Introductions & Welcome Thread 👋

[SmallCheese]

Hi y'all!

Absolutely love these forums, I've learned quite a bit about my ride (first jeep). Many thanks to everyone making it happen, be it a question or an answer, there always seems to be some knowledge to glean!
Currently I'm embarking on what I consider to be a 'stock test' of sorts, only mods thus far are a front bumper/winch and interior Linexd. The carpet was the first thing to go, best mod ever.
I definately have one of the first 2 door MTs to hit the road in Canada, 35000km ish, 1 year old, roughly 3/4s of that was spent offroad, with at least 3 or 4 kms of solid winching involved.
Like most, I love my jeep, but it definitely is a love-hate relationship, (no lockers in 4 hi is unacceptable, and inhibits the vehicle offroad). I wont get into it here, I'll make a sep. thread, but my Rubi has had some serious problems (defects), which make me nervous when I'm hrs from civilization with no hope of recovery (other than an airlift), hence the 'stock test'.
But I digress,
Once again, thank you all for making these forums a reality!
Stay safe out there, if you have a JL (or any vehicle) and go for long treks to nowhere, please, please, please be prepared for a potential worst case scenario (I dont want to scare anyone) its happened to me already, she died on me in a horrible spot (misfires on all cylinders, replacement required of all phasers, faulty cam sensor, etc) but I'm always prepared, and still love her, survival is part of the fun!
Good luck out there!
--Zz

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[RockAltered]

Hi y'all!
my Rubi has had some serious problems (defects), which make me nervous when I'm hrs from civilization with no hope of recovery (other than an airlift), hence the 'stock test'.
(I dont want to scare anyone)she died on me in a horrible spot (misfires on all cylinders, replacement required of all phasers, faulty cam sensor, etc)


Come-on SmallCheese, don't leave us hanging...........................

 

[TheDefenestrator]

Hi everyone

New JL Wrangler owner here, but long-time Jeeper (the other one is a 2005 Liberty-1st Gen KJ, sans the ugly chrome). I've been lurking for a while now and been enjoying all the answers I've found on the forums. Thought it was about time to come out of my shell and wave to my own kind.

Currently trying to do everything on my own that doesn't void warranty with my dog as my co-pilot/advisor.

Cheers!

PS: Doggo tax

 

[SmallCheese]

Lol sorry my bad, I suppose there's alot left out there, and quite a bit of info to share.

So father's day I decided it'd be a great idea to go for a nice early morning tour, just a quick rip before meeting up with the fam.

She fired up like the gem she is, and ran perfect, the spot I went was relatively close pavement wise, but once your in, your in (Technical rock sections/ lowland marsh areas thick mud) and if desired you can go for as far as you have fuel. Luckily I had plans, so didn't venture in too deep, just a rip with a breakfast in the bush was my thought.

About 2hrs in I reached a marsh that has bested me before, BUT me and ol winchy have always managed somehow. There had been some winching already that morn. and she was fine, so, in we went. I thought to myself: "I've done this section 100 times, its routine by now".

Well 101 turned out to be a bit different...

1/4 of the way in Smitty had to take over. To avoid strain I always use snatchblocks to get either a 3:1 or at least double the line up, I keep revs at around 2-2500k to assist the winch, while in gear.

Things were going great, I was almost at the dirt, I wanted to let the winch rest a moment, took my foot off the gas, put er in neutral, and that's when she started shuddering, and began idling rough. RPMS were falling beneath 800, almost stalling out, then jumping back up. Chugging would best describe how she sounded.

I knew instantly that things were about to go South. A few moments later that was confirmed with a fancy flashing engine light. Nothing abnormal had occurred during the winching, no stumps/deep water, etc. just a smooth pull.

I managed to get to the dirt, got the winch off, checked for damage, nothing visible, but now I had to get out.

So back into the marsh I went. Again, Smitty went to work. And once again we made it. Sort of.

I detached the winch, got back in, put er in gear, and as I was rolling in 1st, with about 2k rpm she shut off/died.

Not good. There was still quite a bit to get through before I could get a buddy to tow, rock areas that wouldn't be possible (without serious damage) to pull anything behind due to the lines required.

