Destroyed JK
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JK Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 122
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I'm with MJS on what he said about Hulkgreen. As far as the photos go, I would like to see them as well, but don't really need to. A JK burned to the ground won't do me any good to prevent it myself. I am sure DC is watching this thread and reading everything that rramsdell and 2k2 are saying. It's all discoverable, it's all public, and it will all be used against them in a court of law. If the guys affected don't start watching what they say, they are gonna lose - or at least have more of an uphill battle.
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I am also not trying to be rude to you, but it is difficult to write about these concerns without being blunt and that sometimes comes across bad on forums.
Last edited by rramsdell; Dec 11, 2007 at 07:17 AM.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 1
From: Gilmanton Iron Works, NH
I want to point out what may or may not be obvious: If this issue is determined to be transmission-related (whereby the transmission cooler, etc., is inadequate to handle STOCK operating conditions) then if your Jeep has any modifications, you're likely going to be S.O.L.
If 4.10 gearing and 32" tires cause enough "strain" to overwhelm the tranny cooler, think what taller gearing and larger tires would do. Think about the extra weight of an all-steel off-road bumper, front and/or rear. Think about the added weight of a PowerPlant winch/compressor... In reality, nothing you can add to your Jeep should cause such issues, but if Chrysler gets sued over this, you can bet that they'll try to weasle out using just such an argument.
I hate to be pessimistic, but want to get this thought in people's heads early (i.e., prepare for the worst, hope for the best). If there's anyone out there reading this that doesn't have fire coverage on their insurance policy, I would STRONGLY urge you to add that coverage now, just in case!
Additionally, just to be safe, those of you with kids may want to purchase (and carry inside your JK) one of those seatbelt-cutter blades... again, just in case!
If 4.10 gearing and 32" tires cause enough "strain" to overwhelm the tranny cooler, think what taller gearing and larger tires would do. Think about the extra weight of an all-steel off-road bumper, front and/or rear. Think about the added weight of a PowerPlant winch/compressor... In reality, nothing you can add to your Jeep should cause such issues, but if Chrysler gets sued over this, you can bet that they'll try to weasle out using just such an argument.
I hate to be pessimistic, but want to get this thought in people's heads early (i.e., prepare for the worst, hope for the best). If there's anyone out there reading this that doesn't have fire coverage on their insurance policy, I would STRONGLY urge you to add that coverage now, just in case!
Additionally, just to be safe, those of you with kids may want to purchase (and carry inside your JK) one of those seatbelt-cutter blades... again, just in case!
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
At the risk of assuming...
Despite his/her tone, I don't think Hulkgreen meant to be accusatory like it came across... I think that, if anything, they were just a little upset and a lot scared. No one's accusing you of hiding anything (although you've got to admit that it does look a little "odd" that the pictures were removed).
Despite his/her tone, I don't think Hulkgreen meant to be accusatory like it came across... I think that, if anything, they were just a little upset and a lot scared. No one's accusing you of hiding anything (although you've got to admit that it does look a little "odd" that the pictures were removed).
JK Enthusiast
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 237
Likes: 1
From: Saint Paul, MN
I want to point out what may or may not be obvious: If this issue is determined to be transmission-related (whereby the transmission cooler, etc., is inadequate to handle STOCK operating conditions) then if your Jeep has any modifications, you're likely going to be S.O.L.
If 4.10 gearing and 32" tires cause enough "strain" to overwhelm the tranny cooler, think what taller gearing and larger tires would do. Think about the extra weight of an all-steel off-road bumper, front and/or rear. Think about the added weight of a PowerPlant winch/compressor... In reality, nothing you can add to your Jeep should cause such issues, but if Chrysler gets sued over this, you can bet that they'll try to weasle out using just such an argument.
I hate to be pessimistic, but want to get this thought in people's heads early (i.e., prepare for the worst, hope for the best). If there's anyone out there reading this that doesn't have fire coverage on their insurance policy, I would STRONGLY urge you to add that coverage now, just in case!
Additionally, just to be safe, those of you with kids may want to purchase (and carry inside your JK) one of those seatbelt-cutter blades... again, just in case!
