THE JEEP THREAD > All Things Jeep (1 Viewer)

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4.88 gears are just too low for me. I have 4.56 and they are plenty low. Do you still drive that thing on the road? I drive mine everyday as well as rock crawl so I have to stick with the 4.56.

If he intends to go with 35" tires, 4.88s will be fine. But 33" tires will have him revving over 2500 RPM at 65 MPH in overdrive. That's gonna suck up a lot of gas on the highway!

Actuallly the 42RLE has a 70% OD which means at 75mph on 33" tires I'll be turning 2650 RPM. That's not a bad spot to be in.. frankly it's right around the sweet spot of the engine. Once I move to 35s then I'll be looking at about 2450 RPM at 75. Again.. a good spot to be. The 4sp Auto tends to bog pretty badly around 2000-2200. IMHO the perfect cruising range is 2300-2600. Choosing Gears for the 42RLE / 4spd Auto and 33s or 35s >

Great thread here. Lots of idiots chiming in with 5pd sticks and #### but once you distill down to just the 4spd Autos you find that most suggest 5.13 for the 35s so 4.88 should be perfect for me (starting with 33s and moving to 35s in a year)

 

[Flying V]

I will be taking a bunch of pics of the axle swap... .we're hoping to get it done this weekend. Once I get them I'll post some up here.

I can't believe he's letting that go for $1300. He must really like you.

 

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I will be taking a bunch of pics of the axle swap... .we're hoping to get it done this weekend. Once I get them I'll post some up here.

I can't believe he's letting that go for $1300. He must really like you.

He's a good buddy and the Treasurer of the jeep club we started. Incidentally, about our club.... Started the club last October with 7 guys and we're now over 80 paid club memebers with 300+ folks on an active forum that has about 20,000 posts in the last 5mo. We've now arranged sponsorships with 4 Wheel Parts, a local Dealiership (that is VERY Mod-friendly with warranty work), Autozone, Rough Country Suspensions (based out of Dyersburg, TN 2 hours away), Superlift ORV park, and a few other local businesses.

We've been named the fastest growing Jeep club in the southern US by Off Road Adventures Magazine (see this month's issue for a 2pg writeup.

Never dreamed the club would take off like it has but we're flat out blowing up and showing no signs of stopping. It seems every day we've got new requests from vendors,etc to align with our club.



I invite ANY FBG JEEPERS to come out to Superlift ORV Park in Hot Springs, AR in October for our 1st Anniversary Club run. We're going to have massive raffles iwth thousands of dollars in giveaways from various vendors.... it will be a 3 day affair with discounted ride fees thanks to Superlift ORV. We're bringing around 50 jeeps from Memphis alone. There will be guided runs for EVERY level of trail for stock jeeps all the way up to crazy tube buggies. Seriously... anyone within a days drive of this park should come check it out and ride with us. We always have a great time and we've have a zero bull#### policy when it comes to riders with egos (wihch IMHO are allt too common with many off road clubs). Very cool group of folks and a family-friendly environment (though the adults have a great time pounding beers by the campfire at night

The club will be providing dinner every night free of charge for all attendees. Camping is CHEAP and onsite with plenty of RV hookups.

 

[Flying V]

I will be taking a bunch of pics of the axle swap... .we're hoping to get it done this weekend. Once I get them I'll post some up here.

I can't believe he's letting that go for $1300. He must really like you.

He's a good buddy and the Treasurer of the jeep club we started. Incidentally, about our club.... Started the club last October with 7 guys and we're now over 80 paid club memebers with 300+ folks on an active forum that has about 20,000 posts in the last 5mo. We've now arranged sponsorships with 4 Wheel Parts, a local Dealiership (that is VERY Mod-friendly with warranty work), Autozone, Rough Country Suspensions (based out of Dyersburg, TN 2 hours away), Superlift ORV park, and a few other local businesses.

We've been named the fastest growing Jeep club in the southern US by Off Road Adventures Magazine (see this month's issue for a 2pg writeup.

Never dreamed the club would take off like it has but we're flat out blowing up and showing no signs of stopping. It seems every day we've got new requests from vendors,etc to align with our club.



I invite ANY FBG JEEPERS to come out to Superlift ORV Park in Hot Springs, AR in October for our 1st Anniversary Club run. We're going to have massive raffles iwth thousands of dollars in giveaways from various vendors.... it will be a 3 day affair with discounted ride fees thanks to Superlift ORV. We're bringing around 50 jeeps from Memphis alone. There will be guided runs for EVERY level of trail for stock jeeps all the way up to crazy tube buggies. Seriously... anyone within a days drive of this park should come check it out and ride with us. We always have a great time and we've have a zero bull#### policy when it comes to riders with egos (wihch IMHO are allt too common with many off road clubs). Very cool group of folks and a family-friendly environment (though the adults have a great time pounding beers by the campfire at night

Cool. I just got my issue 2 days ago. I didn't realize that was your club. Is your Jeep in the picture of the 3 rows of Jeeps going down the hill?Also, I'm assuming you're sticking with the auto tranny. Is that because you prefer it, or because it would be too costly to swap out? I have a friend who built up his automatic so that it's basically manually shifted but w/o a clutch. I have to admit that it's pretty sweet.

