Chief - TJ

AutoCrat

TJ Enthusiast
Joined
Apr 8, 2022
Messages
189
Location
New Zealand
Introducing “Chief - TJ”. It is documented as “Special Edition Group” on factory build sheet but doesn’t mention specifically what edition. All the features & details are matched to build sheet including “Extreme Sport Badge” minus four wheels & tyre size. Spare wheel is correct with original tyre.

This TJ was sold new in Japan in 2004 and made it to New Zealand in June 2005 with just 7900kms. It had 3 previous owners in New Zealand. I managed to get in touch with owner no. 2 who used it as a promotional vehicle for his business, he mentioned that it had “Chief” badge / emblem on the both sides of bonnet and a “Trail Rated” badge on one side, that he removed for his business promotion decals. He mentioned that those badges are still lurking somewhere in his garage and he indeed spotted them few years back. He promised if he finds it will ship it to me. Last owners had it since 2016.

Vehicle importing from Japan is fairly common in New Zealand, I got in touch with one of the vehicle importer in Auckland and he told me that for Asian markets Jeep did run some special editions that were different to North America & Europe. If I conclude it’s build sheet by “North American” description, then this TJ is “Columbia Edition with Rocky Mountain Seats” and “Chief” badge slapped on the bonnet / hood.

This TJ is bone stock with just 60000 kms when I picked it (Now it is 60918 kms). Never been modified or used for off-road (Which is a shame really) and not a single additional hole drilled ever to mount any after market accessories. Interior is mint and even the windshield is still factory original.


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Hello All,

Looking for new tyres and idea is to keep everything stock, therefore I am going with “Goodyear Wrangler Silent Trac” (Closest Replacement to original GSA). it came from factory with 225/75/R15 but Currently it’s wearing 235/75/R15.

I am happy with either sizes however Silent Trac load rating is LT (6Ply) in 225/75 & XL (4Ply) in 235/75 and this is where I need help from you all experts to understand what would be best for handling / MPG etc.

This Jeep will be a street / high way cruiser 90% and 10% light off road trails. No intentions of any serious off roading in this. Jeep is on stock suspension / height Etc.

Thanks in advance.
 
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Like many here, I don't have too much experience with that type of tire on a Jeep. I have had some negative experience (rapid wear and delaminating tread) with similar Goodyear all terrains on one of my wife's SUVs. For your described use, I would go with BFGoodrich KO2s in what ever size you prefer. They are a quiet, capable, all weather road tire and enough for "light trail" use. Nicely preserved TJ, by the way.
 
Hello All,

Looking for new tyres and idea is to keep everything stock, therefore I am going with “Goodyear Wrangler Silent Trac” (Closest Replacement to original GSA). it came from factory with 225/75/R15 but Currently it’s wearing 235/75/R15.

I am happy with either sizes however Silent Trac load rating is LT (6Ply) in 225/75 & XL (4Ply) in 235/75 and this is where I need help from you all experts to understand what would be best for handling / MPG etc.

This Jeep will be a street / high way cruiser 90% and 10% light off road trails. No intentions of any serious off roading in this. Jeep is on stock suspension / height Etc.

Thanks in advance.
I would go with whichever ones you want to get, regardless of ply. It’s not going to matter much for your application.
 
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Attempted my first DIY to tackle well known and documented “Fan Speed” issue today with no success. On my TJ fan only blows on the lowest position with highest speed and doesn’t work on any other position. (I.e. mid and high). So tried replacing old fan resistor with new one but outcome is still the same as before. No issues with heating or cooling function. Also didn’t notice any wires melting etc. behind the glove box.

So what else it could be? Fan switch itself maybe?

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Attempted my first DIY to tackle well known and documented “Fan Speed” issue today with no success. On my TJ fan only blows on the lowest position with highest speed and doesn’t work on any other position. (I.e. mid and high). So tried replacing old fan resistor with new one but outcome is still the same as before. No issues with heating or cooling function. Also didn’t notice any wires melting etc. behind the glove box.

So what else it could be? Fan switch itself maybe?
Welcome! I've gotta say, it's really a trip seeing up-close photos of a RHD TJ. It's interesting to see what is flipped and what isn't- obviously the dash and steering linkage are flipped, but the differential is still on the left side, same as LHD, and the console is the same as a LHD. Does your console have slots on the passenger side for a subwoofer, or none at all?

I would go through and double check that there are no melted wires- mine was melted both at the resistor and at the 3-pin plug that plugs in next to the rightmost switch. I also replaced the fan speed switch, which I got for around $20 off Amazon- what can you get one for down there?
 
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Welcome! I've gotta say, it's really a trip seeing up-close photos of a RHD TJ. It's interesting to see what is flipped and what isn't- obviously the dash and steering linkage are flipped, but the differential is still on the left side, same as LHD, and the console is the same as a LHD. Does your console have slots on the passenger side for a subwoofer, or none at all?

I would go through and double check that there are no melted wires- mine was melted both at the resistor and at the 3-pin plug that plugs in next to the rightmost switch. I also replaced the fan speed switch, which I got for around $20 off Amazon- what can you get one for down there?
Thanks, yes central console has subwoofer slots on the passenger side (Not to mention subwoofer itself is toasted 😂). Will get it sorted one day. I don’t listen that much of radio in this Jeep so not bothering me, in fact I am finding original speakers are doing just enough for now. Wranglers are designed very cleverly to accomodate both RHD / LHD requirements. Not much needs relocating there from manufactures point of view.

Checked wiring behind the HVAC control panel and thankfully wiring is all intact. No signs of any melting. Looks like new fan switch and blower motor are order of the day.. Can I source these from other Chrysler cars of same era? I am sure Jeep NZ would want ar least my one arm & leg to order it through them.

I know I can find these on eBay & Amazon USA but shipping is a killer. If it has to be aftermarket then any recommended brands / Part Numbers I should consider.

Cheers 🥂
 
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Hello Team,

I am looking for few OEM parts for my 2004 Wrangler TJ - (In good used condition).

1) Rear Floor carpet in black ( Goes under the rear seat and cargo)
2) Front tow hooks and rear recovery hook
3) Rear floor mounted seat belt in black (Female buckles)
4) Front bumper ends caps (Milk Jugs) faded is fine as long as they are not damaged, I will paint them.
5) Rear view mirror with compass & Temp) with harness
6) OEM steel wheel 5 X Hub Caps (Black or Silver) (Pic Attached)
6) Any source for “Rocky Mountain Edition” front seat covers?


Any help with above is greatly appreciated.:)

Thanks in Advance.
Archie

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Those tiny bit of surface rust marks and “they were really tiny and easily could have left alone for years to come” but were bothering me and before they become more sore to my eyes, I decided to get the inside done properly I.e removed the roll bar, parking brake lever bracket, other brackets and finish everything in OEM factory style 😎.

However we ended up destroying just 2 bolts in the process 😂. Wondering if it’s a good idea to replace all the hardware at this stage and what is the best OEM style kit out there 🤔?

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Those tiny bit of surface rust marks and “they were really tiny and easily could have left alone for years to come” but were bothering me and before they become more sore to my eyes, I decided to get the inside done properly I.e removed the roll bar, parking brake lever bracket, other brackets and finish everything in OEM factory style 😎.

However we ended up destroying just 2 bolts in the process 😂. Wondering if it’s a good idea to replace all the hardware at this stage and what is the best OEM style kit out there 🤔?

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Definitely been there before, though I think you have me beat with the removal of the roll bars! Your Jeep is in remarkable shape.
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