Sounds good, but I'd ditch the side steps (they'll get broken off on
the trail anyway), and also the tire cover (never understood why
people try to 'protect' the spare when the other four tires/wheels are
exposed anyway?). And by your request, I'll keep my mouth shut
regarding the ABS at the expense of the Dana44. :)

Other than that, options sound good IMO, and from what I priced out,
it sounds like the dealer is giving it to you pretty much at invoice,
which is good deal I think.

Dave
http://mysite.verizon.net/res0p2es/david/index.htm

On Wed, 03 Dec 2003 01:07:53 GMT, "Valued User" <valued@user.com>
wrote:

>Hi. I'm plonging down for a 04TJ Sport this weekend. I don't intend on rock
>crawling (well, not yet). We do go camping and light off-roading.
>
>I priced out a Wrangler with the following options:
>
>Auto, air, dimming mirror, dual tops, floor mats, spare tire cover, sentry
>key, add a trunk, bodyside steps, speed control, locking fuel cap.
>
>And Trac-Lock, and 4 wheel ABS.
>
>I'm thinking of having them put a 1 1/4" trailer hitch.
>
>Any other options (factory or dealer) that I should be adding? I'm seriously
>debating getting the Ecco wheel and tire group for the $500 - I know I want
>to run some beefy BGF AT's on either the stock 7" or new rims - nothing
>huge - whatever will fit - I'm thinking 31"'s.
>
>I also will be putting in a new MP3 Alpine radio, a 6" bazooka and 2
>tweeters, and probably upgrading the stock speakers instead of opting for
>the 7 speaker system (I seriously doubt the extra $250 for the option is
>worth it) unless anyone here can attest that the little subwoofer in the
>console actually does something?
>
>The whole reason I have to order it is because I want ABS (this discussion
>has been beaten to death in other threads so lets not start another ABS
>thread here - I'm getting it wether you agree or not).
>
>The MSRP (minus the $1500 cash allowance) is about 25,825 - the dealer is
>saying he'll sell it to me for about $2,200 cheaper. I've checked out
>Edmunds.com and some other sites and the price is pretty darn good.
>
>What do you think about the price and the options (esp the ones I didn't
>opt. for).
>
>I'm planning on putting down a refundable deposit this weekend.
>
>Thanks.
>

 

Sounds good, but I'd ditch the side steps (they'll get broken off on
the trail anyway), and also the tire cover (never understood why
people try to 'protect' the spare when the other four tires/wheels are
exposed anyway?). And by your request, I'll keep my mouth shut
regarding the ABS at the expense of the Dana44. :)

Other than that, options sound good IMO, and from what I priced out,
it sounds like the dealer is giving it to you pretty much at invoice,
which is good deal I think.

Dave
http://mysite.verizon.net/res0p2es/david/index.htm

On Wed, 03 Dec 2003 01:07:53 GMT, "Valued User" <valued@user.com>
wrote:

>Hi. I'm plonging down for a 04TJ Sport this weekend. I don't intend on rock
>crawling (well, not yet). We do go camping and light off-roading.
>
>I priced out a Wrangler with the following options:
>
>Auto, air, dimming mirror, dual tops, floor mats, spare tire cover, sentry
>key, add a trunk, bodyside steps, speed control, locking fuel cap.
>
>And Trac-Lock, and 4 wheel ABS.
>
>I'm thinking of having them put a 1 1/4" trailer hitch.
>
>Any other options (factory or dealer) that I should be adding? I'm seriously
>debating getting the Ecco wheel and tire group for the $500 - I know I want
>to run some beefy BGF AT's on either the stock 7" or new rims - nothing
>huge - whatever will fit - I'm thinking 31"'s.
>
>I also will be putting in a new MP3 Alpine radio, a 6" bazooka and 2
>tweeters, and probably upgrading the stock speakers instead of opting for
>the 7 speaker system (I seriously doubt the extra $250 for the option is
>worth it) unless anyone here can attest that the little subwoofer in the
>console actually does something?
>
>The whole reason I have to order it is because I want ABS (this discussion
>has been beaten to death in other threads so lets not start another ABS
>thread here - I'm getting it wether you agree or not).
>
>The MSRP (minus the $1500 cash allowance) is about 25,825 - the dealer is
>saying he'll sell it to me for about $2,200 cheaper. I've checked out
>Edmunds.com and some other sites and the price is pretty darn good.
>
>What do you think about the price and the options (esp the ones I didn't
>opt. for).
>
>I'm planning on putting down a refundable deposit this weekend.
>
>Thanks.
>

