Jeep Wrangler

shill3 · March 2003

Okay, after years of enjoying no salt on our snowy roads, the DES has finally caved and we are now "blessed" with tons of the darn stuff.

Just like clockwork, tiny rust spots started breeding on my chromed nerf bars. Any hints or suggested products to take it off and help keep it off between washings?

I never really believed that road salt was all that corrosive, but I never say any rust until the past couple of storms.

liljuan · March 2003

I am moving to Orlando, FL soon. I have heard of the brutal humid summers, so I wanted to add AC to my 1997 2.5 Litre 4 cylinder Jeep Wrangler. I was told by the Jeep dealer that the kit is about $1500.00 and it includes a new radiator, compressor etc. Then they said the cost to install it would be outrageous, so they suggested that I not order the part. Does anyone have an idea of any cheaper aftermarket kits and other alternatives for installation?

mac24 · March 2003

Is this of any interest? It's from http://www.ackits.com/

1997 Jeep Wrangler
Complete R134a Aftermarket A/C System

Item # AMA11038-8021
Indash Style System Total plus freight $ 705.31

After market A/C systems are designed to fit vehicles foreign and domestic that did not have an original factory A/C system. Systems are designed for vehicles manufactured for the United States market.
Systems come with all A/C components needed for installation. Hose assemblies are crimped with bubble style connections no extra crimping needed with this complete system. General automotive service tools are required for installation. System will need to be charged with refrigerant when installation is complete. Only the highest quality components are used in the A/C systems we provide

liljuan · March 2003

Thanks so much for the help...this is the best unit, and least inexpensive unit I've seen so far.

bamatazz · March 2003

I would like to send a prayer to all our troops in the Mid East.
Thank you for all your dedication to a worthwhile cause. To your families for your sacrifice
God bless, lets get the job done this time
come home soon

BamaTazz

2001wrangler · March 2003

I finally ordered my 2003 Sport Today!!

Light Khaki Metallic, 4.0, 5 spd, D44 w/trac lock, 30" wheels, A/C, cruise, full doors....

Basically all the options, except dual tops. My 01 had dual tops and the only real use for the hard top was to take up extra space in my garage.

Delivery should be 6 weeks. Anyone else place orders lately? What was your actual delivery time?

tsjay · March 2003

Kev:

AWESOME!

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

franzia · March 2003

2001Wrangler I too just ordered a new Wrangler. Mine is Inca Gold sport with 5 speed and all the options like cruise, stereo cd, 7 speakers, traction lock, disk brakes, auto dim mirror, add a trunk, A/c, soft top, sentry key, and side steps(I have little girls to get in and out.) My only question is how do you pass the time away in trying to wait for it. The dealer told me that my Jeep is scheduled to be built the second week of April. Should have it by the end of April. I can't wait. Just in time for summer fun.

2001wrangler · March 2003

Waiting is definately the hard part! Glad to hear that yours is scheduled to be built the 2nd week of April, that means mine isn't far behind! What was your order date?

tsjay · March 2003

Congrats on ordering that Jeep! Will this be your first ever short wheel base (wrangler type) Jeep?

Hope you will post more often in here, now that you have your Jeep ordered.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

nolid5 · March 2003

Ok, I live up in the northeast and I see alot of Jeeps that have soft tops and half doors. Could someone tell me any advantages between a soft top with full doors vs. half doors. Weather permitting the top and doors will be off, but since it will be a daily driver I'll need some form of protection.

BTW is everyone sleeping? It's awful quiet in here.

Rich

kelleyo · March 2003

Do you plan on driving a lot without doors? If so the half doors are easier to remove. They are also cheaper than the full doors if you are buying new.

I like the full doors. Advantages for me: Feels safer and more secure. I don't have to unzip a window if I go to a drive through. They are also warmer in the winter. Since I never plan to remove the doors it is an advantage for me.

I think it comes down to preference and cost.

bamatazz · March 2003

I think its a persoanal peferance.
I think getting the full doors 1st then later on getting the half doors sice the half doors are cheaper.
Also, since its your daily vehicle the full doors are safer than the half doors.

