Frequently Asked Questions
One of the main goals here at DriveOffroad.com is to make sure we provide as many resources as we can for our fellow wheelers. That’s why we created this FAQ section. Here you’ll find quick answers to some of the questions you might have related to your Jeep or truck. Don’t forget to check back often because this page will be updated regularly.
Interior
My carpet is wet on the passenger floorboard. Any idea why?
Yes, this is quite common in some Jeep and Dodge vehicles. The air conditioner’s evaporator drain hose becomes blocked, so the water from the evaporator runs down the firewall and onto the carpet. Run a wire into the drain hose to unblock it.
Engine
Oil is dripping from between my engine and transmission. What is causing that?
This is common in Jeeps, particularly the 4.0 liter 6 cylinder models. The oil leak will be either from the rear edge of the valve cover or the rear main seal of the engine. Sometimes it’s both. Shine a flashlight along the back of the engine near the firewall. If it’s oily, the leak is from the valve cover. If it’s not, it’s the rear main seal that’s leaking. A new valve cover gasket or rear main seal will solve the problem.
Engine
My engine dies, but will re-start immediately once I crank it again. This happens over and over.
This is a common issue with the 4.0 liter 6 cylinder models, particularly from the 1990s. It will often be caused by a bad crankshaft position sensor. It may be a good time to consider replacing the other engine sensors too. They tend to fail at around the same time. The sensors you need to consider include the Crankshaft position sensor, Manifold Absolute Pressure sensor, Throttle Position Sensor, and Oxygen sensor.
Steering
My Jeep Wrangler (TJ) has a severe shake in the steering when I drive over a bump. Its really scary. What is it?
That is commonly called “Death Wobble”. Jeeps with coil spring suspensions are prone to this problem if any of the steering components are loose or worn, especially the track bar. You’ll want to check all of the steering components for looseness. Replace any worn parts you find. And, you may find that a new steering stabilizer will help. Finally, you will need to get a front end alignment.
Engine
My Jeep is overheating. Can you give me ideas on what to look for?
Sure. Start with simple things. If you have taken your Jeep off-road in mud, check the radiator. It may look clean from the grill, but mud can get trapped between the radiator and the air conditioning condenser or automatic transmission cooler. Spray water from inside the fan shroud towards the grill. If the radiator is clean, feel the radiator hoses for warmth. One should be very warm and the other should be cooler. If they are both warm or both cool, that may indicate that the thermostat is not working.
If you are losing coolant, but have no visible leaks, you may have a bad head gasket. That can destroy an engine fairly quickly. Check your oil to see if the level is high or if the color is milky. That may indicate that your coolant is going inside the engine. If so, get this repaired immediately.
One last tip is that turning on the heat will help draw temperature away from the engine’s cooling system and may prevent overheating. If you see any steam, stop immediately. Let the engine cool and call for a tow truck. Many people have destroyed their engines trying to nurse an overheating vehicle to the nearest shop or home.
Engine
My Jeep won’t start unless it’s jumped off another battery. What could be wrong?
Many people jump to the conclusion that the battery is bad. But, it could be any part of the charging system. It could be the alternator or other components. Take your Jeep to a local auto parts store and let them put a load test on the battery. This device will test your battery and help isolate what is wrong.
Winch and Recovery
My winch doesn't work. It just clicks when I move the trigger on the remote. What's wrong?
You probably have a bad solenoid. They tend to go bad if they are not used regularly or if they get wet. Check with your winch's manufacturer for replacement parts.
Transmission and T case
When should I use 4WD? How do I engage it?
Use 4WD whenever you are driving on slippery roads or off-road trails. It is fine to use 4WD High range on wet or snowy roads for extra traction. Use 4WD Low range when driving over rough terrain or on steep hills. This will give you extra torque. Check your owner’s manual to see how to engage 4WD in your vehicle.
Transmission and T case
Should I buy a manual or automatic transmission for my Jeep?
