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Jeep Wrangler
23393 messages, Last post on Feb 12, 2013 at 3:29 PM
You are in the Jeep Wrangler Forum.What is this discussion about? Jeep Wrangler, SUV
#10569 of 23393 Have a question about a 2003 Wrangler X by franzia
Oct 16, 2003 (8:45 am)
I would appreciate the opinions from all who respond here on me possibly purchasing a new 2003 Wrangler X. The options are the wheel plus group, A/C, 5-speed, full doors, cruise, privacy glass, front floor mats, black clear coat, and kakki top and interior. My question is that I'm not a real week end 4wheeler warrior, but I need to get through north eastern snows. Would this be a good ride for that. The jeep does not have a locking differential. I'm looking at this Jeep tonight and would appreciate some feed back. Is there anything I would be missing if say I would get a sport instead? I like the price and the X would fit very well within my budget. Thanks to all who respond.
#10570 of 23393 Pete by tsjay
Oct 16, 2003 (8:50 am)
What pressure are ya runnin'? I keep mine at 28 psi cold pressure, and I get a good ride and even wear. You're right about them starting at 19/32". I don't know why I typed 18/32.Doubt if it's much of a factor in this, but I don't bother airing down when I wheel.
I wonder at what point they are effectively worn out? I know you don't want to run them all the way down to "0/32".
Think you would want to replace them when the tread is down to around 8/32" (1/4")? I'm sure they are not going to perform nearly as well on the trails as they get down to the end of their lives. That is strange that yours are wearing so fast. Looks like I'm gonna get a good, long life out of mine.
The GY MT/R is supposed to be a real good tire too, but I don't know if the tread life is supposed to be any better. Seems the general consensus is that the MT/Rs are better on rocks (stronger sidewalls) and the BFGs are better in mud.
I have chunks missing from many of my lugs, since I offroad so often.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
#10571 of 23393 Wrangler X / Franzia by mac24
Oct 16, 2003 (9:06 am)
The only real difference between the Sport and the X is that you can't order an X with the D44 rear axle, which will make no difference for your purposes and as Tom pointed out in another post, it won't affect the resale value. The other differences are between standard and optional equipment.No Wrangler comes with a locking diff. The Trak Loc option is a limited slip diff. However, either type can be fitted post purchase should you feel the need.
I'd suggest that for the use you intend putting it to, it will do you very well.
#10572 of 23393 franzia by tsjay
Oct 16, 2003 (9:09 am)
By going with the X, you will be forgoing the Dana 44, which is not a problem from what you say your use for the Jeep will be.I ALWAYS recommend the 44 for people who think they will ever want to do more than just mild offroading, or who think they would someday want oversize tires and a locker.
I have heard that the factory TracLoc, which is NOT a locker, but is a limited slip differential, is good in snow. I don't know if that should be a show stopper for you or not, since that Jeep doesn't have it. It would be a nice thing to have, given the amount of snow that Jeep will see.
You could always have an even BETTER after market limited slip installed later.
The X sounds like a good way to go for you, since you would be getting the six cylinder engine without going all the way to the Sport model. I think the X has about everything most people would be interested in having, if they are not going to be serious offroaders.
You didn't mention antilock brakes, which I wouldn't want for offroading, but I guess they can be very good in highway driving in "snow country."
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
#10573 of 23393 Two stage oil by mac24
Oct 16, 2003 (9:11 am)
As was suggested, AJ could have meant two stroke oil (though he hasn't been back to confirm it). If he did, and only added a quart or so, it won't have done any serious damage. It is important to drain the oil and change the filter as soon as possible though, as I've no idea what the long term effects would be.#10574 of 23393 more clarification by comanche_aj
Oct 16, 2003 (10:23 am)
im back to explain exactly what happened that led me to add "two stage" oil...her dad said it is for engines with two stages so it was bad of me to put it in. i told her about my oil leak problem, then she said there was a strange knocking coming from her engine, i checked the oil, it was a little low. i got into her trunk and got a bottle of Castrol 10w30, she said "No, thats not the right kind use this one" she handed me the other bottle, (i didnt want to argue with her because she does have a bit of auto knowledge and i dont know much about oil) it was about 80% of a quart that i added, then her dad was like "are you sure thats oil?", i said yes, but when i looked at the bottle it had pictures of dirtbikes and atv's and things like that...(maybee the description of the bottle will help you guys). so far nothing has happened to her car, her dad said it might smoke allot, but that hasn't happened and i am concerned that it might not be smoking because its doing something allot worse and i need to fix it. Im gonna check this post on Monday and see what you guys think i should do. -ajjjjjjjj#10575 of 23393 AJ by tsjay
Oct 16, 2003 (10:40 am)
Sure sounds like you did use oil intended for two cycle engines. I never heard the term "two stage" before, but it must be two cycle engine oil that you used.A simple oil change should be done as soon as possible. Whatever damage has been done can't be helped, but you should at least get that oil changed to prevent further damage.
You might get lucky, since it was less than a quart, and maybe nothing has been harmed so far.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
#10576 of 23393 by mtngal
Oct 16, 2003 (12:34 pm)
Tom - I did a customized eval with the lower mileage, but I did it for a Sport - thought that was what he said it was. That would explain the differences in cost (low mileage did add over $1,000!).frazia - about the X - given your use, you should be fine. I didn't really look at some of the extra goodies in 2003, but I do remember saying when they came out with the X that the fog lights would not be standard on them, but would be on the Sport. I never was interested in them until I got my Sport, which happens to have them. Now that I live in mountainous snow country myself (no street lighting anywhere), I'm very glad to have them - they help to find the side of the road when the whole thing is snow covered in the early morning. Don't know if that would be a concern for you or not.
aj - Dirtbikes and ATVs? Definitely sounds like 2 stroke oil. I remember when I bought my first motorcycle I made sure I got a Honda. At the time they were one of the few that made a small bike with a 4 stroke engine, and a 2 stroke engine sounded too complicated...
#10577 of 23393 franzia by 01r1
Oct 16, 2003 (12:54 pm)
I've got an '02 X. They should do fine for the type of use you state. Don't worry about no Trac-Loc, you'll have plenty of traction in plain old 4wd mode.To be honest, sometimes I wish I didn't have TracLoc while driving on ice. Even in 4wd mode, there have been times when the smallest amount of throttle will break both back tires loose and get me sideways real quick. This can be a real problem on old country roads that are really crowned or off camber.
Without TracLoc and only one back tire breaks loose, you'll still have one tire to help you track straight ahead.
Getting either the X or the Sport, you'll be in for some fun!
-Pete
#10578 of 23393 Franzia by thebigkahuna
Oct 16, 2003 (1:28 pm)
Franzia, I have an 02X and as I don't go wheeling and won't be putting on heavy duty tires I have no need for a Dana 44. Living in Delaware we don't have near the snow amounts you will but last year we got 2 feet and the Wrangler handled beautifully. Not many other vehicles were able to go about confidently in the blizzard. Good luck with your decision!To POST a message, please
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