Parts: The Good, The Bad, and The
Ugly
This page represents a quick overview of the parts I have collected over
the last 1.5 years for the Jeep.
Whether they suck, rock, etc., you get the idea.
The rating system is an idea 'stolen' from Ian's Jeep page:
http://www.mindspring.com/~igaffner/jeep.htm
click the address to check it out! :)
Unfortunately, I don't have pics of all the crap I've bought, so I'll have
to make do with what I have for now, and scrape some pics off the mfr sites
someday.
1 is awful, 10 is brilliant. Few products, if any, will get a
10.
Installation Rating goes like this:
1 is so easy a moron could do it. 10 is professional fabrication level.
To give you an idea, a 5-6 would be a very capable and confident home
mechanic.
Value rating does not mean value, as in how it works. MY meaning is
value, as in was it a good deal, or
a reasonably priced product. 1 is a rip, and 10 is a steal.
Engine Performance
Parts:
Turbo City Performance Products K&N filter and Air tube:
Shown above is the Turbo City air tube and K&N filter.
One of the first mods to the TJ was the addition of the K&N and tube.
I really can't tell you if it made a huge difference, as I was still breaking
in the jeep!!
Power-wise, it revved freely, pulling into the 5K+ rpm range. I have since
added a K&N sponge prefilter over the above unit for more peace of
mind.
Rating: 7
Install: 1
Value: 6
Turbo City Performance Products Throttle body:
I actually put the TB on in the TC parking lot. I figured, heck, I won't
have to pay for the core that way. It definitely improves the low end , the
throttle feels much more responsive off the line. High end seems to be
better, but heck, can you really tell 6-8hp? For $200.. ehh... maybe.
You do need to know your way around a wrench for this one, and how to properly
torque (unless you don't care) the bolts that hold the TB down.
Rating: 6
Install: 3
Value: 5
Turbo City Performance Products MAP Adjuster
I got this off a TJ list member who had a new one for sale cheaper.
It's more of a tuning tool- if the Jeep is running lean or rich, you can
fine tune it to run properly. The adjustment range is huge- stock was 4.62V.,
it goes from 2.x to 5.xV!! Super-rich, or super-lean, not recommended there!
I put mine at a conservative 4.74v for now.
You DO need some wiring skills to do this one. The MAP splicing is easy,
but you need a 12V power feed that turns on with the engine. I ended up
re-routing a 12V switched line form the cabin to the engine bay.
Rating: 6
Install: 4
Value: 4
Turbo City Performace Products Timing Adjuster
I got this a short while back too. I installed it in their parking
lot, as there was a core charge of $70. It was fairly easy, though you do
have to work around a nice hot header. It works because they grind out the
mounts on the stock timing sensor so it can slide sideways to increase the
timing a bit. I noitced a little better throttle response, and a little
bit better high-end power. The beauty of it is, if you don't like it, you
can slide it back to the stock timing position. The designer told me it
does require the MAP adjuster to work well, unless you don't mind running
premium fuel.
Rating: 7
Install: 5
Value: 7
Borla Cat-Back Exhaust:
This went on within the first month I had the car also. It did seem to
allow the motor to rev more freely, and I definitely felt some improvement.
The stock muffler was a bear to pull off; I actually had to take it to a
muffler shop to have it cut off!
The Borla goes on easy though. The tip is useless, I just left mine off.
An added bonus is that the stainless will never rust, and the sound is perfect-
deep, but not too loud.
Rating: 8
Install: 4
Value: 7
Accel High Energy Ignition Coil and wiring harness adapter
I put this on today (1/31/00). The idle seems to have smoothened up a bit,
and the surging feeling I had on occasion has diminished a LOT. It definitely
helped. Power-wise, I have no idea, but it definitely runs better.
Rating: 7
Install: 4 (lower rear bolt in an ungodly location)
Value: 8 (got both at carparts.com for $46!)
