Ask Away

[lionsbreath]

Any questions on jeep products please ask away. I love my taco but make my money by knowing everyhing there is to know :jump: on jeeps because I sell them.

[flyingwil]

Any questions on jeep products please ask away. I love my toca but make my money by knowing everyhing there is to know :jump: on jeeps because I sell them.


Whats a Toca? :hehe:

[lionsbreath]

:rolleyes: Taco Sorry
by the way Will I started putting 15% of each check into a flying acct. so I can get current.

[flyingwil]

:rolleyes: Taco Sorry
by the way Will I started putting 15% of each check into a flying acct. so I can get current.

Sorry man I couldn't resist that comment!

You think 15% will be enough? YIKES with current fuel prices Jet A is $3.69 and 100LL $4.33 is not making flying cheap! Think about it, that's about $15 in fuel for the taxi and run up alone, Yikes. I am currently renting a/c with the auto gas STC to save a bit, also make sure the rental is a wet rental. Like I said earlier if you ever need a safety pilot let me know or maybe even 50%/50% on some time.

Oh I do have a question on Jeeps though... In your line what are most customers looking for? I bet most Wrangler buys walk in knowing what they want, where I bet most of the SUV buyers are looking for comfort rather than trail capability. Since we are in AZ, I would also bet that most of them could care less if it is 4WD or not. Am I correct in assuming this?

[Scott Brady]

Will the 07 Wrangler have a diesel?

[lionsbreath]

late 07 wranglers maybe no firm word yet but some hints from the union line workers that they are gearing up for a crd in the 07 wrangler.

Most Jeep buyers come in for a Grand cher. and yes the want 4x4 we many sell 4x4's and believe it or not most wrangler shoppers lack any knowledge on the wrangler andi do alot of education to help them understand that they realy only need a X instead of a ruby. Airpark is and has been for a while the #1 jeep dealer in the U.S.

[lionsbreath]

I should be ok wth 15% I am putting my spiffs and spin cash in to it as well In my first week I put away over three bills into the fund. When I was flying in a sem. I figured out that for every sencond on the ground I was throwing out over a nickel out the windo.

[flyingwil]

late 07 wranglers maybe no firm word yet but some hints from the union line workers that they are gearing up for a crd in the 07 wrangler.

Most Jeep buyers come in for a Grand cher. and yes the want 4x4 we many sell 4x4's and believe it or not most wrangler shoppers lack any knowledge on the wrangler andi do alot of education to help them understand that they realy only need a X instead of a ruby. Airpark is and has been for a while the #1 jeep dealer in the U.S.


I remember car shopping and seeing a Laura Croft Edition Rubi... that thing was sweet, but way over priced at Ernheart's in Tempe. They still sell that? That is one Jeep I wish my wife would want. She has been in an Xterra rut for a while and has the "I wants" Hey either way I can't go wrong right?

[lionsbreath]

true either way is good. but we don't offer the tomb raider ed. any more.

[crawldit]

Just curious what dealership you worked at? I bought my Rubi from Airpark about a month ago.

[lionsbreath]

I work at Airpark who was your salesman?

[Brian McVickers]

I walked into the Airpark Jeep dealership about two months ago. The one on Hyden near costco. I asked a couple of sales guys about the diesel option in the wrangler and they looked at me like I was crazy!
It sure would be sweet if they did it. How about a Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon with a diesel?

[crawldit]

I work at Airpark who was your salesman?I honestly don't remember :confused: He was a big guy like me....I'd say 6'5 ish, mid 20's. I'm sure I'd remember his name if I heard it. If you remember having a used White 2003 X on your lot with a 6" lift and some 34" Swampers with a bunch of stickers on it, that was my trade-in. I bought one of the last 2005 Kakhi Rubicons that you had on the lot. Nice group of people that you have down there. You have 2 guys down there that are members of the AZVJC with me. It was a great buying experience :D I actually need to come see you guys soon. I'm at a month and already need my first oil change/tire rotation

[goodtimes]

I don't expect a answer for either of these questions....but they are fun for discussion anyway.

1. Why does DC continue to ignore the problem with speedometer tone ring misalignment on the NP241 transfer cases used in the rubicons? There are documented failures upon documented failures (well, "failure" is a bit of a stretch....but the point is that there is a problem) where the tone ring was not indexedwith the key way that holds it in place before the rear output companion flange was hammered on with a impact wrench. This cause vibrations similar to what you would experience with improper pinion angle. This is a manufacturers defect that they simply will not cover under warranty. Why not step up to the plate, admit there is/was a problem, fix it, and move on. As long as they fail to admit there are problems, their quality will not improve.

2. Jeep (DC) seems to have a policy regarding driveline repairs on lifted wranglers. They warranty repairs up to a 2" lift, nothing more. The problem is that the amount of lift does not determine the stress on the driveline (with exception to the operating angle of the U-joints, and steering/suspension geometry issues). Under identical enviromental conditions, which of the following has more stress placed on the driveline: A) wrangler with 3.5" of lift, 33" tires, or B) wrangler with 2" of lift, hacked off fenders and 38" tires?