It’s all personal preference. Look at how you will use your Jeep and what you feel comfortable with. If you are commuting with your Jeep daily, you may prefer an automatic transmission. It allows you to eat breakfast and talk on the cell phone without having to reach down and shift periodically. ;-) Automatic transmissions are just as easy to drive off-road. They allow the engine to continue running when you stop on a steep hill. You’ll still have power brakes and steering. But, they don’t transfer much engine compression braking when going downhill, so you’ll need the brakes more. On the other hand, a manual transmission allows YOU to decide when to shift. You are much more engaged in the driving process. When driving off-road at slow speeds you’ll need to carefully select your gears to avoid stalling the engine. Once stalled, you’ll have no power brakes or steering. And, you’ll need to be proficient using a clutch. Manual transmissions do allow engine compression braking when going down steep hills. It’s your choice, that’s why Jeep offers both.
Transmission and T case
I installed a 1” body lift and now I can’t shift into 4WD Low range. Any idea why?
Sure. The linkage between your 4WD shifter handle and the transfer case is now 1” further apart. You will need to adjust the linkage to allow full range of motion again.
Steering
I’ve installed larger tires on my Jeep Wrangler and now they rub at full turn. What can I do?
You’ll need to adjust the steering stops to limit your turning radius. Set your tire pressure to your typical off-road pressure. Then, loosen the steering stop bolt and add washers. Turn full lock and see if the tires still rub. Keep doing this until the tires don’t rub anymore. Then, retighten the bolt. If the factory bolt is not long enough, you may need a longer bolt and nut.
Body
The rear window on my Jeep Wrangler hardtop won’t open anymore after I installed a larger spare tire. What can I do?
You need a “Spare Tire Spacer”. This will move the spare tire away from the tailgate and allow the back window to open.
Transmission and T case
What is a “Slip Yoke Eliminator” (SYE) and why do I need one?
The Slip Yoke Eliminator kit changes the tail end of the transfer case, allowing you to bolt on a double cardan driveshaft. The main advantage of a double cardan style driveshaft is that it will eliminate the typical driveline vibration common on Jeep Wranglers, Cherokees, and Grand Cherokees with 2 inches of lift or more.
Differential
I’ve seen ads for competition U-joints with bronze bushings. Are these the strongest U joints available?
Yes, but they are primarily for brief competition runs. They must be used with Chrome-Moly axle shafts that have full circle clips. They do not seal well against mud or dirt, but they are rebuildable. Forged U-joints are stronger than stock U-joints, but still have needle bearings for long term use. These typically have very good seals against water and mud.
Electrical
I’ve put larger tires on my Jeep and now the speedometer is off. How can I adjust it?
There are different methods for each generation of Jeep. The CJs and YJs use a plastic gear in the side of the transfer case where the speedometer cable attaches. It can be changed out for a different ratio to compensate for the larger tire size. TJs can use the Tru-Speed device from Superlift. JKs can use the Pro-Cal module from AEV.
Mirrors
I’ve removed my Jeep’s doors for the summer and I got a warning from the local police because I didn’t have any side mirrors. Any ideas on how I can keep my mirrors?
Sure. Rugged Ridge makes mirror relocation brackets that move your factory mirrors to the windshield frame. Problem solved.
Winch and Recovery
I need to mount my Hi-Lift jack on my new JK Wrangler. Do you carry anything that would work?
Absolutely! We offer a bracket that fits right on your tailgate hinges. No drilling.
Tops and covers
The plastic pieces that receive the 3 pins on my Wrangler upper windows have broken. Do you carry replacements?
Yes, we even have them in some factory colors. They just turn and push down into the factory half doors.
Interior
Do you have those rubber floor mats for my Jeep Wrangler?
Yes we do. We have Rugged Ridge floor liners for the front and rear passenger areas, as well as the cargo area.
Winch and Recovery
I’m considering buying a synthetic winch rope for my winch. It’s expensive. Is it worth it?