Keep Jeepin
BAMA
USA proud!!

tjray · March 2003

My '01 Sport has full doors and a soft top, and I'm completely happy with both. To me,full doors are a lot more "civilized" for lack of a better term, but what it boils down to is real rollup windows vs. plastic zip down windows. When I go topless,like today, I store the softop windows rolled up in a sleeping bag with towels between them, and the plastic still looks great after 2 years. Right now I'm fabricating a welded steel bracket with little hinge brackets so I can hang both doors on the garage wall instead of just leaning against the wall. Just your everyday Jeep fanatic- Tjray

twylie · March 2003

We've got half doors, but since it's not a daily driver, that made more sense for us. The half doors provide a better "armrest height" at the top of the sill, but the full doors are probably the better choice in a DD. I prefer the look of a Jeep with half doors when the top is down, but that is a personal preference.

If you don't have to contend with tolls, parking attendants, or drive through windows very much, the half doors may be fine for a DD, but remember, you can't put the soft windows back up when rolling at 50mph+ without two hands (leaving none for the wheel!). Unless you hold the soft window while you zip it up, it will get sucked outward when running down the road. No need to ask me how I know this, you can imagine...

Try to test drive both and see how it feels to you. Kelleyo has a good point in that the half doors are downright light compared to the full doors. My wife can pull the lower half doors off without a problem.

Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but for a DD, I'd recommend the full doors for safety and convenience.

-twylie

tsjay · March 2003

the ones in the garage being stored.

I can't wait for the weather to get consistently warm enough for me to take Thelma Jane's top and doors off!

Since I have a hard top, I have the full doors. I think I would still get full doors if I were getting a soft top. I figure the doors are only going to be on the Jeep during the winter anyway, so they might as well be full doors. I wouldn't want the hassle of unzipping the plastic windows for drive-thrus.

Glad someone finally posted! Geez, why does it get so quiet in here sometimes?

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

nolid5 · March 2003

I was leaning towards full doors. I know how heavy they are(I had them on my YJ with a hard top) but I didn't have a place to store them so they stayed on the Jeep most of the time

I have a garage now so storage won't be a problem. I do like the roll up windows and have heard about the zip windows being a pain to open and close often. I guess my main issue would be insulation in the cold weather and how well the hard doors and a soft top provide that type of protection in inclement weather.

twylie · March 2003

starting in 2001, Jeep started using a 4 ply sailcloth soft top. In addition to being more duable, it is warmer and quieter than the older soft tops. I think the newest tops are now a three ply design, but are suppose to be just as warm and quiet. I've been out in my soft top Jeep in 20 degree weather and it's been fine. Once the engine warms up, the heater is strong enough to heat the cabin nicely. I wouldn't worry about the soft top for warmth, it's far better than the older Jeeps I've been in. Since you have a garage, it shouldn't be an issue for you. Removing ice and frost from soft top windows can be a problem, but again, you're garaged in the evenings, so should be a non issue for you.

If your last SWB Jeep was a YJ, you'll LOVE how easy and fast the soft top is on a TJ. You can get it down including stowing the windows in less than 5 minutes, maybe twice that to go back up if you take your time.

One other thing to consider might be to look into getting the dual top option and selling the hard top locally. Depending on which model Jeep you're looking at, you'll get the full doors included and have the wiring for the rear wiper and defroster already in place should you decide to get a hard top again someday. I've seen hard tops go anywhere from $750 -$1000 depnding on color and location. I think full doors were a couple of hundred when we were ordering ours, and the dual top option was 1200+ so it can be close to t awash assuming you can find a local buyer for the HT.

-twylie

shill3 · March 2003

One advantage to the full doors is that when it is nice, but too cool to drop the top completely, you can easily roll the windows down and back up again once you get out on the highway.

