[MickBurke]

Hey All,
I'm considering buying my first Jeep. I've got a couple of questions I'd like to pose, first is that a friend said that the 97-00 Wranglers have an exhaust manifold problem, and need to be replaced with a two piece kit that. Is this true? Is it both the 4 and 6 cyl? The second question is regarding the auto trans's. this is going to be my daily driver, so I'd like to stick to the automatic trans. The only other chrysler product I've owned was in 94 (a v6 shadow) and the trans was garbage. Are they still bad? I assume they're using a chrysler trans... I'm not even sure how far chrysler / Jeep cross over...

I'd love to hear thoughs on these and any other thoughts on on the 97-04 Wranglers... Thanks!

Mick

[jeep_chinto]

the exaust mana folds are known to crack but you shouldnt need to deal with it untill it happens it if happens and if it does its not the hardest thing to change out just takes some time..

as for a 4banger and auto tranny dont do it. end of storie not that its a bad combo just way under powerd. unless ur going to spend a few grand to regear..

for the most part for the transmissions if you take care of it change fluids and not get water into it you shouldnt have issues.. iv had pritty much every combo of engin and trans thru out the year execpt for the 4banger and auto but i drove my friend that had one and i wanted to get out and push it gettn up to speed on the highway

[kizer]

Every Jeep is different and will have its own odd quirks.

I have a 00 and personally would recommend that year and up because of the electronic distributor. Change plugs and it does the rest.

The only problem Ive ever had was a leaky radiator and it only cost me 180bucks to replace and it was very simple to do.

I'd personally would worry less about specific years and look at options like manual/auto, 2.5/4.0, dana35/dana44 the rest is well rather insignificant.

If all possible hold out for a 4.0 with a Dana44 rear end. The standard vs auto is up to you to decide.

[MickBurke]

Thanks guys! What's the difference between the 35 and 44 rears? Just gearing or is there more?

Also, how bad is the 3 speed without the overdrive? I'm still kind of hesitant to consider it as I'd have to drive just to get to some trails so I think the OD would be a necessity unless I'm missing something about the 3 speed.

I appreciate all the input.

Mick

[SecondTJ]

Originally Posted by MickBurke

first is that a friend said that the 97-00 Wranglers have an exhaust manifold problem, and need to be replaced with a two piece kit that. Is this true? Is it both the 4 and 6 cyl?

97-99 4.0s would crack. They redesigned the exhaust manifold to a 2-piece design in 2000. I'm not sure if the 2-piece is compatible with older models

2.5's have had an issue with cracking too, but i am not sure about the history with them.

Originally Posted by MickBurke

Thanks guys! What's the difference between the 35 and 44 rears? Just gearing or is there more?

In regards to gearing (assuming 4.0), most D35s come with the standard 3.07, optional is 3.73. With the D44, 3.73 is the only ratio (Rubicon is 4.11)

The Dana 44 has bigger and stronger R&P, thicker shafts, higher shaft spline count (27 vs 30) and no C-clips like the d35.

[lupinsea]

The 3 spd Auto isn't bad. Perhaps not the greatest transmission ever but it certainly gets the job done. I've not had any complaints with mine and the control it gives on the trails is great. If you're already leaning that way due to DD / rush hour traffic considerations it's a bonus on the trails.

You also may not be kicking into an overdrive much anyways if you plan on putting on larger tires. So lack of an OD might be moot.

Definitely go test drive a Jeep with the engine / tranny combo you're looking for.

Also, 2000+ Tjs are a big recommendation for their distributorless ignition system. As are TJs with D44 rear axles.