Time to replace my Jeep Wrangler air filter, Requesting suggestions/recommendations.

[Seth_TJ]

Hello everyone,

I think it is probably a good time to replace my 2.5L 4 cylinder Jeep Wrangler's air filter. I currently have about 70k miles on my engine and I am using the stock filter at the moment. The air filter was changed around 20k probably then about 10k later I put in a K&N flat drop in. My Si results weren't bad but I currently am using the factory filter I had saved from prior to installing the K&N. I'm going to see if the UOA results are a lot different and probably get something besides the K&N. I always keep an old filter that isn't too bad around for a "beater filter" incase I go offroad where it is very dusty or something.

So i'm looking for suggestions on the air filter. I'm going to get gouged hard on a factory filter probably at least 40 bucks so I wanted to see if there was another choice that was good for me.

I don't really see a lot of dusty driving around here but occasionally I will be offroad with some dust or i'll be out in the field by the combine where there will be significant amounts of material in the air.

Thanks for your time,
Seth

 

[RedWolf4000]

I am not sure what Jeep uses as there factory filter, but you cant go wrong with an AC Delco paper filter. They have a very high pleat count, and are shown to be the most efficient on the most recent testing this forum has seen. The ones i had used in my chevy had a really good construction and sealed very very well.

My vote is for the AC DELCO.

 

[KW]

Puralator (sp) filters seem to be pretty good filters.

 

[SSLoneStar]

WIX*
I run WIX filters in my 03 TJX

 

[msparks]

You say the stock filter is $40? Wow, the Amsoil TS Filter is about 1/2 that.

Wanna give that one a try. Looks like that's the last type left since you had a K&N also. I had a K&N in my F150 and didn't like it. It' didn't fit good. I'm glad Amsoil finally came out with the TS filter for my truck. It works great, though I don't have any analysis on it yet. I'll do that next summer after I've had it a year.

[email protected]

 

[MarkC]

If you can't find Wix, Napa Gold just as good. That's what I use...unless I don't. Sometimes I grab a Purolator, and if I could actually find an AC Delco I'd probably try that too.

 

[T-Keith]

AC delco if you can find it otherwise Purolator or Wix/NAPA.

-T

 

[wrangler]

I went with the factory filter just because it seems to be an oiled paper filter. Mine came in a sealed nylon pouch which had a visible oil film on the inside... I think it was around $30 (4.0 engine) or so…

 

[Seth_TJ]

Yes the factory filters are expensive. They have an oiled foam element as a prefilter then the paper pleats.

Is the AC Delco filter or Wix/Napa or Purolator built like that? The foam prefilter might be restrictive but it is nice.


Who sells AC Delco filters? What chain?

thanks

 

[Seth_TJ]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Seth_TJ:
Yes the factory filters are expensive. They have an oiled foam element as a prefilter then the paper pleats.

Is the AC Delco filter or Wix/Napa or Purolator built like that? The foam prefilter might be restrictive but it is nice.


Who sells AC Delco filters? What chain?

thanks

---

Guys does the AC Delco have an oiled prefilter on it? The stock one does, should I worry if the AC delco doesn't? And who carries the AC Delco line?


So i'm seeing recommendations for AC Delco, Wix/Napa Gold, Amsoil, and Purolator... hmmm

not sure what would be best

 

[Virtuoso]

If it were my car, I'd go ahead and buy the Wix if I couldn't pony up for OEM.

And since the OEM is $40 (!, you sure?), I'd probably buy the Wix

 

[Seth_TJ]

quote:

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Originally posted by Virtuoso:
If it were my car, I'd go ahead and buy the Wix if I couldn't pony up for OEM.

And since the OEM is $40 (!, you sure?), I'd probably buy the Wix

---

Virtuoso,

Yes the OEM is PRICEY!!! It has a foam prefilter and the paper media. I just found a place in down that has the AC Delco filters but didn't get a price.

What makes the Wix so good? Does is have the oiled foam and the paper media? How is the fit on those?

 

[Seth_TJ]

quote:

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Originally posted by msparks:
You say the stock filter is $40? Wow, the Amsoil TS Filter is about 1/2 that.