 

In article <JHazb.90560$Vs1.20370@twister.austin.rr.com>, "Valued User"
<valued@user.com> writes:

>Hi. I'm plonging down for a 04TJ Sport this weekend. I don't intend on rock
>crawling (well, not yet). We do go camping and light off-roading.
>
>I priced out a Wrangler with the following options:
>
>Auto, air, dimming mirror, dual tops, floor mats, spare tire cover, sentry
>key, add a trunk, bodyside steps, speed control, locking fuel cap.

They have auto dimming mirrors now? Sheesh.

>
>And Trac-Lock, and 4 wheel ABS.

If you order the 30" tire/wheel group you will get the TracLoc as well. With
ABS you will get a rear D35, which will be fine for your purposes. When you do
serious off-roading, eventually you will be replacing that rear
axle....fortunately a D44 that is ABS compatible is in the aftermarket (and no
I'm not trying to troll Bill H).
>
>I'm thinking of having them put a 1 1/4" trailer hitch.

2" is better, and shop that around, a hitch place will probably install it for
less than the dealer. You will lose some departure angle, as it hangs below th
ebumper. I have a Draw Tite I might be willing to let go....used but not
abused, make an offer....
>
>Any other options (factory or dealer) that I should be adding? I'm seriously
>debating getting the Ecco wheel and tire group for the $500 - I know I want
>to run some beefy BGF AT's on either the stock 7" or new rims - nothing
>huge - whatever will fit - I'm thinking 31"'s.

If you are going to replace the tires with 31's soon, I would opt for the
tire/wheel group, because included with that is a 3.73 final drive ratio, where
stock would be 3.07. I'm not sure if that applies to the auto tranny, tho. If
you can get the 3.73 without the tire/wheel group, get it.
>
>I also will be putting in a new MP3 Alpine radio, a 6" bazooka and 2
>tweeters, and probably upgrading the stock speakers instead of opting for
>the 7 speaker system (I seriously doubt the extra $250 for the option is
>worth it) unless anyone here can attest that the little subwoofer in the
>console actually does something?
>
IMHO spending more than a couple hundred to upgrade the sound sytem in a
Wrangler is a fools errand...these things are so noisy at highway speeds you
won't be able to hear the improvements. I had to replace my radio because the
stock one got infiltrated by dirt, and I just replaced the speakers with some
Polks (5 1/2" round up front, 6 1/2 in the sound bar) and it made a huge
difference, but I still can't tell on the highway. If you want thumpin' bass,
you might want to get a 4" lowering kit and 20" rims as well.... :-)

>The whole reason I have to order it is because I want ABS (this discussion
>has been beaten to death in other threads so lets not start another ABS
>thread here - I'm getting it wether you agree or not).

No D44 with ABS, see above....
>
>The MSRP (minus the $1500 cash allowance) is about 25,825 - the dealer is
>saying he'll sell it to me for about $2,200 cheaper. I've checked out
>Edmunds.com and some other sites and the price is pretty darn good.

No matter how much the dealer says he is selling it for, remember he is making
money, even if he is selling it below dealer cost. Not a bad thing. I ordered
and bought my TJ for something like $150 over invoice, but I know he made more
than $150.
>
>What do you think about the price and the options (esp the ones I didn't
>opt. for).
>

One last thing...The bugs in the new 4-sp auto may not be worked out yet, you
might consider the 5-speed.

Good luck!

