Jeep Wrangler

dewars · April 2003

Thanks for the update. a couple questions. how long did it take? did you have help? where did you order yours from? also, did you research the Hurst shifter as well?
Thanks!

dewars

kelleyo · April 2003

The book says it should take 30 minutes but it really took me about an hour. I did it all myself in the garage. Only a few tools required: 3/8 ratchet, 7mm, 10mm, 13 mm sockets, flat blade screw driver. Ratchet extentions. For the bolts in the bottom of the console the extension is very handy. Without it it would take forever to remove those bolts as you have limited motion.

A flashlight is also a good idea!

I got the kit from Summitt Racing. About $215 total for the shifter, extended leather knob and shipping. It arrived in 2 days.

I did not compare any other shifters.

Several folks told me that the only difference in the B&M and stock was the length (they claimed the B&M was shorter). Actually it is exactly the same length. The difference is the throw distance is 30% less. This results in faster shifts. It feels less like a truck and more sporty now.

dewars · April 2003

Thanks for the information, A new shifter just made my future mod list.

dewars

oceantoad · April 2003

One year ago today I ordered my Sport from Benny Boyd in Lampassas, Tx (a plug).

Sure was getting blown all over the road today with the high winds.

Still a happy camper.

kelleyo · April 2003

you know it is slow when the Aztec board shows up ahead of ours!!!

tsjay · April 2003

This time I was just gonna sit back and see how long it took for someone to post.

I'll be unable to come here for a couple days, but I HOPE I will have lots of posts to catch up on when I get back.

You guys be good, and POST!

C ya in a couple days.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

tsjay · April 2003

NO POSTS since I left town two days ago?

Maybe for some reason this page is not refreshing.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

tidester · April 2003

It's been slow probably because most of us are glued to the cable channels - plus the fact that YOU were gone for a few days! Don't let it happen again! ;-)

tidester, host

tsjay · April 2003

Peeps, take a break once in a while from the tube, and get back here and be sociable!

Drove Thelma Jane up to Illinois, but I didn't get to do any "wheelin." Was thinking about going to Badlands in Attica, Indiana, but they had a special event going on this weekend. I was within about two hours of Badlands. Superlift was sponsoring something over there, and it would have cost $86 to participate. That wouldn't have been bad, if I had been able to be there all three days of the event, but I could have gone only Saturday, and that's a little steep for one day of wheelin', huh?

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

oceantoad · April 2003

I posted on the Liberty board, that should count for something.

Still a happy camper.

stever · April 2003

I saw a Wrangler stuck today. There's a mudhole that people play in on the road to the ski hill here and the Jeep was resting on its axles in it around 9 am this morning. I suspect a little Saturday night alcohol was involved....

It was gone when I drove back down. I think I'll avoid "testing" my Outback in that spot, lol.

Steve, Host

mtngal · April 2003

I've been sick and not very interested in keeping up with anything, so I was really surprised at how few posts there were.

oceantoad - how are you - did you get another big dog? And how quiet is it there with so many folks gone?

My fender flares have faded somewhat, but I'm not that concerned with it. Though considering how little off-roading I've done this year, maybe I should be! I figured that it looks like what it is - an older, trusty, utilitarian vehicle. I did get up to one of my favorite close hiking spots today. Since the dirt road was covered with snow and ice I had a reason to drive up it in 4x4 (usually not required). However, last weekend I took the 2WD Taco up the same road (no snow, high 60s weather wise) and the back wheels kept slipping on the loose surface. Decided that was the last time I'd take it up there!

luca1 · April 2003

thinking about a Liberty, eh? And I'm still thinking of a Wrangler. I love my Liberty. She's almost a year old with 9k miles. I'd like to get a Wrangler sport, undecided on 5 speed or auto. Those who have the new 4 speed auto, please tell me how it handles.

Thanks,
luca
Hugging my Liberty

dewars · April 2003

One week from tomorrow we head for Moab and the Easter Jeep Safari !
I was wondering if anyone else from this board is planning to attend? It would be nice to meet some of you face to face.
It's a little over 400 miles from here so we will travel over on Tuesday, wheel for three days and return Saturday so we can be home for Easter.
Should be a ton of fun to wheel Moab and see all of the other Jeeps and manufacturers exhibits.

dewars

shill3 · April 2003

I haven't had much to say over the past week. The wind has blown so much that driving the Jeep is more of an adventure than a pleasure to drive. I usually like adventures, but then I have to get out into that same wind and get blown around myself.

