would LOVE for you to come down and wheel with me! Let's try to get together.
Have you ever been to Badlands? That would be nice and close for you, and it's a great place to wheel. I've been there a couple times. I'll bet you could be there in two hours or so from Indy. Badlands is in Attica, Indiana.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I was just like you. I had Wrangler fever long before buying one, and this group helped me immensely in getting the best options and the best deal. I knew from this message board that I should be able to get a new Jeep for $200 over invoice, since several people in here had gotten their's for that amount.
There doesn't seem to be as many posts in here about how much people are paying for their Jeeps as there was a couple years ago. Those posts were really helpful to those who were in the market.
Anyway, keep posting and be part of the family.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Those are some beautiful pics! Why don't ya add them to the Edmunds gallery too? There's a Jeep Owners Photo Gallery here in the Jeep Owners Club, in case you weren't aware of it. You can link your pics in there to Gill's site (itsajeep).
Man, you are so lucky to have country like that to wheel in! Like mtngal said, the scenery would mean more to me than the difficulty of the trail.
Post some more pics!
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
The NV3550 was introduced in the 2000 model year and continues to the current models.
I'm suppose to go wheeling with a Pinzgauer in late Nov. Should be fun!
-twylie
Scotty Stereo upgrade!! Let me know what you decide.. I wanna do that as well. Been looking at Crutchfield I wanna change out the front speakers 1st. They are horrible. I have an amp i wanna get installed now, just gotta find the $$ to do it.
Personally I dont believe the Sub really need to be replace.
Keep us posted.
WOW you guys are posting like crazy KEEP IT UP
KEEP JEEPIN
BAMA!
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I would get that checked out ASAP! If I were you, I wouldn't drive that Jeep anywhere, except very carefully back to where you got tires. I wouldn't even do that without checking the lug nuts first.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Tom has the right idea about checking the lug nuts first.
T.
http://www.pinzgauer.com/
http://www.pinzgauerus.com/pinzhome.html
-twylie
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Offroad, they should be much better with lockers front and rear, among otherr things.
Ok, let me help you with something. The 3.07 you mention is not an engine: it's a gear ratio for the differentials. It means that your drive shaft will turn 3.07 times for each turn of the tires. It's really the ratio obtained by dividing the number of teeth on the ring gear by the number of teeth on the pinion gear (these are the two main gears in a differential). This means that, other things being equal, your engine will run lower RPMs for the same speed compared to the RPMs it would be turning with a 3.73 ratio in the differentials.
Other factors are important in deciding the gear ratio for the differentials, like what type of transmission you will be getting. If you get a five speed, then you have an overdrive gear that reduces your engine RPMs, allowing you to have a taller gear ratio, like 3.73 in the differentials. Now that DC offers the four speed auto instead of a three speed auto, you can have an automatic transmission in a Jeep and still have overdrive.
Ok, so your engine choices are either the 4.0 L inline six cylinder, or the 2.5 L four cylinder. Maybe the 03s have a new, more powerful four cylinder engine? Anybody know?
If you are going to be driving much on the highway, then I would recommend the 4.0 L engine for better power. Isn't your area hilly? That's where you really see the difference between the four cylinder and the six cylinder... climbing hills.
Also, you talk about a 30" wheel, but it is the tire that is 30" in diameter, not the wheel. Jeeps have 15" wheels.
Hope you don't think I'm being a smarty pants, but I just thought you might like to know the proper terms, since you're gonna be a Jeeper.
I think you will LOVE your Jeep and have an absolute ball with it. There just "ain't nothin' like a Jeep!"
Feel free to ask any and all questions. This is a great place for that, because we all try to help each other in here. You probably already know that after reading all the posts, huh?
Good luck in your selection of options.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
P.S. You mentioned gas mileage. I hope you know that a Jeep, no matter how it is set up, will not get very good gas mileage. About the best you can hope for would be 14 or 15 around town and no more than 18 or 19 on the highway. Most people get much less. There is VERY little difference in gas mileage between the four cylinder and the six cylinder, so you might as well get the six from that standpoint. I think the difference is usually something like one or two miles per gallon between the two.
I have the 3.07 (Central Mass.), and wish I had the 3.73.
I have the 4.0 I6, but hear there is a new 4 cylinder out or coming out which should be a lot better than the current one. I'd get that if available.