* * *
Matt Macchiarolo
www.townpeddler.com
www.wolverine4wd.org
http://wolverine4wd.org/rigs/macchiarolo_ml.html

 

In article <JHazb.90560$Vs1.20370@twister.austin.rr.com>, "Valued User"
<valued@user.com> writes:

>Hi. I'm plonging down for a 04TJ Sport this weekend. I don't intend on rock
>crawling (well, not yet). We do go camping and light off-roading.
>
>I priced out a Wrangler with the following options:
>
>Auto, air, dimming mirror, dual tops, floor mats, spare tire cover, sentry
>key, add a trunk, bodyside steps, speed control, locking fuel cap.

They have auto dimming mirrors now? Sheesh.

>
>And Trac-Lock, and 4 wheel ABS.

If you order the 30" tire/wheel group you will get the TracLoc as well. With
ABS you will get a rear D35, which will be fine for your purposes. When you do
serious off-roading, eventually you will be replacing that rear
axle....fortunately a D44 that is ABS compatible is in the aftermarket (and no
I'm not trying to troll Bill H).
>
>I'm thinking of having them put a 1 1/4" trailer hitch.

2" is better, and shop that around, a hitch place will probably install it for
less than the dealer. You will lose some departure angle, as it hangs below th
ebumper. I have a Draw Tite I might be willing to let go....used but not
abused, make an offer....
>
>Any other options (factory or dealer) that I should be adding? I'm seriously
>debating getting the Ecco wheel and tire group for the $500 - I know I want
>to run some beefy BGF AT's on either the stock 7" or new rims - nothing
>huge - whatever will fit - I'm thinking 31"'s.

If you are going to replace the tires with 31's soon, I would opt for the
tire/wheel group, because included with that is a 3.73 final drive ratio, where
stock would be 3.07. I'm not sure if that applies to the auto tranny, tho. If
you can get the 3.73 without the tire/wheel group, get it.
>
>I also will be putting in a new MP3 Alpine radio, a 6" bazooka and 2
>tweeters, and probably upgrading the stock speakers instead of opting for
>the 7 speaker system (I seriously doubt the extra $250 for the option is
>worth it) unless anyone here can attest that the little subwoofer in the
>console actually does something?
>
IMHO spending more than a couple hundred to upgrade the sound sytem in a
Wrangler is a fools errand...these things are so noisy at highway speeds you
won't be able to hear the improvements. I had to replace my radio because the
stock one got infiltrated by dirt, and I just replaced the speakers with some
Polks (5 1/2" round up front, 6 1/2 in the sound bar) and it made a huge
difference, but I still can't tell on the highway. If you want thumpin' bass,
you might want to get a 4" lowering kit and 20" rims as well.... :-)

>The whole reason I have to order it is because I want ABS (this discussion
>has been beaten to death in other threads so lets not start another ABS
>thread here - I'm getting it wether you agree or not).

No D44 with ABS, see above....
>
>The MSRP (minus the $1500 cash allowance) is about 25,825 - the dealer is
>saying he'll sell it to me for about $2,200 cheaper. I've checked out
>Edmunds.com and some other sites and the price is pretty darn good.

No matter how much the dealer says he is selling it for, remember he is making
money, even if he is selling it below dealer cost. Not a bad thing. I ordered
and bought my TJ for something like $150 over invoice, but I know he made more
than $150.
>
>What do you think about the price and the options (esp the ones I didn't
>opt. for).
>

One last thing...The bugs in the new 4-sp auto may not be worked out yet, you
might consider the 5-speed.

Good luck!

* * *
Matt Macchiarolo
www.townpeddler.com
www.wolverine4wd.org
http://wolverine4wd.org/rigs/macchiarolo_ml.html

 

In article <JHazb.90560$Vs1.20370@twister.austin.rr.com>, "Valued User"
<valued@user.com> writes:

>Hi. I'm plonging down for a 04TJ Sport this weekend. I don't intend on rock
>crawling (well, not yet). We do go camping and light off-roading.
>
>I priced out a Wrangler with the following options:
>
>Auto, air, dimming mirror, dual tops, floor mats, spare tire cover, sentry
>key, add a trunk, bodyside steps, speed control, locking fuel cap.