Come on Spring! If it ain't going to snow, then I can't wait to take my top and doors off.

shill3 · April 2003

I just learned on a classic mini forum that there was a company called Austin America, many years ago. This company was a sister to the British Austin which many years later develped the mini (not the BMW one).

Well, turns out that this Austin America later became Bantam which developed the grandfather of our beloved Wrangler.

Looks like my two favorite cars are related. Not surprising really since both have terribly devoted fans and styles that have survived decades.

oceantoad · April 2003

Have not seen a big difference in the area. So far we have only lost the 4th ID which is around 12,500 or so troops. The 1st CAV was also suppose to go and that would have been like another 17,500 troops gone. They are still here at this time. Aviation is gone, Military Police, Medical, etc. Lots of bus traffic to the airfield.

I got my big dog (100 pounds or so) for about 8 hours. It was a Fila Braseliero (spelling) and seemed like the perfect dog. After trying to suck the face off of my Lab, I had to return her. The Vet bill for the Lab was only a 100 bucks.

I ended up with a small dog (30 to 40 pounds) that is a cross of Basset, Dalmatian, Black and Tan, Doberman. Pretty sweet and has not tried to eat any of the other animals so far.

Still a happy camper.

mtngal · April 2003

You are lucky that it only cost you $100.00 to get the lab stitched up. The other dog sounds much better, but a strange combination!

I'm still a happy camper with my Wrangler, too. Only one more payment to go. I've been trying to think of a suitable way of celebrating when I finally get my pink slip. Any suggestions?

shill3 · April 2003

Just think, those monthly payments can now go into mods!!!!

mac24 · April 2003

You can also link the Jeep with its closest British equivalent, The Land Rover, without trying too hard!

Have you got a link for that Classic Mini forum. I used to be quite involved with Minis at one time.

Thanks.

mac24 · April 2003

I know you've been feeling sick lately, but I'm sure that you and your partner can think of something to do to celebrate!

;-)

twylie · April 2003

congrats on making the NBS yours for good! Any of the following sound like a good "celebration"

- take what would have been your next payment and take care of any loose odds and ends that need some attention.
- pick up something you've had your eye on for the jeep
- take a nice weekend getaway.
- double up on Taco payments so you can get out from under it sooner. Do I hear WRX???

but most importantly, take the Jeep someplace you couldn't get to otherwise... Treat the Jeep to a wash and wax when you get home.

congrats!

-twylie

jeepfan2 · April 2003

First time posting, I've been a fan of the Jeep Wrangler for a LONG time now, and have been dreaming about purchasing one for years. I'm currently looking at a 1997 SE with 102,000 miles on it.

My question is regarding reliability on Wranglers with this many miles. While it would only be my "weekend" car, I'm planning on making a few road trips from LA to Vegas in it, and I don't want to get stranded in the middle of the desert. I also don't want to buy it, only to have to put in several thousand more to get it fixed constantly.

I guess my question is really for the owners of older Wranglers. Have you had any major problems? Are these things reliable past 100k miles? Thanks for the help, everybody!

mtngal · April 2003

My '98 has 110,000 plus miles on it now, and other than the dash gauge problems that the '98s are known for and the exhaust manifold (another common problem for models prior to 2000 - make sure that the manifold on that '97 has been replaced) it has been problem free. So I wouldn't worry much about the maintenance aspect - any vehicle with that type of mileage will have some issues, no matter what make.

Now, about that LA-Vegas trip. Having done it numerous times, there are a few things you need to know. A Wrangler is TERRIBLE in the wind. And it is almost always windy on the I15. Also (as you probably are aware) most people traveling that route go 85-90+ mph. Even with the I6 engine in my Sport, I won't drive that route that fast. With the 4 cylinder in the SE, you could have problems. Be prepared to travel in the slow lane and have people try to run you over. On the other hand, when there are accidents on the freeway, or if you happen to use Hwy 58 and get stuck in the holiday backup at 4 Corners, you have nice options. There are a number of wonderful desert dirt routes you can explore that avoid many of the slow spots. The desert can be really pretty at times, and you will be going slow enough to enjoy it.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions on celebrating when my pink slip arrives. Think I'll finally get the dash gauges fixed - a wonderful gift for my Noble Black Steed! Mods will have to wait - I'll use most of the money to put against my (hated) Taco. Because of gas prices recently, I've been thinking about a Jetta TDI, but my heart still craves that WRX (like the one that passed me yesterday going 75+ on the steepest part of the Grapevine)!