Many people think so. Primarily, because it’s safer than steel cable if it breaks. And, it’s a lot easier to pull out when you need it.
Winch and Recovery
I’ve attended my first 4WD Club meeting, and they tell me I need tow hooks for my Jeep Cherokee. What should I install?
We offer factory-style tow hooks that mount using the factory holes. They’ll bolt right up and be very sturdy.
Body
I’ve bought 35” tires for my 2003 Wrangler, but my spare doesn’t fit on the factory tailgate bracket. Any solutions?
Sure. We have a new bracket that is made from ¼ inch steel plate and it moves the spare tire up and out 2 inches.
Exhaust
I’ve got an exhaust leak on my YJ Wrangler somewhere next to the engine, but can’t find it. Any idea where it may be?
Well, the 4.0 liter 6 cylinder engines are notorious for cracks in the exhaust manifold where the pipes all join. The vibration from years of use cracks them. Jeep recognized this and added flexible sections in the newer manifolds. If your manifold is cracked, we offer the newer style which will solve your problem.
Engine
My 2.5L plastic valve cover bolt holes do not line up with the cylinder head. What should I do?
Due to the thermal dynamic nature of plastics the covers might have some natural deflection when they are released from the mold. When installing the 4 cylinder valve cover you want to start the two front and two rear bolt holes first (Just finger start the bolts. Do Not Tighten.). This might require some force to be applied to help return the plastic to its original molded shape. After the front two and rear two bolts have been lined up and started the remaining bolt holes should align without any difficulty. Proceed with the factory specified torque settings and pattern sequence.
Axle
Do the Dana Spicer axles designed for ABS applications come with the toothed sensor ring installed?
All Dana Spicer axles that are listed for use in ABS equipped Jeeps come with the toothed sensor rings already installed. They are part of the complete axle assembly when ordered using the correct Omix-ADA part number.
Engine
What is the correct torque setting for installing the Rugged Ridge aluminum valve cover?
When installing the aluminum valve covers for the 258 six cylinder and the AMC V8s you should follow the factory spec settings, and tighten in the correct sequence. It is important to note that the bolts should not be tightened past 55-inch/lbs.
Exterior
How do I attach the Rugged Ridge nerf bars to my Jeep?
Position the nerf bars against the frame, front to back, and parallel with the side and bottom of body. Mark the frame for the new holes with a center punch and drill eight 5/16" holes per side. Secure with the self-tapping bolts supplied. It is advisable to use two people when marking the hole position of the bars to frame for drilling.
Winch and Recovery
There are no rear holes in the frame of my Jeep to mount the Universal Rear Tow Hooks. How do I mount them?
The rear universal mounted Jeep tow hooks can be mounted on any flat surface of the frame on any vehicle using the supplied hardware. Once a location has been found, use the hooks as templates and drill two 1/2" holes in the frame (any existing holes in the frame can be used). Be sure to check for wires, fuel lines behind the frame before drilling. Torque the supplied bolts to 65 ft/lbs.
Flares
My CJ/YJ 7" rear fender flare does not fit?
The 7” CJ and YJ Wrangler fender flare kits both use the TJ rear flare. This rear extended flare allows more room for taller and wider tires. A slight amount of sheet metal trimming will be necessary to provide for a proper fit. A cardboard pattern, per the installation instructions, should be placed on your Jeep to mark were you will need to cut. When positioned correctly, only the rear half of the wheel opening will need to be enlarged.
Axle
I purchased a new spider gear set for my Dana 35 Trac-Lock axle, but the gears do not match my old set. Did I get the correct parts?
The Dana 35 side gears and spider gears for the Trac-Lock are no longer machine cut. The machine cut gears have been discontinued and are no longer being sold. The new design incorporates cast gears with a different tooth count than the older machined parts. If you are replacing any of these gears, a complete new set will need to be installed, because they do not interchange.
Body
What Jeep CJ-7 body parts can I use as replacements on my CJ-8?