They have auto dimming mirrors now? Sheesh.

>
>And Trac-Lock, and 4 wheel ABS.

If you order the 30" tire/wheel group you will get the TracLoc as well. With
ABS you will get a rear D35, which will be fine for your purposes. When you do
serious off-roading, eventually you will be replacing that rear
axle....fortunately a D44 that is ABS compatible is in the aftermarket (and no
I'm not trying to troll Bill H).
>
>I'm thinking of having them put a 1 1/4" trailer hitch.

2" is better, and shop that around, a hitch place will probably install it for
less than the dealer. You will lose some departure angle, as it hangs below th
ebumper. I have a Draw Tite I might be willing to let go....used but not
abused, make an offer....
>
>Any other options (factory or dealer) that I should be adding? I'm seriously
>debating getting the Ecco wheel and tire group for the $500 - I know I want
>to run some beefy BGF AT's on either the stock 7" or new rims - nothing
>huge - whatever will fit - I'm thinking 31"'s.

If you are going to replace the tires with 31's soon, I would opt for the
tire/wheel group, because included with that is a 3.73 final drive ratio, where
stock would be 3.07. I'm not sure if that applies to the auto tranny, tho. If
you can get the 3.73 without the tire/wheel group, get it.
>
>I also will be putting in a new MP3 Alpine radio, a 6" bazooka and 2
>tweeters, and probably upgrading the stock speakers instead of opting for
>the 7 speaker system (I seriously doubt the extra $250 for the option is
>worth it) unless anyone here can attest that the little subwoofer in the
>console actually does something?
>
IMHO spending more than a couple hundred to upgrade the sound sytem in a
Wrangler is a fools errand...these things are so noisy at highway speeds you
won't be able to hear the improvements. I had to replace my radio because the
stock one got infiltrated by dirt, and I just replaced the speakers with some
Polks (5 1/2" round up front, 6 1/2 in the sound bar) and it made a huge
difference, but I still can't tell on the highway. If you want thumpin' bass,
you might want to get a 4" lowering kit and 20" rims as well.... :-)

>The whole reason I have to order it is because I want ABS (this discussion
>has been beaten to death in other threads so lets not start another ABS
>thread here - I'm getting it wether you agree or not).

No D44 with ABS, see above....
>
>The MSRP (minus the $1500 cash allowance) is about 25,825 - the dealer is
>saying he'll sell it to me for about $2,200 cheaper. I've checked out
>Edmunds.com and some other sites and the price is pretty darn good.

No matter how much the dealer says he is selling it for, remember he is making
money, even if he is selling it below dealer cost. Not a bad thing. I ordered
and bought my TJ for something like $150 over invoice, but I know he made more
than $150.
>
>What do you think about the price and the options (esp the ones I didn't
>opt. for).
>

One last thing...The bugs in the new 4-sp auto may not be worked out yet, you
might consider the 5-speed.

Good luck!

* * *
Matt Macchiarolo
www.townpeddler.com
www.wolverine4wd.org
http://wolverine4wd.org/rigs/macchiarolo_ml.html

 

ditto... what Bill said... That also gets you the 3.73 gears which is
better for towing and bigger tires (I assume you included the 4.0... does
the Sport always include that?)
--
JimG
80' CJ-7 258 CID
35" BFG MT on 15x10 Centerlines
D44 Rear, Dana 30 Front. SOA
4.56 Gears, LockRight F&R
Dana 300 w/4:1 & Currie twin sticks
Warn X8000i w/ dual batteries

>
> Get the Dana 44 rear end. ;-) And an after market two inch
>receiver, even though you don't need the class III hitch, there are many
>more options available for that size.
> God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
>mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/