According to the dealers I have spoken to, DC's position is that vehicle "b" will be covered under warranty, vehicle "A" will not.

(BTW--as you probably guessed, I was denied warranty coverage due to my lift height. I wasn't really expecting them to cover the damage, but asked anyway...what pi$$ed me off was not having to pay for the parts, but was the fact that they denied the claim based on lift height, not based on tire size. It was the tire size that contributed to the failed part, not the amount of lift. Why can't they use common sense when evaluating a warranty claim, rather than some pre-concieved, canned answer that doesn't hold up the the slightest bit of scrutiny?)

[lionsbreath]

We cover up to a 3" lift. In fact we put terra flex 3" lifts on new jeeps before we sell them and warnt. the lift and all. The 3" terra flex lift comes with ne springs shocks belly drop and sway bar disc.

[lionsbreath]

I honestly don't remember :confused: He was a big guy like me....I'd say 6'5 ish, mid 20's. I'm sure I'd remember his name if I heard it. If you remember having a used White 2003 X on your lot with a 6" lift and some 34" Swampers with a bunch of stickers on it, that was my trade-in. I bought one of the last 2005 Kakhi Rubicons that you had on the lot. Nice group of people that you have down there. You have 2 guys down there that are members of the AZVJC with me. It was a great buying experience :D I actually need to come see you guys soon. I'm at a month and already need my first oil change/tire rotation
I remember your trade!!!!!!!!! white lifted and a cracked head lamp. when you come by ask for me. "joe"

[crawldit]

Yep that was mine :ylsmoke: Cracked headlight, dinged passenger door and a really messed up rear window zipper. So do you work in service department?

[Astrejim]

Okay. I know the difference between these 2 vehicles. But I am trying to understand the limitations of the Laredo. I would appreciate feedback on these questions...
1) I want to drive the logging road of BC to get to some sweet fishing spots. Can the Laredo do it?
2) If I get the Laredo, should I get the V8 or the stock V6?
3) If I get the Rubi Unlimited, should I get auto or standard. Does Auto take away that much performance?
4) What about skid plate options from Jeep? If I get the skid plate package, does this offer enough protection for the Laredo? Do Rubi's need any additional skip plates?
5) Dumb question but I want to ask...what's your opinion on Black Rubi's or Laredo's? What color should I get (I know..dumb question but I like to hear your thoughts).
6) If I get the rubi unlimited, what rack should I get so I can store more camping crap on the roof? Also, what winch should I get for it? Yeah, I guess I want to know what factory MOPAR accessories you would add to it if you were building one.

Okay, enough questions. I love pictures too. If the Laredo is just a cute suv, then it's not a consideration. Thanks in advance.

[Scott Brady]

I have driven the new Grand Cherokee Laredo off-highway, and it is severely limited. The V6 model has a full-time transfercase with no low range gearing. The suspension also lacks the required clearance and flexibility.

The Rubicon Unlimited is one of the most capable off-highway vehicles ever produced, and the longer wheelbase greatly improves highway maners.

If I were to buy a new SUV now, it would be the 2006 Xterra Off-Road. Just my opinion...

[Astrejim]

Why the X-Terra? I haven't even considered it. I would like to know why you would recommend it and what options would you choose?

[Scott Brady]

Xterra Specs:

265 HP
32" Tall Tires
Rear locking differential
4 wheel traction control
Body on frame design
Functional interior
5000 lb tow rating
etc.


I also like the Rubicon Unlimited, but it is much more "off-road" centric, and has many compromises on the highway. For your needs, the xterra is perfect IMO.

[+ d]

its odd that you are trying to choose between the rubi and the grand cherokee (i am assuming the 2005+ model). they are, in the spectrum of 4x4's, two totally different vehicles. i think you should carefully consider/outline your goals and parameters of evaluation...comfort, bells and whistles, offroad potential, upgradability, storage space, passenger space, etc etc and then go from there.

if scott is suggesting the new xterra then it is definitely worth looking into (he seems to know his stuff :D ) when we first started "suv" shopping a few years ago i thought i wanted an xterra, but after driving the grand cherokee (2004-WJ) and realizing that i could, for the same money, get a maxed out Xterra or an entry level grand cherokee i never stepped foot in a nissan dealer again...

also, black isn't a very forgiving color, it's high maintenance, shows swirls and scratches...but damn it looks good

hth, david

[Scott Brady]

David,

You are correct. I am refering to the 2005 and newer Grands. 2004 and older are all great trail machines. I have owned two.

You also make a great suggestion on specifying needs first and then looking at vehicles that satisfy those requirements.

[bluerunner]

http://aev-conversions.com/Gallery/P1011060.jpg

Scott how capable do you think this one is?

