Jeep Wrangler

tsjay · February 2003

Uh oh! Another one bites the dust!

Hope you get that Wrangler, my man. That is the ONLY cure for Wrangler Fever, just getting one.

Yeah, Bored, there's room for Ross Allen, but only with the back seat out. I took that seat out within the first few days of owning Thelma Jane, and it has been back in only once since then. The only time I put it back in was when my boss and his two boys wanted to go wheelin' with me. Poor old Ross Allen didn't get to go that time.

Good luck, and ask any and all questions you may have about Wranglers. The folks here will be glad to fill you in. We LOVE to "talk Jeep."

Thanks for the compliments on Thelma Jane.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

bored · February 2003

Just another excuse for me to NOT have people riding with me. (Very enjoyable idea)

I would tell them: The rear seat is in my garage, under a lock and key, and I lost the key, so you can't get in. Sorry."

A friend of mine has a '92 (I'm guessing) Chrysler LeBaron. Rear Seat room doesn't look much better there either. I remember sitting in one at a Car Dealership, when my uncle was negotiating on an (Ugh) Jeep Liberty (That he never bought) (I truly hate that thing, and now, my mom wants a Liberty Renegade.) Does that thing (Liberty) even deserve a name? My cousin was in a Chrysler PT Cruiser, and she liked that. I remember opening doors, the hood, back seat sitting, adjusting the seats, EVERYTHING. It was a nice Blue Sport Automatic selling for $18,000. I thought that was a great price. It was on clearance, so, obviously, it had been sitting there a while. I hope it got a happy owner.

OK, what's with this Jeep Hugging, and Jeep Waving?

stever · February 2003

I think they're just marketed at a different group than you folks, and so long as they don't replace the Wrangler with it or something similar, it should bring some converts your way.

Some of the Liberty owners will think about venturing off the beaten path, and if they get into it, they'll realize they need something made for the woods.

I passed one coming down the ski hill today and it looked pretty good to me.

Steve, Host

tsjay · February 2003

Come on guys, let's lighten up on the Liberty. One of our family is a Liberty owner and she really likes it. (She's a soccer mom, though) Uh oh, Wendy is throwing things at the screen now!

The Liberty is probably fine for an SUV, but it is not a trail rig. So, if someone is not gonna wheel anyway, why not get a Liberty?

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

bored · February 2003

It has IFS. IFS is known for it's "unruggedness", and it's weakness. It's not as strong as a solid axle, and has no articulation, which isn't good for the trails. Us real Jeepers, or people who like real Jeeps, and ARE going to purchase one hate IFS. As I have stated several times earlier, it should be called the :

DODGE LIBERTY. "Nuff said. Dodge Liberty also sounds much better. It's also something Dodge has been wanting for a LONG TIME.

stever · February 2003

Yeah, but what about those newbies who don't know any better. Better to start them out slow in a Liberty on the forest roads and hope they come around the next buying cycle than see them move on to an Impala....

Who knows - they may be stopped at a washout on that forest service "road" only to be passed by a Rubicon and really get the bug. If they are in that Impala, it likely won't occur to them to even try the forest service road.

Steve, Host

oceantoad · February 2003

I was trying to talk Jean in to buying a Liberty, but she bought a Sport Trac instead.

With the Liberty it still would have been a Jeep. Not a Wrangler, but still a member of the Jeep family.

Can't afford a GC.

Still a happy camper.

geepers · February 2003

I guess I just tumbled the seat forward for Smokey's first rides. He learned to rest his elbows on the edge of the folded seat while still standing with his hind legs. That gives him a good view out the windshield. He's about 80 lbs and has to curl up in the back to lie down between the wheel wells. One day I thought I'd do him a favor and remove the seat altogether. This caused him great distress as he didn't know what to do with himself. I put the rear seat back in and he was happy.

I've also tried to get him to sit in the passenger seat so I could haul the camping gear in the back. Before I could shut the door, he was out of that seat and digging himself a spot in the camping gear.

Gary

mtngal · February 2003

My 70 lb golden retriever likes the back of the Wrangler with or without the seat (seat tumbled forward). We also took out the seat ages ago so that we could take the dog and some luggage. Otherwise it seemed like you took luggage or the dog.

Had a great time camping on the beach this weekend - even wore shorts part of the day until it got windy. Didn't take the dog, since I was tent camping and by the time I loaded up everything there was absolutely no room for the dog!