So for a brief moment I contemplated life decisions, tried to fire her back up twice, she had juice and wanted to turn over, but no cigar.

I hadn't started her with exhaust under water, but hey, you never know. Checked the filter, dry as a bone. Checked all plugs/connections, nothing.

So clearly it was time for breakfast and some thinking.

After sausage/ beans I figured it was most likely electrical, she wanted to turn over, she just wouldn't.

I'd like to say I pulled some mechanical wizardry, but to be honest, I ate, made coffee, had a few smokes and decided to try her again after what was probably an hr.

She fired up for a second or two and then died (in neutral). BUT there was hope since she at least started.

So the decision was made: have a smoke, give her a few more min, fire her up with throttle applied, and do not stop under any circumstances, if the jeep gods smile upon me, I'll make it.

Long story short, the jeep gods were smiling, light flashing and engine chuggin, I made it past the rock sections, 1st gear 4low trying to keep rpm high but not going too fast to mess up the lines, and made it fairly close to the entrance before she shut off again. I didn't want to force her any further, I managed to convince a buddy to come out and haul me home since the worst was behind me. Just a quick rip..

Ran the codes when I got back,
p0017,p0019,p0300,p000a,p000c among other things. That's a bit above my level, so I had her towed to the dealership. There's a bit of backstory involving an oil leak and a rear main seal replacement when I first got her, but for another post.

Now I got really lucky, usually I'm camping, and go far enough that carrying extra fuel is a must, so I guess thanks dad? lol

If I didnt make it past the rock areas she'd probably still be sitting out there, you know those random vehicles abandoned at the side of the trail because recovery would need a helicopter? One of those scenarios...

Anyone wondering how the dealership handled it will hopefully be relieved to read that it was all covered under warranty. The guy asked if I ever took the vehicle offroad (I don't like games, Rubis come standard with lockers, and a sway bar disconnect with buttons as convenient as controlling the volume of the radio, features NOT for road usage, so I dismissed it as a joke...) I told them I do alot of driving in cottage country, which is at least true. There are scratches that run the entire length of the vehicle, plenty of scrapes underneath, very, very obvious shes had a life. No hassles, they determined fairly quick it was faulty cam/crank sensors, ended up replacing sensors, all phasers on both heads, all spark plugs (fouled by misfires).

In my mind offroading at best causes accelerated wear, and at worst serious damage, it's my first jeep, but far from my first rodeo. To me the line between usage and abuse may be thin at times, but it does exist, and I do my best not to cross it.

Could it have been worse? Definately. She may not have fired up at all, requiring a substantial tear down (of components I've never worked on) in the bush. I could have been alot further in, but wasn't. I had lots of food (and coffee) on hand, so even though it was dark by the time my buddy got to me, it was a fun day, and I was more than comfortable.

And hey, now I know phasers arent just some scifi doodad, so learning experience! Yay!

Of course complications can arise no matter the vehicle platform, I'm just happy it all worked out, there are many jeeps, but this one is mine...

 

[Shenanigunz]

Hello
New owner of a JL Sahara manual. They of course didn't have a manual on the lot, and I did test drive the automatic. I owned a JK for a bit that was an auto, spent the entire time wishing it was a stick. They had to search for one, found what I was looking for over 400 miles away, down in Ohio.

Couldn't be happier

 

[RockAltered]

Thank you SmallCheese. If you're not now, you could consider being a writer next time around.
Glad the phaser's were on stun. Any idea's on how they got turned on?

 

[Happos2]

Obligatory check-in as a new member to the forum. Proud owner of a 2018 JLU Rubicon thanks to Palmer down in Atlanta area. I have owned multiple sports cars in my past and primarily focused on AutoX and HPDE. Decided to try something new and start off-roading. Took it to the Indiana Badlands park this past weekend and had a blast! Now hooked!

Guess I need to fix the nut behind the wheel before I modify it, I didn't even come close to reaching it's true capability!

Anyways, saying hi and looking forward to meeting new people and exploring new experiences!

