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August 2014

July 2014

June 2014 

Jeep recalls from NHTSA this month:
14V-391: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 5, 2010, through December 11, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may short circuit, after a service repair is performed. If the vanity lamp wiring shorts, there is an increased risk of fire. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair any damaged wiring, and install a new sun visor that properly routes the wire, free of charge. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P36.

14V-392: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2014 Jeep Cherokee and Ram 1500 and 2015 Chrysler 200 vehicles. Due to an insufficient weld, the rear shocks may detach from the vehicle at one end and possibly damage other chassis components, the tire or result in reduced braking. Damage to the tire or reduced braking increases the risk of a vehicle crash. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear shocks and replace any affected ones, free of charge. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P37.

14V-438: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, to July 5, 2007, and 2006-2007 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, to July 5, 2007. In the affected vehicles, the driver may accidentally hit the ignition key with their knee, unintentionally knocking the key out of the run position, turning off the engine. If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Chrysler will notify owners in September 2014. The remedy for this recall is still under development. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P41.

Hard To Find Top
I bought a 2007 Rubicon two-door in the fall of ’06 right after Jeep introduced the new model. I got a red one right off the dealer’s lot so I wouldn’t have to wait for it, and I love it! I’ve done several upgrades like a lift and big tires and steel bumpers, but I don’t have a hardtop. With my job and where I used to live I never thought about it, but I was just promoted and transferred to downtown El Paso, Texas, and my Jeep has already been broken into (somebody sliced the soft top to get inside). While I love having the soft top—especially during good weather when I can drop it (I had it repaired so the A/C and heater work)—I drive the Jeep daily to work because it’s my only car and I want better security. I need some advice on buying a hard top – can you help me?
Joey Rodriguez
El Paso, TX

Joey, I’m really sorry to hear about your misfortune with the soft top because I too love going “lidless,” as my grandkids call it when the top is down. You have a couple of choices: 1) You could order one from your local Jeep dealer. I checked with my local dealer and was told that a ballpark estimate for a complete top would be about $3,000; or 2) I think I have a better choice for you, as a company called Rally Tops (www.rallytops.com/jeep) offers several different model hardtops for many different Jeep models, including the JK. These tops are available in different colors and with different options, including sliding side windows (which are NOT available on OEM tops). And Rally Tops just introduced a new model for the JK two-door which will especially appeal to you, Joey, since you like driving in the open air during good weather. The new model—price was not available at my press time—allows the side windows and the rear window to be removed while the overhead portion of the top remains in place like a bikini top. With the side windows and rear window removed, it’s much like driving the Jeep with the soft top’s sides and rear window either rolled up or removed, and yet on the Rally Top you simply reinstall the sides and rear panel and your Jeep is secure.

6-inch Lift
I’m looking for a 6-inch lift kit for XJs, and I can't find where to buy them. What do you know about them or where can I get them?
Rob McKim
Poplar Bluff, MO

Related: Project Master 'Kee Build

Rob, a few years ago we installed a 6-inch lift kit from Skyjacker on our project Cherokee, Master ‘Kee. Check the archives for information or contact Skyjacker.

Loose Nut
The pinion shaft is loose on my ‘99 Jeep Wrangler. Is this the outer bearing or something more?
Michele Jones

I assume you’re talking about an axle. Unless someone worked on it changing a seal or something, I would say that a bearing is going out.

Template
Is there a template for cutting the CPS hole in the transmission bellhousing for a T999? Where can one purchase the support brace? I know there are kits available to mount the CPS on the oil pan, but fabrication is part of any Jeep thing.
Tuner
Columbia, MO

There’s no template that I know of. The front pulley-style CPS mount allows for some timing adjustment, though.

XJ Redux
(1) (a) I’m about to attempt to overhaul my NP 231 T-case. The serial number plate dates the case to March 1996. The only overhaul kit (MASKIT-231) available on the market says that it fits NP231 cases “up to 1995.” Will it fit? (b) I cannot find any manuals or instructions for how to overhaul the T-case anywhere – would you know where to source one?
(2) I run an XJ with the Italian VM 2.5 TDi engine and an AX5 transmission. Would you have any suggestions for a heavier duty clutch and/or starter motor than stock? Despite rebuild, the OEM starter motors are fairly weak to turn over what was essentially a marine engine.
(3) Could you give some pointers on how to do a relatively cheap (i.e. without spending $600) but effective over-the-knuckle-steering conversion?
Nick Greenway

1. Nick, contact Advance Adapters. They should have a manual for you and they can also answer the “will it fit?” question.
2. A Center Force clutch kit should help. Have a performance starter built for your application at a local custom alternator/starter shop.
3. I can think of no cheap way to build an OTKS on an XJ.

Quick Connect
I was able to replace the fuel rail on my ’88 XJ 4.0L motor, but I cannot find replacement fuel quick connects to hook the fuel line back to the fuel regulator. I am going to Jeep dealership to see if they stock the part and see if I can get part number. Maybe someone else stocks it for less than the $26 they quoted me?
Patrick J. Calahan

I’m afraid the dealer is the best place to purchase the fuel rail disconnects, Patrick.

Bad Jeep
I have a headlight problem. When the keys are not in the ignition, the headlight switch turns on the headlights, cluster lights, and parking lights (the high/low beams work). When I put the keys in the ignition and power the vehicle, the headlights turn off but all the other lights work. The high beams will work if I hold the signal lever back (which is the flash to pass circuit) but once I release it no more headlights. Have you any ideas?
Silver Quick

Sorry, Silver, since you didn’t share the year and model of your Jeep, I can only guess that you have a bad ground somewhere—probably under the dash.

Oil Leak
I have a ‘96 Jeep Cherokee 4x4 with the 4.0 liter engine in it. I have a small oil leak where the oil filter screws on to the side of the block. It’s not actually the filter; it is a gasket just after the filter. Now here is the question, my oil pressure is fine when I first start the truck and the engine is cool. But after a few miles, when it warms up, the oil pressure starts dropping. Can that gasket cause the oil pressure to drop?
Dave Tarve

Dave, it would only happen if all the oil leaks out or if the gasket is leaking about 5 quarts in 30 seconds. You didn’t mention your Cherokee’s mileage, but I’m guessing it’s high. You might want to start using a heavier weight oil. I think your bearings are worn and that’s the reason for the dropping oil pressure.

I have a request of all the readers out there. Send us your questions. For some reason the questions have fallen off, and I know we haven’t answered all your Jeep technical questions. There are no dumb questions; only unasked questions. Send them in and try to stump us.—Jim Brightly

As usual, each month, I’m shouting out a huge THANK YOU to Paul Schupp at Rock Lizard 4x4 in Kingman, Arizona, for his invaluable assistance in answering many of the Jeep Creep questions.