I like the Liberty also, and will be looking at both the Liberty and the subies as a replacement for the Taco (whenever it that looks practical). As was stated, they do totally different things than the Wrangler, and those things are what I'll be looking at as a replacement for the Taco. I think a Liberty would compliment my Noble Black Steed very well.

shill3 · February 2003

I took my Lab out for a hike Sunday (did some nice off roading in the nearby cinder hills). She is 60 lbs. and fits nicely in the floor behind the front passenger seat (with the seat pulled forward). This way I can keep the back seat in for shuttling the kids to school during the week.

Warning: If your dog is not a jumper, it can be quite a lift to get her into the Jeep if she is of any size.

twylie · February 2003

If you're still looking, you might want to try http://www.thinkjeep.com When I was looking, they offer 10-15% off retail parts prices for original DC parts. HTH

-twylie

bored · February 2003

POST!

lvchef · February 2003

I just added a set of Off road lights. I used windshield mountings, the ones by the mirrors, but I am wondering how I am going to wire them. If anyone has done this, please explain where I rout the wires to, the engine compartment or in through the doors. What ever is easier will work for me. I have done wiring before, so I know how to hook it all up, but I dont know where to run the wires from the light. Do I go in throught the Door area or somewhere between the hood??? Please advise...
Thanks

likalar · February 2003

I finally took the time to re-aim my '00 Wrangler's lights. There's no mandatory inspection here in California, so badly aimed lights can stay that way for years. All my lights, including the factory "fog" lights, were aimed way too low or high. What a difference! Still room for improvement in the output dept., but this is WAY better than before.
Larry ('00 used Red Wrangler)

tsjay · February 2003

It's too late tonight, but try coming to gills when things get too quiet in here.

http://itsajeep.org

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

stever · February 2003

"Jeep is an absolutely hot product - the whole line, the Grand Cherokee, the Liberty and the Wrangler."

Automotive News / February 03, 2003

Steve, Host

twylie · February 2003

I too found my lights to be poorly aimed from the factory. A few minutes in a dark garage and I got them adjusted and lined up pretty well. As far as output, I can suggest a couple of things. IPF headlight inserts - these are replacement lenses for the main headlights. They use an H4 bulb and give a MUCH better pattern than the sealed beams. Output is much cleaner and overall visibility is much improved. I tried the Magic J bulbs which are nice, but I think the lenses make the most difference. You can pick up standard H4 bulbs at an auto parts store for $20 a pair. Another trick is to "mod" the factory fog light relay so they will stay on with your high beams. When I switched to the IPF inserts, I found the high beam was great (throwing a lot of light up and out at long range) but left a hole close to the vehicle. Since I travel about 10 miles of 2 lane early in teh morning, I missed having the shoulder lit. Having the fogs and the high beams on solved this problem. If you do ANY night driving, I think these changes are money well spent. Caveat: neither of these modifications are DOT approved, so if you live in a state that has tough inspections, you may be required to "fix" things prior to an inspection.

-twylie

twylie · February 2003

Good read on the thoughts of an insider.

It will be interesting to see if they move forward with a lower cost entry level Jeep. My fear is that the need to be competitive with lower cost small SUV's could eventually reduce the draw for the Wrangler. I don't think current or past owners would need convincing, but this board alone is a testament to those of us that got "into" a Wrangler for very different reasons. If Joe/Joan Public goes looking for a small fun car to be used around town, a car based SUV makes a lot more sense than a Wrangler. Today, most people that drive a Wrangler are seduced by the fun factor and the next thing you know, there's a Wrangler in teh driveway. If DC offers that same buyer a "fun" car based SUV, the decision becomes a bit tougher for some. Just rambling, but I am very nervous about what the next generation Wrangler may (or not) become.

-twylie

likalar · February 2003

Thanks Twylie for the lighting info. I might try that insert route. Is an IPF insert a Jeep or aftermarket part? I'm guessing it replaces both the glass and reflector bowl, right? Is it a simple procedure? Where would I find such a part? (What is this, 20 questions?). Thanks again-
Larry

div2 · February 2003

I prefer the Hella or-even better-the Cibie E-Code 7" headlamp replacements. Do a Google search and you'll find that they can be picked up for around $110 a pair. I've fitted Cibies to ALL of my sealed beam equipped cars since 1978. They are worth every penny. Sealed beam technology was obsolete by the mid-fifties.

shill3 · February 2003

Did anyone notice Scrambler link below the Jeep "entry level" article. According to the article, a Scrambler is set to go on sale in '04. Now, if they would just offer it with a larger rear seat as an option. Hello "Dakar".

oceantoad · February 2003

Jean has already told me that the Scrambler would make more sense for me. Got to wait for the second year of production so they can work the bugs out.

