Hey all-
I just purchased my very first Jeep! Its a 2000 TJ 4.0L Manual, with 173,000 Miles, which I picked up for $3k. Overall, it appears to be in great shape. I want to maintain this vehicle as a daily driver (I have a short work commute), but spice it up a little to have some fun on the weekends... I am aiming to keep a budget of $5000, which leaves me $2k after the vehicle itself.
The most important thing to me at first, is to address anything that may be preventing it from running and driving as well as possible. Seeing that I don't know the maintenance history of the vehicle, here is where I plan to start:
- Oil/oil filter
- Air filter
- Thermostat/ coolant temp sensor/ radiator cap/ coolant flush (to address engine running a bit cold)
- Plugs/ wires/ distributor cap
- Front Rotors and pads
- Steering Stabilizer (A little squirrelly hitting big cracks or pot holes on highway)
- 31" AT Tires (current tires are shot)
- Aftermarket stereo ( because the stock one sucks)
Question is, what am I missing?
What should I be doing to ensure longevity of the transmission/ 4WD/ Etc... ?
Is there anything beyond a new steering stabilizer that would improve performance going down the road?
Beyond these items, I would like to modestly "mod" out the TJ. Small lift, Fenders, bumpers, lights, add soft top, and...?
There is an overwhelming amount of information on here, and looking for reassurance that I am on the right path. Any suggestions would be appreciated, thanks!
I just purchased my very first Jeep! Its a 2000 TJ 4.0L Manual, with 173,000 Miles, which I picked up for $3k. Overall, it appears to be in great shape. I want to maintain this vehicle as a daily driver (I have a short work commute), but spice it up a little to have some fun on the weekends... I am aiming to keep a budget of $5000, which leaves me $2k after the vehicle itself.
The most important thing to me at first, is to address anything that may be preventing it from running and driving as well as possible. Seeing that I don't know the maintenance history of the vehicle, here is where I plan to start:
- Oil/oil filter
- Air filter
- Thermostat/ coolant temp sensor/ radiator cap/ coolant flush (to address engine running a bit cold)
- Plugs/ wires/ distributor cap
- Front Rotors and pads
- Steering Stabilizer (A little squirrelly hitting big cracks or pot holes on highway)
- 31" AT Tires (current tires are shot)
- Aftermarket stereo ( because the stock one sucks)
Question is, what am I missing?
What should I be doing to ensure longevity of the transmission/ 4WD/ Etc... ?
Is there anything beyond a new steering stabilizer that would improve performance going down the road?
Beyond these items, I would like to modestly "mod" out the TJ. Small lift, Fenders, bumpers, lights, add soft top, and...?
There is an overwhelming amount of information on here, and looking for reassurance that I am on the right path. Any suggestions would be appreciated, thanks!