I managed to master driving with my knees while zipping up the driver's side window. It's dangerous and I don't recommend it. As for the passanger side, if you want it zipped up or down, it's best to pull over. With roll up windows, you can just lean across and quickly get them up or down (if you are like me and are "blessed" with gorilla arms).

But, I do prefer the look of the half doors when the top is down (if doors-off isn't an option).

arh11 · March 2003

Nolid5 - you said you were in the NE, I guess it depends on where, but I'm in Buffalo, NY - notorious for snow, and I'd have to recommend the dual tops. I left my soft top on my 2000 on a little too long this past fall, and made the first snow. My windows were noticeably scratched from the ice/salt (I'm a bit anal about them), not too mention that I couldn't see through the plastic windows while it was snowing/icey (no defroster or rear wiper...). The hard top also provides a bit more insulation and less noise, particularly when it's bitter outside.

The full doors are nice - like shill3 said, you can roll up the windows and still have the top down when driving after the sun goes down - little less windy.

franzia · March 2003

2001Wrangler my order was placed on Thursday March 13th. I talked to my sales man on Monday the 17th, and he told me that it was in D1 status already. (All parts are ordered and ready to go to build it. He even had the vin number.) I can't wait!

Tsjay this is my first Wrangler. I'm getting rid of a 2002 Dakota Quad Cab 4x4. However, my wife has a 2000 Grand Cherokee. I was going to buy one of those, but it almost seemed boring in comparison to the fun factor of the Wrangler. I hope I choose wisely. I going through one of those phases in my life!

tsjay · March 2003

You WILL NOT be disappointed, if it was FUN you were looking for!

I got my first ever SWB Jeep two years ago at the age of 51. If you knew my history, you would be amazed that I still have the same vehicle two years after purchasing it, and you would be BLOWN AWAY by the fact that I am still thrilled with it.

I am NOT THE LEAST BIT tired of Thelma Jane, and I would not even CONSIDER trading her.

I only wish I had gotten into Jeeps years ago, and then I could have saved a fortune in car trading.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

bamatazz · March 2003

WOW>.dude..your getting old..
only kidding with ya my friend.
Its Getting worm here in BAMA, Planning on taking that hard top off soon getting the soft top out.
Washed TAZZ today, he still looks as good as he did the 1st day I bought him.

Keep Jeepin.
BAMA
USA proud

tsjay · March 2003

No, I WAS getting old, until I got Thelma Jane, that is. She has taken years off of my age!

Yeeeehawww!!!

Best move I ever made was getting that Jeep!

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

kelleyo · March 2003

I will be 39 this year. I was always into sports sedans but always traded them to get the bester/faster etc. I was always intrigued by SUV's but hated the thought of using them as a daily drivesr(expedition, etc) Then I test drove a TJ (the one I bought in fact). I fell in love and bought it 4 weeks later. My sedans (company cars) will come and go but my Pepe' will have to be pried out of my cold dead hands...

Now I have the best of both worlds.

Interestingly enough I used a lot of psychology on my wife. First I kept telling her I wanted a Harley. She kept saying no. Then I told her I wanted a used 911 porsche. She kept saying no. (this went on for a year). Then I told her I wanted a Jeep. She said yes! (it is what I wanted all along of course)

mtngal · March 2003

I can't understand your wife not liking any of those suggestions (well, maybe the Harley - I always preferred BMW or Honda touring bikes). Though I do think the Wrangler was the best idea!

I would prefer the half doors if they didn't have the zip windows. I had thought at one point of getting half doors and slider windows, but decided it wouldn't make sense since my hard top has never been off. I find that I have to lower the steering wheel to find a comfortable driving position, since I'm too short to rest my elbow on the door.

