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Court
Posted on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 - 11:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

You guys are up on this stuff . . . . any thoughts on these?

http://www.piaa.com/store/p/748-PIAA-RF-Series-10- LED-Light-Bar-Yellow-Fog-Beam-Kit-SAE-Compliant.as px

Just picked up a new Monster Truck I'
ve had ordered . . . and I do a lot of night driving in crappy conditions.
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Wolfridgerider
Posted on Wednesday, December 14, 2016 - 07:54 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

PIAA makes good stuff so I would think they would work very well
I don't know anyone that has that light but Amazon has them for $285 bucks.
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Froggy
Posted on Saturday, December 31, 2016 - 07:28 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

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Wolfridgerider
Posted on Tuesday, January 03, 2017 - 09:03 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)



His brain must have blown a fuse.
Remove foot from the skinny pedal... not that hard to do
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Wolfridgerider
Posted on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 - 08:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

16 foot roll of LED lights goes a LONG way!
I still have more than I know what to do with

I'll think of something...







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Froggy
Posted on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - 08:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)



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Harleyms
Posted on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - 11:26 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

ordered a lift for the wifes JKU today...happy valentines hun lol
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Sifo
Posted on Friday, February 17, 2017 - 08:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

So perhaps you guys could help me out as I contemplate the purchase of a hole in the mud to throw my money into. OK, I don't really plan on playing in the mud bogs, or rock climbing. I do want road worthy and trail worthy though. Wouldn't mind a mild lift, but won't be looking for anything like 35 inch tires. No doubt that pretty much any Wrangler, stock to mildly modified would fit my needs well. I have little knowledge of Jeeps though. Hopefully I can get some good info here to steer me in the right direction.

Budget for a new style JK isn't out of the question. Age of an older TJ isn't too much of an issue either, and would be more likely to find one already lifted to my taste. I know the JK bumped the power significantly, and will have more farkles, but is it really much better of a Jeep? Any weak points to watch for on either model? Any "must haves"? Rust can be a real issue in this area too. What areas should be carefully checked? Is the soft top really usable as a convertible? I've heard they can be kind of a PITA. Storing a hard top, and having a simple bikini top for summer would be fine for me if it's a better way to go. Any lift kits to be avoided? I really wouldn't want more that about a 3" lift, so no comments on the big stuff is necessary. Any areas that are prone to oil leaks over the years? Can they be reliably fixed?

New Jeeps around this area get snatched up as soon as they come into stock. The good thing about that is there is a wide selection on the used market. Wranglers have such a range of options available it starts to get overwhelming. Should I just not sweat the small stuff and jump in? One last thing, if I understand the new drive train correctly, they have gone to an AWD/4WD transfer case. Is that correct? It almost seems like a negative in that you can't disconnect the front drive parts, but would be nice for much of the winter driving up here.

I know it's all opinion. Lawyers won't show up in six months when I'm throwing good cash into the mud hole. Thanks in advance for any and all advice.
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Etennuly
Posted on Friday, February 17, 2017 - 09:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Can't be of any help with Jeep mechanicals after the CJ series, but I can help with what to look for in the body and frame.

Rust is the enemy. Jeep tubs have been made basically the same for eons. The first spot to rust on any of them is on the sides below the front of the doors. They have an inner brace that has never had paint or coatings between it and the outside panel. Then look closely at all of the floor to body side panels all the way around.

Frame rust that is bad will be in the form of scale. First rust through spots are usually around the spring or suspension brackets.

If you see one that has a little visible rust in the body and it has rear corner and rocker "protect" panels, look real close. It seems that "protect" is their second job, covering rust holes is the primary.

Do some primary studies of what is available through like Ruff Country and even JC Whitney. You might want to target your search for which type of Jeep based on how much work and expense one suspension type verses another suits your desires.

