Sunday, December 27, 2009

1998: Suzuki Jimny 4x4 JX, JLX (M/T, A/T)


The new 3rd generation of Suzuki Jimny were available in Australia, since November 1998. With ultra-attractive pricing and cheeky good looks, the new Jimny is set to revolutionise the small four-wheel-drive market when it goes on sale in that year replacing Suzuki's legendary and long lived Sierra, the Jimny previewed to the public for the first time in December 1998 at National 4x4 Show in Melbourne and Sydney's Motor Show.

http://suzukijeepinterlude.blogspot.com Suzuki Jimny JLX Soft Top Model

Hard Top Model


By that time, Jimny were available initially as a hardtop only, available in two model levels JX and JLX, includes the option of a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission for the first time on the smallest Suzuki 4WD (four-wheel-drive). Both Jimny models are powered by the proven performance of Suzuki's 1.3 litre fuel-injected four-cylinder engine equipped with a brand new 16-valve four-cylinder engine, offering greatly improved efficiency and a power boost of 12kW from multi point fuel injection.
1.3L engine and has either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic gearbox
From the outside, the styling of the hard-top 4x4 is dominated by an aggressive five-vent grille and under-bumper vent, and large multi-reflector halogen headlights. Wrap around colour-keyed bumpers join with stylish moulded splash panels to protect the paint from chips and debris, and large glass areas afford excellent all-round visibility to all occupants. The large rear window gives an unfettered view of the road behind, assisted by a low-mounted spare wheel and rear washer/wiper on the wide-opening rear door.
Suzuki Jimny JX 1999
Suzuki Jimny JLX New Soft Top Model
All Jimny models feature air-conditioning and an AM/FM stereo CD player as standard, as well as cup holders for all occupants - two in the centre console with a further two incorporated in moulded rear passenger arm rests. There is ample capacity for storage, including a double passenger-side compartment for maps and belongings, and moulded shelves in the rear luggage area.
Suzuki Jimny 4x4

In addition, JLX model Jimnys feature an unrivalled list of premium equipment such as power steering, remote entry / engine immobiliser, central locking, power front windows and mirrors, cloth trim and roof rails. Comfortably seating four adults, the Jimny is fully versatile - the front passenger seat is equipped with a sliding walk-in system for rear occupants, rear seats fold flat to allow for additional storage, or split-fold for awkward items. And there's the option of full flat seating to turn the interior of the Jimny into a sizeable bed for overnight trips!

5-speed Manual Transmission type
A separate ladder-frame chassis underpins the Jimny. The vehicle also features a three-link rigid front and rear live axle, with separated coil springs and gas dampers on each corner. A stabiliser bar contributes to the Jimny's excellent on-and-off-road manners. The Jimny features Suzuki's new ‘Drive Action 4x4' system, for switching between two and four wheel drive (high range) on the move at speeds of up to 100km/h. The convenient Drive Action function, combined with high approach and departure angles and dual range four-wheel-drive, means the Jimny is as accomplished in the bush as its Sierra predecessor.


The Suzuki Jimny is 145mm longer than the previous Sierra, and 55mm wider, to promote stability and reduced body roll when cornering. Although a larger vehicle, the turning circle of the Jimny has actually decreased to 4.9m from that of the Sierra. There is three-point ELR seatbelts for the front and rear passengers (height adjustable in the front), side impact beams for cabin integrity and protective head restraints for all passengers.

Suzuki Jimny in present time is available in three models; the JX and JLX manual, and the first time in Suzuki's smallest four wheel drive, automatic transmission option for the JLX Jimny. The Suzuki Jimny gets some two year old's improvments: twin airbags standard, air conditioning and a new engine. The new engine has another 30cc, double overhead cams, a bigger bore and a shorter stroke, to give similar power at 10% lower revs (60kW at 5500rpm), and 5% more torque at the same revs (110Nm at 4500rpm).