 

[#4Jeep 1st Wrangler]

 

[#4Jeep 1st Wrangler]

My 2019 Rubicon. .... Soft Top / Cold Weather Package/ Remote Start/ 6cylinder/ Stingray
Had three Cherokee's prior (always had a Wrangler on my wish list)... Loving it so far...

 

[lampatmyfeet]

Jeep wave from Louisiana. Had been wanting a Wrangler since I was a lad and finally pulled the trigger last weekend as dealership was cutting 10k off sticker on 2018 JLU Saharas making room for new inventory. Only 200 miles so far but prob the best 200 miles of my life. Never thought I would actually enjoy driving to work until now.

My JLUR is on the train headed to Louisiana. Can't wait to have her home. Welcome to the forum.

 

[sgtkersh]

Hello all. I am new to this particular forum after purchasing our first JL last weekend, a 2 door Rubicon in Ocean Blue Metallic. I have had a number of Jeeps over the years including a 1980 SJ, 1980 CJ5 Golden Eagle (still own), 2 XJs, 2 JKs, and a JKU. This JL Rubi is one helluva vehicle. We have the 2.0T and so far that engine has been a pleasure to drive. I am looking forward to putting some serious miles on it and enjoying it over the next few years until the next generation.

 

[Durango]

New member checking in...Have a '19 Unlimited Rubi on order, that just checked out of the options plant. HOPEFULLY will be on a train out west in a few days, as the order was placed two months ago. (that's what I get for ordering such a popular vehicle)
Had a two-door JK Sahara about 8 years ago - sold it after a near-rollover on pavement due to some poor driving by teens in front of me...thought I should get something more stable. Four-door with wider track (thanks Dana) axles and entirely new design should make it more stable. (and hopefully those teens are better drivers now)
A little worried about complaints of steering issues - not sure if that's Rubi's or lifted or what - will now do some forum searching to see. Otherwise, excited...

 

[AirportDave]

Hey fellow Jeepers! New JL Rubicon owner here, looking forward to following this forum! Just picked up an '18 two door- first Wrangler I've owned since I had to part ways with my ex and my '95 YJ almost ten years ago (thrilled about the one parting, not so much the other...). This is my fifth Jeep, including the YJ, a couple of WK's and my daily driver- an '18 GC Hemi Trailhawk, also in Granite Metallic, coincidentally enough.

Already learned quite a bit from all of you- glad to be part of the group!

 

[DrDee]

Hi all- Jack in VA. I found out my wife is pregnant after my retirement from the Marines. Because she makes more than I do/did, I will be the stay at home parent. My current DD is a Ram 3500 dually, so we decided I needed a more "practical" vehicle to be a full-time dad. Not being the mini-van type, I have convinced my wife that a Wrangler would be a good option (at least compared to the dually) Her only requirements- hard top and heated seats.

We found a silver 2018 JLU Sport with all of the features I required, and none of "absolutely nots." Tech, towing, cold weather (remote start!) were requirements, and avoiding the 8.4 Uconnect system was an absolute. I've got it in my dually and SERIOUSLY dislike it, primarily the nav and the auto dimming mirror. We are working on the immediate minor mods, and how we want to scale up as we work our way through the maze of parenthood. It is the first Jeep for either of us, although I have been lusting after one for years.

Congratulations on the upcoming baby

 

[DrDee]

Hi all- Jack in VA. I found out my wife is pregnant after my retirement from the Marines. Because she makes more than I do/did, I will be the stay at home parent. My current DD is a Ram 3500 dually, so we decided I needed a more "practical" vehicle to be a full-time dad. Not being the mini-van type, I have convinced my wife that a Wrangler would be a good option (at least compared to the dually) Her only requirements- hard top and heated seats.

We found a silver 2018 JLU Sport with all of the features I required, and none of "absolutely nots." Tech, towing, cold weather (remote start!) were requirements, and avoiding the 8.4 Uconnect system was an absolute. I've got it in my dually and SERIOUSLY dislike it, primarily the nav and the auto dimming mirror. We are working on the immediate minor mods, and how we want to scale up as we work our way through the maze of parenthood. It is the first Jeep for either of us, although I have been lusting after one for years.

Congratulations on new babies

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