Wanna give that one a try. Looks like that's the last type left since you had a K&N also. I had a K&N in my F150 and didn't like it. It' didn't fit good. I'm glad Amsoil finally came out with the TS filter for my truck. It works great, though I don't have any analysis on it yet. I'll do that next summer after I've had it a year.

[email protected]

---

I just looked at the Amsoil filters on their site. That looks almost identical to OEM filter construction if not better. It has the foam prefilter deal then the paper pleats media or whatever it is.


If anyone has anymore information on the Purolator, AC Delco, or Wix/Napa gold and if it is a 2-stage type filter deal like the OEM or AMsoil let me know

thanks

 

[wn1998]

Seth,
I also have a jeep TJ 2.5L 4 cyl. I made the mistake of going to a "high flow" cone filter and when I say mistake, I mean I spent $170 on the airraid filter system and got zero gains. I than put the stock air cleaner box back on and am currently running an AC Delco. I would highly reccomend the AC delco, I think I paid $10 for it.
If you are thinking your choice of airfilter will give your little 4 banger some throttle response, don't count on it. If you are looking for a boost you should find a 4.0 throttle body swap, catback exhaust, and 4.0 throttle body spacer. I did these and now can cruise @ 80mph while pushing 31 inch bfg AT's.

 

[Chris142]

quote:

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Originally posted by Seth_TJ:
[


If anyone has anymore information on the Purolator, AC Delco, or Wix/Napa gold and if it is a 2-stage type filter deal like the OEM or AMsoil let me know

thanks [/QB]

---

I put a Wix in my 02TJ. It does have the foam glued to the paper pleats, IIRC it was $28.00

The Frams also have the foam as do the STP ones at A-zone.

The Purolater one I saw at PepBoys did not have the foam and it was very expensive, $34.00 I think.

 

[Greaser]

The stock air filter that was a good piece (oiled foam & paper) has been replaced with a paper only air filter from Mopar.The price is still the same..expensive ($28)...I just put in a Baldwin in my 01 TJ for $20 and it looked EXACTLY like the Napa Gold I took out which was $25.My 99 Cherokee's air filter, which was a Napa silver cost $8,was replaced by a Baldwin for $12.The Baldwin for the Cherokee looked like a better piece...thicker sealing material around the edges,better looking media (thicker),thicker screen on top...both "made in the U.S.A" stamped on the filter media.The Napa Gold for the TJ and the Baldwin were identical in construction except for the color of the foam on the bottom of the paper...Baldwin was cream colored while the Napa was black foam...other than that and the price...NO difference.For me I can get both filters with-out any hassle...both suppliers are close to me

I'm not going to pay more at the dealer for less of a filter

 

[wrangler]

I tried the Amsoil air filter in my TJ(4.0) but it did not make a good seal with the filter casing. The edges were soft foam instead of rubber, that paper filters use. I actually saw a feather (don't know how it got sucked up by the intake) stuck between the edges of the filter and the filter casing. For that to happen I assume that there was a lot of air/dirt going in from the sides. I finally got rid of it and went with the OEM (seems to be oiled paper).

 

[Seth_TJ]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Greaser:
The stock air filter that was a good piece (oiled foam & paper) has been replaced with a paper only air filter from Mopar.The price is still the same..expensive ($28)...I just put in a Baldwin in my 01 TJ for $20 and it looked EXACTLY like the Napa Gold I took out which was $25.My 99 Cherokee's air filter, which was a Napa silver cost $8,was replaced by a Baldwin for $12.The Baldwin for the Cherokee looked like a better piece...thicker sealing material around the edges,better looking media (thicker),thicker screen on top...both "made in the U.S.A" stamped on the filter media.The Napa Gold for the TJ and the Baldwin were identical in construction except for the color of the foam on the bottom of the paper...Baldwin was cream colored while the Napa was black foam...other than that and the price...NO difference.For me I can get both filters with-out any hassle...both suppliers are close to me

I'm not going to pay more at the dealer for less of a filter

---

greaser,

Where did you get the Jeep baldwin filter for 12? What is the dealer? The cheapest I can find them for is 16 + shipping

thanks
seth