December 2000: Suzuki Australia introduced the Jimny JLX Soft Top. The B-pillars are joined to form a roll-bar, the front section of the roof folding back onto the B-pillar, and the rear section being fully removable. The Jimny Soft Top is powered by a 1.3L engine and has either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic gearbox. It has a 2-speed transfer case and part-time four wheel drive. Standard features include twin front airbags, engine immobiliser, and CD player. The soft top has been available in other markets, e.g. being shown in Barcelona in, May1999. Back>>

1970: Suzuki Jimny LJ10 (Brute IV)

Setting out to make a good vehicle even better, Suzuki used the HopeStar as the basis for their Jimny 360, other wise known as the LJ10 or the Brute IV. Replacing the engine with one of Suzuki's own design was just one of many modifications, which included a restyled but immediately recognizable body.

Suzuki Jimny LJ10 (Brute IV)
They needed to keep it within Japan's mini-car class for tax reasons, so its spare tire could not be mounted to the traditional position on the tailgate, but rather inside next to the one rear seat to keep the overall length less than 3 meters. This rendered the LJ10 a three-passenger vehicle.

In 1970 after two years of development, it became the first mass-produced 4x4 in Japan's domestic mini-car class. Although not officially sold by Suzuki in the United States, a few of these LJ-series Suzukis were sold by importers in California, Nevada, and Arizona beginning in 1971.

LJ10 a three-passenger vehicle

While the air-cooled, 25hp, 359cc, two stroke, two cylinder engine was perfect for its intended Japanese market, especially considering the truck's paltry 1300lb weight, it was severely underpowered for American buyers, working hard to reach its mere 45mph top speed. Back >>http://suzukijeepinterlude.blogspot.com

Thursday, December 24, 2009

The Best Jeep Cherokee


It seems that everyone is obsessed with money. Before the recession hit, if you didn't have the latest television technology in your bathroom or the fastest lawnmower for your flat, you weren't with the 'in' crowd. It never used to matter if you needed something, just that others were buying it. Nowadays it's the opposite, if you do spend money on anything nice, then you're an idiot because no-one should buy anything in the current economic climate. So how do you treat yourself without the neighbours lecturing you on the value of money? Easy, buy a Jeep Cherokee.
The beauty of Jeep has always been that for the money, you get an awful lot of equipment and high specification as standard. The downside has always been that they're cheaply put together, depreciate faster than a gambling addict's bank balance and quite frankly, pretty rubbish to drive. I can't say how the new Cherokee will depreciate, but I can confirm that it's a very good SUV for the money.
The latest Jeep Cherokee is the most recent update in the company's range and has the wealth of 65 years experience to draw upon. There are two things that dawned on me when viewing the latest offering - Jeep appear to have hired designers from Porsche's 911 studio as they've not restyled it at all. As a result it looks identical to the previous model, with more than a hint of mini Land Rover about its features.
This of course is no bad thing. The styling was previously very likeable whilst being utilitarian, the predilection of any good Jeep. Therefore you get chunky features, the famous seven slot front grill and that mud-splattered heritage. I'd actually go so far as to say it's my favourite styling on any 4x4. If it was a woman it'd be Sophie Ellis Bextor - not everyone's cup of tea initially but look closer and she's actually very attractive.
The lines are very unfussy, with just the wheel arches bulging out from the cubist body. Even little features such as the wing mirrors and door handles are made chunky, giving the Jeep Cherokee a robust look as well as feel. On the engine options front, Jeep won't spend too long on the specification - you can either have a 2.8 litre diesel with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic gearbox. Yes that's it. Clearly this isn't a performance vehicle but despite its bulk the Cherokee will reach 60mph in 11.2 seconds and has a top speed of 112mph. Not much from 174bhp I hear you shout, but then it does weigh 2520kg so this isn't too shabby at all.
Due to the heritage of the firm and all its off road war pedigree, I'd hazard a well-judged guess that a Jeep owner will do more off road driving than the typical SUV owner. They'll be happy too as the Cherokee can cope ably with rugged terrain, thanks to its high ground clearance, powerful engine and hill descent option as standard. So does that mean it has sacrificed its handling on the tarmac, which is still where the majority of the driving will take place? Thankfully no. Make no mistake it isn't as refined as a car, or SUVs in a much higher price bracket from Europe, but the Jeep combines on and off road duties perfectly well. There is minimal body roll or road noise on the motorway and the steering wheel has good feedback letting you know at all times what is going on. Inside the Cherokee is well equipped with the aforementioned hill descent accompanied with air conditioning, stability and cruise control, parking sensors and seats that are both electrically moved about and heated. For an extra £950 you can open your roof to the sky above with the 'Sky Slider' option - a panoramic canvas roof. It really isn't an after-thought either, as it stretches back from above the driver to behind passenger heads. On sunny summer days, you'll be the envy of all other 4x4 owners. Some may complain that the materials used on the interior aren't to the highest standard but they all function perfectly well and keep a good chunk of money off the retail price.
That price starts at £24, 300 which in any economic climate is good sense. There's no denying that your neighbours will initially be banging your door down, demanding how, in this time of crisis, you have been so foolish to spend so much on an SUV. Never fear, I'm sure once what you actually paid is laid out, they'll be congratulating you on a bargain buy.
Mark Creese is a writer and a car enthusiast. Here he writes about the Jeep Cherokee.http://seatbealt.blogspot.com