mac24 · April 2003

So much will depend on the servicing and maintenance done by the previous owner(s).Their driving style will play a big part too. Wranglers don't have a reputation for exploding unexpectedly, but any vehicle can fail. All it takes to leave you stranded is a broken wire. If you want peace of mind, join the AAA.

twylie · April 2003

I didn't know if you knew about the fix for the dash gauges, but I found a page that cover the "procedure".

http://www.jeepmadness.com/guages.htm

Getting the dash apart is really straghtforward. Might be worth looking at yourself if the dealer won't fix it. My understanding is that it was a recall item on the '99 models; not sure on the '98s.

-twylie

tsjay · April 2003

If you've never owned a short wheel base Jeep, like a Wrangler or the older CJs, then you just plain do NOT have a clue as to how much fun they are! Before you buy a 97 with the four banger, give a little thought to possibly spending a little more and getting a newer Jeep or at least getting one with the six cylinder engine and lower miles on it.

You are going to absolutely LOVE your Jeep, and you might end up wishing you had held out for a newer/lower mileage one.

I think, from all I've heard, that the reliability of Jeeps is as good as it is for most vehicles. As has been said, at 100K plus, you will have things that need repair or replacement, but the engine should be sound, if it has been properly maintained and not abused.

Good luck in getting "just the right Jeep."

Keep us posted on your progress.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

mtngal · April 2003

twylie - Thanks for the link about the gauges. There is a TSB on it, but not a recall for the '98s. Don't know if I'll try to do it myself - my wonderful other half is not gifted when it comes to mechanical things, so I'll probably take it to a dealership. I will take a look at it and see if it looks like something a little old lady like me could do on her own, now that I have some instructions.

jeepfan2 - By the way, it's nice to see another West Coaster on the board. There are very few of us - most (not all) here seem to be more from the east. So keep on posting about your search!

jeepfan2 · April 2003

Thanks for all the advice, everybody...the search continues and I'll keep you posted!

shill3 · April 2003

There are several classic mini boards, but my favorites are:

www.minimania.com - large following, very informative. Members know their stuff, but can be a bit aggressive.
www.britishcarforum.com - smaller following, but very polite and friendly.

These plus Edmund's Townhall are some of the best places to hang out. Hey, who needs water coolers?

mac24 · April 2003

That's a very good link that twylie gave you.
It really is an easy job to remove and refit the instrument panel. The only thing I'd add to the instructions would be to liberally apply dielectric to grease to the connector pins and sockets. Dielectric grease is available at any auto store and is most commonly used to coat the inside of spark plug boots to stop them sticking to the plugs.
If you do it yourself you'll know it's been done right! Why not print the instructions and take them out to the Jeep. Then, just sit and look at what you'll have to do, one step at a time. I guarantee it's easier than you think!

mac24 · April 2003

Thanks shill3, I'll check them out.
:-)

mtngal · April 2003

I printed out and showed the instructions to a friend at work (who often works on his own vehicles) and he seemed to think that I wouldn't have any problem. So this weekend I'll take a look at it. As you say, I'll look it over, see if the instructions make sense when I'm actually looking at the dash and then if they do, I'll give each step a try. I'm not real good at these types of things - the one time I tried a home improvement project (faucet replacement), I got spooked at the first step. When I turned off the spigots under the sink they dripped! Since I didn't have a clue of how to get them to stop, I gave it up and called in someone who knew what they were doing (and I now know about the nut behind the valve that can be adjusted to stop the water from dripping).

jeepfan2 - another thing to think about in your search. I love the looks of my black Wrangler, but it is the hottest vehicle I've ever owned. Next one I buy will be anything but black...

oceantoad · April 2003

Went into the dealer today to have them check out a squeal in the engine. Got a call later in the day that they were going to replace a belt, pulley, and tensioner. No Jeep today, have to order parts, maybe tomorrow.

Had them also look at my rear differential since it is leaking (my doing) and they found that both differentials are leaking.

Minor stuff, about 6500 miles now.

