New to Jeeps

jkosten

Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Dec 30, 2022
Messages
39
Location
Sonoma County, CA
Hello All,

I bought a 2002 TJ Sahara about 2 weeks ago, and I have been reading through this forum pretty heavily ever since (and when shopping for Jeeps).

I landed on the TJ (and in the 99-02 range) because I really missed having a manual transmission (last one was a 1996 Dodge 2500 Cummins 12v that could jump in the dunes) and a convertible (had one but sold it when I couldn't put a car seat in it). I didn't want to go previous to OBDII, as I live in a 2 year smog area, and having modern diagnostics is handy, but everything else I wanted manual so it can be easily repaired with age. So having a NV3550, NP231 and Dana 30 / 44 drivetrain without ABS makes is very simple to repair and modify down the road.

My other big toy is a heavily modified 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 Megacab with a 5.9 Cummins, built Gorend transmission and full Thuren long travel suspension to include long control arms, and leafs, 3.0" / 2.5" King Shocks and hydro assist steering on 37" Toyos. I did every upgrade myself other than transmission (which I will do the next time it comes out). I can give more details on that truck, but not a Jeep so...

My primary plans for the TJ is a short trip commuter. My son's school is less than a mile from the house and my work is 4 miles. Both are not easy on the diesel as they (diesel engines) do not like short trips / starts.

I am not sure how much dirt time it will see as I usually play with Megacab due to it pulling my 25ft toy hauler. So far it has been to Barstow, Glamis, Pismo and Hollister Hills (two different dents from playing on the Jeep trails). And unless I upgrade to a much bigger trailer (5th wheel?) I don't see the Jeep also coming along.
 
Hello All,

I bought a 2002 TJ Sahara about 2 weeks ago, and I have been reading through this forum pretty heavily ever since (and when shopping for Jeeps).

I landed on the TJ (and in the 99-02 range) because I really missed having a manual transmission (last one was a 1996 Dodge 2500 Cummins 12v that could jump in the dunes) and a convertible (had one but sold it when I couldn't put a car seat in it). I didn't want to go previous to OBDII, as I live in a 2 year smog area, and having modern diagnostics is handy, but everything else I wanted manual so it can be easily repaired with age. So having a NV3550, NP231 and Dana 30 / 44 drivetrain without ABS makes is very simple to repair and modify down the road.

My other big toy is a heavily modified 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 Megacab with a 5.9 Cummins, built Gorend transmission and full Thuren long travel suspension to include long control arms, and leafs, 3.0" / 2.5" King Shocks and hydro assist steering on 37" Toyos. I did every upgrade myself other than transmission (which I will do the next time it comes out). I can give more details on that truck, but not a Jeep so...

My primary plans for the TJ is a short trip commuter. My son's school is less than a mile from the house and my work is 4 miles. Both are not easy on the diesel as they (diesel engines) do not like short trips / starts.

I am not sure how much dirt time it will see as I usually play with Megacab due to it pulling my 25ft toy hauler. So far it has been to Barstow, Glamis, Pismo and Hollister Hills (two different dents from playing on the Jeep trails). And unless I upgrade to a much bigger trailer (5th wheel?) I don't see the Jeep also coming along.

Welcome to the Forum.
 
How I bought it.

20221212_164624.jpg


And after replacing headlights/driving and quick cleaning plus state plates.

20221224_145222.jpg


Next to start an actual build thread.
 
  • Like
Reactions: mushdogs
Welcome to the forum!

Check out the NorCal adventures thread seeing as you’re in the area. I’ve wheeled with a few of those guys and they’re great.

And lots of pictures are important!
 
  • Like
Reactions: jkosten
I’m currently living east of Reno, but I stay in touch with the NorCal guys so I can wheel with them.

So maybe we’ll bump into each other one of these trips!

Happy wheelin’