Jeep Creep – Maintenance and Technical Jeep Tips

In your Jeep Creep questions, please list your first and last names, your hometown, and your state/province/country, so that we can publish that information here. If you don’t provide this information, we may not be able to publish your question and answer. Don’t forget to be as complete as possible with the description of your Jeep and its problems, too. Send your Jeep questions to

No Jeep recalls this month.

Previous Jeep Creep Columns
March 2013

February 2013

January 2013

Whining Tranny
I have a 2004 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited automatic and I’m having some gear shifting issues. It seems to happen more when it is hot outside but when I come to a stop and the transmission downshifts, it feels like it jerks right before I come to a complete stop. Also when I’m almost at a complete stop and then get back on the gas it seems to make a “motor whining sound” (sorry, I don’t know how to describe it), before the gear catches and starts to move. Any ideas on what could be causing this?
Chris Henderson
Alpharetta, GA

Make sure the tranny is full of the proper type ATF, and then go to a transmission shop quickly (do not pass Go; do not collect $200) as soon as you can!

YJ Rubicon
I need to know where to get spring perches and shock mounts for the Rubicon axles I’m putting under my ‘94 YJ.
D.J. Waggoner
Beavercreek, OH

You have two choices: Google your questions—you’ll find several Jeep and YJ forums (or you can visit http://forums.off-road.com/) that could give you the answers—or build what you need.

PTO Mount
I have 1976 CJ-5 with a C-18-15-24-7 transfer case with a Ramsey winch reducer (#73001). The original rubber mount is shot and looks like it was modified with a torch. I purchased a new stock mount but with the PTO winch reducer it does not come even close to fitting. Any ideas on other mounting hardware?
Lane Lucas
Patricia, Ontario, Canada

You have two choices: Google your questions—you’ll find several Jeep and YJ forums that could give you the answers—or build what you need. Use the mount you removed as a model to build the new one.

Timed Lighting
I have a 1991 Jeep Cherokee. I’m having problems with the interior lights. They will not shut off after the vehicle is off. Just wondering if there is a timer for the lights and if so where it would be located?
Ryan Neil
Salt Lake, UT

Some of the higher-end models do have timed interior lights, so the switch may have gone bad or gotten dirty, so get a good shop manual with good wiring diagrams and trace it down.

Leaky Seal
I have a ‘91 Wrangler with Dana 30 front axle, I removed the vacuum assist and split axle. I changed it to larger alloy axles, and used the seals sent with the axles, placing them inboard. However, I cannot get the passenger side to quit leaking. Could use some ideas.
Tim Mooney
Upperlake, CA

You didn’t say where you got the axle kit, Tim, but every manufacturer I’ve ever dealt with has a tech-specific phone number—usually it’s toll free. You need to get in touch with the axle kit provider.

DJ Numbers
I have a DJ-5C (I think) right-hand-drive mail Jeep. Does anyone know where I can find the year of it using the serial number?
Michelle Schell
Birmingham, AL

We don’t have a direct resource for this so you’ll want to try and post this question on a few Jeep forums (try ours at http://forums.off-road.com/).

Change-out
What years and sizes of engines can I replace the 4.0l with in my 1993 Laredo 4x4? I found a 5.2L from a 1997 4x4, will it fit?
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

The quick and short answer is yes. But if you contact Advance Adapters (http://www.advanceadapters.com/) they can give you all the information about what products are needed and what engines will fit the easiest.

Another Change-out
I have a ‘90 Jeep Sahara with a 4.2L engine and I would like to change it to a 4.0L. What problems will I encounter? I just purchased the vehicle and the 4.2 engine is blown. I would also like to change to fuel injection. Any information or leads to info would be appreciated.
Richard Harris
Morganton, NC

The engines will swap out fine, but you’ll need a high-pressure electric fuel pump for the EFI, for starters. But if you contact Advance Adapters (http://www.advanceadapters.com/) they can give you all the information about what products are needed.

No Heat Heater
I have an ‘01 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. I’ve replaced the heater core, now the blower motor is not working. I hooked it up to the battery and it worked. What could be the problem? Also, the light to the A/C button will not come on now? What do you think could be wrong with it?
Misty
Algood, CA

You’ve either got a bad ground, a bad connection or a blown fuse (you may have broken the connection when you replaced the heater core). You need to use a 12VDC circuit tester to trace the power supply wire for the blower. If it proves to be good, the ground has come loose.

As usual, each month, I’m shouting out a huge THANK YOU to Paul Schupp at Rock Lizard 4x4 in Kingman, Arizona, for his invaluable assistance in answering many of the Jeep Creep questions.

Previous Jeep Creep Columns
March 2013

February 2013

January 2013