Always looking for suggestions and tips for TJ build for my daughter

3jeep-mike

Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Aug 15, 2022
Messages
34
Location
Illinois
So far I’ve replaced the tub, new head, radiator, trans, xfer case, sensors, fixed all the dents, painted it, new fenders, tailgate, weather strip, all new sensors, frame patches and many more parts to even remember.

Any suggestions from other TJ builders for my young driver?

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Like the paint booth- looks like you know your way around a vehicle- I see something nice in the garage.
 
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I hesitate to reply. But you asked…

I‘ve seen a few threads here about TJs for kids of members. Although I love my TJ, I really don’t think it’s the best vehicle for a new driver. High center of gravity, short wheel base, many are not reliable, and although they have airbags, not all have anti-lock brakes. If your daughter is new to driving get her a 5-10 year old Camry or Accord. If it has to be AWD, then a Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4 or Subaru Outback.

Having said that, it looks like you’re doing a nice restoration. Maybe build it for yourself?
 
I hesitate to reply. But you asked…

I‘ve seen a few threads here about TJs for kids of members. Although I love my TJ, I really don’t think it’s the best vehicle for a new driver. High center of gravity, short wheel base, many are not reliable, and although they have airbags, not all have anti-lock brakes. If your daughter is new to driving get her a 5-10 year old Camry or Accord. If it has to be AWD, then a Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4 or Subaru Outback.

Having said that, it looks like you’re doing a nice restoration. Maybe build it for yourself?

Well you know what they say about opinions.
 
‘Looks really nice! Great work. I love the pics. They show a lot of detail.
OK. What transmission, axles & differential gear ratios are you using? Those tires look pretty tall so you will probably want at least 4.56 gears. Maybe even 4.88. ‘Great looking project!
 
‘Looks really nice! Great work. I love the pics. They show a lot of detail.
OK. What transmission, axles & differential gear ratios are you using? Those tires look pretty tall so you will probably want at least 4.56 gears. Maybe even 4.88. ‘Great looking project!

The tire is off my 16 wrangler. That was just for fun. The running gear is still the stock ratios. We’re going to run her on 15” wheels with 31’s for now. We did put in a new trans and some other things
 
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Nice resto!

Will it only see pavement, or would she be taking if offroad?

If she'll be driving it during winter, spend some time on the frame (drain holes and paint) to prevent rust and have her power wash regularly. Consider installing Truetracs or other LSD for snow/ice.

Even with only 31s, depending on your trans and axles, you may want to consider a re-gear. I run 31s and 5th is only usable downhill.
 
Yep. Figured. Good luck👌

I was thinking the same thing you said.

My son dated a girl in HS that drove a JK. They almost tipped it exiting the freeway with a sudden turn of the wheel.

It is not a boy/girl thing. It is just being young, learning life's lesson and hopefully living to appreciate them.

BTW - My son totaled my 2000 Mustang convertible with two girls in the car. Thankfully no one was hurt. I should never have let him have that car.
 
I was thinking the same thing you said.

My son dated a girl in HS that drove a JK. They almost tipped it exiting the freeway with a sudden turn of the wheel.

It is not a boy/girl thing. It is just being young, learning life's lesson and hopefully living to appreciate them.

BTW - My son totaled my 2000 Mustang convertible with two girls in the car. Thankfully no one was hurt. I should never have let him have that car.

I’m so glad your son and his friends came through that unscathed😁. One of the scarier things in my parenting experience was getting my kids driving. Fun too. Fortunately, nobody got hurt, though a few cars did🙄.
 
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I think too much for his daughter so I recommend when he is done that he donate it to the "Hokahay Museum Of Jeep TJs". It would double our collection size!

It's the only right thing to do.


Nice work its looking great!
 
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Reactions: Woodrow
Nice resto!

Will it only see pavement, or would she be taking if offroad?

If she'll be driving it during winter, spend some time on the frame (drain holes and paint) to prevent rust and have her power wash regularly. Consider installing Truetracs or other LSD for snow/ice.

Even with only 31s, depending on your trans and axles, you may want to consider a re-gear. I run 31s and 5th is only usable downhill.

That’s a valid point. I’ll keep it in mind if it becomes an issue
 
I was thinking the same thing you said.

My son dated a girl in HS that drove a JK. They almost tipped it exiting the freeway with a sudden turn of the wheel.

It is not a boy/girl thing. It is just being young, learning life's lesson and hopefully living to appreciate them.

BTW - My son totaled my 2000 Mustang convertible with two girls in the car. Thankfully no one was hurt. I should never have let him have that car.

I’ll let her know in case she wants a Honda Civic, although she’ll have to find a new house to park it. Nothing other than American metal allowed in my driveway