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Featured Jeep: 2007 Wrangler Sahara (JK)


My Jeep doesn’t really have any thing stock. I have 5 22 inch tires for a total of 120 inches of chrome. That doesn’t include the chrome grill, chrome mirrors, chrome step bar, chrome hinges for all the doors including the engine hood, chrome fuel cover, chrome exhaust pipe, chrome door handles, chrome locking door hinges. When you see this baby driving down the road on a sunny day it really makes you look twice.
It’d be a shame to get all that chrome muddy, Larry.  Heh Heh Heh.  No it wouldn’t!  -JW
We carry some great chrome Jeep accessories for your Wrangler.  Spice up the front of your Jeep with our Wrangler Chrome Grill or Jeep Grill Inserts .  We also carry chrome hood scoops and chrome mirror covers as well.  Check out JeepWorld.com for all of your Jeep Parts needs

Warrior Products Jeep JK Tube Fender Flares Installation

The Jeep JK Factory Flares
After nearly 70 years of production, one would think that the designers at Jeep would have perfected our beloved off-road vehicle by now. Well, take one look at the Jeep JK’s fender flares and you’ll quickly see that perfection is a long way off.  The flares are just plain ugly, bulky, heavy and are easily ripped off on minor trail obstacles. Maybe they were an afterthought after a Jeep engineer’s nightmare!
We did have some fun modifying them to a more acceptable state in a previous installment – Sawzall Surgery. So, after a couple of years and a lot pretending to love our modified plastic flares, it was decided that they needed to go in favor of stout, metal replacements. 
The problem we ran into was finding a flare that was good looking, functional and strong enough to take a fairly hard hit. We looked at aftermarket flares also made from plastic materials and were not satisfied with their construction or look. We then found more plastic and metal monstrosities that looked more like wings than tire coverage.  After a lot of searching and coming up empty, we finally stumbled across Warrior Products JK Tube Fender Flares. These look like something we’d be happy with and they are just now being released in the market.
We checked out Warrior’s Web site for more information on the flares and company and found a statement that intrigued us:  “At Warrior, our product design mantra is simple: Target a specific area of the vehicle; design a product that either protects and/or enhances the functionality of that area; construct the product concept with the best materials available; and then offer that product at the best value possible.  We’ve been doing so since 1992.” We like this mantra, and we also like the fact that Warrior products are Made in America!
The Warrior flares are well constructed.
It wasn’t long after reading a little more about Warrior that our decision was made on which flares to run on our JK Project. Soon after, we began the Warrior Tube Flare installation. The front tube flares are very well designed and look all business. Tubing construction is .095-inch Wall, 1.5-inch OD HREW, while mounting plates are 11 gauge HRPO steel and the top skins are 16-gauge HRPO steel; these flares can take some abuse. Our only concern is that these rugged fixtures are still mounted to the JK’s thin sheet metal.  So, the only real weak point is the JK’s sheet metal, so a very hard hit is likely to do some damage. And we mean a very hard hit. The flares are still very tough and sturdy! 
Yours truly, at 250 pounds, demonstrating the strength of the JK flares.
The design of the flares is beautiful, as well as proportioned and fitted for very large tires.  Their high-clearance, flat-fender design is exactly what we need and is what many JK owners are asking for. With these flares and minor trimming or bump stop adjustments, we suspect a mild three inch lift can accommodate 38-inch tires. A big concern for many, due to some state laws, is that full tire coverage is a requirement. With our 38.5 x 13.5 Pitbull Tires, our rears are legal in any state