 

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Cool. I just got my issue 2 days ago. I didn't realize that was your club. Is your Jeep in the picture of the 3 rows of Jeeps going down the hill?Also, I'm assuming you're sticking with the auto tranny. Is that because you prefer it, or because it would be too costly to swap out? I have a friend who built up his automatic so that it's basically manually shifted but w/o a clutch. I have to admit that it's pretty sweet.

Yep.. my jeep is in 2 of the shots..1) the 3 lines of rigs at twin hills (4th from the top on the right)2) the shot on the first page the yellow jeep right under the roowd Exposes in the headline... headlights on...2nd in lineThe guy selling me the axle is the built white rubi under the word "jeep" in the headline (and is also just above me on the hill shot). To give an idea of how good our relationship with our partner dealer is... the guy with the White rubi had the following issueretty built rig.. alloy axles, 6" Longarm lift with 35s... aftermarket driveshafts, etc etc etc. Normally this would void a diff rebuild under warranty. Next, the diff needed rebuilding because he ripped a upper rear control arm mount off the frame on our last run and didn't realize it... eventually the other one gave out and the axle was twisting (wrapping) upward so hard that the pinion was hitting the bottom of the tub. Eventually the extreme driveline angle shifts popped the guts of the diff. He welded the new mounts back on, got the Uppers reconnected and drove it in. They said no problem and are rebuilding it all for free. I guarantee if he's not affiliated with our club they deny the warranty work. I'd wager less than 5% of Jeep dealiers nationwide would even CONSIDER doing that work under warranty.---Regarding the Auto Tranny:I prefer the auto. It's a godsend in the rocks. Offers tons of benefits (not stalling on very steep inclines) and few of the drawbacks (can still downshift on the fly for engine braking on descents). I love it honestly. I know some folks have the opinion that "real jeeps have sticks" but that's simply not true. All competition rigs have swapped to automatics and many notable figures in the community (ie Jerry Bransford over at Jeepforum) have come out saying they are budgeting for an Auto swap because it's simply a better transmission for the rocks.

 

[avoiding injuries]

Thanks everyone for the posts about mirrors yesterday. I haven't had doors or mirrors for two summers now and don't need them(for visibility). My main concern was police, but I pass them all the time and have never had a second look.

 

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Thanks everyone for the posts about mirrors yesterday. I haven't had doors or mirrors for two summers now and don't need them(for visibility). My main concern was police, but I pass them all the time and have never had a second look.

No problem man. I've heardof ONE instance of someone getting cited for mirros but it's a cheap ticket and frankly you're likely going to have to run into a real **** of a cop to have him do that to you. I've gotten 2 speeding tickets with my jeep.. both times wiht doors off and no mirrors. neither time did the cop say a word to me about them.

 

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Several deaths recently up on Radical Hill in Colorado. It's not a particularly difficult trail but it's got several exposed ledges and apparently a few folks haev rolled down these ledges to their deaths lately. I believe they're at 3 incidents in the last week or so now. The most recent didn't involve a death but a 60's era CJ lost brakes heading down and the guy steered up an embankment to slow down.... causing the rig to flip throwing people out of the cab as the idiots weren't wearing seatbelts.

Looking Down Radical Hill >

Looking up Radical Hill >

The Reward : The View from the top of Radical Hill >

 

[Texasmouth]

I just got that magazine, still in the plastic...it was raining in Vegas.

Wish I lived in that area. The trails you guys run look really awesome.

Good luck with the axle swap....sucks that you will have the baddest yellow TJ on the board now though...

 

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I just got that magazine, still in the plastic...it was raining in Vegas.

Wish I lived in that area. The trails you guys run look really awesome.

Good luck with the axle swap....sucks that you will have the baddest yellow TJ on the board now though...

No accounting for experience.. pretty sure you'd still leave me behind. I'm getting better but still have a LOT to learn with regards to driving One of the most unstoppable guys in our club runs a 2004 Rubicon w/ a 2.5" OME lift and 32" BFG MTs. I imagine I'll be able to keep up better once I'm locked on both ends but his driving ability often leaves me struggling on stuff he walks over. We've got some pretty good wheeling wtihn a couple hours drive... but nothing worth hitting any closer than 2hrs or so. We have fun on the weekends though

Just built up our club site around the forums. Still hammering out kinks and filling in content but anyone interested can skim through it at:

http://www.midsouthjeeps.com

 

[KGB]

I just got that magazine, still in the plastic...it was raining in Vegas.

Wish I lived in that area. The trails you guys run look really awesome.

