Steve Jeep

A buddy has a 2002 Jeep with a few mods, hit big rock, bent the
tranny/xfer skid plate enough to move the tranny/xfer case.

Local dealer found it during routine maintenance and made him pay to get
a new skid plate. But dealer was not a pain about it -- he needs the
local off road business! Dealer is in Oak Ridge, TN.

Lessons:
1) skid plate worked like a champ!
2) damage due to off-roading may be detected as such and be on your nickel
3) expect to have to fix thing back to stock if damage occurs. If you
don't want to pay dealer prices, check the jeep out before going to the
dealer and fix it up first.

I wouldn't worry too much. As the other poster noted, the dealer has to
show a change or bad behavior caused the problem. My buddy remembered
the rock and the thud -- he did not try to claim it should be a warranty
repair.


TJ Girl wrote:

> Hi all,
> Me again. I'm just so excited about my new jeep, and you all have
> such good info..
Stop sitting in front of the keyboard and go get it muddy!

> ---snip
> Thanks again to all for putting up with another newbie jeeper.
At some point we were all newbies, though many have been around longer
than the Jeep....

>
> TJ Girl

~steve
------------------------------------------
Red 1978 CJ-7, 304V8, headers, T-18 w/Granny
Dana 20, Dana 30/AMC20 4.10 ARB air lockers
Mosler axle, 6in suspension lift, 35in tires
8000lb Ramsey wench, and several pounds of mud

jbjeep

What Doug and Nathan said.

If you plan to seriously off road, dont do the nerfs. get a rock rail with some sort
of step on it instead. granted I ran nerfs for a couple of years, they held up
better than expected, but they had to be removed and real rock protection put on.
I'm 5'4", my TJ is currently on 33's with a 1" body lift and between the RE long arms
and the Skyjacker springs we figure its still got 5-6" of suspension lift. I'll be
going to 36's here real soon. Get yourself a good set of handles for the roll bar,
it will make an amazing difference on the ease of getting in and out.

I would highly reccomend that you put a gas tank skid plate on as soon as you are
able. I reccomend the Kilby, however the Tomken is good, as are some of the others.
Those are just the two I have used. With the sort of wheeling I do, the Tomken held
up pretty darn well for about 3 years, then I decided to upgrade to the Kilby since
the Tomken was pretty well bashed around the edges.

Oh, and no, I never had any warrenty issues due to modifications. Granted my 3/36K
only lasted about a year and a half...




On Tue, 13 Apr 2004 02:30:27 GMT, "Nathan Otis" <na@spam.smeat.net> wrote:

>>
>>"TJ Girl" <TJGirl@SAFe-mail.net> wrote
>>
>>> Has anyone ever run into a problem with making aftermarket
>>> modifications (simple things) and their warranty? Such as them saying
>>> "sorry, you voided your warranty by adding ...."?
>>> I'm just looking at minor things to begin with - nerf bars initially
>>> (I'm short, sorry :). Then a little lift and bigger tires, various
>>> skid plates, off-road lights, a good winch.... the dreams go on and on
>>> :)
>>
>>Nerf bars wouldn't mess with your warranty, though I'd suggest real,
>>protective rock rails with a functional bar used as a step. If you start
>>wheelin seriously, there aren't many "nerf bars" that will hold up for long.
>>Off road lights are the same ... unless you have some electrical problem and
>>then they'd have to prove the lights caused the problem. With a lift you get
>>into a touchier area, though I can't see dealerships in CO having issues...
>>where as some dealerships in say, Illinois do. I wonder about skids
>>(transfer case specifically) and the effect it might have in a TC
>>warranty...
>>
>>Best bet is check with your dealer. If they say they won't warranty
>>something, go somewhere else. There HAVE TO BE offroad/mod friendly
>>dealerships out there (I sure hope so, cause that's where I'm gonna be in a
>>week :) Which brings me to the next question:
>>
>> > Secondary question, does anyone recommend a good 4x4 shop in the
>>> northern Colorado area? Longmont or Boulder preferred, Loveland or Ft
>>> Collins good, Denver and surrounding area acceptable. What would be
>>> REALLY wonderful is if there's a 4x4 shop that would teach and watch
>>> ME while I learn to do the stuff. Does anyone do this, or do their
>>> insurance requirements get in the way?
>>
>>If I were you, I'd go over to
>>http://www.colorado4x4.org/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi and ask there. I get
>>all my CO specific answers there. Great group, and I'm sure you could find
>>people willing to teach/help you with your mods.
>>
>>Enjoi'
>>n.
>>

jbjeep

What Doug and Nathan said.