Borg Warner Select Spark plug wires
I put these on a short while ago, after messing with the testing thingie at
the local pep-boys. I though ti tmight be a gimmick (hook a carbon wire
to light up a bulb, then their wire. Bulb is brighter with theirs), so I
took one out of the box, and pulled one of my stock plug wires to test.
Lo and Behold, it was brighter with the BW by about 2-3x!! They weren't
lying!
When I finally got them on the Jeep, I noticed the motor revved a bit
smoother. All in all, not bad for $20.
Rating: 8
Install: 4 (stock wires don't come off nice)
Value: 9
Transmission Parts:
Hurst short-shift kit for AX-15 trans.
This went on fairly easily. The Tuffy console was a bit tough to remove
once it was put on, but otherwise, install was a snap. Just be careful with
the factory gasket. I did have to bend the lever once the body lift went
in though. I painted it matte-black, and put the stock shift knob on it.
It looks totally factory, and cut the throw like 40%. Not for everyone, but
coming from sports cars, the stock throw felt unacceptable to me. The hurst
is perfect. Expect a heavier feel though, and more resistance (less
leverage).
Rating: 9
Install: 3
Value: 7
ARB Air locker, compressor
This was installed months ago. Thing is, I didn't have the
compressor on there yet, so it was bascally a glorified open diff.
I finally got the compressor on about a month ago. WOW!
Off-road, the difference is amazing! I can clear stuff in 2wd that I had
trouble doing in 4wd.. I'd like to see what a locked front would
accomplish! On-road the locker is transparent- you'd never know it
was there.
Rating: 8
Install: ?
Value: 5
Suspension
Parts:
Rubicon Express 4.5" lift kit /w CV shaft and SYE kit:
I installed this lift over three days, the front one day, rear the
next, and CV shaft/Slip yoke kit the last.
There were several problems in the instructions. I will try to cover these
things when I do the installation section later.
The articulation is good, but I think the new rear shocks limit the droop
somewhat. The on-road handling is great, a weird side-effect of the stiff
suspension, though you pay for it with the ride quality.
And yes, this kit is quite pricey!
Rating: 8
Install: 6
Value: 6
Teraflex swaybar disconnects/Rear Trackbar:
Wow. The best on the market- self-retaining while
disconencted, and solid. No more Rubicon rattles (other RE owners know
what I mean!). The trackbar is sweet too- no more bind in the
rear, and it feels smoother on-road too!
Rating: 10+
Install: 3
Value: 9
Rancho RS9000 shocks:
They work well- the adjustment range is huge! My only beef
is I unfortunatley bought two rear shocks that were too long, and also I thing
compression damping is a bit soft. They have less travel than a comparably
sized shock too, due to the adjustment mechanism.
Rating: 8
Install: 2 (easy as cake)
Value: 8
Pro Comp Steering stabilizer:
This went on in about an hour. I replaced the stocker, as I figured
the rest of the suspension had been replaced with the RE kit. It was cheap,
easy, and Didn't do all that much. I'll bet it helps with the new 33x12.50's
though.
Rating: 7
Install: 2
Value: 8
Addco Rear sway bar (3/4"):
I had real bad 'tire pick' with the RE lift. That's when the driver's
side front tire lifts off the ground when you accelerate and turn left. I'm
sure it makes for a neat photo, but scares the sh%$#t out of you. One fix
is the Currie anti-rock bar. This is more of a patch fix, as the front still
pitches up, but the tire stays on the ground. The thicker rear swaybar, however,
keeps the tire planted. IT WORKS. No more tire pick, and much better cornering,
to boot. Sure, I probably hurt articulation a bit for off-road, but on road,
I won't eat it on a rainy day making a hard left turn.
Install was a joke!
Rating: 9
Install: 1
Value: 7
Body/External Parts (catch-all
category):
MORE 1" Body lift/Motor mount lift:
Install wasn't too hard at all. I wanted the raised motor mounts to ease
up rear driveline angles, and to pull the oil pan out of 'whack me' territory.
