Buying a Used CJ or Wrangler

Replying to: pauljon1957 (Jun 21, 2009 1:01 pm)

for a 2001 Wrangler. Where's the best place to buy a good quality top ?? Thanks! Paul

Replies to this message:
• pauljon1957 (Aug 02, 2009 2:43 am)
  • erickpl (Aug 03, 2009 8:45 am)
    • roadburner (Aug 03, 2009 5:32 pm)

Replying to: pauljon1957 (Aug 01, 2009 3:13 pm)

Would prefer a 'no - drill into the windshiled' model.... if there is such a thing. thanks!

Replies to this message:
• erickpl (Aug 03, 2009 8:45 am)
  • roadburner (Aug 03, 2009 5:32 pm)

Replying to: pauljon1957 (Aug 02, 2009 2:43 am)

Replies to this message:
• roadburner (Aug 03, 2009 5:32 pm)

Replying to: erickpl (Aug 03, 2009 8:45 am)

Replies to this message:
• mac24 (Aug 05, 2009 7:19 am)
  • pauljon1957 (Aug 05, 2009 10:06 am)
    • pauljon1957 (Aug 05, 2009 10:09 am) and 1 more...

Replying to: pauljon1957 (Aug 04, 2009 5:31 pm)

......some wind noise coming from between the top of windshield and hardtop
 
It's likely to be one of three things.
In no particular order, it could be a hardtop that's distorted, the hardtop could have been refitted incorrectly, or the seal on top of the windshield could be bad.
 
Whichever, start by unclipping the hardtop at the windshield and removing the top to body fixings at the tub, then lift it a little and move it back six inches.
You can now examine the header seal on top of the windshield frame. If it's damaged in any way replace it (part #55176 512AE_ SEAL, Header Opening).
This would also be a good time to examine the top to body seals as well, as they too have a bearing on the alignment of the top (SEAL, Enclosure To Body_#55176 372AC Right _#55176 373AC Left).
To correctly refit the top, very loosely install the tub bolts then align the front of the top on the header rail and snap the retaining clips shut. Lastly, tighten the fixing bolts, pulling or pushing the hardtop sides in or out as you do so to align with the body sides.
 
Finally, if the noise remains because the hardtop was a poor molding (or you're too lazy to undertake the previous steps ), you can run a thick bead of silicone sealant between the front lip of the hardtop and the windshield frame.
Use the best quality black sealant in a cartridge, which needs to be applied with a caulking gun. Cut the nozzle for a thick bead and smooth it afterwards as the smoother it is the quieter it will be. You might also want to lay masking tape above and below the joint beforehand to help keep thing clean and tidy.
 
Has 55, 000 miles: plan to change coolant and tranny fluid soon. Anything else, i.e. plugs, etc.
 
Yes, do everything. Whenever you get a 'new to you' vehicle, service everything.
You don't know when things were previously done and it gives you a baseline for future maintenance.
Inspect the brakes and steering, change the brake fluid and power steering fluid, and grease the steering and suspension points.
Check the wheel bearings for wear, and the 'U' joints on the propshafts and front halfshafts.
Change all powertrain fluids (diffs, t/case, transmission, engine) and filters. plus the air filter, spark plugs, and serpentine belt.
Flush the cooling system and check the hoses for cracks and leaks.
 
From that point on just keep to the maintenance schedule in your handbook, starting in 3K miles as if the Jeep was brand new.
 
Have fun!

Replies to this message:
• pauljon1957 (Aug 05, 2009 10:06 am)
  • pauljon1957 (Aug 05, 2009 10:09 am)
    • erickpl (Aug 07, 2009 5:21 am)

Replying to: mac24 (Aug 05, 2009 7:19 am)

THANKS for all of the info... Another question ( there may be more ) Some vibration when applying brakes.. feels like warped rotors. Replace pads / rotors? A guess on price for this? THX PAUL

Replies to this message:
• pauljon1957 (Aug 05, 2009 10:09 am)
  • erickpl (Aug 07, 2009 5:21 am)

Replying to: pauljon1957 (Aug 05, 2009 10:06 am)

any / all parts mention above , get from the local dealer or another good site to buy OEM replacement parts? THX PAUL

Replies to this message:
• erickpl (Aug 07, 2009 5:21 am)

Replying to: pauljon1957 (Aug 05, 2009 10:09 am)

Personally for brakes, I'd go with EBC Yellow or Green pads for your wrangler. Just get some GOOD quality rotors. They do NOT have to be OEM.
 
-Paul