If you plan to seriously off road, dont do the nerfs. get a rock rail with some sort
of step on it instead. granted I ran nerfs for a couple of years, they held up
better than expected, but they had to be removed and real rock protection put on.
I'm 5'4", my TJ is currently on 33's with a 1" body lift and between the RE long arms
and the Skyjacker springs we figure its still got 5-6" of suspension lift. I'll be
going to 36's here real soon. Get yourself a good set of handles for the roll bar,
it will make an amazing difference on the ease of getting in and out.

I would highly reccomend that you put a gas tank skid plate on as soon as you are
able. I reccomend the Kilby, however the Tomken is good, as are some of the others.
Those are just the two I have used. With the sort of wheeling I do, the Tomken held
up pretty darn well for about 3 years, then I decided to upgrade to the Kilby since
the Tomken was pretty well bashed around the edges.

Oh, and no, I never had any warrenty issues due to modifications. Granted my 3/36K
only lasted about a year and a half...




On Tue, 13 Apr 2004 02:30:27 GMT, "Nathan Otis" <na@spam.smeat.net> wrote:

>>
>>"TJ Girl" <TJGirl@SAFe-mail.net> wrote
>>
>>> Has anyone ever run into a problem with making aftermarket
>>> modifications (simple things) and their warranty? Such as them saying
>>> "sorry, you voided your warranty by adding ...."?
>>> I'm just looking at minor things to begin with - nerf bars initially
>>> (I'm short, sorry :). Then a little lift and bigger tires, various
>>> skid plates, off-road lights, a good winch.... the dreams go on and on
>>> :)
>>
>>Nerf bars wouldn't mess with your warranty, though I'd suggest real,
>>protective rock rails with a functional bar used as a step. If you start
>>wheelin seriously, there aren't many "nerf bars" that will hold up for long.
>>Off road lights are the same ... unless you have some electrical problem and
>>then they'd have to prove the lights caused the problem. With a lift you get
>>into a touchier area, though I can't see dealerships in CO having issues...
>>where as some dealerships in say, Illinois do. I wonder about skids
>>(transfer case specifically) and the effect it might have in a TC
>>warranty...
>>
>>Best bet is check with your dealer. If they say they won't warranty
>>something, go somewhere else. There HAVE TO BE offroad/mod friendly
>>dealerships out there (I sure hope so, cause that's where I'm gonna be in a
>>week :) Which brings me to the next question:
>>
>> > Secondary question, does anyone recommend a good 4x4 shop in the
>>> northern Colorado area? Longmont or Boulder preferred, Loveland or Ft
>>> Collins good, Denver and surrounding area acceptable. What would be
>>> REALLY wonderful is if there's a 4x4 shop that would teach and watch
>>> ME while I learn to do the stuff. Does anyone do this, or do their
>>> insurance requirements get in the way?
>>
>>If I were you, I'd go over to
>>http://www.colorado4x4.org/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi and ask there. I get
>>all my CO specific answers there. Great group, and I'm sure you could find
>>people willing to teach/help you with your mods.
>>
>>Enjoi'
>>n.
>>

jbjeep

What Doug and Nathan said.

If you plan to seriously off road, dont do the nerfs. get a rock rail with some sort
of step on it instead. granted I ran nerfs for a couple of years, they held up
better than expected, but they had to be removed and real rock protection put on.
I'm 5'4", my TJ is currently on 33's with a 1" body lift and between the RE long arms
and the Skyjacker springs we figure its still got 5-6" of suspension lift. I'll be
going to 36's here real soon. Get yourself a good set of handles for the roll bar,
it will make an amazing difference on the ease of getting in and out.

I would highly reccomend that you put a gas tank skid plate on as soon as you are
able. I reccomend the Kilby, however the Tomken is good, as are some of the others.
Those are just the two I have used. With the sort of wheeling I do, the Tomken held
up pretty darn well for about 3 years, then I decided to upgrade to the Kilby since
the Tomken was pretty well bashed around the edges.