I had both items in there in about 3 hours. DO NOT use the transfer-case
relocation bracket with the Motor lift. Externally, it looks almost like
there is no body lift- very subtle, and you can run 35" tires with the RE
kit and 1" body lift too!
Rating: 8
Install: 4
Value: 7
Four Wheel Drive Hardware Tire Carrier Bumper:
I ordered this, as it comes with a 2" hitch, and a tire carrier that
handles up to a 35" tire- you don't want that kind of weight hanging off
the stock tailgate!
It is very reasonable too, at $499 complete, compared to $699 and up for
competitors' products (excluding Tomken's, which is known to rattle). Install
was easy, though it took 2 people to do it (one to hold, one to bolt). It
works great, and is still solid after several months.
My only gripe is the paint on the tire carrier was a bit rippled, like they
didn't bother to prep it before painting. Tsk Tsk.
UPDATE:
One of the beams on the carrier portion CRACKED!!!!! I upgraded to a
bulletproof unit- MUCH better, but expen$$$$ive! 4WD Hardware impressed me
though- they took it back and refunded my $500 almost a full year later,
and paid for return shipping too.
no worries about customer support here!
Rating: 5 (The damn thing BROKE!!!!!!)
Install: 4 (quite heavy!)
Value: 9 (they refunded my money!!)
Smittybilt Sure-Step side bars:
These are possibly the most difficult side steps to install. Not hard to
do, but hard to line up right. You need to drill the holes into the frame,
and make sure it's sitting level as well. Definitely a 2 person job. The
look great, and are one of the few real steps to work with a body lift. They're
not supposed to work with 33" tires, but they work fine on my TJ, so ???
I've heard of accident reports, and rock-sliding reports in which these nerfs
held up admirably. My guess is they're about as strong as side bars get without
going to a rock rail type deal.
A bit pricey for a nerf, but you get what you pay for.
Rating: 8
Install: 4
Value: 7
Hella 500 fog lights:
I declined the factory fogs, and got these instead. Hella's instructions
are a cruel joke. Luckily, knowing how a relay works, I fabbed up my own
working system, and used a factory foglight switch too. They work alright,
but one day I left them on, and the covers melted. Part of the glass came
off with the cover- NOT very solid. For $50 though, it's a no-worry foglight.
Next time I'll mount up some driving lights instead.
Rating: 4
Install: 3
Value: 8
Pro-Comp 130W Driving lights
I decided to replace my fog lights after realizing that with my relay
headlights (true 80W low), they were dang near useless. I found a deal on
the PRo-Comps at the local 4wpw sale. Wow! Cheap, and they're
**BRIGHT**.. It sends a powerful spot beam for what seems like
forever. The housing is metal too, not like the cheap plastic on the
Hellas.
Rating:8
Install: 1
(just bolted up tot he Hella holes- but these come with NO hardware!)
Value: 9
Sh|t Horse, I mean, Steel Horse Hood locks
Quality? You jest? These locks are quite sound in principle, and
the upper part is of high quality on mine. However, the lower section is
a joke, and they don't fit right at all. Anyone want to buy a set? I will
never buy another sheeit horse product.
Rating: 1
Install: 2 (10, of you want it to fot right!)
Value: 1 (of it don't work, it's a waste of cash)
Tuffy Center console
If you don't want to carry all your junk anytime you leave the Jeep,
this is the ticket. I got the stereo security lock box, but so far, it doesn't
have a stereo in it. I'll probably put a CB in the box someday. It went in
easy, but be careful not to gouge the dash, and it feels quite solid and
secure.
