Any advice on a TJ that hasn't moved for 8 months?

[Simon692]

Hello, I’m new to both this forum and to Jeeps in general. I have been into Landrovers for the last 20 years but now I have the opportunity of acquiring a ‘98 Jeep TJ soft-top. It is unfortunate that I have been given the Jeep because it belonged to my brother-in-law and after his unexpected and untimely passing, my sister wants me to have it. I live in UK and the Jeep is in France; in a week, I will be flying out with the expectation of driving it about 400 miles home.

As the post title states, it has not moved for the last 8 months. It has been parked on a gravel drive; I have seen a photo of it with a mouldy soft-top and a flat tyre. I plan to change oil, filters, plugs etc but is there anything else that I need to look at? I’m hoping the brakes aren’t seized/rusted. Any ideas/advice?

 

[superduty]

I would look at the tires. Sitting for 8 months can cause a serious flat spot. Assuming the oil isn't old and the spark plugs are in old I'm not sure there's any great reason to change that stuff, besides peace of mind if you don't know the history.

The fuel could be an issue after sitting for 8 months but it should be fine.

The battery is likely dead assuming nobody has started it or it hasn't been on a trickle charger.

If the vehicle was well-maintained before it started sitting I think it shouldn't be much trouble to get it up and running.

I would also do a visual inspection under the hood and underneath to make sure no varmints have chewed up any wires or hoses.

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[DetroitTJ]

8 months does not seem like a long time to me. Change the oil, charge the battery, and turn the key. When the tires (or do you say tyres) are repaired then drive to a petrol station and fill it up to get some clean fuel in the tank.

 

[glwood]

Hello, I’m new to both this forum and to Jeeps in general. I have been into Landrovers for the last 20 years but now I have the opportunity of acquiring a ‘98 Jeep TJ soft-top. It is unfortunate that I have been given the Jeep because it belonged to my brother-in-law and after his unexpected and untimely passing, my sister wants me to have it. I live in UK and the Jeep is in France; in a week, I will be flying out with the expectation of driving it about 400 miles home.

As the post title states, it has not moved for the last 8 months. It has been parked on a gravel drive; I have seen a photo of it with a mouldy soft-top and a flat tyre. I plan to change oil, filters, plugs etc but is there anything else that I need to look at? I’m hoping the brakes aren’t seized/rusted. Any ideas/advice?

Would you be able to get and post any photos of the Jeep on this site? If so, something might stand out to speak to.

 

[glwood]

If the top is too nasty, you might want to fold it down and cover it with plastic or a tarp of some sort. Don't want to breathe anything that could be harmful.

 

[Chris]

I'd probably put new tires on it, drain the fuel and put in new fuel, change the oil, and check the other fluids as well.

It's also likely going to need a new battery (or at least have the current one load tested and charged).

 

[JEEPCJTJ]

Sorry about your brother-in-law passing.

I agree with DetroitTJ that 8 months sitting is nothing. Unfortunately, we have no idea how well the TJ was taken care of before that.

If the battery is dead, jump start it and see if it will hold a charge.

If any/all tires are flat check if they are dry rotted (multiple little cracks that are easier to see when the rubber has folded) if they look OK fill them up.

Check all fluids to make sure they are full and look/smell OK.

Spraying the mouldy soft-top with a couple cans of Lysol (or whatever they have in France) should kill the mold enough to drive it home in bad weather.

Good luck and let us know how it works out.

 

[g.hayduke]

Sitting for 8 months is no big deal. What's needed really depends on how it was cared for before that. Was it sitting for 8 months because the owner passed away 8 months ago or did the owner park it for some reason before his untimely passing?

I would plan on replacing the battery for sure. Other than that, might need nothing depending on the prior care and overall condition.

Just as if you were buying it, you really need to look underneath and assess the rust situation. Some are so badly rusted that they are really not safe to drive. If you can get someone to take pictures of the frame and suspension before you travel, it could save you a trip if it's too far gone.

Good luck and condolences either way.

 

[Simon692]

Many thanks for the advice and condolences. I can’t get any pictures of it until I’m actually there. I am also limited in what I can take on the plane. Filters are alright but oil will have to be bought locally. I’m slightly concerned that it may not have had the care that it should have done. It’s last MoT test (compulsory annual check) was in Sept ‘16. Can the frame rust as bad as a Landrover one? He had stopped driving it due to a new project.

 

[DetroitTJ]

Can the frame rust as bad as a Landrover one?

Ok, now you have me worried. These Jeeps are notorious for rusting. I don't know if they use any chemicals to treat ice on the roads in France, but where I live we use salt which is very corrosive to metals. There are a lot of rusty Jeeps driving around Michigan.

Take a good look at the frame and even post some pictures to the group once you're able.

 

[Simon692]

Oh darn! Not what I wanted to hear!

 

[jbar80]

My family had a low miles 06 Rubicon that was used 2 weeks at a time twice a year (Sept and May) for about 10 years was brought home and sold last year. Nothing was done to prepare it for storage other than a wash and filling the gas tank. I remember a time or two where it needed a boost to get it started but it usually started right up.

I’m not advocating that approach to storage (had it been mine, I would have done things differently), but it might not need much more than turning the key and a little air to get it back where it was when it was parked.