Current and former Jeep Wrangler owners - Page 3

Archie F. Swin · 11:39 AM

I'm looking at 2007 as the year I replace my daily driver, a '94 Jeep Cherokee (4.0l 2wd). I'm looking for input and advice concerning a used Jeep Wrangler, a vehicle I am giving serious consideration as my next daily driver. I will probably try to find a '97 to 2000 Wrangler.

First of all why am I tiring of the Cherokee?
-It looks like the Exxon Valdez ran ashore on my driveway
-No driver's side airbag
-the auto tranny has been quirky lately, regualry slipping into what wrenches call "limp" mode
-the vehicle performs very poorly (read: dangerously) on icy, at times wet roads

Why am I considering a Wrangler?
I would like to have a vehicle with a bit more of a "fun to drive" factor, and more importantly I'm becoming increasingly more interested in owning a convertible. Now I know a Jeep Wrangler is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think convertible, but here's my reasoning.
Convertibles are one of three things A)two-seat roadsters B) limited production American cars C) expensive imports.
With that in mind I'm thinking that the Wrangler is the only vehicle I can squeeze my wife and two kids in, drop the top, and If it something fails mechanically...O'Reilly has the part on the shelf.

Even though my Cherokee has not been my favorite, primarily because of the stupid ****ing sensors, that can leave you on the side of the road if one fails, I do like the 4.0l engine because of the ease of maintenance and the common parts. Not to mention its a potent six-banger.

I would especially be interested in opinions in hard top vs soft top.

BIG_DADDY · 03-02-2007, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

Huh? the parts aftermarket on Jeeps is possibly the most extensive of the entire car world. You can nearly build an entire Jeep with parts out of a catalogue.

You get other parts manufacturers making it for them but Jeep will not. The carb on mine was a pain in the ass. You would buy a rebuilt one and it would last about 9 months then you would have to replace it again. Some of the other companies that make these parts you talk about make parts that are less than desireable.

Like I said I loved the Jeep. I almost put a new engine with a fuel injection in it just to keep it. Instead I sold it, bought a PU and dirt bikes. Wish I had done the first as I beoke my shoulder ont he dirt bike then they started closing down the few places I had left to ride. I'm selling the dirt bikes now. You won't find an 89 Jeep Wrangler in better condition than that one was in either.

Archie F. Swin · 03-02-2007, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIG_DADDY

You won't find an 89 Jeep Wrangler in better condition than that one was in either.

was it green, gray, or somewhere in between? What size engine?

BIG_DADDY · 03-02-2007, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archie F. Swin

was it green, gray, or somewhere in between? What size engine?

258 Khaki color with a 4" lift and a trick suspension pops put on it. I just can't remember the name of it right now. Stiff as hell.

Radar Chief · 03-02-2007, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIG_DADDY

You get other parts manufacturers making it for them but Jeep will not. The carb on mine was a pain in the ass. You would buy a rebuilt one and it would last about 9 months then you would have to replace it again. Some of the other companies that make these parts you talk about make parts that are less than desireable.

Like I said I loved the Jeep. I almost put a new engine with a fuel injection in it just to keep it. Instead I sold it, bought a PU and dirt bikes. Wish I had done the first as I beoke my shoulder ont he dirt bike then they started closing down the few places I had left to ride. I'm selling the dirt bikes now. You won't find an 89 Jeep Wrangler in better condition than that one was in either.

Yea see, you’ve got an odd ball Wrangler that still had the carbureted 258 ci straight six. I’ve heard nothing but horror stories ‘bout that POS “electronic carburetor”.
You have other options though, if you’re interested in it. For one you can take the cylinder head and all the fuel injection hardware from a 4.0L HO Wrangler or Cherokee motor and have fuel injection. You’d even have an arguabley better set up than the 4.0L ‘cause of the bigger displacement that’s mostly in the crank, i.e. it’s basically a 4.0 with a longer stroke.
Some of the CJ guys with the 258 are use’n an aftermarket fuel injection system that bolts to the stock motor, no cylinder head swap. That’d add horses and make it much more reliable.
Check out the link to Jeeps Unlimited Forums I posted earlier if your interested. Those guys would know more ‘bout it all than I do.

BIG_DADDY · 03-02-2007, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radar Chief

Yea see, you’ve got an odd ball Wrangler that still had the carbureted 258 ci straight six. I’ve heard nothing but horror stories ‘bout that POS “electronic carburetor”.
You have other options though, if you’re interested in it. For one you can take the cylinder head and all the fuel injection hardware from a 4.0L HO Wrangler or Cherokee motor and have fuel injection. You’d even have an arguabley better set up than the 4.0L ‘cause of the bigger displacement that’s mostly in the crank, i.e. it’s basically a 4.0 with a longer stroke.
Some of the CJ guys with the 258 are use’n an aftermarket fuel injection system that bolts to the stock motor, no cylinder head swap. That’d add horses and make it much more reliable.
Check out the link to Jeeps Unlimited Forums I posted earlier if your interested. Those guys would know more ‘bout it all than I do.

Ahh is that it? Shows what I know. No wonder I had like 20 people look at tit before it sold.

Archie F. Swin · 03-20-2007, 10:45 AM

Anyone buy a 2.5 liter (4 cylinder) and regret not buying a 4.0 (6 cylinder)?