Oh, and no, I never had any warrenty issues due to modifications. Granted my 3/36K
only lasted about a year and a half...




On Tue, 13 Apr 2004 02:30:27 GMT, "Nathan Otis" <na@spam.smeat.net> wrote:

>>
>>"TJ Girl" <TJGirl@SAFe-mail.net> wrote
>>
>>> Has anyone ever run into a problem with making aftermarket
>>> modifications (simple things) and their warranty? Such as them saying
>>> "sorry, you voided your warranty by adding ...."?
>>> I'm just looking at minor things to begin with - nerf bars initially
>>> (I'm short, sorry :). Then a little lift and bigger tires, various
>>> skid plates, off-road lights, a good winch.... the dreams go on and on
>>> :)
>>
>>Nerf bars wouldn't mess with your warranty, though I'd suggest real,
>>protective rock rails with a functional bar used as a step. If you start
>>wheelin seriously, there aren't many "nerf bars" that will hold up for long.
>>Off road lights are the same ... unless you have some electrical problem and
>>then they'd have to prove the lights caused the problem. With a lift you get
>>into a touchier area, though I can't see dealerships in CO having issues...
>>where as some dealerships in say, Illinois do. I wonder about skids
>>(transfer case specifically) and the effect it might have in a TC
>>warranty...
>>
>>Best bet is check with your dealer. If they say they won't warranty
>>something, go somewhere else. There HAVE TO BE offroad/mod friendly
>>dealerships out there (I sure hope so, cause that's where I'm gonna be in a
>>week :) Which brings me to the next question:
>>
>> > Secondary question, does anyone recommend a good 4x4 shop in the
>>> northern Colorado area? Longmont or Boulder preferred, Loveland or Ft
>>> Collins good, Denver and surrounding area acceptable. What would be
>>> REALLY wonderful is if there's a 4x4 shop that would teach and watch
>>> ME while I learn to do the stuff. Does anyone do this, or do their
>>> insurance requirements get in the way?
>>
>>If I were you, I'd go over to
>>http://www.colorado4x4.org/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi and ask there. I get
>>all my CO specific answers there. Great group, and I'm sure you could find
>>people willing to teach/help you with your mods.
>>
>>Enjoi'
>>n.
>>

jbjeep

What Doug and Nathan said.

If you plan to seriously off road, dont do the nerfs. get a rock rail with some sort
of step on it instead. granted I ran nerfs for a couple of years, they held up
better than expected, but they had to be removed and real rock protection put on.
I'm 5'4", my TJ is currently on 33's with a 1" body lift and between the RE long arms
and the Skyjacker springs we figure its still got 5-6" of suspension lift. I'll be
going to 36's here real soon. Get yourself a good set of handles for the roll bar,
it will make an amazing difference on the ease of getting in and out.

I would highly reccomend that you put a gas tank skid plate on as soon as you are
able. I reccomend the Kilby, however the Tomken is good, as are some of the others.
Those are just the two I have used. With the sort of wheeling I do, the Tomken held
up pretty darn well for about 3 years, then I decided to upgrade to the Kilby since
the Tomken was pretty well bashed around the edges.

Oh, and no, I never had any warrenty issues due to modifications. Granted my 3/36K
only lasted about a year and a half...




On Tue, 13 Apr 2004 02:30:27 GMT, "Nathan Otis" <na@spam.smeat.net> wrote:

>>
>>"TJ Girl" <TJGirl@SAFe-mail.net> wrote
>>
>>> Has anyone ever run into a problem with making aftermarket
>>> modifications (simple things) and their warranty? Such as them saying
>>> "sorry, you voided your warranty by adding ...."?
>>> I'm just looking at minor things to begin with - nerf bars initially
>>> (I'm short, sorry :). Then a little lift and bigger tires, various
>>> skid plates, off-road lights, a good winch.... the dreams go on and on
>>> :)
>>
>>Nerf bars wouldn't mess with your warranty, though I'd suggest real,
>>protective rock rails with a functional bar used as a step. If you start
>>wheelin seriously, there aren't many "nerf bars" that will hold up for long.
>>Off road lights are the same ... unless you have some electrical problem and
>>then they'd have to prove the lights caused the problem. With a lift you get
>>into a touchier area, though I can't see dealerships in CO having issues...
>>where as some dealerships in say, Illinois do. I wonder about skids
>>(transfer case specifically) and the effect it might have in a TC
>>warranty...
>>
>>Best bet is check with your dealer. If they say they won't warranty
>>something, go somewhere else. There HAVE TO BE offroad/mod friendly
>>dealerships out there (I sure hope so, cause that's where I'm gonna be in a
>>week :) Which brings me to the next question:
>>
>> > Secondary question, does anyone recommend a good 4x4 shop in the
>>> northern Colorado area? Longmont or Boulder preferred, Loveland or Ft
>>> Collins good, Denver and surrounding area acceptable. What would be
>>> REALLY wonderful is if there's a 4x4 shop that would teach and watch
>>> ME while I learn to do the stuff. Does anyone do this, or do their
>>> insurance requirements get in the way?
>>
>>If I were you, I'd go over to
>>http://www.colorado4x4.org/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi and ask there. I get
>>all my CO specific answers there. Great group, and I'm sure you could find
>>people willing to teach/help you with your mods.
>>
>>Enjoi'
>>n.
>>