If you look to the South to find a rust free unit look around for one that is modified to where you would want one to end up. Lots of folks spend big money building "city Jeeps" to drive around town, and want to sell them when those $1600 tires start shaking. As most Jeep owners can tell you if a specific Jeep would sell for $10,000 stock, when someone adds $8,000 worth of mods you still have a Jeep that will sell for $10,000. Buying one already built is the way to go IMHO.
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Ratbuell
Posted on Friday, February 17, 2017 - 10:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I had a Wrangler, have an XJ Cherokee, and have a WK2 Grand Cherokee diesel.

Capability? You'll never beat a Jeep.

Just don't buy a Wrangler as a "vehicle". My 92 YJ had worse weather protection than my Ulysses; it was noisier; colder; bouncier.

I loved it.

As a toy.

Lift kits can be tough - typically they put stronger spring rates in, and they ride like a proverbial buckboard. I had a 2" shackle lift, with stock springs, on my YJ to clear 31's.

I used the factory soft top / half doors for a while. Got tired of heating (wait - TRYING to heat) the cavern, so I took out the back seat, and put on a Bestop Half-top, effectively turning it into a 2 seater soft top pickup truck with a tonneau cover. Loved the look, liked the fact it could heat up in the cold, and had the ability to park it either in a barn or a garage so I didn't have to dick with the top every time I parked it or used it. Took it off in spring; put it on in fall; tried to avoid rain without a top.

If you can find a solid body wrapped around a 4.0 inline six? Get it. My XJ has a 4.0 with about 260k miles on it - runs like a top, every time I turn the key. My YJ had one too, sold it around 150k also running like a champ.

Use common sense. If something makes you nervous about one...walk. There's plenty out there. And when you DO get one? Do what I did - gut the interior and get it line-X'd. Dashboard to tailgate, door to door, never had any soft floors or funky-carpet smells (or carpet, period).
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Blks1l
Posted on Friday, February 17, 2017 - 10:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

As Ratbuell mentioned i would stick with the 4.0 six if you like to work on your own stuff. I would look for a TJ, i believe they were made up to 2005. I really enjoy my 76 CJ7, my parents bought it new not much left original though.
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Sifo
Posted on Sunday, February 19, 2017 - 08:15 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

How effective is the heater in the TJs? We do get winter up here. I notice a number of Jeeps for sale that claim to be summer only vehicles. It won't be the primary vehicle for me either, but will likely get driven in the winter.

Vern, thanks for the rust info. That's a big concern in this area. I would think those "protector" panels would be likely to trap dirt and sand making the unseen rot even worse.

Ratbuell, nice tip about the Line-X. I'd probably like it that way!
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Ratbuell
Posted on Sunday, February 19, 2017 - 08:31 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The 4.0 is a very efficient engine - they don't really get "hot". Combine that with the fact you're driving a drafty TENT...it's like riding a motorcycle with middle-of-the-road winter gear.

I used to block the grille on my YJ with cardboard and that would help. Cutting the interior volume in half with the half-top DEFINITELY helped. Even on my XJ, I still block the radiator in cold weather. I just treat it like my Cummins - use a cold front grille blocker - and you can get some heat. It'll never melt your boots...but it'll keep you from freezing.
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Zac4mac
Posted on Sunday, February 19, 2017 - 11:34 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I've had a couple of Jeeps.
Sold my Cherokee Laredo a year ago.
Now I have a 98 Dakota Sport with a 318 and 31s so I can get anywhere, anytime.
If it's not that bad, I got a 2004 Buick Reindeer... Ranier AWD.

I like the Dodge almost as much as the 76 CJ5 with a 304 I had at the turn of the millennia..
Absolutely the most fun vehicle I've ever owned.

Z
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Wolfridgerider
Posted on Monday, February 20, 2017 - 09:26 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

If I had it to do all over again.
I would start with a 2003 to 2006 Jeep LJ Wrangler.