Good luck with the axle swap....sucks that you will have the baddest yellow TJ on the board now though...

No accounting for experience.. pretty sure you'd still leave me behind. I'm getting better but still have a LOT to learn with regards to driving One of the most unstoppable guys in our club runs a 2004 Rubicon w/ a 2.5" OME lift and 32" BFG MTs. I imagine I'll be able to keep up better once I'm locked on both ends but his driving ability often leaves me struggling on stuff he walks over. We've got some pretty good wheeling wtihn a couple hours drive... but nothing worth hitting any closer than 2hrs or so. We have fun on the weekends though

Just built up our club site around the forums. Still hammering out kinks and filling in content but anyone interested can skim through it at:

http://www.midsouthjeeps.com

I think thats what im going to do with my rubi

 

[Texasmouth]

Hey Icon- did you hear about the guy who died on the way home from the Badlands in Indiana? He was driving a Rubi- broke a front axle and drove it home that way. Wheel slid out and caused the Jeep to wobble, he rolled it five times. Guy had a wife and three kids. Tragic.

 

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I just got that magazine, still in the plastic...it was raining in Vegas.

Wish I lived in that area. The trails you guys run look really awesome.

Good luck with the axle swap....sucks that you will have the baddest yellow TJ on the board now though...

No accounting for experience.. pretty sure you'd still leave me behind. I'm getting better but still have a LOT to learn with regards to driving One of the most unstoppable guys in our club runs a 2004 Rubicon w/ a 2.5" OME lift and 32" BFG MTs. I imagine I'll be able to keep up better once I'm locked on both ends but his driving ability often leaves me struggling on stuff he walks over. We've got some pretty good wheeling wtihn a couple hours drive... but nothing worth hitting any closer than 2hrs or so. We have fun on the weekends though

Just built up our club site around the forums. Still hammering out kinks and filling in content but anyone interested can skim through it at:

http://www.midsouthjeeps.com

I think thats what im going to do with my rubi

That's what I run... the DPG Offroad - OME Ultimate TJ KitOur most popular kit! The Ultimate kit has everything you need to transform your TJ or LJ into a truly capable, dual purpose machine that really performs- On Road and Off-Road! This Complete Kit includes: **4 OME Shocks, 4 DPG Trailgunner Coil Springs or 4 OME Coil Springs, (Light, Med, or HD coils) OME Rear Bump stop Spacers, JKS "Quicker" Disconnects, JKS 1.25" Body Lift, JKS 1" Motor Mount Spacers, JKS Adj. Track bar (front) JKS Adj. Track bar (rear), and 2" Extended Bump stops. (Front & rear) It's the Ultimate kit for your Jeep!

I got the kit used and it included the boldfaced items above... all for $500.

The kit I got had the HD ZJ/LJ Coils, however which netted at least an addition 1" or so of lift over the standard TJ HD Coils. The upside is added lift (obviously).. the downside is it's a SLIGHTLY stiffer ride. IMHO it handles better at highway speeds (zero body roll when cornering) but gives up SOME of the plushness in smaller bumps (but is still better than most other kits out there).

I cannot suggest the ride highly enough.. you will NOT be dissapointed. On road or off.

ETA: DPG's Info on why OME products ride so well >

 

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Hey Icon- did you hear about the guy who died on the way home from the Badlands in Indiana? He was driving a Rubi- broke a front axle and drove it home that way. Wheel slid out and caused the Jeep to wobble, he rolled it five times. Guy had a wife and three kids. Tragic.

Yeah.. Bryan aka RockPirate on ROF. Bigtime bummer. http://www.rubiconownersforum.com/phpbb2/v...pic.php?t=50237

Saturday, August 11th after a day of wheeling with his father and best friend Mike (aka jeeperscreepers99) at the Badlands in Attica Indiana, Bryan aka RockPirate (formerly known as Cigger) passed away after a tragic rollover accident on the highway heading for home. Bryan passed away after being air lifted to Champaign, IL, at Carl Hospital, approximately 5:30pm Central time at age 31. Bryan left behind a Loving wife, A 15 year old Daughter, a 5 year old son, and a 15 month old son. His father who was riding in the Rubi with him, was kept overnight in an Indiana hospital and released the following day.

He was a member of Terra Jeep Club and was a Founding Member of Rock Pirate Jeep Club

--I didn't know him but apparently he was a top shelf guy. Gotta be careful in these things.

 

[Hov34]

Been meaning to share this shot of my wife's 4 door Wrangler we got back in April.

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee306/hov3434/Jp.jpg

 

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Been meaning to share this shot of my wife's 4 door Wrangler we got back in April.

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee306/hov3434/Jp.jpg

Sharp lookin rig.. those things are hard to get. Didn't know almost 80% of JK sales were the 4-door version. I don't know if even Jeep realized how big of a success they were going to have with those.

FYI they are still VERY capable on the trails.