Wish they would redesign the spare tire and the tailgate on it. It would make more sense to go back to the old style tailgate that lowers instead of one that swings to the side.

A couple of weeks ago I carried some 6 foot t-posts in my Sport. Took quite a while to get them situated so they would not tear up the interior. Still put a small gouge in the dash on the passenger side. Would have been a whole lot easier to carry with the bed that the Scrambler will have. A couple of bales of hay or a few hundred pounds of feed would be real easy to carry. I have a truck, but it would be nice to have a bed on the Jeep. I have carried a person in the back twice and just keep the back seat folded up.

Any guesses on the top being able to be removed?

Still a happy camper.

likalar · February 2003

Oceantoad,
Years ago we started carrying a quilted moving blanket (the kind they sell at U-haul, etc.) all the time. Perfect for covering everything when you haul rough stuff. Handy, too, if you stop to help a stranded rain-soaked motorist, or injured animal.
Larry

luca1 · February 2003

I was throwing little soccer balls at the screen
;=))
I realize that the Liberty is not for every one. That's one of the cool things about a Jeep. there is something for everyone. You're right, I LOVE my Liberty and wouldn't trade it for the world. I have been checking out A Wrangler Sport. Liberty for the week and a Wrangler for the week end. What could be better than that.

wendy

twylie · February 2003

good point div2, I didn't mention the Cibie's (great lights!)

likilar - the IPF H4, Helle E-code (NOT the Vision Plus), and Cibie E-code are all aftermarket (non Jeep and non-DOT approved) headlight replacement units. Instead of having a sealed beam like the lamps that are shipped from the factory, the H4/E-code units use a glass lens with a replaceable H4 bulb. A sealed beam has minimal if any focus to the light that it emits, where the replacement lenses have a very distinct "cut-off" that is a horizontal line to the left of the vehicle and a 15 degree rise to the right to light the shoulder, but not blind oncoming traffic.

As for the H4 bulbs, you can pick up standard 55/60w ones at any auto parts store. You may see mention of 55/100w or 100/145w bulbs, but these should not be used with the factory harness and are designed for off-road use only.

As far as your choices between the 3 makers of the aftermarket lenses, I compared the IPF to the Hella and marginally preferred the IPF. The Cibie's are supopose to be excellent lenses but a bit more expensive. One of the issues with any lens is the low/high separation. If you get the low beams properly aimed, the high beams may be adjusted too high. You adjust the high beam properly and the low are too low. Cibie designs their lenses to reduce this effect. Personally, I adjust mine so that the low beams are properly aimed and then make sure I always cut off my high beams if I'm following someone or their is traffic in the oncoming lane.

Bottom line is any of the H4/E-code units are going to be a significant improvement over what is in the Jeep stock. IMO, if you do any night driving, this is the best $100 you can spend.

-twylie

div2 · February 2003

Good points! The Cibie four lamp setup I had in my old 535is was amazing- the high beams used H1 bulbs and had something like a 6000 foot reflective range. If you flashed your high beams at someone they KNEW it...:)

tsjay · February 2003

Hey everyone, Pete has restored his pics in the photo gallery here in Jeep Owners.

If you haven't seen them, you are missing something!

Thanks for restoring them, Pete.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

01r1 · February 2003

Tom,

Well, I'm finally getting caught up after a fair amount of travel. Nice to be back in touch with this board, but boy do those messages pile up after a while. Now I need to get caught up with some over due jeepin! Must go see where the snow level is up in the mountains.

The important thing is just getting out. Regardless of what model you drive or how extreme you get, being in touch with nature can be a real stress releaver.

I'll keep snapping those pics while I'm out....

-Pete

likalar · February 2003

Thank you both for all the great lighting info. I'll be looking into making a light improvement real soon, I hope.
Again, thanks.
Larry

div2 · February 2003

Glad to help; you won't believe the difference modern lights can make.

wpowell · February 2003

Congrats! Pick up a copy of one of the 4WD magazines; Jp Magazine is a good one to start with. They are full of ads for Wrangler accessories and sources for catalogs. In the meantime visit quadratec.com. They have a very comprehensive inventory of what's available, but not always the best price.