It has the longer wheel base and comes equipped with a Dana 44 in the rear.
If you find a LJ Rubicon, it will have the Dana 44 front and rear with lockers from the factory.
You can run 35" tire on that all day long.

Lift kit would be the Savvy 4".
I should have bought it to start with.
I ended up buying it pretty much one piece at a time and spent a little more $$.

Vern warned me at the beginning to go straight to a set up that would handle bigger tires.... but I didn't.

I went from 31"S to 33"s skipped 35"s and went to 37"
A 37" tires and 6" total lift is the largest you can run at a Jeep Jamboree.

Jeep Jamboree is just like a Buell Homecoming but on 4 wheels and a little dirtier...
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Ourdee
Posted on Monday, February 20, 2017 - 11:44 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

And with more womenz.
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Fast1075
Posted on Monday, February 20, 2017 - 11:58 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The front axle in the Rubicon is not a true "44" it is a hybrid. Better than the 33, but not as good as a true 44, and not nearly as good as a high pinion 44.

I never broke a ring or pinion on the front 33 in my XJ, but I broke a lot of outer stuff and short side axles.

An XJ makes a killer offroader, but they are very prone to floorpan rust. If you look at one, crawl under it and look for rust, especially on the passenger front floorboards.

I broke the rear 33 twice, then swapped in an 8.8 exploder axle with a locker and disc brake conversion. It was invincible with 35's.
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Ratbuell
Posted on Monday, February 20, 2017 - 08:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

My XJ has solid floors. Starting to get some cancer in the rockers, and the lower rear quarters are starting to discolor - gonna have to tackle them soon - but floors/frame are good. 2" spacer lift, 30" tires, banks stainless exhaust, runs like a champ. Not pretty...but dead-nuts reliable and capable.

If anyone's looking for one...I might be persuaded to let it go. I don't mud, I have 2 other 4x4s, and being currently "retired"...some income certainly won't hurt lol
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Sifo
Posted on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 - 12:50 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

So yesterday AM my wife saw a "nice looking Jeep" for sale, sitting in an empty parking lot in town. Went to check it out. Black 2006 with only 60,000 miles. Showed some wear and tear, but solid and zero rust. Priced accordingly. No one around, but it was unlocked so we sat in it and gave it a good look over. Bit of oil coming from the oil pan gasket and the steering box. The wife said if felt a bit cramped though. Not enough elbow room to be a replacement for our Ford Escape. Too nice to be just another toy.

We were only about a mile from the local Jeep dealer, so dropped in knowing they didn't have any 2 doors. Figured the front cockpit should be the same in the 4 door though. She hopped behind the wheel of a new Wrangler Unlimited and liked the fit. I had to agree. Next thing I know, we are going for a test ride. Then talk of the 4 door is about the size of the Ford, so would make a good replacement. I had to agree with that. Damned if you can't get leather seats in the "low end" Sport model! We both liked it. Next thing I know my wife is handing over her keys to get a trade appraisal to get an out the door price. I pointed out that it's almost a $40,000 vehicle. Yep, it is. Then I said "You're not going to let me take this on the trails down to the lake, are you?" That BTW, is where all of this started, is a vehicle that we can load some stuff in, drive to our property 15 miles away and take the 2 track down to the lake. Her answer was no on off-roading a $40K vehicle, so that put the brakes on that right there.

We both really liked the 3 piece hard top they have now. 2 panels come off over the front seats and it feels like you're in a convertible. They are a bit of a PITA to put on and off, but locking the jeep with them off would be no less secure than leaving a sun roof open. Far more secure than a bikini top, that still might happen for the summer. I've got a feeling that we are eventually going to find a 2007+ model, possibly the Unlimited 4 door and replace the Ford. I makes more financial sense than adding vehicle number 7 that has to be insured. Insurance in Michigan is expensive!
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Sifo
Posted on Saturday, February 25, 2017 - 09:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Went to look at a lifted Jeep today. 6 inch lift with big tires. Too much for what we are looking for. Drove poorly at highway speeds. Also had a light bar that whistled loudly over 40 mph! It was at a dealer so we looked others they had. Compromised on this one. It's a 2015 with only 9300 miles! Certainly road worthy. Old enough that the first rub from a tree branch isn't going to bring tears. Way nicer than I started looking at. It's got tires that are worthy of going off road. Probably won't touch it for quite a while.