In case you're wondering what it looks like with about $1500 in Lift / Tires dropped into it >>

- 3" Black Diamond Lift

- 315/70/17 Hankook Dynapro RT03

- Jeep Commander Hulk Wheels

He wheels that one too... we've got several JKs that ride with us regularly.

He has since "upgraded" to new wheels and tires >

- ION 170 wheels - 15x8 - 3.5" backspacing

- 35x12.50x15 ProComp Xterrain Tires

 

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WHEW

What a weekend. Finally got the axle swaps done.. Starting Saturday at 5am we had 4 guys under my buddy's Rubi pulling his D44 wtih OEM Air lockers, Rockcrusher Diff Cover, and Alloy USA Chromo Shafts. Turns out it was a nightmare swap from go. The local 4 Wheel Parts had installed his lift and stripped 2 of the yoke bolts holding the rear driveshaft to the pinion on the axle... etc etc etc. Then dropping in the new axle created a ton of issues to boot. One after the other. Turns out the whole swap took over 18 hours (close to 100 man hours) over 2 days (5a till 4p on saturday.. then a good chunk of sunday staring at 9am). We finally got everything in and it's good to go.

Then yesterday after work we started on my axle (6p) hoping to simply get it out and get everything prepped to drop in my buddy's old D44. Turns out we got the entire thing wrapped up, bolted in, topped with fluid, brakes flushed, etc etc... all good to go by 11pm. Simple swap.. no issues. I am sore, exhausted, have some great scrapes/burns, blood blisters... but it's finally done.

So now I'm rolling on my new axle... going to regear in 2-3 weeks (antoher $900 or so for parts/labor) to 4.88 to help crawl rate and opimize RPM ranges for 33 and 35" tires. Total tab for rear axle, alloy usa shafts, rubi locker, diff cover, and regearing both axles parts&labor will come to $2200. Not bad.

 

[FFDumb]

My Wrangler has the dreaded Death Wobble.

Death Wobble

 

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Post on our forums from one of our best mechanic guys in ourclub regarding death wobble::

This was buried as a response to another post, thought I'd dig it up and make a topic out of it so folks can find it better.

1) Trackbar axle bolt TIGHT, hole still round, correct size bolt, bushings/joints in good shape.

2) Tires balanced? Super Swampers are notorious for being way out of balance. I use Centramatic dynamic wheel balancers to keep mine balanced.

3) Upper adjustable control arms to set correct castor. A good self check can be performed by placing an angle finder on the flat plate next to the shock just behind the axle tube. (Check each side.) If it's about 3 degrees below 0, you should be OK, less than that and you will likely have some trouble. Here's an example!

4) TRE's in good shape, you may even have to disconnect the joints and move them by hand to verify smooth operation. Remember, easiest way to remove TRE's is to hit the surrounding metal piece with a BFH to loosen, don't hit the threaded end or use a pickle fork.

5) Solid lower control arms to prevent unwanted movement and flex, if you still have the factory ones they could be the problem.

6) Control arm joints tight, my RE superflex joints can be disassembled, cleaned, lubed, rebuilt, and reassembled as required. Alternately I can just tighten them up with an inexpensive tool. RE told me to rebuild after tightening 3 or 4 times.

7) Factory washers on the lower control arm to axle joint. My RE arms came with new washers, so I used 'em. They were slightly smaller in diameter and thickness them the factory, and didn't have the tapered edge to ensure correct axle alignment. Once I replaced them with the factory ones, it tightened things up nicely.

8) Check the joints in the steering shaft, one under the hood and one under the dash. I had one loosen up, and it took forever to find it. Felt like problems elsewhere in the steering system because it allows play between steering wheel and the rest of the steering system. I ended up replacing my intermediate steering shaft and it was good to go.

9) Wheel bearings (hubs) in good shape? Cheapest I found for my wifes TJ was about $150 at Autozone, made by Timkin, highly respected bearing company. Everybody else wanted around $200. Don't do what the previous owner (idiot!) did to hers, he only tightened the axle nut to hand tight instead of 175 ft/lbs.

10) How about your ball joints? Same goes there, a good way to check is to jack the tire off the ground and see if there's any top/bottom play.

Basically do an inspection of every part from the steering wheel to the tire. Verify each fastener fits correctly in the holes provided with no slop. Each time you find a component worn, or loose, and you tighten or correct the problem, your alignment will be off again. Get a factory service manual or Chilton's to ensure correct torque specs. Near the end of ORO's U-turn install instructions, they give a good step by step procedure for doing a self alignment that you can follow. Get it here! I do this about once a quarter anyway just to check. Make it part of your routine maintenance as it only takes about 20-30 minutes.

Stock Jeeps don't have castor/camber adjustments, so many shops will only adjust toe unless you tell them specifically that you have adjustable upper arms, then they'll probably want to charge you more. An honest shop will tell you that the alignment stand may not even read your vehicle correctly, depends on the equipment they have, so talk to the manager.