I'm another person who bought my first Jeep at an older age (late 40's). I drove my first Jeep in my '20s courtesy of the US Army and loved them. I still don't know why it took me so long to finally buy one - I've wanted one since the first time I rode in one. Once you get the Wrangler fever, the only thing to do is get one - the fever never goes away!

shill3 · March 2003

Did anyone else catch the Jeep History program on the History Channel last night? If not, it may come back around again. It focused on military uses and finished with the humvee. Despite the arrogant comments of a particular hummer owner, the rest of the program was worth watching.

mac24 · March 2003

It's on again next Monday, March 31 @ 1:00PM, 4:00PM, 7:00PM and 10:00PM EST.

arh11 · March 2003

What do you do when you get your dream car at 21?? Three years later, I still can't imagine driving anything else (everyone thought it was a phase...)!!! As my father said "I drank the Kool-aid" - my next vehicle will also be a Wrangler : )
We've had some warm weather here, but in a place where you may have to use your heat and a/c on the same day, I doubt it's time to take off the hard top

Do the half doors make that big a difference?? I'm not sure I understand the argument in favor.

shane202 · March 2003

My mom, being 65 years old of all things, is buying her first Jeep Wrangler! She would like to order the 4 cylinder because of the price difference, but people have been telling her to go with the 6 because of the lower noise level. Unfortunately we can't find a single 4 to test drive anywhere. She will only be using the Jeep to putt around town in and I was wondering if there really is that much of a difference in noise levels between the engines and if there are any other negative issues with the 4 cyl? Being a 2003 it will be the newer model 4 cyl. by the way and any help will definitely be appreciated.

tsjay · March 2003

Noise level? It doesn't make any difference which engine as far as noise. I never heard that one before.

If she will be around town only, then the four should be OK. For highway driving, the six is the far better choice, especially in hilly country.

Good luck to your mom in getting just the right Jeep! She must be one super, super cool lady to want a Jeep at 65 years of age. I think it's GREAT!

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

mac24 · March 2003

Hmmm... noise isn't usually the governing factor. The 4.0 has about the same fuel comsumption, much more power, and is more sought after when it comes to resale time.

If those things are of no real importance compared to the price difference, then go for the 2.4. Even to 'putt around town' it will have to be driven harder, but it will keep up with traffic ok. Can't imagine you'd notice much difference in noise between the two, although a Wrangler isn't a quiet vehicle compared to a car.

jptj · March 2003

I like driving in the open-air mode and since I live in a camper during the week, storage is a real problem for me so I have ½ doors with sliders. My brother in law Jeep has full doors, he think that is the way to go. like Bama Said It's a personal preference. BTW My wife's CJ is already top and door less.
Have a Great Day Walt

shill3 · March 2003

There may be a bit more noise due to the 4 banger having to rev harder to give the desired performance. Once the top is off though, she won't hear anything other than wind anyway.

Wish I could talk my Mom into a Wrangler! She would only ride in my old CJ if she was desperate to get somewhere, but the Wrangler is much more comfortable and it keeps your feet dry!

arh11 · March 2003

Is your mom after standard or automatic transmission? If it's an auto, you will probably be hard pressed to find any dealer with one in stock. When trying to decide whether to buyout the lease on my Sahara or get a new trimmed down (read: "cheaper") model, I called every Jeep retailed within 60 miles, and not one had the 4 cyl. w/ auto trans. that I could test drive. The consensus was that after driving the 6 for three years, I'd hate the 4 - even with the newer model. Since it's her first, she really wouldn't have anything to compare it to.
Not sure how true this is, however one dealer suggested test driving a Chrsler mini-van. Supposedly the weight and torque are similar, and you'll get a feel for the "pick-up". Of course, the ride itself will be a bit different in a Wrangler.

Congrats to you mother!! Mine's only 50 and she has trouble getting into mine :-)

kelleyo · March 2003

Short throw shifter. I call them and it turns out that the sifter is exactly the same lenght as the stock shifter but the throw has been reduced by 30%. This should eliminate my 2nd and reverse gear issues.

It should also make it shift more like a sports car than a truck which will be fun!

I will report once I get it installed.

chadferris · March 2003

I just bought a 2001 Sport (AT w/AC). I'd like to put some 33in tires on it. I don't use the vehicle for off road purposes, so from what I have read, a 3" body lift would work out for me just fine.

