What's the most important maintenance items on a TJ?

DaisyJeep

DaisyJeep

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Mar 2, 2019
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Naples, FL
So, my new Daisy is getting up there in age...she's 13 years old, but in fantastic condition, only 70K miles, and always been a Florida car.

I had a Wrangler in my late 20's (same color, got her repossessed after a nasty divorce), and vowed I'd have another someday. That day was March 1st.

My question is - what's super important in terms of maintenance? I want Daisy to last forever, and I'll do whatever it takes to make that happen. I'm open to absolutely all suggestions!
 
Beyond the normal engine oil change, change differential fluids, transfer case fluid, transmission fluid, flush the brake system with new brake fluid, cooling system flush and new coolant. If you don't know when the spark plugs have been changed, that should be done as well.
 
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Cooling system for sure! See this thread: Jeep Wrangler TJ Cooling System Overhaul FAQ

I would venture to say that a good majority of vehicles you see stranded on the side of the road are either having battery issues, or cooling system failures (especially as Summer rolls around). I would say the cooling system should be replaced every 100k plus miles or 10 years, whichever comes first.

That is of course only a guess, but it's better safe than sorry. Sure, your radiator could last 20 years, but with as cheap as a new one is, it's easier to replace it as oppose to have it spring a leak while you're idling at a stop light.
 
You don't say what transmission it has but automatic transmissions last a lot longer when they get flushed with fresh ATF+4 at proper intervals. If it's an automatic, make sure it never gets anything but ATF+4.

If it's the 6-speed it's real hard to bead Redline MTL which is a full synthetic manual transmission gear lube.
 
Man I'm just going to say this ..I lost everything before , and nearly did again in '09-11 when the economy crashed ...it's was a dark time .

My TJ was reward for not giving up.

Congrats on staying in the game 👍

Maintain you first man ! Good looking jeep, good find.
 
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If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Stay on top of fluid changes, check u-joints, brakes, suspension, steering, serpentine belt, etc before hitting the trail.
 
Wrangler69 said:
I’d be willing to bet rust sends tjs to the junkyard more than about anything else. Keep her rust free and she will last a long time


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I second the rust watch. Even if it's been a Florida Jeep all it's life, there's the beach sand/salt that wants nothing better than to take you baby away from you, bit by bit. Stay on top of that. And remember, these vehicles have exposed box frames, most of the rust will likely be inside the box, so peer inside and keep vigilant. Rust prevention like Fluid Film is likely a good thing to consider.
 
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