So I just bought a near stock 5 speed 4.0 02 Sahara, and it’s going to be my daily, but also take it on the trails here and there.. I have no idea where to start on mods though, so any advice would be great, thanks!
Where do I start with my TJ?
- Thread starter Project Jeep $$
- Start date
EzPeezy
TJ Enthusiast
Go drive it and see where it doesn't work and what it could do better.
MountaineerTom
LJ Enthusiast, Retired USAF Weapons Loader
Supporting Member
Ride of the Month Winner
Will’s TJ
Member
Mostly rocky trails, not extremely difficult I’m an army private so I don’t have the budget to be fixing it all the time
what area in TX? If you’re military probably SA or Killeen area. Hidden Falls in Marble Falls, Wolf Caves in Mason, SWR near Llano. 33’s with lockers run good in that terrain as a daily. 35’s would be great too, but that’s too much for me as a daily. I used to live in the Hill Country. I may be ahead of myself guessing where you live.
How much do you want to spend?
Do you want to do it right the first time and spend a lot more, or do you want to go cheap and have to eventually upgrade things over time?
Do you want to do it right the first time and spend a lot more, or do you want to go cheap and have to eventually upgrade things over time?
I’m not looking to buy the most high end parts out there, but I am looking to buy good, reliable stuff. If it is out of my budget at the moment I’m cool with saving up
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/so-you-want-to-run-35-tires-on-your-tj.2428/
This is the thread you're looking for. Spoiler alert though, it's a bit more than suspension.
MountaineerTom
LJ Enthusiast, Retired USAF Weapons Loader
Supporting Member
Ride of the Month Winner
Based on this, I'd do a mild 2-3 inch lift and stick to 31 or 32 inch tires, or maybe 33's if you add a body lift too and get your bump stops right. You can do all that relatively inexpensive. Tires probably being the most expensive part.
You didn't specify how many miles are on the Jeep now? This may not sound like as much fun as doing mods, but doing a basic assessment of the Jeep's current condition is a place to start.
- What maintenance has been done to it thus far?
- Was previous work done that needs to be undone immediately, due to safety or other reasons?
I always start with, and recommend, the following:
1. Inspecting brakes and steering (Fixing what needs to be addressed)
2. Inspecting cooling system (Fixing what needs to be addressed)
3. Inspecting oil leaks (Fixing what needs to be addressed)
4. Inspecting all U-joints (Fixing what needs to be addressed)
5. Inspecting electrical system (Fixing what needs to be addressed)
6. Changing all fluids
I'll be the boring one and say that having a cool looking lifted Jeep does nothing for you if it leaves you stranded. To be 100% clear, I'm not saying maintenance wasn't done, but I'd start there before spending money elsewhere.
- What maintenance has been done to it thus far?
- Was previous work done that needs to be undone immediately, due to safety or other reasons?
I always start with, and recommend, the following:
1. Inspecting brakes and steering (Fixing what needs to be addressed)
2. Inspecting cooling system (Fixing what needs to be addressed)
3. Inspecting oil leaks (Fixing what needs to be addressed)
4. Inspecting all U-joints (Fixing what needs to be addressed)
5. Inspecting electrical system (Fixing what needs to be addressed)
6. Changing all fluids
I'll be the boring one and say that having a cool looking lifted Jeep does nothing for you if it leaves you stranded. To be 100% clear, I'm not saying maintenance wasn't done, but I'd start there before spending money elsewhere.
The thread linked to above will give you a good list of everything you need.
4” suspension lift
1.25” body lift
Regear
Lockers (lunchbox up front/Detroit rear)
Adjustable front and rear trackbar
SYE/DC
Set of CA’s
Big brake system
Currie currectylinc steering
Front disconnects or antiRock
More...
Good advise here, especially as you say you are still a PVT... don't be tempted to buy cheaper build parts because of budget. Take care of PM items first (consider the above a basic -10 manual), wait until you get that E4 - stay in post housing and you will have some build $$...
And if you're near Juarez - don't take the TJ across the river!!!
First be sure that everything is running right. A 4" lift on a Jeep that won't run is a waste of $. Be sure the drivetrain is in good shape. The headlights work. Wiper blades move. Then d.d. it for a couple months so you know what you like and what you don't.
Start with brakes and steering. Those will always be the most important systems on any vehicle. Find a Jeep club near you. Talk with those guys. Go on a few trail rides with them. Then formulate your game plan.
A good suspension on 32"s is far more capable than a cobbled up ride on 35"s. The driver will be the key upgrade. Learn how to run the trails. Where to put a tire. Where NOT to put a tire. We will give you the best (conflicting) advice we can. Welcome to the club!
Start with brakes and steering. Those will always be the most important systems on any vehicle. Find a Jeep club near you. Talk with those guys. Go on a few trail rides with them. Then formulate your game plan.
A good suspension on 32"s is far more capable than a cobbled up ride on 35"s. The driver will be the key upgrade. Learn how to run the trails. Where to put a tire. Where NOT to put a tire. We will give you the best (conflicting) advice we can. Welcome to the club!
130k, it was my grandpas Jeep and he bought it new, has never seen a trail. As for maintenance wise, it seems literally perfect besides that he was a smoker. Thanks for the advice I’ll make sure to do a thorough looking over!
Thanks for the help! Based off of what y’all have been saying I’m going to either go with 32s or 33s, 35s seem like a different ballpark for what I have in mindFirst be sure that everything is running right. A 4" lift on a Jeep that won't run is a waste of $. Be sure the drivetrain is in good shape. The headlights work. Wiper blades move. Then d.d. it for a couple months so you know what you like and what you don't.
Start with brakes and steering. Those will always be the most important systems on any vehicle. Find a Jeep club near you. Talk with those guys. Go on a few trail rides with them. Then formulate your game plan.
A good suspension on 32"s is far more capable than a cobbled up ride on 35"s. The driver will be the key upgrade. Learn how to run the trails. Where to put a tire. Where NOT to put a tire. We will give you the best (conflicting) advice we can. Welcome to the club!
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