With regard to iPod and XM integration, consider pulling your shiny new 6-disc factory unit and replacing with an aftermarket unit. This will allow a much tighter integration of iPod and XM, i.e. control of either/both from the head unit. They will also support a real sub if you have a need for one. Just another option to consider and one that served my needs better.

shill3 · February 2003

You may not have to wait as long. I understand that they are already producing these overseas for the military market and since it is a modification rather than a full redesign, the bugs might not be too bad.

bored · February 2003

So, what does everyone think about it? It's been given the "Green Light" for production now. Is anyone trading their TJ for a TJ-L? I do know this much, a Black one like in the picture WILL BE MINE. (Yeah, that's definitely for sure, in the future) But I'm still determined for a TJ.

I also say to put a cover over the rear, and call it Cherokee. So... everyone could have a Jeep to fit their needs!

jamesfletcher2 · February 2003

Jeep says that the Scrambler will be available in 2004. My question is whether they mean the Spring of '04 as an early MY05 or in the Fall of '04 for the normal MY05 introductions?

If as Automobile News published that in one form it is already being utilized overseas for military use they should really be able to have it available in the Spring of '04. By the way, if it is being utilized overseas does that mean that they are being currently built at the Wrangler assembly plant in Toledo, OH or is there a Wrangler assembly plant in Europe? The only Wrangler plant I am aware of is in Toledo and if that is the case you should be able to see them being shipped from Toledo by train and parked in the staging lots.

When I go to NYC for business I see Wranglers lined-up by the rows at the Port in NJ waiting to be put on ships for export. I am sure that they are coming from Toledo for shipment.

bored · February 2003

Is to be built in Toledo to FILL UP the aging factory.

johnshome1 · February 2003

We bought a new 03 Wrangler in the new Khaki Metallic Color. Love the new color; hate that there are no aftermarket (tire cover, safari top) to match the factory top. Anyone know when we can expect to see them?
Thanks!
JohnS

nolid5 · February 2003

This is pretty cool. http://www.aev-conversions.com/Brute.html $weet lookin' conversion$

shill3 · February 2003

I read that there is a factory (Arab American Automobiles - I think)in Eygpt that is currently producing the military model.

Boy is this generating some excitement. I agree with "bored", give us a five seater, just give us a convertable option! Call it "Cherokee", "Dakar", "Rusty Tub", I don't care, just build it.

shill3 · February 2003

On another front, Jeep Wrangler sales are reported to be up by 19% from January 01 to 02. Liberty down by 2%, Grand Cherokee down by 22%.

Hmmmm.

div2 · February 2003

I hate to say it, but I think that the TJ is the only vehicle Jeep can bolt together with any semblance of reliability. I love the looks and engineering of the GC but I wouldn't consider buying one; too many QC issues. Ever notice that there isn't a "Jeep Wrangler Problems" topic?

oceantoad · February 2003

I am going in the opposite direction of a 5 seater. Give me a two seater with a top that can be removed. I don't use my folded rear seat for anything except to hold stuff in place on the floor like a tool box, first aid kit, etc. I would take a longer bed like on the Brute.

Tall skinny tires or a 31 inch? A dana44 front and rear would be nice. A Rubicon Scrambler?

Longer WB should equate to better towing and a better ride, wonder what it does to gas mileage?

Curious what the payload will be. The bed will be close to the same length that is on the Sport Trac that Jean drives.

Would hope that lots of after market stuff for the regular Wrangler could be used on the Scrambler. I think I might hold off on doing any more mods to my TJ.

Now if they only offer me a good price on trade.

Still a happy camper.

mtngal · February 2003

I think the fact they don't have a Wrangler problems topic is due to 2 facts - first, the build quality is decent on the Wranglers. Second, Wrangler owners don't mind a few rattles (my tail gate rattles because of a couple of screws that keep vibrating loose. One of these days I'll investigate Loctite at the hardware store). We tend to be a happy lot in general, know we have to give up something to get something. After all, who notices a few rattles or squeaks when you are on a rough road where you are getting thumped and shaken about?

tsjay · February 2003

Gave Mr. Bob Supplee in OKC a call today, credit card in hand, and placed the order for my 9.5ti Warn winch for Thelma Jane.