 

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My Wrangler has the dreaded Death Wobble.

Death Wobble

Do you have real DW or just shimmy at 40-50mph? If it's REAL death wobble (ie having to slow to 10mph to avoid wheels shaking off) then start with perfectly balanced tires.. that was my issue when I lifted and went to 33s. Balance alignment..... then torque the #### out of your trackbar.... if you're running 33s on a stock steering stabilizer look at a aftermarket one.

 

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Our club had a dozen rigs that went out to Superlft ORV park this weekend for the 4 Wheel Parts Customer Appreciation weekend. Hundreds upon hundreds of rigs were out there from many states away and word was it went very well. I would have made it but I'm c urrently a 2WD rig as my gears have yet to be installed (2 weeks out).

There was some carnage with one guy running a Trail Rig only XJ who: Blew a front axle, lost a bead on a tire, shredded the sidewall on another, broke his steering (tie rod) and ripped a muffler off. LINK TO IMAGE OF HIS TRAIL RIG XJ >

Another guy who was running with one of my buddies found himself in a precarious position on a seemingly simple descent that I've taken many times.

ENDO! >

ENDO 2 >

ENDO 3 >

Not sure how it happned but he didn't flip forward... he stayed upright for 10 mins or so while they quickly rigged a recovery strap to pull him back down onto all 4's. Guy must have had some serious arm-pump from holding himself off the wheel for that long... that and prob needed a new set of underwear.

My Buddy Devin running a Class 4 >

Dean heading into a tough section >

Devin playin in the rocks >

A Group Running a Class 3 >

Supposedly a great time was had by all... our club was well represented. We're expecting to have a good 40+ rigs out there the weekend of October 13th if anyone wants to come ride. We'll have trained trail guides familair with the park guiding runs for everyone from stockers wanting a leisurely ride through the woods to Tubed out buggies wanting to snap Dana 60s on boulders.

 

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headed to superlift ORV park this weekend to go wheeling with about 40 Jeeps in our club from the Memphis area. Any FBGs from the region who feel like going get on out there.

I'll be trail guiding a beginners/stock group Saturday if you're scared of body damage.. you'll be fine.

 

[Cowbell Fever]

I have a '99 Wrangler with a soft top and it's time for a new one. The windows are old, one's cut and the lining that connects them to the top is ripped. Plus the zippers are getting jacked up too.

I'm thinking about a Bestop® Strapless Bikini® Top, Windjammer™ & Duster™ Deck Cover Combo. I never use the backseat so I wouldn't mind just covering it up with the duster. If I need the backseat I'll plan according with the weather. I've got full steel doors.

Does anyone have experience with this top? I'm curious if it's easy to install and easy to remove for when you want the cockpit wide open. I want to use this top all year so I want to make sure it'll keep rain/snow out.

The factory softop is OK and I could get a replacement, the hardware is fine. Anyone have experience with replacing the fabric?

TIA

 

[Jaysus]

I have a '99 Wrangler with a soft top and it's time for a new one. The windows are old, one's cut and the lining that connects them to the top is ripped. Plus the zippers are getting jacked up too.

I'm thinking about a Bestop® Strapless Bikini® Top, Windjammer™ & Duster™ Deck Cover Combo. I never use the backseat so I wouldn't mind just covering it up with the duster. If I need the backseat I'll plan according with the weather. I've got full steel doors.

Does anyone have experience with this top? I'm curious if it's easy to install and easy to remove for when you want the cockpit wide open. I want to use this top all year so I want to make sure it'll keep rain/snow out.

The factory softop is OK and I could get a replacement, the hardware is fine. Anyone have experience with replacing the fabric?

TIA

snow will get in.... seat will have to be removed.... oh, and you'll have to scrape the ice off the inside of your windshield too.Nice setup though if you don't mind all that!

 

[Texasmouth]

I ended up selling my wrangler......

I bought a Grand Cherokee. All wheel drive at least......

It is just for the time being. My plan is to buy a 4 door jeep in a year or two once the "new" wears off and I can get a used one for a reasonable price.

I passed up an offer for a LOADED 00 TJ for $3500. It was already comp cut in the rear and everything....bad timing for me though.....my wife is starting graduate school to be a Physicians assistant so cash will be tight until she is done.....

 

[Texasmouth]

I have a '99 Wrangler with a soft top and it's time for a new one. The windows are old, one's cut and the lining that connects them to the top is ripped. Plus the zippers are getting jacked up too.

I'm thinking about a Bestop® Strapless Bikini® Top, Windjammer™ & Duster™ Deck Cover Combo. I never use the backseat so I wouldn't mind just covering it up with the duster. If I need the backseat I'll plan according with the weather. I've got full steel doors.

Does anyone have experience with this top? I'm curious if it's easy to install and easy to remove for when you want the cockpit wide open. I want to use this top all year so I want to make sure it'll keep rain/snow out.