Jeep Creep Q&A Column


In your Jeep Creep questions, please list your first and last names, your hometown, and your state/province/country, so that we can publish that information here. If you don’t provide this information, we may not be able to publish your question and answer. Don’t forget to be as complete as possible with the description of your Jeep and its problems, too. No Jeep recalls this month. See all of the posted recalls at www.odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/recallsearch.cfm.—Jim Brightly

‘Nother Death Wobble

My ‘91 Cherokee Limited with a 6-inch lift and 33-inch tires has a horrible death wobble. All the joints are good and all are tight. I noticed that the previous owner broke one of the steering box bolts and I can see minor movement when I stand out the door and turn the wheel. It seems like the frame rail flexes. And I noticed the driver’s front tire is kicked in a bit more then the other side. Could this be the reason? Will a professional alignment and replacing that bolt be my repair?
91blackbox
Yucaipa, CA
With that high a lift and relatively oversized tires, you’re putting a strain on your steering assembly even in a parking lot. If you crawl rocks, you’re putting an even higher strain on the components so you need to brace it. You need a cross-frame brace running from the bottom of the gearbox to the opposite side frame rail. Take a look at the websites of 4-Wheel Parts and/or 4-Wheel Hardware and you find the brace you need. Once you have that brace in place, have the Cherokee professionally aligned and your death wobble will be gone!

Full To Part-Time

I have a full-time 4x4 CJ7 and I want to know if putting manual locking hubs will work to disengage the four-wheel drive?
CL Robb
Iowa City, IA
No, just installing hubs on the front axle won’t do it. You’ll have to modify the Quadra-Trac transfer case as well. And I’m not sure if modification kits are still being produced because of its age. You could lock up the T-case, but then you’d have the front driveshaft and front axles spinning all the time with nothing attached to them. It’s been so long since I’ve driven a Quadra-Trac Jeep, I can’t remember for sure, but I think disengaging the front hubs would allow the T-case to act like an open differential and it would just spin without powering the rear end. You’ll probably end up replacing the T-case with a manual unit.

Heart Transplant

I have a ‘91 YJ with a 2.5. I got a ‘90 Cherokee with a 4.0L engine. I am wanting to put the 4.0L in my YJ. What would this take with the ECM and wiring harness?
Chubbs
Kissimmee, FL
You’ll need the entire wiring harness and the computer. Everything should be a plug & play under the dash, though, but you’ll have to route the harness through the firewall. You’ll also probably need a larger radiator with the larger engine, and your exhaust will have to be replaced. In addition, you may have to adapt the Cherokee’s transmission to the YJ’s T-case.

More Death Wobble

I have a stock 2005 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and it also does the death wobble between 50-60 mph. I’ve always thought it was my tires; however, after changing tires, the DW still occurs just as much. I was going to get my tires rebalanced but decided to visually check the suspension components. I couldn’t find anything abnormal. I plan on lifting my Jeep so I don’t want to waste any money on fixing the stock suspension, but it may be a year or so before I can afford a good lift kit. I’m concerned if I keep driving it as is it will cause bigger problems (other than suspension).
Jeff Ocenas
Avondale, AZ
If it’s going to a week or so until you lift your Jeep, you could let the death wobble go. But since you said that it may be a year or so before you lift it, take the Jeep to a good off-road shop that knows 4WD suspension and steering components—such as 4-Wheel Parts, of which there are at least two shops in the Phoenix area—and have the alignment as well as the tires checked. You should also have them check the condition of every steering component. The longer you wait the more potential damage you could do to the steering and suspension components, not to mention that it could even cause an accident.