However, as I looked at them in the Quadratec catalog, I noticed that all of the ones they have listed for TJ where listed for TJs w/o AC. Does anyone know if there if I should be able to put a 3" body lift on my TJ w/AC?

Thanks! So far I am LOVING my new Jeep!

mac24 · March 2003

The reason is that the condenser is attached to the frame (in front of the radiator), and that the hard lines to it are attached to the body.

A 3" body lift is extreme, although it's the cheapest way to fit 33" tires. In terms of both appearance and practicality, I'm afraid that you'll get what you pay for!

redkey1 · March 2003

Hi, I have an 02 Sport and I have a few questions:

1) Anyone have faded fender flares? Will DC cover new ones under warranty?

2) The paint on my driver's door handle is flaking off, I assume this would be covered?

3) A while back (1 year + maybe?) someone had a link to their website that showed you how they had painted the underside of their wheel wells black. Anyone have this link?

Thanks.....

shill3 · March 2003

My flares have faded a bit (99 Sport). But, we have a lot of harsh sunshine here, so that helps explain it.

I have noticed that wax will dull the flares. Maybe something like Armour All will shine them up? Tire cleaner?

jthurlow · March 2003

On the passenger's door side of my '99 Sport, two years ago, I had paint flaking from the metal insert, which is around the door handle. The vehicle was under the original warranty and the jeep dealer replaced it free. I have had no flaking since then.

No experience with asking DC about replacing faded fender flares--mine are also faded. Can someone recommend a treatment to restore the original color? I have been advised to stay clear of Armorall, because it supposedly will damage the materials in the flares.

J. Thurlow

barresa62 · March 2003

I washed my black 03 Sport this weekend. For the first time since I've had it I used Armor All cleaner & protectorant on the flares. It does the the trick. I haven't heard about ArmorAll damaging the flares but if it's true then I will cease using it and try to find something else instead. I've also noticed that the door handles scratch (even chip) easily. I'm not sure what to do about that.

Stephen

redkey1 · March 2003

just told me that DC will replace the flares and door handles under warranty.

Also, have a clunk sound coming from the steering column (I think) when I hit a hole in the road. Any ideas on what could cause this?

mac24 · March 2003

Black flares will always fade after extended u/v exposure. They can easily be restored with a heat gun (or possibly a powerful hair dryer). Here's a couple of pics from another board, vehicle owner unknown.

Before:

After:

div2 · March 2003

Armor All is garbage. Use Mothers Back to Black, Lexol Vinylex, Meguiars #40, or 3M Rubber Treatment & Tire Dressing.

barresa62 · March 2003

I'll check those products out. :-)

Stephen

div2 · March 2003

You're welcome. If the flares are really faded I would try Mothers BtoB first.

2001wrangler · March 2003

Back to Black is the best stuff I have used.

twylie · March 2003

I'm guessing that was my site. I just scuffed the paint on the front wheel wells and hit them with a couple of coats of Duplicolor spray on bed liner from an auto parts store. I had a couple of spots that flaked, but a retouch and spray has been good ever since.

My hosting provider seems to be down at the moment, but once it comes back up go to ewylie.com, Jeep, then Mods and there should be a link.

-twylie

kelleyo · April 2003

short throw shifter for my 99 yesterday. All I can say is make sure you have long extensions for your socket/ratchet set. Especially if you have a body lift.

All in all it was pretty easy and the instructions are very good. The main difficulty is getting your hand down in the "hole" to remove bolts and not losing stuff in there... Good thing I have a long flexible magnet for retirving stuff

)

Now that it is back together I am very pleased. This puppy shifts like a Miata now. Very short and precise and fast. I really like it although it is a bit stiff and I imigine there will be a break in period. There is no "loose play" in the stick anymore. I also put on a tall leather knob from B&M. This gave me back some of the length lost to a body lift.
Also the reason I went down this path originally had to do with the sifter boot interefering with the shifter when trying to grab second or reverse. The 30% shorter throw solved this.

Very happy with the result. Recommended. (only one bloody knuckle)

Jeep Wrangler

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy