Newbie qustions before purchase

[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. 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 thoughts on these and any other thoughts on on the 97-04 Wranglers or things to look for when 'shopping'... Thanks!

Mick

[Rubicon_TJ]

I've heard the same about the early headers.

FWIW, there were lots of good changes in 2003 - available rear discs, improved soft top, modified hard top, new 4 spd auto transmissions, etc. Lots of little changes, too...

Read here for more:

http://www.geocities.com/jeepboy49028/changes.html

[Aerythus]

I have a '99 TJ, broke three headers and finally got smart and bought a Banks. I don't think I could break it with a hammer.


The Cons of Jeep ownership:

They don't handle great, they suck gas, they're loud and aren't as reliable as some other brands. If you get bit by the off road and modification bug, they can be really expensive

The Pros:

It's a Jeep, a piece of American history. 4x4, convertible with removable doors. You can take a stock Jeep places that would boggle your mind. Can't really explain it, maybe someone else here is more eloquent than I am.

I know I wasn't planning on getting one; I was in a lot looking at another Toyota when the salesman came trotting out with the keys to the Jeep next to it. I figured, why not, I'll drive it. Had to have one after that, end of story.

[MickBurke]

Thanks guys.

Are you saying that they come stock with the header and that's where the problem is, or is that a different issue? Is it an issue of cracking because of off roading, or something else? My friend wasn't really clear on what the issue he was aware of was...

Any other input on the trans? Anyone?

Thanks again!

[Rubicon_TJ]

Originally Posted by MickBurke

Thanks guys.

Are you saying that they come stock with the header and that's where the problem is, or is that a different issue? Is it an issue of cracking because of off roading, or something else? My friend wasn't really clear on what the issue he was aware of was...

Any other input on the trans? Anyone?

Thanks again!

By the header I mean the stock exhaust manifold - a welded tubular unit that had design problems which led to the cracking, if I remember correctly. To the best of my memory, the redesigned unit (introduced in '00 or '01...?) doesn't have the problem.

The four speed auto that was introduced in '03 is supposed to be a much better unit than the previous auto trans. Guys with more experience in the auto trans area could tell you more on that.

[cliff7593]

Yeah, the manifolds on the 4.0 had a cracking problem due to the heat expansion and contraction. If you look at the add in the upper left of the page you're reading, you will see on the manifold two bellows on the left and right tube. These will usually correct the problem. The auto/manual transmission has been beaten to death on the forum. The best thing to do is go through this thread, Auto vs. Manual , which will save everyone from writing it again.

[SecondTJ]

They fixed the exhaust manifold problem on 4.0s in 2000. They started using a 2-piece design that wont crack like the 97-99s

Originally Posted by Rubicon_TJ

I've heard the same about the early headers.

FWIW, there were lots of good changes in 2003 - available rear discs, improved soft top, modified hard top, new 4 spd auto transmissions, etc. Lots of little changes, too...

2001 was the first year for sailcloth.

[Rubicon_TJ]

Originally Posted by SecondTJ

2001 was the first year for sailcloth.

The original sailcloth was replaced in 2003 - with a 3 ply sailcloth that is lighter but still as quiet as the '01-'02 4 ply sailcloth.

Edit: Yes, the 2001 soft top definitely was an improved design, since it introduced the sailcloth that was so much quieter than the previous fabric. And... it was also improved upon in '03, as noted above.

[SecondTJ]

Originally Posted by Rubicon_TJ

The original sailcloth was replaced in 2003 - with a 3 ply sailcloth that is lighter but still as quiet as the '01-'02 4 ply sailcloth.

Edit: Yes, the 2001 soft top definitely was an improved design, since it introduced the sailcloth that was so much quieter than the previous fabric. And... it was also improved upon in '03, as noted above.

I have a 03 top on my Jeep. And have driven in 01 & 02 ones, and feel that their top is quieter with less flap. So thats why i dont see how the 03+ are considered an improvement.