"Valued User" <valued@user.com> wrote in message
news:JHazb.90560$Vs1.20370@twister.austin.rr.com.. .
> Hi. I'm plonging down for a 04TJ Sport this weekend. I don't intend on
rock
> crawling (well, not yet). We do go camping and light off-roading.
>
> I priced out a Wrangler with the following options:
>
> Auto, air, dimming mirror, dual tops, floor mats, spare tire cover, sentry
> key, add a trunk, bodyside steps, speed control, locking fuel cap.
>
> And Trac-Lock, and 4 wheel ABS.
>
> I'm thinking of having them put a 1 1/4" trailer hitch.
>
> Any other options (factory or dealer) that I should be adding? I'm
seriously
> debating getting the Ecco wheel and tire group for the $500 - I know I
want
> to run some beefy BGF AT's on either the stock 7" or new rims - nothing
> huge - whatever will fit - I'm thinking 31"'s.
>
> I also will be putting in a new MP3 Alpine radio, a 6" bazooka and 2
> tweeters, and probably upgrading the stock speakers instead of opting for
> the 7 speaker system (I seriously doubt the extra $250 for the option is
> worth it) unless anyone here can attest that the little subwoofer in the
> console actually does something?
>
> The whole reason I have to order it is because I want ABS (this discussion
> has been beaten to death in other threads so lets not start another ABS
> thread here - I'm getting it wether you agree or not).
>
> The MSRP (minus the $1500 cash allowance) is about 25,825 - the dealer is
> saying he'll sell it to me for about $2,200 cheaper. I've checked out
> Edmunds.com and some other sites and the price is pretty darn good.
>
> What do you think about the price and the options (esp the ones I didn't
> opt. for).
>
> I'm planning on putting down a refundable deposit this weekend.
>
> Thanks.
>
>

 

ditto... what Bill said... That also gets you the 3.73 gears which is
better for towing and bigger tires (I assume you included the 4.0... does
the Sport always include that?)
--
JimG
80' CJ-7 258 CID
35" BFG MT on 15x10 Centerlines
D44 Rear, Dana 30 Front. SOA
4.56 Gears, LockRight F&R
Dana 300 w/4:1 & Currie twin sticks
Warn X8000i w/ dual batteries

>
> Get the Dana 44 rear end. ;-) And an after market two inch
>receiver, even though you don't need the class III hitch, there are many
>more options available for that size.
> God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
>mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/


"Valued User" <valued@user.com> wrote in message
news:JHazb.90560$Vs1.20370@twister.austin.rr.com.. .
> Hi. I'm plonging down for a 04TJ Sport this weekend. I don't intend on
rock
> crawling (well, not yet). We do go camping and light off-roading.
>
> I priced out a Wrangler with the following options:
>
> Auto, air, dimming mirror, dual tops, floor mats, spare tire cover, sentry
> key, add a trunk, bodyside steps, speed control, locking fuel cap.
>
> And Trac-Lock, and 4 wheel ABS.
>
> I'm thinking of having them put a 1 1/4" trailer hitch.
>
> Any other options (factory or dealer) that I should be adding? I'm
seriously
> debating getting the Ecco wheel and tire group for the $500 - I know I
want
> to run some beefy BGF AT's on either the stock 7" or new rims - nothing
> huge - whatever will fit - I'm thinking 31"'s.
>
> I also will be putting in a new MP3 Alpine radio, a 6" bazooka and 2
> tweeters, and probably upgrading the stock speakers instead of opting for
> the 7 speaker system (I seriously doubt the extra $250 for the option is
> worth it) unless anyone here can attest that the little subwoofer in the
> console actually does something?
>
> The whole reason I have to order it is because I want ABS (this discussion
> has been beaten to death in other threads so lets not start another ABS
> thread here - I'm getting it wether you agree or not).
>
> The MSRP (minus the $1500 cash allowance) is about 25,825 - the dealer is
> saying he'll sell it to me for about $2,200 cheaper. I've checked out
> Edmunds.com and some other sites and the price is pretty darn good.
>
> What do you think about the price and the options (esp the ones I didn't
> opt. for).
>
> I'm planning on putting down a refundable deposit this weekend.
>
> Thanks.
>
>