:coffee: Just curious.

[Scott Brady]

That one is pretty sweet :)

[crawldit]

AEV makes some pretty sweet Jeep conversions for sure, but that rig would cost some serious coin. Even though my last 3 rigs have been wranglers the one before that was an Xterra and I loved that thing. It was grossly underpowered but they seem to have remodied that with the new platforms. I'm with Scott on this one, I would seriously check out the new Xterra's. Here's a link to the 05 Rig that Calmini has put together :
http://www.purenissan.com/2005_xterra.htm
I don't know about you but I would wheel that anyday. My wife is actually thinking about trading in her Titan for one. We shall see.... :coffee:

[OverlandZJ]

I was just reading a thread over at www.naxja.org ( a Jeep Cherokee XJ specific website) that one of the members encountered a new prototype? from Jeep.

It was Unlimited-ish but he said it seemed about 5' shorter and it was diesel powered. This vehicle did have Michigan Manufacturer plates, any idea what it was? Unfortunately the poster did not have a camera on him at the time.

As said earlier, a Rubicon edition Unlimited with a diesel would surely be a popular model.

[erin]

i would agree with Scott on the 2005+ Cherokee, rented one this summer at Lake Tahoe, and was not impressed at all. Limited articulation, very poor brakes and definitely no low range. I had to be real careful about not dragging the belly everywhere we went, which were roads that you could almost take a car on. The thing I felt was most disconcerting though were the brakes and the tranny ratios. I just felt that I could not stop that thing on hills. Coming down through the Donner Pass was a helluva ride. :D

Just my 2 cents.

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Any questions on jeep products please ask away. I love my taco but make my money by knowing everyhing there is to know :jump: on jeeps because I sell them.



Can you give us the "Inside Scoop" on the "Gladiator".....?

Are they really going to make it?

When is it due?

"Expedition Portal Group Buy Pricing"......?!!....hehe :o :D :ylsmoke:

.....etc.?


http://4wheeloffroad.com/featuredvehicles/131_0502_glad_06_z.jpg

[Wanderlusty]

Ditto what WonderRunner said!

Is it going to production? If so, when?

And if yes, how close to the concept will it be?

If it is anywhere near the truck that the concept is, where do I sign?

I read somewhere that DC may hold off building it because it would compete with the Power Wagon. . .how do they figure that? As I understand the Gladiator, it will be a lighter, smaller vehicle. And I think I also remember that the Power Wagon will not be offered with a diesel. So how are they supposed to compete against one another?

And speaking at least for myself, I don't think they are appealing to the same markets . . . I would put my name on the dotted line today for a Gladiator, but I have ZERO interest in a Power Wagon (as nice and as capable as they are) so what gives?

[crawldit]

If you guys like the Gladiator why not look at an AEV Brute ?
http://www.aev-conversions.com/Vehicle_Brute.html
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v648/crawldit/AEV.jpg

[Scott Brady]

Many of us are BIG fans of the Brute. I would say it is my favorite trail vehicle available.

Having seen AEV's work in person, I would not hesitate to buy one. That is if I had 60K+ laying around...

[Wanderlusty]

Many of us are BIG fans of the Brute. I would say it is my favorite trail vehicle available.

Having seen AEV's work in person, I would not hesitate to buy one. That is if I had 60K+ laying around...

Ditto that! I love the Brute, and would consider it, if it cost maybe half what it does, but as awesome as it is, $60-$70 K for a modded Jeep is just out of the question. Heck 60-70 K s out of the question not matter what it is!

I am hoping they DO bring the Gladiator to market, maybe priced in the 30's. I think they would sell a TON of 'em.

[crawldit]

Very true. Dropping $30k for a conversion for a $30k jeep is pretty gnarly. Here is a link to a new place
http://www.roadarmor.com/ra3/summitsut.html
They have a do-it-yourself conversion kit for under $8k. I don't think it looks as good but the price is alot better (still high though). I wonder what Jeep would charge for a Gladiator if they ever decide to produce them?

[Wanderlusty]

Very true. Dropping $30k for a conversion for a $30k jeep is pretty gnarly. Here is a link to a new place
http://www.roadarmor.com/ra3/summitsut.html
They have a do-it-yourself conversion kit for under $8k. I don't think it looks as good but the price is alot better (still high though). I wonder what Jeep would charge for a Gladiator if they ever decide to produce them?

Yeh, seen those too. If push comes to shove, one day I may look into that, but rather than just doing the straight conversion, maybe construct some kind of camper outfit instead of a bed. I wonder if they would sell JUST the frame and body extensions? Of course if I was doing that much fab, might as well fab it all? Oh yeah. . . forgot. . .that is just a WEE bit beyond my skill level. . . :D

I have read somewhere that they are not near the quality conversion as AEV is either. I guess $30K buys you something. . .

So anyway, back to crossing fingers on the Glad. . .