Tomb Raider

I have a 1998 Jeep Wrangler. It says Tomb Raider on the window and with the Jeep logo. Did Jeep make a 1998 Tomb Raider Edition? The only info I can find is on the 2003 Rubicon Tomb Raider.
Christi Patterson
Pittsboro, IN
I’m afraid someone got busy with bogus decals. Only Rubicons were tagged as Tomb Raiders, very limited edition, and Rubicons weren’t available in 1998

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Cervini's Hoods for the Jeep TJ

97-06 Jeep Wrangler 3" Cowl Hood
Cervini's Auto Designs 97-06 Jeep 3" cowl hood provides plenty of clearance for engine upgrades and cools under hood temps. The Cervini Jeep Wrangler 3” Cowl Hood is constructed with a finished underside liner that adds extra strength and can be painted for a show quality appearance. (Part# 1190 $539.00)

Available for 97-06 Jeeps this hood is a direct bolt-on, made of hand laid premium fiberglass (which will not rust), and features screened rear air vents. The hood is guaranteed to fit perfectly and utilizes your OEM hinges and latch. Cervini's Auto Designs Jeep Cowl hood also includes all hardware necessary for installation.


97-06 Jeep Wrangler Ram Air Hood
Cervini's Auto Designs 97-06 Jeep ram air hood features a pre-cut single scoop design that includes a brushed aluminum billet grill and cools under hood temps. The Cervini Jeep Wrangler Ram Air Hood is constructed with a finished underside liner that adds extra strength and can be painted for a show quality appearance. (Part# 1191 $579.00)

Available for 97-06 Jeeps this hood is a direct bolt-on, made of hand laid premium fiberglass (which will not rust), and features screened rear air vents. The hood is guaranteed to fit perfectly and utilizes your OEM hinges and latch. Cervini's Auto Designs Jeep Ram Air hood also includes all hardware necessary for installation.

www.jeepsunlimited.com

Friday, December 18, 2009

jeep willis


The origins of the name jeep have been argued about pretty much since the vehicle appeared and are happilly still as obscure as ever. The top theories in no particular order are:




A contraction of the initials 'GP' from General Purpose although Ford say that 'G' stood for Government and 'P' for the wheelbase.



Derived from the ubiquitous character in the popular Popeye cartoons, Eugene the jeep was a happy little character from the cartoons of E C Segar.



Eugene was given to Popeye's goilfriend Olive Oyl by her Uncle Ben in 1936. He could appear and disappear at will, tell the future and travel in the fourth dimension...



Willys is pronounced as ' willis - not ' willies' !







SAS Jeep - Three Vickers 'K's and a Browning M2A1 gave the jeep a lot of punch. Its role was to attack enemy airfields at night, often after a desert journey of hundreds of miles - hence the large amount of extra water and petrol carried. The cylinder on the front is a condenser which allowed water boiling over from the radiator to be re-used.



Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Meet the New Jeep Patriot



Practically unchanged from the concept introduced at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the new Jeep Patriot made its global debut as a production vehicle, the newest entry-level SUV in Jeep’s lineup, at the 2006 New York International Automobile Show. The new Patriot arrives just three months after the debut at the 2006 NAIAS of another entry-level SUV from Jeep, the Compass. Both the Compass and the Patriot share a platform with the Dodge Caliber.

While the Compass looks more like a conventional SUV with a Jeep grille, the Patriot is more akin to the traditional Jeep design with elements of the original Jeep Cherokee evident. These include the square-ish lines, short overhangs and the trademark seven-slot Jeep grille. Also, the Patriot has already earned is ‘Trail Rated’ badge, unlike the Compass, because of its higher ground clearance and 4WD system.


The new Patriot will come with three available configurations: the standard front-wheel drive and two four-wheel drive systems (Freedom Drive I and Freedom Drive II). These drive systems make the Patriot a true off-road vehicle with its features such as added traction, continuously variable transmission with a low range capability, higher ground clearance, 17-inch all terrain tires and aluminum wheels, skid plates, tow hooks, fog lights, body sealing, etc.

Freedom II makes the Patriot at par with Jeep’s off-road capability prerequisites for water fording, traction, articulation, ground clearance and maneuverability. The Jeep Patriot will be powered by a 2.4 liter World Engine with variable valve timing and with an output of 172hp, and 165 lb.-ft. of torque. The Patriot will be arriving at dealerships later this year with an entry-level sticker price at under $16,000.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

TAMIYA. Toyota FJ40 2F 3 speed Engine.