 

ditto... what Bill said... That also gets you the 3.73 gears which is
better for towing and bigger tires (I assume you included the 4.0... does
the Sport always include that?)
--
JimG
80' CJ-7 258 CID
35" BFG MT on 15x10 Centerlines
D44 Rear, Dana 30 Front. SOA
4.56 Gears, LockRight F&R
Dana 300 w/4:1 & Currie twin sticks
Warn X8000i w/ dual batteries

>
> Get the Dana 44 rear end. ;-) And an after market two inch
>receiver, even though you don't need the class III hitch, there are many
>more options available for that size.
> God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
>mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/


"Valued User" <valued@user.com> wrote in message
news:JHazb.90560$Vs1.20370@twister.austin.rr.com.. .
> Hi. I'm plonging down for a 04TJ Sport this weekend. I don't intend on
rock
> crawling (well, not yet). We do go camping and light off-roading.
>
> I priced out a Wrangler with the following options:
>
> Auto, air, dimming mirror, dual tops, floor mats, spare tire cover, sentry
> key, add a trunk, bodyside steps, speed control, locking fuel cap.
>
> And Trac-Lock, and 4 wheel ABS.
>
> I'm thinking of having them put a 1 1/4" trailer hitch.
>
> Any other options (factory or dealer) that I should be adding? I'm
seriously
> debating getting the Ecco wheel and tire group for the $500 - I know I
want
> to run some beefy BGF AT's on either the stock 7" or new rims - nothing
> huge - whatever will fit - I'm thinking 31"'s.
>
> I also will be putting in a new MP3 Alpine radio, a 6" bazooka and 2
> tweeters, and probably upgrading the stock speakers instead of opting for
> the 7 speaker system (I seriously doubt the extra $250 for the option is
> worth it) unless anyone here can attest that the little subwoofer in the
> console actually does something?
>
> The whole reason I have to order it is because I want ABS (this discussion
> has been beaten to death in other threads so lets not start another ABS
> thread here - I'm getting it wether you agree or not).
>
> The MSRP (minus the $1500 cash allowance) is about 25,825 - the dealer is
> saying he'll sell it to me for about $2,200 cheaper. I've checked out
> Edmunds.com and some other sites and the price is pretty darn good.
>
> What do you think about the price and the options (esp the ones I didn't
> opt. for).
>
> I'm planning on putting down a refundable deposit this weekend.
>
> Thanks.
>
>

 

"Matt Macchiarolo" <mlmacchia@aol.comspambgon> wrote in message
news:20031203080729.23307.00004816@mb-m29.aol.com...
> In article <JHazb.90560$Vs1.20370@twister.austin.rr.com>, "Valued User"
> <valued@user.com> writes:

> They have auto dimming mirrors now? Sheesh.

For better or for worse... yes.. and its got a nifty little compass for
those times I forget my Garmin eTrex at home..

> If you order the 30" tire/wheel group you will get the TracLoc as well.
With
> ABS you will get a rear D35, which will be fine for your purposes. When
you do
> serious off-roading, eventually you will be replacing that rear
> axle....fortunately a D44 that is ABS compatible is in the aftermarket
(and no
> I'm not trying to troll Bill H).

Can't get ABS with the 30" group = no 30" group for me.

> 2" is better, and shop that around, a hitch place will probably install it
for

Yeah, I don't know what I was thinking with the 1 1/4 - I have some
accessories that fit my 2" on my XJ.

> you can get the 3.73 without the tire/wheel group, get it.

I'll look into getting the 3.73's.

> IMHO spending more than a couple hundred to upgrade the sound sytem in a
> Wrangler is a fools errand...these things are so noisy at highway speeds
you
> won't be able to hear the improvements. I had to replace my radio because
the
> stock one got infiltrated by dirt, and I just replaced the speakers with
some
> Polks (5 1/2" round up front, 6 1/2 in the sound bar) and it made a huge
> difference, but I still can't tell on the highway. If you want thumpin'
bass,
> you might want to get a 4" lowering kit and 20" rims as well.... :-)

Wow same speaker setup in my XJ. Swapping out the factory stereo for an
Alpine CD, replacing all 4 speakers with front Infinity and rear Polk's and
putting a 6" self amplified bazooka in my XJ is definately good enough for
me. Granted, my XJ has a permanent roof, I think it might be an improvment.
I'm not into loud. I just want to be able to hear over the wind when the
top's off/down. Plus Circuit City has some good deals around now and they
finally sell Alpine!

