aemsee

all the pics on the web site show it as undamaged. must have happened during transport. bet someone lost their job over that. at least it wasn't a high dollar car

thanks for the pics. what is the scoop with the damaged black Hornet

:agree: . I am one of the very few who like the looks of the Commander. I think it would make for an awesome truck (with solid front axle of course!)

Got my 5.9 wheels and MT/R's on it

Don't get me wrong. It definitly has problems, like ALL vehicles. But I have seem enough 4.7 WJ's with well over 100K on them that have had zero problems. My co-worker has a Durango with the 4.7 with 250,000 on it and has never even had a valve cover off of it. But he has also had it since new and kept it maintained. Who knows the life your friends 4.7 had prior to his purchase? I have a large framed poster at home from the WJ release in 99. I'll send it to ya. :D

I have been working with vehicles professionally for almost 30 yrs. Can't say I quite grasp the concept of an inline V6? :D :hmm:

It was either an FJ or a cardboard box, its hard to say because the visibility out of either is about the same. :D :D . I agree with Sam. I didn't think anything could have worse visibility issues than some of the Chrysler products (PT, Pacifica) but the new FJ is really pretty bad with those giantic rear pillars. Almost like driving a cargo van.

With all due respect Eagle, you really need to let your bad WJ experience go. :D . Seriously though, the 99-early 00 WJ's did have some issues. Typical first year production stuff. I think that the 4.7 is an excellent engine. Is it a 4.0, no. But with the 4.7 you will also get a 545RFE trans that IS waaaay better than the 42RE that is behind the 4.0. If I was looking for the rig you describe, I would find a Laredo with the 4.7 and selectrac (yes, it was available, and actually pretty common in 03/04) and just get the cladding painted to match the truck. The money you will save by getting the Laredo over the Limited will pay for the paint job. Especially if you will replace the bumpers. Wise to stay away from the dual zone ATC. Problems with broken blend doors and burned out blower power modules. No heated cloth in the WJ. Make sure you drive it to listen for axle bearing noise. And check the tie rod ends. At least around here with all the pot holes they were a common repair.

Back to the original question. The only thing I dislike about the 4dr JK is the lack of power with the minivan engine. Fuel economy is gonna vary by driving conditions. If I keep the one I'm driving under 70, I can eke out 20 mpg. Push it over 70 and I lose 3 mpg or more. I can't imagine her FJ did any better than that. The longer wheel base of the 4dr is a vast improvement in ride quality and stability in bad weather over the 2dr. Best thing is to have her go and drive one. If she gets one, have her spring for the factory remote start. But try and avoid the MyGig radio. $2000 POS. There is also going to be a redesign of the interior for 2011. If she waits a couple of months she can see if she likes the new or old, and probably get a better deal on the 2010 version if she doesn't care.

The 904 is a good trans, but not as good as the AW4. But it is just a 3 spd. If ya have room, hang on to it. Piece of cake to rebuild too. As for the 228, if it is a 21 spline, it should bolt up to the ax5. Just check out put shaft length.

I just realized the other day... that box of round headlight buckets and retainers... they took all the round headlight bulbs out of it. Retainers? Or just bulbs? Rob L. The retainers and buckets are in the box... every last one of the bulbs is gone. When I pulled the box out of the attic it had probably half a dozen bulbs in it also. They were all probably original AMC bulbs. I forget the brand. My Hornet still had the factory bulbs when I bought it and the SOB I got it from swapped them out before he brought it over.

Frank was in my rotation in Detroit so I spent the week working with him in our train-the-trainer classes. He is a very knowledgeable guy. You are lucky that you get to have him as an instructor.

Fun to watch, but personally I hate mud. Would rather climb something than run in a pit.

Franks is early 50's, tall and balding. Was it the fuel class or the engine mechanical? That 3.0 is crazy complex. Although it IS a sweet running motor.

who taught that class, Frank Dixon?

If you were closer I'ld let you borrow my case spreader.

:thumbsup:

your 87 has a 207 in it? Mine has a 231

with a PLASTIC dead blow hammer.

I think that is pretty sweet looking

sounds like there is not enough flow at low speeds. Maybe just a pully size change, or a high volume pump. How many rows is the radiator?

Only problem I have is that the wasps really like to nest in them :rant:

I played with two in Detroit a few weeks ago. Nice looking vehicle, but 4 wheel independant suspension. The overall suspension travel with the air bags is 4 1/2, but only lifts 3 from normal ride height. I think it will appeal to normal GC buyers. Just not off road guys (and gals).

So how did you like speed density class? :hijack: