Jeep Wrangler

Replying to: erickpl (Oct 08, 2008 4:15 am)

Replies to this message:
• erickpl (Oct 09, 2008 4:44 am)

Replying to: mtnjack (Oct 08, 2008 1:54 pm)

That's why we're here!
 
I'd highly suggest a Haynes manual for some basic DIY maintenance and work you can do. Sensor replacement is easy enough IF you are willing to spend some time on it. You can also get Factory Service Manuals, which are MUCH more indepth and year specific. I have both, but use the Haynes for 80% of the work I've done.
 
Basic hand tools (socket, Torx bits, wrenches, screwdrivers, etc) are all you really need, along with a floor jack and some quality jack stands. My TJ hasn't seen a dealer since I bought it and I've replaced sensors, suspension, electronics, etc all by myself for a fraction of the dealer costs.
 
-Paul

Hello,
 
I am purchasing a Jeep Wrangler for my daughter's 16th and would appreciate your expertise on a few questions I have. I have not purchased the vehicle yet, b/c I am having a mechanic take a look at it first. It's a 2004 Wrangler SE. It's missing the back seat, and only has a soft top. I'd like to purchase a back seat, hard top, the crome bar that extends across the front grill (?), a lift kit and a small summer top.
1. Is there anything you can tell me that a new Jeep owner should know?
 2. Is there a specific brand I should purchase or not purchase? I found a hard top made by Fleet Air for under $1000.
3. I am looking for a back seat on craigslist. What make and year should I be looking for? I have found two 2005 Jeeps to be parted out. Will this seat fit?
 
Please feel free to educate me on the various models, b/c at this point I know very little. Obviously.
 
Thanks!

Replies to this message:
• erickpl (Oct 15, 2008 5:10 am)
  • villegac (Oct 15, 2008 9:21 am)
    • erickpl (Oct 15, 2008 10:16 am)
    • erickpl (Oct 16, 2008 8:06 am)

Replying to: erickpl (Jul 18, 2008 4:39 am)

Replies to this message:
• erickpl (Oct 15, 2008 5:11 am)

Replying to: villegac (Oct 14, 2008 9:16 am)

1. Ensure your daughter is aware of the higher COG of a TJ. I have a 97 SE that my daughter nearly rolled when going around a corner. So be aware that this is NOT a sports car (not very fast either). Look the Jeep over for signs of offroading. By default you'll have either 28 or 30" tires and 4.10 gearing. The missing back seat has me wondering if it was used like that. Pics would help.
2. For hard top, I'd go bestop or factory. Period. You can find decent deals on the various jeep forums. Other brands may not last as long or may have leak issues.
3. 2005 seats SHOULD fit. They changed the design a few years ago to have the latch lever be at the top of the seat vs down at the back/base like it was on earlier TJ's. Your manual should indicate how to fold the seat forward. Just make sure it matches up. If you don't have a manual, I can check. I have manuals for all year TJ's.
 
The SE is the basic model. Not bad for a 16 yo, but if they want to offroad later, the rear axle may need to be addressed. The stock D35 is okay, but for larger tires, could be an issue. If you ever go with larger tires, regearing will need to be considered. I hope you have a manual vs automatic.
 
There is a LOT you can do with the SE feature-wise, etc.
 
Personally, I'd stay away from chrome. Black looks lots better. Not sure what that chrome bar across the front is unless you're talking about a light hoop.
 
I can give you my email if you have specific questions, but feel free to ask away here if you'd like.
 
-Paul

Replies to this message:
• villegac (Oct 15, 2008 9:21 am)
  • erickpl (Oct 15, 2008 10:16 am)
  • erickpl (Oct 16, 2008 8:06 am)

Replying to: ocean_shipper (Oct 14, 2008 6:16 pm)

You may need to head up into GA / SC for some wheeling.
 
-Paul

Replying to: erickpl (Oct 15, 2008 5:10 am)

Hi Paul,
 
Thanks so much for all that info. It is very helpful. It is a manual, 5 speed. I think you are right about the black bar across the front instead of chrome. The Jeep is black and silver. Do you have a favorite site for the accessories we talked about; the hard top and black bar across the front? The back seat was used like that; evidently the 1st owner (only 2nd owner now) used it like that for travel luggage. There is only one small dent on the passenger side rear corner. The mechanic is checking it out today, so I'll know more today or tomorrow.
 
I'll see if I can get some pics to you also.
 
Thanks again,
 
Chelsea

Replies to this message:
• erickpl (Oct 15, 2008 10:16 am)
• erickpl (Oct 16, 2008 8:06 am)

Replying to: villegac (Oct 15, 2008 9:21 am)

I have a few I can recommend, but not sure Edmunds would like me posting up other web sites.
 
For new stuff, you can check out www.quadratec.com or www.jcwhitney.com. To find used stuff, I can send you some mail.
 
I'd really like to see a pic of the bar you're talking about. Is it something like this?
 

 
Depending on the bumper (stock or aftermarket), you can find these pretty easily. Mine was made by a company no longer in business, but there are options to work with stock bumpers.
 
Here is the rest of my TJ, which is also a 4 cylinder.
 

-Paul

Replying to: villegac (Oct 15, 2008 9:21 am)

I looked on some of my Jeep hangouts and counted at LEAST 6 hard tops for sale, so I know you can find one easily and save some $$. If you make your email visible, I can email some information about them. I also saw some back seats - but your interior colors would dictate which ones would look best.
 
You can email me at skimblzbvs at yahoo dot com if you want.
 
-Paul

Replies to this message:
• erickpl (Nov 03, 2008 7:59 am)