TJ Girl

"Nathan Otis" <na@spam.smeat.net> wrote in message news:<7hIec.23861$_K3.59973@attbi_s53>...
>
> Nerf bars wouldn't mess with your warranty, though I'd suggest real,
> protective rock rails with a functional bar used as a step.

Thanks for the advice. I will look into it.


> If I were you, I'd go over to
> http://www.colorado4x4.org/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi and ask there.

Y'know, it *is* a great group, and I love reading the bulletin boards
there. The only problem is "Update: I've restored the old board for
now. Note that new registrations are suspended"
So you can't post without registering, and you can't register until
the board is fixed :(
So I'm stuck just reading what's already there until they get it fixed
again.


TJ Girl

TJ Girl

"Nathan Otis" <na@spam.smeat.net> wrote in message news:<7hIec.23861$_K3.59973@attbi_s53>...
>
> Nerf bars wouldn't mess with your warranty, though I'd suggest real,
> protective rock rails with a functional bar used as a step.

Thanks for the advice. I will look into it.


> If I were you, I'd go over to
> http://www.colorado4x4.org/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi and ask there.

Y'know, it *is* a great group, and I love reading the bulletin boards
there. The only problem is "Update: I've restored the old board for
now. Note that new registrations are suspended"
So you can't post without registering, and you can't register until
the board is fixed :(
So I'm stuck just reading what's already there until they get it fixed
again.


TJ Girl

TJ Girl

"Nathan Otis" <na@spam.smeat.net> wrote in message news:<7hIec.23861$_K3.59973@attbi_s53>...
>
> Nerf bars wouldn't mess with your warranty, though I'd suggest real,
> protective rock rails with a functional bar used as a step.

Thanks for the advice. I will look into it.


> If I were you, I'd go over to
> http://www.colorado4x4.org/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi and ask there.

Y'know, it *is* a great group, and I love reading the bulletin boards
there. The only problem is "Update: I've restored the old board for
now. Note that new registrations are suspended"
So you can't post without registering, and you can't register until
the board is fixed :(
So I'm stuck just reading what's already there until they get it fixed
again.


TJ Girl

TJ Girl

"Nathan Otis" <na@spam.smeat.net> wrote in message news:<7hIec.23861$_K3.59973@attbi_s53>...
>
> Nerf bars wouldn't mess with your warranty, though I'd suggest real,
> protective rock rails with a functional bar used as a step.

Thanks for the advice. I will look into it.


> If I were you, I'd go over to
> http://www.colorado4x4.org/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi and ask there.

Y'know, it *is* a great group, and I love reading the bulletin boards
there. The only problem is "Update: I've restored the old board for
now. Note that new registrations are suspended"
So you can't post without registering, and you can't register until
the board is fixed :(
So I'm stuck just reading what's already there until they get it fixed
again.


TJ Girl

Bob

I live here in the Denver area. I do most of the stuff myself, aside
from diff gears or major engine work. However, when I do get stuff
done, I've tried a number of shops around the area. I'm listing them
in order of my own progression from shop to shop, so therefore the
last one listed is my current favorite shop to deal with.

1) Four Wheel Parts ... stay away (at least from the service dept).
They're like the Wal-Mart of offroading. They do have good prices on
specific parts (such as winches, straps, hilift jacks, etc.), but I
don't feel all that confident having the vehicle worked on there.
Heard some stories (first hand) from friends...

