09/09 Q/A Session - Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited - Page 8

JeepEngineers · 09-09-2008, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry Bransford

You guys probably missed my last question way back up on page two...

Since there is no real significant difference internally on the 231 transfer case used in the YJ and TJ, why did the YJ need the vacuum-operated passenger-side axleshaft disconnect but the TJ doesn't?

YJ : Didn't "need" it. That was a theory to help reduce spinning mass - to help improve fuel ecomomy. A cheap hub option sort of.

Too many issues and no real improvement in the end.

JeepEngineers · 09-09-2008, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeneralDisarray

I think mine on page 5 got missed. But it is understandable. This thread is fast paced.

I have an 07 Sahara Unlimited soft top.

Is there an aftermarket kit to add a center hold-down latch for the soft top? Not sure if that is the right term. The latches that secure the top to the windshield frame. It could hook to the windshield tie down that is already welded there.

If it is a windy day, at highway speeds the wind noise is god awful. I have to reach up and pull down on it and the noise goes away. A third latch would solve that.

Great suggestion for us to take with us tonight. We have modified the 2009 model hard top with a simiar design.

**Jerry Bransford** · 09-09-2008, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeepEngineers

YJ : Didn't "need" it. That was a theory to help reduce spinning mass - to help improve fuel ecomomy. A cheap hub option sort of.

Too many issues and no real improvement in the end.

Gotcha, that makes sense since we know the TJ never needed it. Thank you.

Oman Jeep · 09-09-2008, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeepEngineers

Great suggestion for us to take with us tonight. We have modified the 2009 model hard top with a simiar design.

Interesting...

One thing i have noticed on the JK's... once you take the hard top off for the first time you're never able to get it as quiet as it used to be.

What magic are you guys using at the factory when you put these tops on for the first time

Xtremjeepn · 09-09-2008, 05:40 PM

Is there a specific power to weight ration that Jeep tries to stick to with the Wrangler? I feel like every genreation of the Jeep convertable has ALWAYS been underpowered while it's hardtop siblings (Grand Cherokee) gets the motor that we all want. Why won't they just open up the options list and give us what we all want and are willing to pay for?

**durango-bob** · 09-09-2008, 05:40 PM

As a former Operations Manger at JNAP, I must say that I love Jeeps. I still have my '00 Wrangler that was my lease when I was there. I liked it so much I bought it. The question I have concerns intake manifolds that are prone to cracking. Is there an extended warranty offered to cover them. Most are cracking at over 100k miles.

Bob Van Peeren

JeepEngineers · 09-09-2008, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zjsmash

Is there sumthing in the works for a pick-up jeep?

Ya never know!

JeepEngineers · 09-09-2008, 05:41 PM

The vacuum axle disconnect was only used to gain some fuel mileage. It was used on many AMC/Jeep 4x4s during different years and it gave .1 or .2mpg improvement. It just was not worth the expense on TJ.

JeepEngineers · 09-09-2008, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oman Jeep

Okay... "stock" it is...

How "self contained" is the airbag system in the TJ Wranglers? Is it simply computer + two bags + the harness that joins them together and provides power, or does it interface with the engine ECU etc?

Feel free to PM me if it's not something you want to discuss publicly.

But then my next approach is just to order everything from the parts catalogue of an '03 model (or strip a junkyard model)

My only concern with that approach really is obviously the airbag controller reports back that everything is okay on start-up, making the airbag warning light go off.

Was the protocol for that "I'm okay" message ever changed?

Often - the airbag controller is changed after an accident?
This is just to make sure there is no damage.

It does not talk to the engine controller. The airbag controller checks all the continuity of the system while the start up light is on.

Dubya · 09-09-2008, 05:42 PM

Are there any plans to offer the jk interior in black?

Also what about offering the electrochromatic mirror as a factory option?

dstephns · 09-09-2008, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeepEngineers

Would you JK Hardtop owners like to see a headliner made available? A thick soft formed kit that covers the interior of the hard top and sides.??

That would be great! Especially if the liners insulate for both temp and noise and still keep the top light in weight. In all honesty though, I've had no issues at all with my hard top.

LJameson · 09-09-2008, 05:42 PM

You guys probably missed my question...

I wanted to ask a little bit about the 3.8. From what I've heard, it's a reliable engine. And I'm sure you've heard some people say it's not enough for the JK. My question is, would it be hard to put some modern technology into the engine. Like Variable valve timing, direct injection, ect? Also, what about taking the 5.7, slicing off 2 cyl. and making a V6 out of it?

JeepEngineers · 09-09-2008, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeepEngineers

The vacuum axle disconnect was only used to gain some fuel mileage. It was used on many AMC/Jeep 4x4s during different years and it gave .1 or .2mpg improvement. It just was not worth the expense on TJ.

And some of us are still arguing if this was really true !

**YJames90** · 09-09-2008, 05:43 PM

When flat towing. TC in N and trans in fifth?. The manual just says to be in gear

JeepEngineers · 09-09-2008, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeepfreak4life7

You guys probably missed my question...

I wanted to ask a little bit about the 3.8. From what I've heard, it's a reliable engine. And I'm sure you've heard some people say it's not enough for the JK. My question is, would it be hard to put some modern technology into the engine. Like Variable valve timing, direct injection, ect? Also, what about taking the 5.7, slicing off 2 cyl. and making a V6 out of it?

Major engine development.. takes years and millions of dollars with Uncle Sam watching.

09-09-2008, 05:41 PM	#113
JeepEngineers Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Michigan, USA Posts: 1,041 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	The vacuum axle disconnect was only used to gain some fuel mileage. It was used on many AMC/Jeep 4x4s during different years and it gave .1 or .2mpg improvement. It just was not worth the expense on TJ. __________________ [FONT="Arial Black"][SIZE="4"]JeepEngineers[/SIZE][/FONT] "INTRODUCING THE GREATEST JEEP[SIZE="1"]®[/SIZE] LINEUP EVER" [I][URL="http://www.jeep.com/"]http://www.jeep.com/[/URL] [URL="http://www.jeep.com/en/experience/community/have_fun_out_there/"]Have Fun Out There![/URL] [URL="http://www.facebook.com/jeep"]Check out Jeep on Facebook[/URL] [URL="http://www.youtube.com/thejeepchannel"]Check out Jeep on YouTube[/URL] [URL="http://www.flickr.com/groups/jeepexperience/"]Check out Jeep on Flickr[/URL][/I]