If I were buying today, and COULD get it, I'd get:
new 4 cylinder
dana 44
NO ABS
4 discs
5 speed manual
Actually, I'd ideally get the turbodiesel if it were available here, but it is not.
If you're sticking to stock sizes, that also allows you the option of chains.
Good luck.
Steve, Host
My reasoning is that we are talking about a Jeep, not a car. A Jeep will see many more diverse driving conditions than a car, assuming the owner will take it offroad. I'm sure there are situations where the ABS might be desirable, but in offroad situations there would probably be situations where you wouldn't want it.
Now, this is second hand info, and not personal experience, but I have heard from more than one source that ABS does not work well at all after larger tires have been put on the vehicle.
As far as the Dana 44, it is very desirable for its durability offroad, and it will accomodate larger tires and lockers much better than will the Dana 35. The Dana 35 has a rubber plug for the fill hole, while the Dana 44 has a threaded metal plug. That ought to tell you something. The axle shafts are beefier on the Dana 44 also.
I never thought that I would do any serious offroading with my Jeep, but I still thought the Dana 44 would be a good investment. I thought that even if I didn't offroad, why not go with the better rear end? I figured it sure couldn't HURT anything, and I figured that if it was stronger, it would last longer than the Dana 35, even if I never put big tires on the Jeep.
Well, as you guys know, I got into offroading, even though I never thought I would. I am SO glad I got that Dana 44!
Guys, if this is gonna be your first Jeep, you might THINK you know what you are going to want to do with it, but once you own one, your plans could change, just like mine did. All it took was one trip offroading, and I was hooked!
Consider the Dana 44 to be a good foundation that keeps future options open for you. You MIGHT be OK with a Dana 35, but you KNOW you are OK with the Dana 44.
Now for you "X" owners, don't get upset with me. You didn't have a choice, and you HAD to get the Dana 35. That rear end may serve you well, and I hope it does, but for those with a choice in the matter, I strongly recommend the Dana 44.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Hey, the four cylinder has its place. For mostly around town and for offroading, the four is every bit as good as the six. I said in an earlier post that I would still buy a Jeep, even if the four cylinder was the only engine option, and I meant that. But, I wouldn't like the lack of power on the highway. I'm not talking about racing someone: I'm talking about power to maintain speed on long or steep hills or when fighting a strong headwind.
If you get the five speed tranny and the 30" tire and Dana 44 combination package, then you will get the 3.73 gears, which you will like.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I got lucky this time and hooked up with a couple fairly built-up CJs. Those guys were locked front and rear and had some pretty good sized tires. I was afraid they would go places that I had no business trying to go. Well, to some extent they did, but good old Thelma Jane stayed with them!
It was raining the whole time we were there, and the place was as slick as I have ever seen it.
That new Detroit locker finally got a good workout today, and it performed great. I went up a steeper bank today than I had ever attempted before, even without the rain and mud. It took a couple tries, but Thelma Jane went up that bank. There is NO WAY I could have made it without that locker.
I also learned that people weren't kidding when they said you lose control of the rear end when both rear wheels are spinning because they are locked. I was in mud a lot today, and when you lose traction on that rear axle with the locker making both tires spin, that back end will go to the low side of the ground you are on. If there is any slope at all to the ground, the rear end goes to the downhill side no matter what you do with the steering wheel. Hey, it was fun where I was doing that today, because I wasn't on a serious side hill or anything, so if the back end wanted to go downhill, it was no big deal. But, man, if I had been on a steep side hill... well, let's just say I'm glad that I wasn't!
A locker will give you much better forward bite, but when both back tires are spinning, you lose your lateral traction that you would have with an open rear end and only one tire spinning (the other tire, which is NOT spinning, provides resistance to side-ways movement of the rear end).
I can see where a locker in the snow or on ice could be a challenge when the road slopes to one side or the other. I'll have to remember that if we get some snow this winter. I love snow, but we just don't get much of that here in western Ky.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I'm still not clear on the benefits of the 3.73 vs the 3.07. Wouldn't the engine have to work harder at 3.73? Do you like the 3.73 because of durability?
I'm pretty good at chosing options like air conditioning, dual top vs hard or soft and such but axles and differentials are throwing me for a loop.
Once I nail down these two options, I'm off to order it. I'm bringing one of my brothers with me to back me up. Negotiating is the hardest part although I do have the Edmunds info, Consumer Reports info and BJ's info to name a few.
I've only waited 10 years to buy this vehicle. :-)
Thanks again for your assistance.
Susan