TJ decisions

Low mileage just sitting is bad. Start them occasionally, and change fluids at the time intervals is a must. I bought a '85 Trans Am back in 2011 that had been in dry storage since the 90's. The body and interior were both in great condition. Weatherstripping was meh. I lost the 700r4 to the pump seal blowing out, the power steering pump seals were brittle and leaking, the water pump blew a seal and went out, fuseable links dry-rotted and crumbled... All in about 1500 miles of owning the low mileage car... I'd rather have a vehicle that has been documented at 5-10k mile a year than a low mileage sieve again... depending on location of course...

Our '05 TJ has been in our possesion since around 8 miles on the odometer, and is now ~130k (~7500 miles/yr). But up until summer 2021 it was located in S. FL. , as a result, paint and anything plastic or rubber is dry-rotting or getting brittle. But it runs and drives like it did new, and there are no leaks. Hell, we put the tires (BFG A/T... not KO or KO2) that are on it now on in 2013, they have maybe 15k on them, and need to be replaced because of the dry-rot...
 
Human/drug smuggler? :unsure:

Fishing and doing volunteer work for the village where our group has been going for 45 years now. Started as Dads and sons when the Dads were all doctors and would provide free medical to the villagers. Those Dads are all gone now and we are the sons and grandsons carrying on the tradition, although no doctors among us. Used to be almost 50 miles of dirt road to the village, now pavement to within 3 miles, electricity six years ago and water 2 years ago. 10 mile white sand beach. Group started with over 100, now we are down to around 40 guys in all. The village is Puerto Lobos and we are the Lobos Riders.

Early Start.jpg


20210416_095636.jpg


20220409_184017.jpg


IMG_0317.jpg
 
Last edited:
Ended up with the 2000. Drove it down from snow country today. This thing is near perfect, I couldn't find much wrong with it besides the usual cracks on the door liners that seems to be a TJ thing, a tiny bend with small paint chip at left rear tail light and the T case linkage needs adjustment. Oh and the shift knob sings unless you give it a hard twist, Crawled all around underneath, no rust whatsoever except for the surface rust on the exhaust. Original shiny paint. Looks like new and drives as well as can be expected with the wide tires which is one thing I will want to change. It has American Racing Polished 172 wheels 15x10 with 3.81 backspacing, -43mm offset and 31x10.5/R15s. They stick out way too far for my liking. I will be researching wheels and tires, I want a happy medium, not as small as factory (215s) but nothing too radical. These are so wide the seller installed wider fender flares but he gave me the originals for when I decide what to do for wheels and tires. A friend suggested Rubicon wheels, any other ideas?

20230126_084821.jpg
 
I agree with you on the extra-wide flares. No bueno. Stock, or maybe a set of Rubicon/Sahara flares (always fashionable!) would be a better choice. Beautiful ride, btw. Congratulations!!!

I have the OEM flares but I want to change the wheels and tires to bring them in a bit, don't like that wide track.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Squatch
Ravines over canyons in my opinion. Sweet grab. I have a 2001 and bought it with the cracked head not doing my research before buying. Replaced it with a Clearwater and about 2 years later got the piston slap (not sure if they were related). Rebuilt the engine and would haven’t changed a thing about my purchase. Great find and enjoy your beaut!
 
  • Like
Reactions: GPK03X and B1Toad
I heard that Land Cruiser wheels will fit, I have access to a free set of 1998 Land Cruiser 16" wheels that I can try on if I want. One of the TJs I looked at had them. Is it a bad idea? Sacrilegious?

I just noticed the Toyota wheels are 6 hole:sick:
 
31’s on Ravienes, no lift…

31x10.50? And these tuck completely under the standard TJ fender flares? I've got an issue with inspection compliance but want to reuse the BFG 31x10.50 currently on the vehicle. Just picked up a set of clean Ravines to help correct the almost 2" of rubber protruding beyond the flares.

The PRoMD doesn't like this kind of behavior... :cautious:
 
31x10.50? And these tuck completely under the standard TJ fender flares? I've got an issue with inspection compliance but want to reuse the BFG 31x10.50 currently on the vehicle. Just picked up a set of clean Ravines to help correct the almost 2" of rubber protruding beyond the flares.

The PRoMD doesn't like this kind of behavior... :cautious:

Yep, look at my avatar pic… the sidewalls might be a little outside, but tread is fully under
 
  • Like
Reactions: chili_pepper