A large number of CJ-7 body parts from the firewall forward are interchangeable with the longer wheelbase CJ-8 model. The doors and tailgate are interchangeable too.
Engine
How do I know if I have an "L" head engine or the later "F" head engine in my vintage Jeep?
The quickest way to determine what engine you have will be to look at the following items. "L" head engine will have the sparkplugs and plug wires pointing straight up from the top of the head. The "F" head engine will have a metal valve cover and the plugs and wires will be pointing out at an angle from the driver’s side of the head. It is very important to know what engine you have before placing an order for parts. Your Jeep might have had an engine replaced over the years that might not match your year's original equipment
Fuel and Air
I'm having trouble getting my Solex downdraft carburetor for my vintage 134 engine to run correctly. What adjustments should I make?
The Type M.32 PBIC carburetor is a bolt-on replacement for the original Carter carburetor, but it has some differences. It is very important to note that the Solex M.32 will need only 1-1/3 to 2 pounds of fuel pressure at the inlet fuel line. Higher fuel pressures will cause the carburetor to run very rich and produce drivability problems, especially in high altitude regions. If the fuel pressure is found to be too high, an inline regulator will be needed. Another area to pay special attention to when installing the new carburetor, is the rubber fuel lines. If possible these lines leading to the carburetor should be replaced with new lines and installed very carefully to avoid producing trash or small rubber shavings after the fuel filter. If a small particle makes its way into the carburetor it is possible for the trash to clog the needle valve and cause a rich condition.
Transmission and T case
I'm installing the slip yoke eliminator kit into my NP231 transfer case and have found that the replacement main shaft is larger than my old unit. I cannot reinstall the roller bearing back onto the main shaft; did I get the wrong kit?
The slip yoke eliminator kit you have purchased has several improvements made to the unit, including the main shaft, that make it stronger than the parts you are replacing. The kit comes with a thicker main shaft that does away with the roller needle bearings all together. These parts will not be needed, as stated in the installation instructions.
Electrical
The replacement speedometer I purchased is not working correctly, why?
It is recommended that you purchase a new speedometer cable when you purchase a new speedometer. This item is often overlooked and what is thought to be an issue with the replacement speedometer, may in fact, be related to the cable. After installing the new speedometer double check all connections to the rear of the gauge and the cable’s attachment point at the transfer case. A bad cable will often produce a jumping effect or even a no read situation.
Electrical
My new temp and/or fuel gauge is not working correctly, why?
It is very important to install these items carefully and take the time needed to make sure that the wiring has been done correctly. If, after reading and connecting the gauges correctly per the installation instructions, you are still having problems then you might want to look at the following possibilities. If the gauge does not register at all, then inspect the ground at the gas tank or the engine grounding strap (repair if needed). If the gauge begins to work, then repair or replace these grounding wires. If you are getting either a full or hot reading all the time, then disconnect the sending unit wire at the gas tank or engine. If the gauge drops to empty or cold, then replace the sending unit. If the gauge needles remain at full or hot than the gauge or sending wire has shorted. Check the sending unit wire first for continuity issues. Due to the nature of this problem and the many different causes that might give faulty readings it is the installer’s responsibility to check all possible reasons before assuming a bad gauge is at fault.
Fuel and Air
Why will the replacement Solex carburetor I purchased for my vintage CJ not fit the intake mounting studs?
The same bolt pattern was used on all early model CJ carburetors and should fit without trouble. The bolts will run front to back on the intake. There is the possibility that your Jeep has had the motor, or intake replaced with one from an early 2WD Willys wagon or Jeepster that used a slightly larger carburetor and had the mounting bolts running side to side.
Engine
I purchased a piston ring kit for my vintage (L-head or F-head) 134 cubic inch motor, but only received a total of 12 rings. There are 4 grooves in each piston, so should I have received a total of 16 piston rings?