2) All-American 4x4 Repair ... this is located on the south side of
Denver near C-470 and Santa Fe. Not exactly close to your neck of the
woods. They do decent work, but suck at responsiveness, and are still
somewhat expensive for labor. I had them do my exhaust manifold
replacement. My biggest complaint about them is the guy who answers
the phone annoys me, they won't let me make an appointment for work,
(they just say "Bring it down and we'll look at it"), and when I do
bring it in, they never call me with status, and don't even START on
my vehicle until they've had it idle in their shop parking lot for a
day or two (with me calling to ask, and them simply saying "we haven't
gotten to it yet, we'll do it next and call you back in a couple
hours"...no call...ugh). Needless to say, I won't take my jeep there
anymore because of this crappy customer service. They don't seem to
understand that I don't want to be without my only, daily-driver,
vehicle for 4 days just to get the stupid exhaust manifold replaced
(which took them all of probably 2 hours, on the fourth day).

3) High Country 4x4 ... They seemed cool to me at first. Then I
realized they push Teraflex a little TOO much. It seems obvious
they're getting kickbacks. I mean, they were trying to tell a friend
of mine they'd "never heard of" anyone putting a Rubicon Express 4.5"
lift on a ...'03 Rubicon. Bull! So I don't always trust any advice I
get from them. They do do good work though and will let you schedule
appointments. And their sales folks are reasonably knowledgeable and
helpful. I had them weld on my new front lower control arm mounts when
I tore one off a while back. Labor normal to a bit high: $85/hr.

4) Wild West Off Road ... So far these guys are my favorites. I'm
having them do my gears (4.56) and lockers (ARBs) right now (they did
it all yesterday, in one day...I'm picking it up today). They let me
schedule an appointment and everything. They're also (so far) very
good about accuracy in estimates and time, and getting back to me via
phone, even late (they called me at 6:30 PM last night to tell me the
gears/lockers were done). Their labor rate is also nicer, at $75/hr.
They seem to be honest and fair, so far, and they're really nice. They
only charged me exactly 8.4 hrs work for my gears & lockers install.
They've given me a quick tour of their shop and taken me back to see
some stuff they were talking about on a rig back there without any
question. They're over in the same area as High Country, near Santa Fe
and Hampden Ave. Still on the south side of downtown Denver, but
closer in to town.

5) I have a friend who lives up in your preferred area; I asked if
she's got any shop recommendations up there. I know she liked the
people she had put in her York OBA system. I'll post here with
whatever she sends me.

Good luck. Welcome to the addiction ;-)

Oh, and WRT nerfs or the like. I have the "Jeeperman"
(www.jeeperman.com) "Trail Skidz" (same as the "Rock Skidz", but with
a plate welded on top to provide a better step than the bar alone).
They're plenty strong to work as rocker protection (or jack point),
they don't mess up your clearance that much (and provide much more
clearance than most crappy sidesteps or any nerf bars you come
across). I like them because they don't require me to drill my frame
or body. Just in case you were looking for recommendations.

/Bob


TJGirl@SAFe-mail.net (TJ Girl) wrote in message news:<50e66978.0404121621.67b8d124@posting.google. com>...
> Hi all,
> Me again. I'm just so excited about my new jeep, and you all have
> such good info..
>
> Has anyone ever run into a problem with making aftermarket
> modifications (simple things) and their warranty? Such as them saying
> "sorry, you voided your warranty by adding ...."?
> I'm just looking at minor things to begin with - nerf bars initially
> (I'm short, sorry :). Then a little lift and bigger tires, various
> skid plates, off-road lights, a good winch.... the dreams go on and on
> :)
> Based on reading historical postings to this group, I am NOT looking
> to use Mopar parts, so they wouldn't be anything factory approved.
> Does this cause any problems?
>
>
> Secondary question, does anyone recommend a good 4x4 shop in the
> northern Colorado area? Longmont or Boulder preferred, Loveland or Ft
> Collins good, Denver and surrounding area acceptable. What would be
> REALLY wonderful is if there's a 4x4 shop that would teach and watch
> ME while I learn to do the stuff. Does anyone do this, or do their
> insurance requirements get in the way?
>
>
> Thanks again to all for putting up with another newbie jeeper.
>
> TJ Girl