Old guy with an old TJ

WesTex TJ

Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Feb 8, 2021
Messages
89
Location
West Texas
Hello from West Texas, I hope I'm posting this in the right place! I bought a 2003 TJ awhile back and I’ve been looking at the forum as I try to get up to speed. I thought I’d better get registered and say hello because I already see I've got questions to ask. I’ve owned older jeeps over the years but never one of the newer ones, (if you can call 18 years new) so it is going to be a learning curve. My intention is to get it in shape for a town driver that I can use for an occasional trip to the rough country. Thanks in advance for your help and patience!
 
Thanks Chris, I'll get some photos posted when i learn how to navigate a little better.
Thanks Bob, I guess we can be the old guys together in different places!
Thanks Mich TJ, I think I'm a little jealous, your jeep looks a lot better than mine, but I've got room for improvement!!
 
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Welcome to the forum, from one old guy to another!

And you’ve certainly come to the right place for advice and info. Everyone here very very helpful!
 
Welcome! You will get alot of good from here.
What tractors are you into?
What are your Tj plans?
 
Welcome to the party.....plenty of questions answered with helpful ideas and some not so much too haha
 
Welcome! You will get alot of good from here.
What tractors are you into?
What are your Tj plans?
Thanks for the hello,where are you in Co? We used to get up there about every year but didn't make it last year. I've owned a few old tractors over the years, tried to buy them in fair condition, clean em up and swap em off. The last two was a 1954 AC WD45 and a 1949 Ford 8N. I used the 8N on a bush hog for awhile then upgraded to a Kubota. I phased out of tractors and into old jeeps, currently have a 47' Cj2a and a 55' Kaiser Willys pickup that I'm about finished with.
I bought the TJ awhile back, never owned one before and really didn't plan to. I just ran on to it at what looked like a good price and thought it might be an interesting Kovid project. The PO had lost interest and let the maintenance slip pretty bad. It runs good, 6 cylinder automatic, 124K miles. I'm gradually getting all the fluids and filters changed, still need to change the TC case and front differential, then check out the brakes and steering. The body is in good condition for the year and mileage, the underside is a little crusty in places and will need some attention, all in time.
My plan at this point is to get it cleaned up for town driver and maybe go to the boonies every now and then. It's not an interstate driver, the PO put a 3 1/2" lift and 33x10.5 tires on it so I'll probably haul it if I go very far.
 
Good to meet you WesTexTJ,
Front range just east of the divide.
I had a 68 Ford 3400 with factory loader and a 47 Gibson with a front blade.
At work we use a Kubota 4900 4x4 with factory loader, a good tractor but alot lighter than the old Ford.
You really notice the difference pushing / digging deep snow. The Ford would kick it's ass even though it was 2 WD.
You will really like the TJ! the suspension gives a good ride and has so much compliance off road, even stock
There is no comparing them to a flattie.
Lots of opinions and (mostly) sound advise here;)
 
It is indeed, there is only a couple on here (that post)...I'm sure there are more lurking in the background though lol

I've had mine for about 8 years...every time I plan of putting it in the garage to pull it apart to upgrade...I find myself wanting to drive it so it gets put off till late haha
 
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