The pistons for the 134 cubic inch 4-cylinder engine are fitted with two compression rings and one oil control ring. The pistons do have an extra groove above the top ring which acts as a heat dam or insulating groove to protect against sealing of the top ring in the groove with hard carbon. When you install the rings, do not use the top groove.
Axle
What rear axle assembly do I have in my Jeep?
Due to the length of production of the Jeep®, and the number of modifications that might have been made to any Jeep® over the years this question is hard to answer.
Transmission and T case
Can I use the T150 transmission bell housing that Omix-ADA sells with a T18 transmission? Can I just drill and tap new holes?
The swap is possible, but not without some modification work. The T150 bell housing can be used with some alteration if used with a Jeep-sourced T18 transmission. Alterations will include, but are not limited to, drilling and tapping new lower mounting bolt holes for everything to line up correctly. It is important to note that further modifications will be needed if a Ford T18 is used, and it is quite possible that major reworking of the bell housing would be needed. Another problem to solve would be the need for a low profile bolt located just behind the clutch fork. If this bolt is not the correct size, major problems with the clutch fork not seating correctly on the pivot ball can happen. As you can see there are a lot of variables involved with this type of swap and therefore Omix-ADA does not note or promote the cross use of this bell housing for a T18 application.
Flares
What material are the Rugged Ridge fender flares made of, and do they have UV-protection?
All of the Rugged Ridge fender flares are made of a plastic material called TPR (Thermoplastic rubber) and are UV-protected. This is the same material that most front plastic bumpers are made of for good impact resistance.
Exterior
What material are the Rugged Ridge plastic Body Armor panels for the TJ Wranglers made of, and do they have UV-protection to prevent graying?
All of the Body Armor panels are thermoformed with ABS plastic sheets. They all have been manufactured with UV-protection. The panels were subjected to a UV-ray exposure test without any fading or cracking.
Electrical
I have a Willys M38 with a 24 volt electrical system. I want to add the universal 24 volt wiper system to my M38, but I'm not sure on how to wire it. Is there anything special I need to do?
You can wire the 24V wiper system the same way you would the 12V system. Just make sure you use a quality wiper switch.
Flares
What makes my Jeep Sahara different from other Jeep Wranglers when installing fender flares?
The Sahara model Jeep came from the factory with additional body moldings along the side of the Jeep between the front and rear flares. Extra mounting holes were drilled at the factory for the mounting of this molding. If removed, these holes will be exposed. For this reason, the Rugged Ridge replacement flares and 7" extended flares are not an OE replacement. You can still use these products for your Sahara, but additional work will be required.
Exterior
Will the Rugged Ridge Body Armor kit (11650.50) fit my TJ Rubicon?
There are unique features on the Wrangler Rubicon that will not allow the kit to fit correctly in some areas. The Rubicon comes from the factory with pre-installed steel rocker guards so the rocker guards would not be needed. The items that would fit without any problems are the hood armor, the fender guards, the front frame cover, and the rear sill cover.
Engine
Can I use any AMC V8 flywheel on any AMC V8 motor, and for any year?
The AMC V8's share a great number of parts between the different models (290,304,343,360,390, and 401's), but some items are motor specific. The flywheels are externally balanced for each motor and should not be swapped between motor sizes. Omix-ADA makes the flywheels for the 1971 and up AMC 360 V8 (16912.08) and the 1971 and up 401 V8 (16912.09)
Seats and seat covers
My new Rugged Ridge Jeep seats will not bolt to my stock CJ seat riser. Why?
The replacement Rugged Ridge Jeep seats have been designed to work with a number of Jeep mounting applications, but some additional hardware may be needed. If your original CJ seat risers did not come with factory installed seat sliders these seats will not bolt directly to your frames. For proper fitment, seat sliders will need to be purchased and installed.
Body
What gauge steel is used in the construction of the Omix-ADA body tubs?
Two gauges of steel are used in the construction of the reproduction body tubs. 18 gauge steel is used on body tubs in the front and rear flooring, all mounting brackets, top cowl assembly, and wheel housings. 16 gauge steel is used for all side and tail panels.