TAMIYA - Toyota FJ40 2F
Custom Made Under Chassis & Body. Coil Spring, ARB Lockers Front, Lockrite Rear, 5.29 Gearing Ratio, 38.5 Boggers Swamper Tires on Steel Rim Beadlock, Hydraulic Steering, Warn Winch, Longfield Axle and Bilstein Shocks. Front & Rear Disc Break.I use it mostly for competition. Extreme Offroading ChallengeYou can Check my Video in YOU TUBE under 1st Phillipine Rock Crawling Competition 2007 (boyie)

1973 Toyota Land Cruiser

1973 Toyota Land Cruiser
305V8, 700R4 trans. Full frame off restoration, old man emu susp. 35" AT tires, besttop tiger top, kamar bumpers rear swing out tire carrier, procar racing seats, memphis bell competition stereo system, rino lined thru out custom paint Yellow front bib into flames on hood into pearl white.I go wheeling all over Southern California. From desert to mountains.Over $50,000 into rebuild - this is a one of a kind show rig as clean underneath as anywhere else everything is brand new only 2000mi.


Friday, December 11, 2009

Suzuki Jimny LJ20

By 1972, the LJ20 a mildly updated version of the LJ10 was released with such changes as water cooling for the 359cc engine, along with a power increase to 32hp and a top speed of 47mph.


Suzuki Jimny LJ20
Probably the biggest improvement seen by the few Americans who got their hands on one was the switch to left-hand-drive.

LJ20; power increase 32hp, top speed 47mph
In 1973, a minor styling update consisted of a change over from horizontal to vertical grille slats and a replacement of the single front marker and turn signal lights on each corner with twin vertical lights. 

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Baja Racing News LIVE SEMA JEEP News












Jeep Wrangler JT
Built from the military version of the all new Jeep Wrangler, the Jeep Wrangler JT showcases just how flexible this new platform can be. Revealed at the 2007 Easter Jeep Safari in Moab [Utah] , it dominated the steep climbs and descents on the slopes of the Hell’s Revenge trail. Its 4x4 capability was established as it negotiated the slick hot tubs and waterfalls – at times, almost completely vertical to the ground. Beginning with the new platform from the Wrangler Unlimited, the design team managed to create a very nimble, trail-savvy Jeep with a 1.5 meter pickup bed and an easy-to-handle removable hardtop.Off-road enhancements include:
3-in. suspension lift provided by Superlift
35-in. BF Goodrich Mud Terrain tyres
Rear bumper and tyre carrier from Mopar
Front bumper from Mopar
Warn 9500ti winch

1977: Suzuki Jimny LJ80 (SJ20)

1977: Suzuki Jimny LJ80 (SJ20)

Built along side the LJ50, the last, most powerful, and best of the LJ series was the 1700lb1977 Suzuki LJ80 or SJ20. It boasted the biggest improvements in the course of the series lifespan, and was designed with the intention of worldwide export.



Suzuki Jimny LJ80 / LJ80V (SJ20)


Rumors of its larger engine for the LJ persisted for years but were constantly denied by Suzuki, who wanted to keep their development of the all-new engine a secret. As Suzuki's first four-stroke engine, it under went years of testing and development before its engineers were satisfied. The new 797cc SOHC four cylinder produced 41hp and at remendous improvement in torque delivery, better fuel efficiency, and much clean eremissions over its predecessors.

Complimenting the increased power were higher differential and high range ratios for more relaxed highway cruising, a stiffened chassis, improved handling coming from relocated rear shocks and a widening of the front and rear axles by about 4 inches. More up market features included nicer seats, a new steering wheel, a 130km/h speedo (up from 100km/h), a fuel tank capacity increase from 26 to 40 liters, and additional warning lights for brakewear.


With LJ81 pickup truck model
External cues to the newfound power were slight, with the flared wheel fenders, raised hood line with new air ducts on its leading edge, and a rear bumper and taillights integral with the body. In 1979 a slight styling update was given to the LJ80, with the headlights positioned wider and lower to each side of the restyled grille. Metal doors were also offered for the first time. Also, a new LJ81 pickup truck model joined the convertible and hardtop models in the lineup.The LJ series was in production until 1983. Back >>