> No matter how much the dealer says he is selling it for, remember he is
making money, even if he is selling it below dealer cost. Not a bad thing.
I >ordered and bought my TJ for something like $150 over invoice, but I know
>he made more than $150.

Yeah, I read something about "dealer holdback" where the MFR pays the dealer
some money for the sale. I guess thats how they make money even if they sell
it at invoice. And considering I'm literally going to drive it off the car
carrier, they won't pay rent for the parking space it would have taken up.

> One last thing...The bugs in the new 4-sp auto may not be worked out yet,
you might consider the 5-speed.

I've heard very good things about the auto and I like my 4 speed auto in my
XJ so I'm kinda partial to auto. Besides, if I get the stick I'm apt to go
speeding around turns and testing my roll bars to see if they really work.

Thanks, Matt!

 

"Matt Macchiarolo" <mlmacchia@aol.comspambgon> wrote in message
news:20031203080729.23307.00004816@mb-m29.aol.com...
> In article <JHazb.90560$Vs1.20370@twister.austin.rr.com>, "Valued User"
> <valued@user.com> writes:

> They have auto dimming mirrors now? Sheesh.

For better or for worse... yes.. and its got a nifty little compass for
those times I forget my Garmin eTrex at home..

> If you order the 30" tire/wheel group you will get the TracLoc as well.
With
> ABS you will get a rear D35, which will be fine for your purposes. When
you do
> serious off-roading, eventually you will be replacing that rear
> axle....fortunately a D44 that is ABS compatible is in the aftermarket
(and no
> I'm not trying to troll Bill H).

Can't get ABS with the 30" group = no 30" group for me.

> 2" is better, and shop that around, a hitch place will probably install it
for

Yeah, I don't know what I was thinking with the 1 1/4 - I have some
accessories that fit my 2" on my XJ.

> you can get the 3.73 without the tire/wheel group, get it.

I'll look into getting the 3.73's.

> IMHO spending more than a couple hundred to upgrade the sound sytem in a
> Wrangler is a fools errand...these things are so noisy at highway speeds
you
> won't be able to hear the improvements. I had to replace my radio because
the
> stock one got infiltrated by dirt, and I just replaced the speakers with
some
> Polks (5 1/2" round up front, 6 1/2 in the sound bar) and it made a huge
> difference, but I still can't tell on the highway. If you want thumpin'
bass,
> you might want to get a 4" lowering kit and 20" rims as well.... :-)

Wow same speaker setup in my XJ. Swapping out the factory stereo for an
Alpine CD, replacing all 4 speakers with front Infinity and rear Polk's and
putting a 6" self amplified bazooka in my XJ is definately good enough for
me. Granted, my XJ has a permanent roof, I think it might be an improvment.
I'm not into loud. I just want to be able to hear over the wind when the
top's off/down. Plus Circuit City has some good deals around now and they
finally sell Alpine!

> No matter how much the dealer says he is selling it for, remember he is
making money, even if he is selling it below dealer cost. Not a bad thing.
I >ordered and bought my TJ for something like $150 over invoice, but I know
>he made more than $150.

Yeah, I read something about "dealer holdback" where the MFR pays the dealer
some money for the sale. I guess thats how they make money even if they sell
it at invoice. And considering I'm literally going to drive it off the car
carrier, they won't pay rent for the parking space it would have taken up.

> One last thing...The bugs in the new 4-sp auto may not be worked out yet,
you might consider the 5-speed.

I've heard very good things about the auto and I like my 4 speed auto in my
XJ so I'm kinda partial to auto. Besides, if I get the stick I'm apt to go
speeding around turns and testing my roll bars to see if they really work.

Thanks, Matt!