Lateapex
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Darrell
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2019
- Threads
- 5
- Messages
- 637
- Reaction score
- 3,309
- Location
- San Diego, California
- Vehicle(s)
- 1944 MB, 2019 JLS
- Thread starter
- #1
I took delivery of my 2019 JLS (V6 auto, well-optioned including tow/HD charging and LSD) a few days ago; still in initial break-in phase, stock wheels and tires. I thought I’d document a few initial quality items that have been topics of much discussion in these forums.
Spoiler Alert: Based upon my experience with this Wrangler so far, some of the build quality issues reported in these forums may be getting addressed!
1. Steering - very little wheel play, tracks very straight at Interstate speeds (much better than I expected, especially for a 2 door). “Hunts” a little at 40-50 mph or so on some asphalt roads, but well within my “good steering” expectations. Sensitive to winds (also as expected). 4/19 build date; received AD steering gear, AE steering damper (4/6 date code on damper).
Bottom line: steering acceptable; better than expected at speed.
2. Frame welds/corrosion - all welds that I examined look good. Very small amounts of slag on a few welds (well within FCA stated parameters). One small (about the size of a nickel) scratched area exposing bare metal on frame rail; easy fix.
Bottom line: much better frame build quality than some on these forums have reported; looks like FCA may be getting it together on these frames.
3. Paint - paint (and panel fit) excellent. No HT leakage in rain this weekend.
Bottom line: I’m happy with fit & finish.
4. Electronics - no issues identified so far (although I am not convinced that the ambient lighting switch adjacent to the headlight switch does much of anything as far as changing the door handle LED brightness).
Bottom line: I’m very pleased with the functionality of the on-board electronics.
So…guess I got a “good one”…but hopefully this just means that overall initial quality has improved/is improving.
Spoiler Alert: Based upon my experience with this Wrangler so far, some of the build quality issues reported in these forums may be getting addressed!
1. Steering - very little wheel play, tracks very straight at Interstate speeds (much better than I expected, especially for a 2 door). “Hunts” a little at 40-50 mph or so on some asphalt roads, but well within my “good steering” expectations. Sensitive to winds (also as expected). 4/19 build date; received AD steering gear, AE steering damper (4/6 date code on damper).
Bottom line: steering acceptable; better than expected at speed.
2. Frame welds/corrosion - all welds that I examined look good. Very small amounts of slag on a few welds (well within FCA stated parameters). One small (about the size of a nickel) scratched area exposing bare metal on frame rail; easy fix.
Bottom line: much better frame build quality than some on these forums have reported; looks like FCA may be getting it together on these frames.
3. Paint - paint (and panel fit) excellent. No HT leakage in rain this weekend.
Bottom line: I’m happy with fit & finish.
4. Electronics - no issues identified so far (although I am not convinced that the ambient lighting switch adjacent to the headlight switch does much of anything as far as changing the door handle LED brightness).
Bottom line: I’m very pleased with the functionality of the on-board electronics.
So…guess I got a “good one”…but hopefully this just means that overall initial quality has improved/is improving.
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