Rating: 9
Install: 3
Value: 7
Quick Air 2 compressor (converted into portable form)
I bought a used QA2 compressor from Doug Campbell. We are all sorry
to see him sell his TJ! THe compressor was re-mounted by me to fit a
plastic tool box. The first time I tried it, it aired up a tire from
18psi to 26 in about a minute or two. I was surprised, expecting it to
take longer. This compressor is just as much as I'd ever need.
Good deal!
Rating: 8
Install: N/A
Value: 9
Bulletproof tire-carrier bumper combo
Wow. Talk about quality- perfect- just perfect.
The install was a serious bitch, but it looks great! Don't forget to ask
for the body lift plate if you have one, and be sure to buy the reinforcement
brackets for the frame. The carrier has a bumper to the frame, so it
locks up solid- like part of the Jeep.
The 4WDH unit shook back and forth on the freeway. Shake no more, I
sez!
I did have to drop my gas tan k to access two bolts inthe back, but there
are no visible bolt holes on this solid bumper. Good deal!
Rating: 10+
Install: 6 (It's a long road, and it's hard as hell)
Value: 7 (I've seen cheaper cars than this bumper!)
Pirelli Scorpion 33x12.50x15 tires
These tires replaced my old BFG AT's. They seem to work a little
better in the rain, and quite well on the road.
UPDATE: they off road just fine, but are stiff-sidewalled and suck gas!!
Rating: 8
Install: N/A
Value: 10 (bought at Sears for $69 apiece!!!)
BF Goodrich 33x10.50x15 tires
These tires replaced my scorpions. They work even better in the rain, and stock quite well on the road. I haven't had a chance
to off-road these yet, but the sidewall is softer than the Pirellis, giving a
better ride. They also drop off corners MUCH smoother than the Pirellis
at full pressure! That tells me the sidewalls conform and grab on these,
where the Pirellis THUMPed.
Rating: 9
Install: N/A
Value: 6 (A freakin' $129 apiece!!!)
PowerAid Helix bore bullsh!t throttle body spacer
Pura Crappe. Sh!t. Utter sh!t! Did nothing-
wasted my time.. I even returned it paying the restocking fee!
I did see a true phenolic spacer with a smooth bore in the Summit catalog
once- that might do something. This doesn't.
Rating: 1
Install: 8 (easy to put in at least)
Value: 1 (crap is still crap even if it's cheap crap.)
Installation/Fabrication Service
Ratings
Drivetrain Direct
of Rancho Santa margarita, CA
I had happened to be
running a few errands down in Orange County, so I figured I'd give these guys a
try. I had a leak on the axle plate on the right side I wanted looked
at. I wasn't sure if it was the bearing or what, so I figured I'd have
them do the front gears at the same time. They do give discounts for
online Jeep club members.
I arrived at about
8am. I was quoted a 3 hour installation time. To my ultimate shock,
they were done in about 1:40!! I have never been UNDER quoted an install
time before! Impressive! On top of that, the mechanic, Martin,
Told me it was not the bearing that was out (I had ordered a rear wheel bearing
install too, just in case). It was the flat portion the axle plate that
holds the seal bolts to. He put some RTV on it, and it sealed up
fine. NO CHARGE! Wow.. highly recommended, though all they do is
diffs/driveline.
UPDATE: Don't forget to
always ask for the "Phil Jensen" price! Haha!
Rating:
10
Value:
10 (free axle fix!)
Four X
Doctor Of Burbank, CA
They installed my new rear ARB locker, and 4.56 gears. When finally hooked up,
it ran fine! no air leaks, and a solid diff. There was an oil leak on
one side of the axle though- the plate that bolts up at the end of the
Dana 44 had some defect in it (possibly from the factory?), though DD fixed it for free with some silicone (I think- or some other mystery goop).
They did the work in a day, and the owner himself, Mike, did a good bit of
the work. They were fairly priced and did a good
job.
Heck, I saw them do most of the work..
There was a slight misunderstanding between myself and Mike, but I think we cleared that up- he's a good guy after all :)
Rating: 9
Value: 8
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