Still a happy camper.

div2 · April 2003

Here's how I dealt with the gauge problem-and I second using either dielectric grease or Wurth Electrical Contact Protection( http://www.carcareonline.com/detail.asp?product_id=11355 ). As of today, my gauges have remained trouble free.

#7052 of 8576 gerald523 by div2 Oct 16, 2002 (11:57 am)
I had the same problem crop up several weeks ago. I first tried the "clean and twist the terminals" fix suggested on jeepmadness.com. No luck; in fact, the problem got worse. Soooo, I removed the cluster again. This time I unclipped the blue female terminal connector from the dash and removed the white plug from the blue connector(it just unclips and slides out). Next, I took some needle nose pliers and CAREFULLY squeezed each separate female terminal so that they tightly gripped the male cluster terminals. I haven't had any problems since that repair(knock on wood).

scmhockey · April 2003

My passenger side nerf bar/step sacrificed itself to save the side of my jeep from an idiot driver and his car. I was driving on the highway in the right lane. The culprit was waiting in the exit lane and decided that he didn't want to get off the highway. He pulled right into my lane and nailed me in the side. Check out these pix:

http://webpages.charter.net/scmichel1/Accident1-small.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/scmichel1/Accident2-small.jpg

jeepfan2 · April 2003

Hey guys! Okay, I've found a black 1997 (I know you advised against it, mac24, but hear me out) with 75k miles, manual, 4 cyl, with a/c and alloy wheels. Their asking price is $7000. Thoughts? Is it worth it?

mac24 · April 2003

It was mtngal that advised against black. I'd second it too. As well as getting hot, it's a pain to keep it looking good.

As for the Jeep you're considering, it seems to have most of the good stuff except the 4.0. The only reason I can think of to go for the 2.5 is cost. I've never heard of anyone who got the 4.0 that then wished they'd got the 2.5. Plenty that wished the other way around though!

mtngal · April 2003

It looks like you got off lucky. I was in the carpool lane once going around 50 when the Toyota pickup stopped in the lane next to me decided to pull into my lane without looking. We couldn't stop in time. His tire and front end took off my right side running board and rear view mirror, and the left tires climbed the left wall. I thought for sure we were going to roll, but my wonderful other half (who was driving) kept it straight and it landed on rubber. It still ended up costing the other guy's insurance over $4,000 in body damage (and 2 new rims, which turned out to have the wrong offset, something it took me a couple of years to finally figure out).

Wranglers are tough vehicles - I drove away, while that Toyota pickup had to be towed off the freeway.

scmhockey · April 2003

It wasn't much of an impact. I think he saw me at the last millisecond. I attempted to swerve to the left, but there was another car right there, so I was in no mans land. I had to take the hit, or hit the other car, and that would have been my fault. Do you remember being really shaky after? That adrenaline really hit me.

The other car just had a banged up left front quarterpanel. Pretty lucky considering I was going about 70 at the time.

Still, I thank God for my cheap nerf bars.

twylie · April 2003

Glad no one was hurt. Just be sure to tell everyone you did that damage playing on the rocks! If it were me, I'd take the insurance money and buy a can of spray paint to hide those minor scrapes!

-twylie

tsjay · April 2003

Steve, glad you came out of that deal so well! Both you and the Jeep narrowly escaped damage, huh?

Some people are SO stupid! They shouldn't be allowed out in public. (Not you, the other guy)

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

tsjay · April 2003

Is this Jeep on a lot, or would you be buying from an individual? It would be important to talk to the previous owner, if you can. I always like to do that when I am buying a used vehicle.

I ask about the maintenance schedule that has been followed and whether or not the vehicle has ever been wrecked. If it has been wrecked, what was the extent of the damage? I like to ask what things have been repaired/replaced on the vehicle and when these things were done.

If you are buying from a lot, then have them give you a phone number for the previous owner.

As far as price, use the appraisal feature here at good old Edmunds and see how it checks out.

The mileage is good for a 97. A 97 will soon be considered 7 years old, since the 04's will be out in a few months. So, 75K miles is not bad at all.

Good luck! (If you are going to be on the highway much at all, I still say you might want to hold out for a Jeep with the six.)

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

oceantoad · April 2003

My squeak has now gone from a belt, tensioner, and pulley to a water pump. Should be ready tomorrow.

Still a happy camper.

tsjay · April 2003

Your Jeep's parts are freezing up from lack of use! Put some miles on that puppy! Drive her up here and wheel with me.

