Weak Retaining Straps
Weak link: U-joint retaining straps
Models affected: All TJ
What happens: Light-duty straps are used to mount both the front and rear driveshafts to their respective axles. They're fine for street use, but become a weak link on the trail.
Strong fix: Peace of mind comes with swapping in yokes with stronger U-bolt-style mounts. Randy's Ring & Pinion offers everything you need to do this swap. The new yoke is a Dana 44 unit with conversion seal.
Contact: Randy's Ring & Pinion, 866/631-0196, www.ringpinion.com
Cable Guy
Weak link: Seat pull straps
Models affected: '97-'99 TJ
What happens: Cables are integrated into each front seatback. These cables allow you to tilt the seatback forward in order to access the rear seat area without reaching behind the front seats to use the low-mounted levers. You simply pull on the exposed tab to release the seatback. Unfortunately these cables have plastic ends that break, rendering the system useless.
Strong fix: Wish we had better news, but when these cables break, you have to order the parts from your local Jeep dealer, remove the seats, and disassemble them to get to the broken cable.
Contact: Your local Jeep dealer
Unresponsive Knobs
Weak link: Climate control knobs
Models affected: '00-'02 TJ
What happens: In '00, Jeep introduced the twist-style climate control knobs which replaced the sliding-style controls used previously. The twist-style knobs are a unitized assembly and they have a high failure rate. Complaints typically revolve around unresponsive or partially unresponsive operation.
Strong fix: Burnsville Off Road says they've replaced scores of these knobs for customers. Unfortunately, there is no aftermarket availability for these parts and they must be purchased from your local Jeep dealer.
Contact: Your local Jeep dealer