If 4.10 gearing and 32" tires cause enough "strain" to overwhelm the tranny cooler, think what taller gearing and larger tires would do. Think about the extra weight of an all-steel off-road bumper, front and/or rear. Think about the added weight of a PowerPlant winch/compressor... In reality, nothing you can add to your Jeep should cause such issues, but if Chrysler gets sued over this, you can bet that they'll try to weasle out using just such an argument.
I hate to be pessimistic, but want to get this thought in people's heads early (i.e., prepare for the worst, hope for the best). If there's anyone out there reading this that doesn't have fire coverage on their insurance policy, I would STRONGLY urge you to add that coverage now, just in case!
Additionally, just to be safe, those of you with kids may want to purchase (and carry inside your JK) one of those seatbelt-cutter blades... again, just in case!
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 425
Likes: 0
From: Atl, GA
This is true. If DC said "the larger tires are the problem) then I know the dealer i bought my Jeep from is in trouble. My jeep came with 35" tires and they have two on their lot with 33's right now. Im sure they are not the only Jeep dealer doing this
JK Junkie
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,710
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From: AT LARGE somewhere in CT
Just curious...............but what happens if my Jeep is bone stock and I have five fat guys onboard........with lots of beverages in the cooler in back? Seems that the vehicle has been designed to carry some extra load wether that be in the form of mods or bodies. Additionally, part of DCX's stated design brief in building the Wrangler, was to build a vehicle that is easily modified. I agree that Chrysler will try to "weasle out" when the inevitable lawsuits come, but I don't think they will find it all that easy. Besides, as long as this problem continues to be limited to property damage, these (if any) cases will just be quickly and quietly settled. Chrysler will pay these people and fix the problem (assuming that the fix is cheaper than the projected payouts). A lawyer friend of mine once told me that small settlements are a cheap alternative to fullblown lawsuits since, "lawyers can't take a dump for less than $100,000".
Oops - guess I wasn't thinking too clearly when I wrote the part about the bumpers/winch weight adding extra strain. They do, but you're right: the Jeep is designed to carry a lot more weight than it's curb weight alone. Let me state very clearly that I'm on the owners' side here - just playing devil's advocate.
I do still think, however, that Chrysler could make a valid argument that a causal chain of events was enacted by aftermarket modification to bigger tires, different gearing, etc.
Pretend for a moment that you build a car from scratch in your garage, and sell it to a stranger. You warrant that it will hold up to normal use for X years and Y miles. OK, so far so good. Now, the buyer of your car adds heavier wheels, bigger tires, and f*cks around with the gearing. The transmission explodes, and they come running to you screaming that it's your fault. Is it your fault, or is it possible (or indeed likely) that it's THEIR fault?
Again, just saying...
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 102
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From: South Florida
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 244
Likes: 0
From: Aurora, IL
In the end, it turned out that Trail Bud's auto tranny was severely overheating and ATF was pumping out the dip stick. This in turn caused the ATF to splash on the exhaust system and burn. Fortunately, we caught this early enough that the ATF only smoldered there but had we not caught it, a fire could have easily been started.
Anyway, just thinking out aloud here. I hope your insurance company takes care of you and as mentioned, you should definitely file a report.
Anyway, just thinking out aloud here. I hope your insurance company takes care of you and as mentioned, you should definitely file a report.
Eddie,
Was it coming out of the dip stick or the vent tube? It should come out the vent tube long before it comes out of the dip stick. If it was comming out of the dip stick maybe there is a venting problem with the auto trans's?
JK Super Freak
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 1
From: Gilmanton Iron Works, NH
Oops - guess I wasn't thinking too clearly when I wrote the part about the bumpers/winch weight adding extra strain. They do, but you're right: the Jeep is designed to carry a lot more weight than it's curb weight alone. Let me state very clearly that I'm on the owners' side here - just playing devil's advocate.
I do still think, however, that Chrysler could make a valid argument that a causal chain of events was enacted by aftermarket modification to bigger tires, different gearing, etc.
Pretend for a moment that you build a car from scratch in your garage, and sell it to a stranger. You warrant that it will hold up to normal use for X years and Y miles. OK, so far so good. Now, the buyer of your car adds heavier wheels, bigger tires, and f*cks around with the gearing. The transmission explodes, and they come running to you screaming that it's your fault. Is it your fault, or is it possible (or indeed likely) that it's THEIR fault?
Again, just saying...