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

smedcougar · April 2003

I know long time no see...I've been busy with school, getting laid off, then getting called back after a month, now only working on average 6 hours a day. Anyway, I'm still dreamin of that Jeep. I may find out how much what the payoff amount is on my 2002 Cougar and if I could sell it and make some money on it (even though I've only had it since October. I know what you're thinking...but I couldn't swing a Jeep when I got the Cougar...and if the opportunity ever presented itself...yahooooo

scmhockey,

Too bad about the hit but looks like you got off lucky this time. Hey where are you taking your Jeep for service...I know you're not taking it to Royal Oaks

And remind me again do you have the soft top or the hard top? Hopefully, the Blues will win game #1 against Vancouver...after 2 periods it's 4-0

mntgal,

Hey woman how ya been? I'm not going to take any classes this summer so I'll be here more often to see how everybody's doing...who knows maybe someday I can announce the arrival of my Jeep (If I can get another job that'll give me 40/hrs. week).

tomster,

Hope I didn't miss anything at Gill's tonight I've been kinda tired lately. See ya at Gill's this weekend maybe.

toad!

Wow haven't see you that often

course I've been away from my fellow jeepsters way too long

Oh well, time to hit the sack 7am comes way tooooo early.

Hug your Jeeps for me

smedcougar...aka dwrangler

scmhockey · April 2003

Twylie: LOL - White painted rocks. I guess it someone might actually believe it. I got an estimate yesterday, and they said it would be $680. They were going to replace both fenders, and the step. Boy, that is expensive.

Tom: Thanks for clarifying that I'm not the stupid one. LMAO We both know that isn't totally true. ;-)

Deb,

You can bet your "rear end" that I'm not taking it to Royal Oaks. I got an estimate from a place right down the street from my house. The Blues SMOKED the Canucks 6-0. 35 cent tacos today!!!! I could only watch til the Blues were up 3-0. I get up at 5:00 and had to get some sleep. Did you watch the Red Wings vs Ducks game? Exciting game. 2-1 Ducks about 5 minutes into the 3rd overtime period. The Wings did everything but score.

geepers · April 2003

In case you're looking for vacation ideas this summer, here is a link to a very well done non-commercial site, Traveling with Ed and Julie. It has mostly European travel information but they were struck with the beauty of the high country in southwest Colorado and included one section about it. They were also bitten by the Jeep bug and there is mucho info and links about Jeeping in the area.

I've not Jeeped there but I have backpacked in the area and it is all Ed and Julie say it is. The home to many Colorado fourteeners as they call the 14,000 foot or over peaks.

http://www.twenj.com

And since every Jeeper has a dog, here's a link to the famous Sam the Wolfdog who has bagged most the 14ers in CO.

http://cloud.prohosting.com/~mtnclmbr/index.htm

Enjoy your dreaming,
Gary

forestergump · April 2003

I'll give cudos to four-wheeling in the San Juans!

On another note, I was wondering if anybody could direct me to where I can find information on the specs of my old 1988 Jeep Wrangler 4.0L. I sold it about ten years ago, but I'm curious about comparing it to some of the 4x4's that I'm now considering purchasing this year. Anyone?

-Bob

mtngal · April 2003

scmhockey - Not only did I feel shaky right afterwards, but that feeling went on for months. We originally got a Cavalier for a rental, and I was so psyched out because it rides so much lower than the Wrangler. The next day my thoughtful husband took it back and got a Cherokee, and I gradually got over it. But I still get spooked if I'm driving in the carpool lane at a much higher speed than the rest of the traffic is moving (recently someone cut me off and I discovered what happens when you lock up the brakes on a 2WD Tacoma - watch that rear end swing around!). I feel more comfortable driving the Wrangler in the carpool lanes because I've seen just how much abuse they can withstand.

Deb - it's great to see you are still hanging in there! I hope you'll do better with that Cougar than I will on my Taco (which I STILL have). And you know you're always welcome around here, 'cause we know you will eventually join the Wrangler owner ranks one of these days.

geepers - love the travel photos! However, your timing is terrible. We've been planning a week at Lake Tahoe and today my husband said he might have to work that week. I'm not a happy camper - first because they've had so much snow so late in the year and it isn't melting fast enough for the 4x4 trails to be open, and now because we might not go at all!

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