Beach Jeep Project in South Florida

Hoy3003 · Mar 15, 2026

I have wanted a Jeep since I was in high school and cannot explain why I didn't purchase one earlier, but came across a 2003 TJ few weeks ago for a crazy good price down in Miami and decided to adopt it. Took the top off before I left and I was in love with it before I made it back to Fort Lauderdale, despite its need for some serious refreshing and desperately needing an alignment. Took the doors off and drove it around for bit by the beach and I couldn't be more excited to finally have a jeep and a new project. So here is what I got:

The Good:

2003 TJ 4.0 Manual with Dana 44 rear-end and 4 wheel disc brakes
No prior collisions (per car fax) though someone definitely backed into a pole on the rear passenger side (easy fix).
The big one - ZERO RUST, thank you South Florida
150,000 miles and runs very well
Came with a set of 2006 Rubicon Rims (going to swap out for some wider 15" wheels for some 33" but they are cool none the less)

The project stuff:

The interior is hurting - no carpet, no back seat (dog is the only one riding in the back so all good there), roll bars padding is missing in parts the roll bar covers are rough or missing
It drives and steers like it is trying to kill you over 30 mph - Came with a 2" spacer lift without any correction of suspension geometry and is badly misaligned.
Paint has been beaten and abused by the Florida sun
It's throwing a pile of codes, Bus 60, Bus 68 and the alternator is not charging. Thankfully no engine warning light, because prior owner fixed this by disconnecting the bulb lol - all signs say time for a new ECU!

The Plan - Since I am already attached, the TJ is going to get some serious love and lots and lots of overdue upgrades. I'm sure there will be plenty of misteps along the way but figured I'd post up the journey.

KennethS · Mar 15, 2026

I cut a piece of house carpet for the rear so the dog has a plush area. It’s much better than the thin factory carpet. You can out some foam underlay for additional comfort and heat insulation.

Why not use the Rubi wheels with 33s? The tires should fit.

Hoy3003 · Mar 15, 2026

KennethS said:
I cut a piece of house carpet for the rear so the dog has a plush area. It’s much better than the thin factory carpet. You can out some foam underlay for additional comfort and heat insulation.

Why not use the Rubi wheels with 33s? The tires should fit.

A mix of the tire selection for the 16" wheels vs 15" wheels and the wheel offsets. The Rubi wheels are a +25mm where as the 15" are a -19mm. I'd prefer not to run spacers and I dig the gunmetal grey wheels Mammoth makes.

That's a solid idea for the rug in the rear. Unless we are heading to the everglades, the keys or camping up north, I'm mostly just driving just a few miles to the beach with the dog riding shotgun. But if the girl comes and for longer trips that's a great idea. Its been awesome already not having to clean my daily driver after every beach trip with a wet sandy dog!

KennethS · Mar 15, 2026

A rubber cargo mat could work for an easy to clean option.. I’m in an area with very high summer temperatures (115+) so I opted for the carpet with underlay for thermal insulation. Rubber can get very hot and become uncomfortable for the rear canine passenger.

Hoy3003 · Mar 23, 2026

New PCM from Wranger Fix cured my non-charging issue and the Christmas tree light show of warnings on the dashboard! Can't say enough good things about those guys, highly recommend!

Looking forward to tackling the brakes, suspension and other fun stuff bolted under the frame. So far a pile of Savvy and Old Man Emo parts arrived, along with the new bumper. Just awaiting control arms, currectlync, track bars, calipers, rotors and wheels. In the interim the new bumpers arrived and are getting bolted on.