It wasn't planned, but this is the same beach as where the pic on my profile was taken.
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Nukeblue
Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2017 - 01:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

hey i've got one of those! willys are nice, come stock with 3.73 gears & limited slip in the rear

(Message edited by nuke-blue on February 26, 2017)
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Sifo
Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2017 - 05:43 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I wasn't really expecting to find a Willys, so didn't know exactly what I was getting into. I knew about the 3.73 gears, which was a plus to me. I wasn't sure about the LSD in the rear. I knew about the rock sliders, also a plus. The black aluminum wheels are a plus in my mind. The real off road tires are an expense that I've been spared. It also adds heated mirrors, which I've come to really like on a vehicle. It also adds a list of items that, while nice, aren't a big deal to me. I really don't like silver that much, but it replaced a worse looking silver Ford, so it's an improvement. It will certainly meed the needs I had in mind. It also meets the desires of my wife, which is always a big plus! I think she's eying my new truck though. I'll drive either one, no problem!

So the read diff... Is it a LSD or a locking diff? I understand the Rubicon comes with a manual locker, and this one clearly is not that. Jeep calls it a Trac-Lok, which I haven't found technical details on yet, but it sounds a lot like the G-80 locker that GM uses, just going by their name. It would be better than an LSD IMO. I guess I've got what I got though. Certainly a sweet Wrangler to start with IMO!
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Zac4mac
Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2017 - 10:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The best I can say for silver is that it shows dirt the least and stays the coolest inside.
The bad side is it's invisible at twilight.
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Nukeblue
Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2017 - 10:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

no it's just a limited slip rear diff. no locker. the rubi is electronic locker. but at 5k more for the rubi, i opted for the willys. still better gear ratio (unless max tow equipt) than most other sports out there. so larger tires won't hurt so bad once you lift etc : ) mine's hydro blue
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Nukeblue
Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2017 - 10:49 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

i'd do a drain and fill on the rear diff fluid asap. switch to 75-140 syn & don't forget the limited slip additive. you'll be amazed at the amount of metal in the fluid. did mine at 1500 miles, looked like metallic paint already
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Sifo
Posted on Monday, February 27, 2017 - 10:28 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Thanks for the info Shawn. LSD is better than open!

I think this one fits our needs well enough that I won't touch it until these tires are well worn. OK, maybe something simple like sway bar disconnects.
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Etennuly
Posted on Monday, February 27, 2017 - 10:39 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Nice Willys Tom! I have not played with one of those as of yet. Looks like a good one. Heck, it is almost new even!
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Sifo
Posted on Monday, February 27, 2017 - 10:49 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Thanks Vern. I guess the lady who had it does a 2 year lease all the time. Long time customer of that dealership. Apparently it's part of her employment package.
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Etennuly
Posted on Monday, February 27, 2017 - 10:57 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

IMHO silver sucks as a color also. However there is one true benefit to it. When it gets scratched up, ANY color is a good two tone for silver. With black being your totally neutral fittings color you are free to choose any color you like to go with it.
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Ratbuell
Posted on Monday, February 27, 2017 - 07:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I love silver. Doesn't show dirt. Doesn't show salt. Doesn't show scratches. My ram is a 2001 with 240k miles and looks pretty darn good. It looks good when it's dirty, it looks GREAT when it's clean.

My fog lights are wired as DRLs (come on with the ignition) and have 3000k amber bulbs for good contrast. And just like my Buells, I put a 1/8" reflective pinstripe around the belt line. Invisible in daylight but really pops at night.



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