Mechanics in Lawrence, KS?

[XJCoyote]

Hey all, I've got to get my jeep looked at and I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for shops in Lawrence, KS. Any info would be a great help as I'd like not to get ripped off or worse have someone screw up my XJ...
Thanks

 

[XJ&CHZ4ME]

what is the problem that you need looked at? There are enough knowledgable wheelers around that you should not have to take it to a shop.

 

[4wdParakeet]

If you want it worked on by a great shop take it too Mike at 4x4 Land. He is the best in the area. I know Topeka is a drive but it is well worth it. He won't do you wrong and the prices are reasonable. He is the only one besides me that works on my XJ. I live in Olathe and he came and picked mine up with the trailor and only charged me 40 bucks.


Parakeet

 

[KSXJ]

He comes to KC every other week or so. Mike is top notch.

If it is something simple post up here, there are plenty of us here KC and only 30min away and would be willing to help.

 

[87warrior]

There are only a couple shops in KS that have provided with top notch 'non-customer service': 4x4Land (Topeka) and DPG (Wichita). I say 'non-customer' because I have not yet needed a shop to do anything to my Jeep, but they have both provided very useful information to me when I had questions.

4x4 Land also quickly replied to questions I had about gearing.

 

[XJCoyote]

Thanks for all the responses. I definitely would prefer not to take my XJ to a shop but I'm in summer school and it's my DD so time is a major factor. The problem is with my drivetrain. I've got a '99 sport, AX15 w/ NP231 - 157k. 4.5" Rubicon Express with 33" all terrains. The motor sounds fine when I rev it in neutral, but as soon as I put any load on my drivetrain I get a repetitive binding/banging/clunking sound. Ive checked all fluids except for the tranny and everything is full but I do need to change the fluid in my rear diff.

 

[XJ Stryker]

Hmmm I think ya need to think about a T-case drop (Affordable) a good temp fix. And yet the permanent yet some what expensive Sye/Driveshaft.

A T-case drop is really simple to install and very affordable but not a good option if you wheel a lot.

Common problem with lift on a 231t-case is Driveline Vibes.

 

[XJCoyote]

Sorry I should have added that I've got the RE SYE and it has been lifted for almost 2 years

 

[Garden Spyder]

is your exhaust up against your front driveshaft? we ran into that yesterday with a friend's XJ that we put a 3 inch lift on. The driveline angle made the exhaust line up with the axle.

 

[4wdParakeet]

I can vouch for that problem. I just had my downpipe redone from the DS hitting it and wearing a hole in the exhaust pipe. Looking back I did hear some banging when I was flexed out a couple times.


Parakeet

 

[XJCoyote]

Exhaust and everything else is clear as far as I can tell. The banging can be heard rolling in neutral, and increases frequency with speed. I just pulled the front DS and the noise is still going on...

 

[XJ&CHZ4ME]

Is the banging when there is load on it only when taking off, or when going down the road w/ a load on it? I had a similar problem w/ the AX15 in my 97 TJ. Have you checked out your tranny mount? Sometimes they pull apart from the bracket and allow for some movement that will allow it to get in a bind. It sounds to me that it might be in the tranny/clutch system....

 

[XJCoyote]

I am pretty certain it isn't the tranny mount, I replaced it when I bought it about 2 years ago so it should still be good.

 

[XJ&CHZ4ME]

just rub some cheese on it, that will fix about anything.