It should arrive early next week. Yeeeehawwww!!!!!

Also got the Warm mounting plate and an accessory kit that has a snatch block, tree saver, d ring, choke chain, tow strap, and carrying bag. Already had a tow strap, but one comes in the kit. Might sell my old one to my bud at work.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

smurf6 · February 2003

I finally washed my car by hand last week when we had a day in the upper 30's. Today we have snow -6 or 7 inches. Very fun to drive in! I stopped at the closest Jeep dealership and asked where they washed their Jeeps so I now have a place to wash the Jeep in a hurry. I did try a different car wash before I washed it by hand but they don't wash Jeeps because they are worried they will break the back lights.

Also, my Jeep now has a name. Her name is Tweety and she boasts a Tweety Bird with Attitude spare tire cover (a Christmas present). I know her name is not as dignified as Thelma Jane or the Noble Black Steed but I love her.

tsjay · February 2003

That's a fine name, Smurf6!

The important thing is that you give your Jeep a name. They don't like to be called "it."

Wish we could get some snow to play in here!

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

siennatj · February 2003

Well I'm close to buying a Sienna Sport. One cross road I've run into is what to do with the sound system. I'd like to use the console space and put a sub there so that I wouldn't be using any more space. I'm not crazy about the 'upgraded' system. I'd much rather put in my own speakers, amps, headunit. The only thing I'm unable to find is a darn subwoofer to replace the unit in the Jeep. I think it comes with an 8 inch correct?

Has anyone used the stock Console w/o sub and custom mounted a sub? What size? I'd like to go with a '10inch, I was thinking of drilling holes or cutting some waffle type opening.

Has anyone replaced the sub in the Console w/ sub, what did you use and was it worth the difference? Did you replace the amp as well?

Has anyone upgrade their Stereo system, keeping the Stock Sub but integrating it into the upgraded system? Does it use RCA Jacks to connect to the head unit?

I'm thinking the $300 may be worth it just for the console pre wired and simple to replace the sub. I'd hate to throw $300 away just for this so I'm trying to find a work around.

Thank you.

thebigkahuna · February 2003

Hey smurf6, where do you live? We got 6-7 inches as well. I do love 4 wheeling in this stuff. I had yet another snow day away from school

At this rate I'll be teaching well into summer...not a good thing considering I am a beachbum.
Toad, I officially join you on wanting a Scrambler. The one in the picture looks like it has a removable hard top. I would definitely want it to be a convertible. I also think a scrambler with a back seat (basically a longer wheel base Wrangler) would sell well.
Deb, how's school? Haven't heard from you in ages. Guess who's getting (or did he?) married? Do you remember Rick Goodman?

smurf6 · February 2003

thebigkahuna - I live in Southwestern CT, Fairfield, County. I love the snow although it isn't enjoyable when it melts and turns to ice.

twylie · February 2003

I think the stock sub is maybe 6.5", not a real sub at all but OK at fleshing out the midbass. It gets it's signal from high level (speaker leads) tied into the rear speakers. There is no provision for RCA in to the sub, but Crutchfield may be able to help you out with a converter.

I seem to remember Clarion selling a unit that attaches in the same location, but the grille is external to the console. I think it's an 8", but may be a 10". I'll poke around some to see if I can dig up some links.

The Wrangler is a terrible acoustic environment and the stock speaker locations are pretty bad, so there si only so much you can do without getting into big $ and a radical install.

One change I'm about to make is to replace the front speakers from 4x6" to 5.25". I'm also swapping the Boston FX to Boston NX (their replacement for the old RX line.). I put 6.5" in the sound bar this time since the basket is narrow enough to fit in the stock holes. I had to drill 3 new holes to mount them and they sound better than the FX I had in there previously. My mounting brackets for the front speakers should show up this week.

Have fun and be sure to post your experience with a different sub if you go that route.

-twylie

mac24 · February 2003

Here's a link to the Clarion sub that fits in the center console:

http://www.shopsunshine.com/Item.asp?Pid=735&Item_Id=clapswjp- w10158973

I have one and it works well for me. I have it adjusted so that it only just starts to operate, and at this setting it adds just the right amount of bass that's totally missing from the standard setup.

However, the Wrangler is not a vehicle for the audiophile, especially at speed. With the added bass, think of hearing the overall sound picture painted in broad brush strokes, rather than in fine detail.

Jeep Wrangler

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy