Takin' mah test, US style

[Rich_L]

\o/ I passed my DMV written test first time, lol - got the insurance through so taking my practical test sometime next week, hope I pass

Then the fun starts, the missus has a 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee which is creaking a bit, 172k-odd miles. Has (had, for a bout a year) a cracked exhaust manifold so will be replacing that in the next couple of weeks, I have Haynes manual at the ready and will be doing a bit of research and seeing what I need, think we have a fair few tools etc.

Fun times

[Joe 90]

Hurrah

I've always imagined the US test to be far easier than ours so surely it'll be nice an easy?!?

[Garp]

Originally Posted by Joe 90

Hurrah

I've always imagined the US test to be far easier than ours so surely it'll be nice an easy?!?

It's pretty comparible to ours in Hawaii, apart from the lack of need to demonstrate emergency braking, or parallel parking. I did have to demonstrate parking on a hill.


Rich: Your DMV mustn't be that busy then I take it? I had to book my test something like a month in advance.

[Darrin]

Originally Posted by Rich_L

\o/ I passed my DMV written test first time, lol - got the insurance through so taking my practical test sometime next week, hope I pass

Congrats!!

Originally Posted by Rich_L

Then the fun starts, the missus has a 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee which is creaking a bit, 172k-odd miles. Has (had, for a bout a year) a cracked exhaust manifold so will be replacing that in the next couple of weeks, I have Haynes manual at the ready and will be doing a bit of research and seeing what I need, think we have a fair few tools etc.

Fun times

I take it that if you have a cracked exhaust manifold you have the 4.0L I-6 instead of the 5.2L V-8 I had.

If so, this is the cheapest place to get a replacement. They're also the highest quality replacement.

The manifold isn't all that hard to do, but getting the nuts off the bolts at the bottom of the manifold can be a right PITA unless you soak the **** out of them with PB Blaster for several hours prior. Also getting the O2 sensor out can be fun. It's worth it o just replace the O2 sensor while you've got the manifold apart.

If you want a copy of the Factory Service Manual that tells you EXACTLY how to do the job as per Chrysler's instructions (unlike what a Hayne's or Chiltons will tell you) let me know and I'll get a hold of a PDF copy and stick it on my hosting.


One thing I must ask, does your have the AWD NV249 transfer case (4Hi - N - 4Lo), 4WD NP231 transfer case (2WD - 4Hi - N - 4Lo) or the Holy Grail of transfer cases, the NP242 (2WD - 4PT - 4FT - N - 4Lo)?

If it's the NV249, might want to hold off on doing the exhaust manifold as that transfer case will be dying soon. There's a viscous coupler in there that makes it AWD. That viscous coupler fails between 125,000 and 180,000 miles and is a $500 part. Plus about $600 - $1200 in labor to put it in.



If you have any questions about your Jeep, feel free to ask me. Or I can PM you my mobile number and we can talk.

[Rich_L]

Yeah there's a few DMV offices round here so I guess they spread the load.

Darrin I thought you had a Jeep, that's awesome Not sure about the transfer case, I haven't really looked yet, that sounds great about the service manual though would be greatly appreciated - I had heard that the bolts can be a right PITA so some serious soaking in order i think.

And thanks for the link that's v helpful, I'll probably take a look at it all over the weekend and start planning - updates to follow

[Jonny69]

You want to keep your eye out for a pre war Willys. Not many around but it'll ride up like a cutter through ice

[Darrin]

Hahahahahahaha!! One hell of a difference between any Willys and a 95 Grand Cherokee!!

Willys - solid frame, leaf springs front and rear, drum brakes front and rear, noisy gear driven 4 cylinder, only available with a non-synchromesh 3 or 4 speed, no insulation of any kind, A/C wasn't even thought of, cloth top and doors only, the electrical system consisted of 11 wires (headlights, parking lights, turn signals, brake lights, ignition power, charging circuit, heater blower and wiper motor) and the seats ranked right up there with church pews for comfort.

Grand Cherokee - Leather trimmed climate controlled automatic everything and 8 way adjustable power seats that resemble Lazy-Boy recliners. Unibody construction with coil springs and four link suspension front and rear with 4 wheel disk brakes. A muted V-8 or a tractor motor I-6 for power, computer controlled 4 speed automatic transmission with overdrive, 8 speaker Infinity sound system, factory central locking with alarm (includes hatch lock).

The difference is akin to the difference between a 1965 Austin Mini (non-Cooper) and a 2010 BMW MINI Cooper S.





And yet I'd give my left testicle up for a Willys. Of any year or condition.

[Jonny69]

Ah yeah I forgot Willys made Jeeps as well. I meant a '41

[Psymonkee]

*drooooooooool*

[Darrin]

SEXWEESEXWEESEXWEESEXWEESEXWEE!!