Wheels and accessories
Can the bolt pattern be changed on the Wheel Spacer Kit I purchased?
You purchased wheel spacers, so bolt patterns are fixed and CANNOT be changed. Wheel adapters will allow you to change bolt patterns.
Steering
Does the Rugged Ridge heavy duty crossover steering kit (18050.82 and 18050.83) have replaceable tie rod ends?
All tie rod ends in this kit are replaceable. Part # 18043.10 is the 7/8" Tie Rod End left hand thread. It is a factory part used on 1991-2001 XJ Cherokees. Cross reference Jeep part number (52005739). Part # 18043.26 is the 7/8" Tie Rod End right hand thread. Part # 18043.27 is the Tie Rod End with Drag Link Connection TJ-XJ left hand thread. Part # 18043.28 is the Tie Rod End with Drag Link Connection YJ left hand thread.
Steering
Does the Heavy Duty Drag Link,18050.52, have replaceable end links?
Yes. both end links are replaceable. Part # 18043.10 which is a 7/8" Tie Rod End, left hand thread. This is a stock replacement part that can be found at most auto parts stores. It is used on 1991-2001 XJ Cherokees as the tie rod end link. Cross reference Jeep part number is 52005739. Part # 18043.26 is a 7/8" Tie Rod End, right hand thread. The 18043.26 part is a special tie rod end and will need to be purchased through an authorized Rugged Ridge dealer.
Steering
Does the Heavy Duty Tie Rod,18050.51, have replaceable tie rod ends?
Both tie rod ends are replaceable.18043.10 7/8" Tie Rod End,Left Hand Thread,18043.26 7/8" Tie Rod End,Right Hand Thread. Part number 18043.10 is a stock replacement part that can be found at most auto parts stores.It is used on 1991-2001 XJ (Cherokees) as the tie rod end link. Cross reference Jeep part number is 52005739. The 18043.26 is a special tie rod end and will need to be purchased through an authorized Rugged Ridge dealer.
Interior
How do I wire the dome light in the new sound bar I just purchased?
The green wire gets wired to a switch,for example the door jamb switch. The red wire goes to a constant power source at the fuse panel. The black wire goes to a common ground. Note: There is no separate wiring harness for dome light wiring.
Electrical
I have a 92-96 Jeep XJ with the an oil pressure gauge, what sending unit do I need?
17219.07 (56026779) is the sending unit you will need if your XJ is equipped with an oil pressure gauge. Note: The 17219.11 (560267190) is for the low oil pressure warning light.
Clutch and flywheel
I have just purchased a new clutch kit for my Jeep. Why does the new clutch disc fit so loose on the splines of the input shaft?
Over time the input shaft can be worn down by the back and forth movement of the clutch disc on the input shaft. If your new clutch disc has an excessively loose fit, it is recommended that you replace the worn input shaft for proper clutch operation.
Tops and covers
I just purchased a Rugged Ridge Factory Replacement Top. Is there any additional hardware I will need to install it?
The Rugged Ridge Line of Factory Replacement Tops are designed to fit in place of the original equipment soft top. There is no additional hardware needed to complete the installation process if you are replacing the original equipment soft top. Note: Will not fit other brands of soft top hardware.
Exterior
The hood lock kit I just purchased for my JK has to much play in it and allows the hood to come up enough to be opened. Is there a way it can be adjusted so the hood does not come up so far?
There are three ways it can be adjusted. The mounting bracket holes are slotted to allow adjustment from side to side. Bending the bracket inward or outward as needed will help to make the lock more secure. Lastly the locking tab may also be bent for a more secure fit.
Electrical
What oil pressure sending unit do I need for my 92-96 Jeep XJ with the warning light?
17219.11 is the sending unit you will need if you have the low oil pressure warning light. Note: The 17219.07 (56026779) is for gauge applications.
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