Well I have been doing a lot of research into how to proceed with my TJ.....a bit overwhelmed I must say.
So, first things first: 2000 TJ, Sport, 4.0, 5 speed manual, 3.73 gears, hard top, 150k on the clock, Dane 30 front, Dana 35 in back. I'm wanting a vehicle that is reliable and safe for me, wife and dogs to go wheeling on mild to moderate trails. Hunting, camping, day trips, maybe longer road trips if I hunt out of state.
I know I need several maintenance items. Exhaust has a hole in the muffler - thinking cat back to renew it. Should probably replace the ball joints, u joints, and bushings. Has been grinding into 2nd gear when cold since I changed the fluid. Looks like I might have some leaks around the transmission and t case - not dripping. Also in driving it, it feels like the suspension is shot...probably original.
So help me out with "the plan" After reading a lot of posts from you guys I'm wanting to keep it fairly mild until I determine I "need" more. I have changed out my original tires to 31x10.5 x 15 bfg ko2's, put them on stock gamblers I got cheap! Replaced the tube bumpers with bumpers with recovery points on them. Have a warn m8000 going on the front once I get it going.
So, I'm thinking OME 2.5" hd lift next. That cures the suspension and should make it more fun to drive.
Here's where it gets tougher.... Thinking if I use adjustable track bars front and rear, adjustable control arms top and bottom, front and rear - I can avoid the transfer case drop, body lift, and motor mounts to stop vibes?? That also replaces a lot of worn parts and sets me up for future mods if I need / want them.
Which ones to use though? I know sometimes with a low lift the track bars rub on the differentials. Quality adjustable control arms? Will it work?
Thinking Currie anti-rock, zj tie rod, steering box skid and maybe some armor - like the gas tank skid to finish for now....wheel it like that and see what I want.
Possible future is super 35 and 30, sye, new drive shafts, lockers. Which using the adjustable components makes this easier.
Let me know your thoughts. Suggestions and anything else you might want to say...lol.
SC
So, first things first: 2000 TJ, Sport, 4.0, 5 speed manual, 3.73 gears, hard top, 150k on the clock, Dane 30 front, Dana 35 in back. I'm wanting a vehicle that is reliable and safe for me, wife and dogs to go wheeling on mild to moderate trails. Hunting, camping, day trips, maybe longer road trips if I hunt out of state.
I know I need several maintenance items. Exhaust has a hole in the muffler - thinking cat back to renew it. Should probably replace the ball joints, u joints, and bushings. Has been grinding into 2nd gear when cold since I changed the fluid. Looks like I might have some leaks around the transmission and t case - not dripping. Also in driving it, it feels like the suspension is shot...probably original.
So help me out with "the plan" After reading a lot of posts from you guys I'm wanting to keep it fairly mild until I determine I "need" more. I have changed out my original tires to 31x10.5 x 15 bfg ko2's, put them on stock gamblers I got cheap! Replaced the tube bumpers with bumpers with recovery points on them. Have a warn m8000 going on the front once I get it going.
So, I'm thinking OME 2.5" hd lift next. That cures the suspension and should make it more fun to drive.
Here's where it gets tougher.... Thinking if I use adjustable track bars front and rear, adjustable control arms top and bottom, front and rear - I can avoid the transfer case drop, body lift, and motor mounts to stop vibes?? That also replaces a lot of worn parts and sets me up for future mods if I need / want them.
Which ones to use though? I know sometimes with a low lift the track bars rub on the differentials. Quality adjustable control arms? Will it work?
Thinking Currie anti-rock, zj tie rod, steering box skid and maybe some armor - like the gas tank skid to finish for now....wheel it like that and see what I want.
Possible future is super 35 and 30, sye, new drive shafts, lockers. Which using the adjustable components makes this easier.
Let me know your thoughts. Suggestions and anything else you might want to say...lol.
SC