The factory softop is OK and I could get a replacement, the hardware is fine. Anyone have experience with replacing the fabric?

TIA

Just my opinion of course but I had this exact set up on two different Jeeps. Will never do it again. Horrible. Just horrible.

 

[lumpy19]

I ended up selling my wrangler......

I bought a Grand Cherokee. All wheel drive at least......

It is just for the time being. My plan is to buy a 4 door jeep in a year or two once the "new" wears off and I can get a used one for a reasonable price.

I passed up an offer for a LOADED 00 TJ for $3500. It was already comp cut in the rear and everything....bad timing for me though.....my wife is starting graduate school to be a Physicians assistant so cash will be tight until she is done.....

Sold my 04 Rubicon in July

That was the 3rd jeep I've sold and not even 6 months later I'm already looking for a Jeep.

 

[icon]

I ended up selling my wrangler...... I bought a Grand Cherokee. All wheel drive at least......It is just for the time being. My plan is to buy a 4 door jeep in a year or two once the "new" wears off and I can get a used one for a reasonable price. I passed up an offer for a LOADED 00 TJ for $3500. It was already comp cut in the rear and everything....bad timing for me though.....my wife is starting graduate school to be a Physicians assistant so cash will be tight until she is done.....

Say it ain't so...Next time you find a deal like that 00 Comp Cut SHOOT ME A PM!

 

[icon]

I ended up selling my wrangler......

I bought a Grand Cherokee. All wheel drive at least......

It is just for the time being. My plan is to buy a 4 door jeep in a year or two once the "new" wears off and I can get a used one for a reasonable price.

I passed up an offer for a LOADED 00 TJ for $3500. It was already comp cut in the rear and everything....bad timing for me though.....my wife is starting graduate school to be a Physicians assistant so cash will be tight until she is done.....

Sold my 04 Rubicon in July

That was the 3rd jeep I've sold and not even 6 months later I'm already looking for a Jeep.

Whatcha in the market for? I don't see how you guys sell em. I'm riding mine into the ground... Can't imagine not having it. Never had a vehicle that I absolutely look forward to driving every time I go to get in it.

Just installed the ORO Swayloc this past Sunday. Wow.. what a nice peice of equipment. anyone who wheels regularly but wants Stock (or better) stability for a Daily Driver should pick one up. Not a dificult install (did it myself in under 2hrs) and it's fantastic.

ON ROAD:

As stable as OEM or better... no clanking like my old JKS Quicker Disconnects. minimal body roll even during tight cornering.

OFF ROAD:

When offroad you're not truly disconnected.. it's more like an off-road swaybar like the Currie AntiRock which minimizes body roll in off camber situations without losing usable flex.

SWITCHING BACK AND FORTH:

No more crawling around under the rig with wrenches.. or struggling to find level ground and rocking the body to line up the disco arms so I can get reconnected. Flip one lever... takes half a second... voila. Re-locked.

I this thing...

 

[KGB]

Ill keep my 06 rubi forever. After I pay it off, I may buy a nice luxury car or suv in addition though. Tough having the jeep be the only vehicle.

 

[Socrates11]

Don't have time to read the whole thread so my apologies if someone has addressed this already. I have a '98 Wrangler with a soft top that is starting to fall apart. Bear in mind I'm not very mechanically inclined but I'm not afraid to give it the ole' college try either.

1. Cheapest way to replace? Seems like there are nice deals on e-bay.

2. If I purchase one off the intertubes, is it difficult to take off the old one and install the new one?

 

[scapegoat]

Don't have time to read the whole thread so my apologies if someone has addressed this already. I have a '98 Wrangler with a soft top that is starting to fall apart. Bear in mind I'm not very mechanically inclined but I'm not afraid to give it the ole' college try either.1. Cheapest way to replace? Seems like there are nice deals on e-bay.2. If I purchase one off the intertubes, is it difficult to take off the old one and install the new one?

What part of it is falling apart? look into a Bestop Replace-a-Top. Most OEM-like replacement. they are VERY simple to swap out. few bolts and you're done.Intertube? You mean the metal frames that attach to the vertical b-pillar of the roll cage?

 

[ragincajun]

Icon,

2000 Sport

73K

5spd

Front sport cage

8.8

d30 lp

4.5 superflex

cb, york oba, amp, radio, etc...

warn 9.5ti

33" trxxus (95%)

nice aluminum wheels

custom fron bumper

sliders

rear bumper w/tire carrier

soft top with half doors

sye

tom woods rear driveshaft

4.10's

detroits (f&r)

16" air horn

bunch of other crap.

13K???????

Bunch of the guys in my club know the guy and say he is obsessed with his maint. etc... runs full synthetic etc.

first thing I notice is a need for 36's and 4.88's

Looking for a heep for the cajun jeep jamboree.

Think its a good deal?

