Hi Jeep Creep,

I have been reading you articles for a little while and I just wanted to share this with you. I am a disabled veteran, I spent 17 years in our great army and would have stayed longer except my body gave out.
Enjoy,
C. Kemper


When in England at a fairly large conference, Colin Powell was asked by the Archbishop of Canterbury if our plans for Iraq were just an example of empire building by George Bush. He answered by saying that, "Over the years, the United States has sent many of its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders. The only amount of land we have ever asked for in return is enough to bury those that did not return."

It became very quiet in the room.

(SILENCE)...

Hello, I need help. I have a 1992 Jeep Wrangler with a 4 inch Pro-Comp suspension Lift with 33 inch tires. The lift is from the leaf springs. I have the pro-comp es-3000 shocks. The problem is that the suspension is very stiff. I feel like I am going to go through the roof when I hit a bump. It rides like someones low-ridder truck. I loosened the spring shackel bolts ( I replaced nuts with lock-nuts) and it only helped a little. What should I try next?
Thanks,
Patrick

Since you didn't shell out the extra cash to upgrade to the optional weekly visit to the chiropractor when you purchased the suspension, you ought to be extremely grateful your spine still has the ability to absorb extreme impact. Most spines don't function too well as shock absorbers and regularly shatter like glass acordians under such pressure.

Now, solving your problem the right way would be as easy as purchasing a custom set of springs from a shop such as Deaver Spring. But knowing that if you had the big bucks, you'd probably have done that in the first place, let's move on to a more practical approach to the problem.

By the way, I'm glad to hear you chose the logical approach of loosening the shackle bolts to remedy your problem. It's a culprit that is often overlooked. There's no reason why a guy needs to arm wrestle them bolts into submission. You've got to allow the springs to float on the bolt.

Anyhow, the first thing you'll want to do is remove a leaf from each spring pack. You may loose some height, but it's worth it, considering it's only costing you some sweat. Depending on how bad off you are, you may also want to consider the purchase of a set of quality shocks. I'd opt for a set of Bilstein shock absorbers, but that's just me. Edelbrocks are another option you may want to consider.

I'm new to the Jeep world in terms of purchasing, in fact, I'm looking right now to purchase and have a few questions. I've heard that when purchasing a new Jeep, the bumper and backseat have been sold separately in the past. Is this still going on? I've also heard bad things about the "2003 Wrangler X" model. Do you know anything about that. I'm definitely going with the 4L, 4WD, 5sp. manual, but didn't know about the whole "X" thing other than it was a 2.4L and therefore less power. Finally I've read about the recall on '99-'02 Jeeps in regards to debris build-up near the No. 3 cylinder. The article said to have the dealer install a manifold there, in order to keep debris from gathering and creating the possibility of a fire. Do you know anything further on this? Is it a big problem? Thanks so much for any help you may offer!!

Rhonda Herndon

You've heard correctly. Years ago, the buyer had greater control over adding and deleting items and options, often times regardless of whether they crossed the span of available trim packages. Today, though, this method of tailoring a Jeep to your specific needs is generally not available, which is one reason why I'd stick to the purchase of a used Jeep.

Anyhow, as for the recalls you made mention of, I've compiled a list of them below.

Make: JEEP
Model: WRANGLER
Year: 2002
Recall Number: 02V104000
Summary: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.0L ENGINE ONLY, THE DESIGN OF THE INTAKE AND EXHAUST MANIFOLDS COULD ALLOW DEBRIS TO ACCUMULATE AT THE #3 CYLINDER LOCATION.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A MANIFOLD SHIELD TO MODIFY THE AIR FLOW CHARACTERISTICS AND TO PREVENT THE ACCUMULATION OF DEBRIS IN THE AREA OF THE #3 CYLINDER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 13, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Notes: DAIMLERCHRYSLER RECALL NO. B06. ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Make: JEEP
Model: WRANGLER
Year: 2002
Recall Number: 02V075000
Summary: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, WATER AND IMPURITIES CAN ENTER INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH, CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH WITH A REDESIGNED SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 8, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Notes: ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

I'm on the hunt for a used TJ Sport and wondering what should I be looking for? The rear axle specifically, but any other suggestions would be appreciated. Can you tell me the major differences/upgrades from 1997-2001? Is there anything I should avoid?

Thanks!
K.Campbell
Former YJ owner looking to get back in a Jeep.

When I've saved enough nickels to nail down a cash transaction on a used Jeep, I'll be looking for a TJ. When doing so, the model years won't make a whole lot of difference for me.

Other than the six cylinder, an auto tranny and a Dana 44, the first thing I'll be looking for is a Jeep that hasn't been shrouded in senseless upgrades. Here, I'm referring to accessories that add to the Jeep's price and aren't worth a damn.

My first focus would be tracking down the old RV'ers who are tossing in the towel for life on the road. Some of them own stock or well-built Jeeps that are rarely driven and have lived a pampered life. Additionally, when they're in the market to sell, many of them are just looking to shed the Jeep from their list of responsibilities. For you, my friend, this usually translates into an excellent investment.

As for things to avoid, I'd generally steer clear of a Jeep that has frequently changed hands, has signs of abuse, has signs of neglect, has been in an accident, has been upgraded with inferior or idiotic parts and, among other things, does not drive well.

One-owner Jeeps are an excellent way to go. If the Jeep has been taken care of, it has likely been taken care of in that manner for its entire life. Similarly, whether it is a one-owner Jeep or not, I've always kown that you can tell a lot about a person by the way they drive. The same goes for their Jeep, which is why I'll usually have the owner drive for the first few miles. Whether trying to impress you with the Jeep's power or not, if the guy is hammering the hell out of it, chances are he's hammered the hell out of it to the extent that it's a potential mechanical mess.