Brock · 03-20-2007, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archie F. Swin

Anyone buy a 2.5 liter (4 cylinder) and regret not buying a 4.0 (6 cylinder)?

You don't want the 4 cylinder. You'll get many, MANY more miles out of an I-6.

Frosty · 03-20-2007, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archie F. Swin

Anyone buy a 2.5 liter (4 cylinder) and regret not buying a 4.0 (6 cylinder)?

Pretty much everyone, the way I hear it. Underpowered and you will actually get worse mileage, in most cases.

Archie F. Swin · 03-20-2007, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arc

... you will actually get worse mileage, in most cases.

you wouldn't be the first to mention that

jynni · 03-20-2007, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

Chick magnets.........thats about all they are good for...

Are they really? I never would've guessed...

An guy I used to date had a Wrangler and I hated that thing with a burning passion. It wasn't just noisy - you could hardly carry on a conversation without yelling. Getting into it was a chore as there wasn't much to get a hold of to pull yourself up. Unzipping the windows was pretty lame as well.

I just tought it was an ugly, crappy, piece of shit tin can and couldn't believe they cost as much as they did.

Radar Chief · 03-20-2007, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archie F. Swin

Anyone buy a 2.5 liter (4 cylinder) and regret not buying a 4.0 (6 cylinder)?

My brother in law.

Radar Chief · 03-20-2007, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jynni

Are they really? I never would've guessed...

An guy I used to date had a Wrangler and I hated that thing with a burning passion. It wasn't just noisy - you could hardly carry on a conversation without yelling. Getting into it was a chore as there wasn't much to get a hold of to pull yourself up. Unzipping the windows was pretty lame as well.

I just tought it was an ugly, crappy, piece of shit tin can and couldn't believe they cost as much as they did.

Mrs. Radar isn’t a Jeep fan either.

stevieray · 03-20-2007, 01:39 PM

I had the 258 in an AMC eagle wagon...that thing was beast in the snow too...fuel injection in that car would've been sweet.

Radar Chief · 03-20-2007, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevieray

I had the 258 in an AMC eagle wagon...that thing was beast in the snow too...fuel injection in that car would've been sweet.

IIRC JP Magazine took a 4.0L H.O. bored it out, replaced the stock crank and rods with ones from a 258 and made a 4.6L stroker motor that cranked out something like +300 lb/ft of torque at or just over 2K RPM’s.
Those were solid motors and there’s lots of power potential. It’s a shame to see the 4.0L go away.

stevieray · 03-20-2007, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radar Chief

IIRC JP Magazine took a 4.0L H.O. bored it out, replaced the stock crank and rods with ones from a 258 and made a 4.6L stroker motor that cranked out something like +300 lb/ft of torque at or just over 2K RPM’s.
Those were solid motors and there’s lots of power potential. It’s a shame to see the 4.0L go away.

My Cherokee has 140k, and the 4.0L motor is still strong.

02-21-2007, 10:57 AM
Archie F. Swin This is the way Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Wichita Falls, Texas Casino cash: $9975673	Current and former Jeep Wrangler owners I'm looking at 2007 as the year I replace my daily driver, a '94 Jeep Cherokee (4.0l 2wd). I'm looking for input and advice concerning a used Jeep Wrangler, a vehicle I am giving serious consideration as my next daily driver. I will probably try to find a '97 to 2000 Wrangler. First of all why am I tiring of the Cherokee? -It looks like the Exxon Valdez ran ashore on my driveway -No driver's side airbag -the auto tranny has been quirky lately, regualry slipping into what wrenches call "limp" mode -the vehicle performs very poorly (read: dangerously) on icy, at times wet roads Why am I considering a Wrangler? I would like to have a vehicle with a bit more of a "fun to drive" factor, and more importantly I'm becoming increasingly more interested in owning a convertible. Now I know a Jeep Wrangler is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think convertible, but here's my reasoning. Convertibles are one of three things A)two-seat roadsters B) limited production American cars C) expensive imports. With that in mind I'm thinking that the Wrangler is the only vehicle I can squeeze my wife and two kids in, drop the top, and If it something fails mechanically...O'Reilly has the part on the shelf. Even though my Cherokee has not been my favorite, primarily because of the stupid ***ing sensors, that can leave you on the side of the road if one fails, I do like the 4.0l engine because of the ease of maintenance and the common parts. Not to mention its a potent six-banger. I would especially be interested in opinions in hard top vs soft top. Last edited by Archie F. Swin; 02-21-2007 at 11:39 AM..*
Posts: 11,800

03-20-2007, 10:45 AM	#36
Archie F. Swin This is the way Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Wichita Falls, Texas Casino cash: $9975673	Anyone buy a 2.5 liter (4 cylinder) and regret not buying a 4.0 (6 cylinder)? __________________ "No Two People Will Do It The Same, You got It Down...When You Appear to Be In Pain!"
Posts: 11,800

03-20-2007, 01:39 PM	#43
stevieray best in the biz Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Under Pressure Casino cash: $2045273	I had the 258 in an AMC eagle wagon...that thing was beast in the snow too...fuel injection in that car would've been sweet.
Posts: 71,613