 

[KGB]

Don't have time to read the whole thread so my apologies if someone has addressed this already. I have a '98 Wrangler with a soft top that is starting to fall apart. Bear in mind I'm not very mechanically inclined but I'm not afraid to give it the ole' college try either.

1. Cheapest way to replace? Seems like there are nice deals on e-bay.

2. If I purchase one off the intertubes, is it difficult to take off the old one and install the new one?

its not hard to replace. you will just be buying the fabric no the metal part probably.Whats wrong with it?

Ragin. http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/forumdispla...une=30&f=90 here are some AZ jeeps for sale, you might be able to make a comparison.

 

[avoiding injuries]

I saw a lot of Jeep parts on Craigs List including quite a few tops. May want to try there.

 

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Icon,2000 Sport73K5spdFront sport cage8.8d30 lp4.5 superflexcb, york oba, amp, radio, etc...warn 9.5ti33" trxxus (95%)nice aluminum wheelscustom fron bumperslidersrear bumper w/tire carriersoft top with half doorssyetom woods rear driveshaft4.10'sdetroits (f&r)16" air horn bunch of other crap.13K???????Bunch of the guys in my club know the guy and say he is obsessed with his maint. etc... runs full synthetic etc.first thing I notice is a need for 36's and 4.88'sLooking for a heep for the cajun jeep jamboree.Think its a good deal?

That is not a bad deal as long as you're not looking for a daily driver (which that doesn't appear to be). The detroits scare me for much road travel but if it's primarily a trail rig that's a pretty good deal. Most pricing around here starts at $10k for a 99 or 00 with 100k. I paid $14.900 for my 04 with 49k miles but it was bone stock. Given the work that's already been put into that thing if the guy is a freak about maintenance then I'd jump on it. Just make sure to check the Ujoints... the rear main seal (could be leaking by now)... check the pinion seals on the axles... hell make sure you've not got any gear oil leaking out the axle tubes while you're at it. I would find a place to flex it out and check operation of all the joints on the control arms and make sure nothing is binding. If you're going to go to 36s you're right on the line with the D30 (will probably break) and the 8.8. I'd suggest budgeting for alloy shafts for both (little under a grand shipped from Northridge4x4.com or let me see what kind of discount our club gets on those from 4WP). A;so I don't see a body lift on there but the RE4.5 SF will only clear 35s with a BL... I'd suggest also budgeting for some TNT Tube fenders up front and make sure to bumpstop the rear properly if you're going to go with 36s. If it's in pretty good shape that's a nice price.

 

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Our local group has planned several big runs in the coming months and I'm entering the final stages of plannning for my next big phase of the buildup.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Club Run @ Superlift ORV Park in Hot Springs, AR - 4/19 thru 4/21 (also attended by Lone Star Jeeps out of TX and Arkansas Crawlers)

• Club Run to Moab, UT - June 2008 - Driving cross country..wheeling all week..driving back (the ultimate test of a Dual purpose Daily Driver / Trail Rig)

THE GOAL: 35" tires on a OME 2.5" Suspension / 1" Body lift

Phase 2B (By Mid February):

• Custom Fabricated Front Bumper w/ Stinger & Radiator Hoop (currently sourcing builder)

• AEM Brute Force Cold Air Intake & Throttle Body Spacer (ORDERED from Northridge 4x4)

• TNT 3" Flare Tube Fenders (ORDERING MONDAY - Likely Powdercoating Solar Yellow to match)

• Install Cobra 75WX ST CB (HAVE CB - Need antenna/mount)

• Adding OEM Cruise Control for long drives (ORDERED from Jeeps Are Us)

• Infiniti 6.5" Reference Speakers in Sound Bar (HAVE)

Phase 2B (By The Club Run @ Superlift in April):

• OME Long Travel Shocks up Front

• Front Adjustable Control Arms w/ Johnny Joints on one end (ORDERED Rebuild Kit from BDS)

• Add JKS Adjustable Front Trackbar (HAVE)

• Add 35" x 12.50" x 15" Tires

• Tummy Tuck and New Engine Skid

• Steering Upgrade (Still Researching)

• Alloy USA Front Axle Shafts (For Dana 30)

This will give me the Low Center of Gravity, high-clearance rig I've been wanting. The Front TB / Arms / Long Travel shocks should allow me the articulation I've been seeking as well. I think this rig should be able to handle anything I throw at it between Superlift or Moab, while still maintaining sufficient road manners to be my Daily Driver.

I will be selling:

• Nates 4x4 Bar-Style Front Bumper (buyer has dibs)

• 2 OME Front Shocks (Est 35k miles on them)

• Rough Country Winch Plate (barely used) (~$70)

• My Factory Fenders (Solar Yellow) in very good condition.

• My Factory Swaybar & JKS Quicker Disconnects (Buyer has Dibs)

• My Hardtop (assuming I can get 900 or so for it.)

