Road trip reliability

mtn377

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Mar 20, 2024
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Southeast US
Wanted to post to get some maintenance / mod ideas….

Let’s assume you have a good running 1997 TJ, it has no aftermarket mods, unknown service history, and 180,000 miles.

What are some things you would want to do to it before taking off for a few days on a road trip? 150ish mile days…

I have been doing some local 150 to 200 miles trips with no issues I would just like to do some things to ensure it would be good on a couple day camping trip.

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Dry steering test. Pull diff covers and flush, put eyes on everything that moves.check ujoints.check ignition.check fuel pressure. Address previous quirks that indicate trouble.
 
Belts, tires and hoses. These deteriorate with age. The rest is a crapshoot if everything has been running OK.
In Feb I took my 04 Suburban w/126k on a 6k roadtrip to Fl and back. Blew a tire in Tx that had 90% tread and approx 4yrs old. A rock totaled my windshield in La. Other than that it was uneventful. My oil change only lasted 18 days before the next change was due.
 
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Take care of known issues, freshen up fluids and go. If you are taking 100 plus mile trips, going farther isn’t inherently a problem. Last year I took a 1500 mile trip from Arizona to Washington State in the Jeep. Fun trip and had no problems. I did take some basic tools and a gallon of coolant just in case.
 
Take care of known issues, freshen up fluids and go. If you are taking 100 plus mile trips, going farther isn’t inherently a problem. Last year I took a 1500 mile trip from Arizona to Washington State in the Jeep. Fun trip and had no problems. I did take some basic tools and a gallon of coolant just in case.

Battery condition, jack under the seat.
 
Definitely a battery condition test
Check all brakes to make sure theyre not due for service soon

Oil change due soon?? Wipers due soon?
Radiator ,tires, headlights, tail lights, signals check
 
I do a yearly trip to SW Colorado which ends up totaling close to 2k miles. The only issue I've ever had on that trip was the rubber hood latch snapping in the wake of an oncoming tractor trailer on a windy 2 lane highway...not even 40 miles out from my house. I had vise grips and zip ties to get me to the next town where I found a napa, bought a bolt and nut and borrowed an employees drill to make something more secure, then ordered a new latch to be delivered to a location I'd be passing the next day.

Not saying to replace your hood latches, just that I find being prepared to be just as important as being caught up on maintenance. Zip ties, bailing wire, duct tape and some basic tools go a long way.