 

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Tube Fenders are ON! (TNT Fabrication w/ Factory Match Paint)

Front Shot

Close Up

Front Corner View

Front Bumper is wrapping up in Fabrication today... hoping to have it on by next weekend's run to Superlift ORV.

Also have the following sitting in the garage waiting for install:

• EMP Gas Tank Skid

• EMP Tummy Tuck / Flat Transfer Case Skid

• Nth Degree Oil Pan Skid

• Two 7" HID Driving Lights (to be mounted on Winch in center of grille)

• Rokmen Adjustable Lower Control Arms (For front axle)

• OME Long Travel Shocks

• 3/4" Poly Coil Spacers (just a little more lift for flex room

Moab Trip is rapidly approaching (early June).. 1500mi each way.. plus a week of wheeling some of the toughest trails in the country. Should be a good test

 

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Top down and doors off.... hopefully for the summer

GB this time of year...

 

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This weekend installed:

• 7" HID Driving lights (holy hell these things are bright)

• Genright 3/4" LED Turn Signals into Tube Fenders (look closely)

Took advantage of the nice day (80 deg and cloudless) and actually washed the jeep for the first time this year. Actually looks kinda nice when shined up

Pic from Sunday

 

[avoiding injuries]

Guys, I'm looking to get side mirrors that go directly into the door hinge for when my doors are off. I currently have the relocation brackets for the mirrors but they're really a pain. Plus, I don't want to scratch the paint up constantly screwing/unscrewing the brackets on the body and door.

Anyone know where I can find these? I've been checking online catalogs, ebay and local auto part stores. For what I'm picturing, it shouldn't be THAT expensive. I'm doing this to avoid being pulled over, not for vision.

 

[avoiding injuries]

Guys, I'm looking to get side mirrors that go directly into the door hinge for when my doors are off. I currently have the relocation brackets for the mirrors but they're really a pain. Plus, I don't want to scratch the paint up constantly screwing/unscrewing the brackets on the body and door.

Anyone know where I can find these? I've been checking online catalogs, ebay and local auto part stores. For what I'm picturing, it shouldn't be THAT expensive. I'm doing this to avoid being pulled over, not for vision.

I may have answered my own question here:http://www.jeepit.com/bracket_gallery_2.htm

Looks like I may have to do some mixing and matching, but it describes what I'm looking for.

 

[noleswin]

Anyone ever put a bestop bikini top on. I bought a 02' for my son and the guy had a bikini that he got with it. He had never installed it. I gave it a go yesterday but for the life of me I could not figure how to get the thing to attatch to the front rail. I looked at some instructions on the innerwebs but still could not get it to work.

 

[Flying V]

Anyone ever put a bestop bikini top on. I bought a 02' for my son and the guy had a bikini that he got with it. He had never installed it. I gave it a go yesterday but for the life of me I could not figure how to get the thing to attatch to the front rail. I looked at some instructions on the innerwebs but still could not get it to work.

I'm guessing your son forgot to buy one of these.

 

[[icon]]

Anyone ever put a bestop bikini top on. I bought a 02' for my son and the guy had a bikini that he got with it. He had never installed it. I gave it a go yesterday but for the life of me I could not figure how to get the thing to attatch to the front rail. I looked at some instructions on the innerwebs but still could not get it to work.

I'm guessing your son forgot to buy one of these.

You need the header rail that attaches to the 2 loops that you typical clip into. Then the bikini top slips into the front lip. Boy.. .that sounds bad.

 

[[icon]]

Guys, I'm looking to get side mirrors that go directly into the door hinge for when my doors are off. I currently have the relocation brackets for the mirrors but they're really a pain. Plus, I don't want to scratch the paint up constantly screwing/unscrewing the brackets on the body and door.

Anyone know where I can find these? I've been checking online catalogs, ebay and local auto part stores. For what I'm picturing, it shouldn't be THAT expensive. I'm doing this to avoid being pulled over, not for vision.

I may have answered my own question here:http://www.jeepit.com/bracket_gallery_2.htm

Looks like I may have to do some mixing and matching, but it describes what I'm looking for.

IIRC there are some cheap harley mirrors that just slide into the hinges as well if you're looking for a minimalist approach. Personally I run without mirrors

 

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10 Days till the Cross Country trek to Moab.

 

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Few pics from Moab:

My Jeep on the Edge of Lockhart Basin (look closely on right)

Another Shot at Lockhart Basin

Dropping into a ledge on Hells Revenge

Running "The Wedgie" on Hells Revenge

Parked on a ledge overlooking Sand Flats Recreational Area with the La Salle Mtns in the background

 

[glumpy]

Few pics from Moab:

On the Edge of Lockhart Basin

Another Shot at Lockhart Basin

Dropping into a ledge on Hells Revenge

Running "The Wedgie" on Hells Revenge

Parked on a ledge overlooking Sand Flats Recreational Area with the La Salle Mtns in the background

 

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For those who think the new JK edition Wranglers aren't "real jeeps"....