Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator

New TJ Owner With A Few Quick Questions

tplyons

tplyons

New Member
Original poster
Joined
Oct 16, 2024
Messages
6
Location
Union County, NJ
Hi all,

My wife and I just picked up this 2004 Wrangler X after searching for a while for something in good shape and unmodified.

Neither of us have a background in 4WD vehicles or off roading, but I've spent some time working on cars as a teen.

I'm only looking to do minor off roading with it so a mostly stock TJ will do the trick. She just wants to learn to drive stick and take the doors off on nice days.

We're looking to make a couple of small tweaks, but nothing significant.

Couple quick questions:

1) The Wrangler X came with 215/75R15's. It currently wears a set of Nexen Roadian AT's in 235/75R15, but the spare is an older Goodyear Wrangler in 225/75R15. Coming from AWD Subaru's, I'm wary of mixing sizes. I'm assuming the spare being ~2% smaller in diameter would cause undue wear and tear on the drivetrain? Guessing $200 or so for a matching spare would be good insurance?

2) The wife wants to add a bit of locking storage. We're able to find an Instatrunk locally, but our trunk doesn't have the rivnuts installed. I can install, just not sure what size to order. Does anyone know what size rivnut would be needed? And does anyone make a suitable replacement for the OEM knobs that are out of production?

Other than that, the wife has signed off on a few small cosmetic mods that I'll be installing over the next couple of weeks. Definitely looking forward to having a project car once again!

Photo from the wife's first lesson driving a manual... only minor whiplash occurred!
2004 Jeep Wrangler X.jpg
 
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I'd be more worried about the date code on the tire than the size. Unless of course you're planning on mixing it into the tire rotation.

Look at Tuffy products if you want more locking storage.

-Mac
 
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I learned the hard way about a mismatched spare on my new to me YJ. I was 200 miles below the border in Baja. Luckily all dirt road until I found a shop in what they called a town and had it repaired. 5 new tires when I got back to the States. Just do normal maintenance and get to know your rig. Once you figure out how you’re going to use it you will be able to make the proper changes. Some good info here as well as not so good. Be aware that people on this forum love to spend your money.
Welcome to the Wrangler Universe. At least your Wife is onboard.
 
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Hello from Warren County, NJ. Your tires look in good shape. Get a new spare of the correct size. With all the stuff flying off from trucks and other vehicles around the Rt 22 area I wouldn't want to be without a proper spare.
 
tplyons said:
Hi all,

My wife and I just picked up this 2004 Wrangler X after searching for a while for something in good shape and unmodified.

Neither of us have a background in 4WD vehicles or off roading, but I've spent some time working on cars as a teen.

I'm only looking to do minor off roading with it so a mostly stock TJ will do the trick. She just wants to learn to drive stick and take the doors off on nice days.

We're looking to make a couple of small tweaks, but nothing significant.

Couple quick questions:

1) The Wrangler X came with 215/75R15's. It currently wears a set of Nexen Roadian AT's in 235/75R15, but the spare is an older Goodyear Wrangler in 225/75R15. Coming from AWD Subaru's, I'm wary of mixing sizes. I'm assuming the spare being ~2% smaller in diameter would cause undue wear and tear on the drivetrain? Guessing $200 or so for a matching spare would be good insurance?

2) The wife wants to add a bit of locking storage. We're able to find an Instatrunk locally, but our trunk doesn't have the rivnuts installed. I can install, just not sure what size to order. Does anyone know what size rivnut would be needed? And does anyone make a suitable replacement for the OEM knobs that are out of production?

Other than that, the wife has signed off on a few small cosmetic mods that I'll be installing over the next couple of weeks. Definitely looking forward to having a project car once again!

Photo from the wife's first lesson driving a manual... only minor whiplash occurred!
View attachment 566122
Click to expand...

I think I used a 5/16-18 nutsert, but it may have been a 1/4-20. Arghhh.

Not sure what OEM knobs you’re referring too. Hopefully someone else can chime in.

I run a spare delete, but carry GlueTread, Tire Plugs, and a Viair Pump. A correct size spare is a good idea for you. Welcome to the forum.

Have fun teaching your wife manual. These Jeep’s are a great toy and lots of joy.

Just Empty Every Pocket!!!
 
Congrats on the new Jeep! Before buying anything do some searches in here... even for cosmetic. I've bought a few things then decided to go buy the better thing. Better off to buy once cry once. For now drive it, it'll l tell you what it needs
 
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TheBoogieman said:
My wife said she wanted to learn to drive a manual when I bought my Rubicon. Over 7 years later and she still hasn't taken her first lesson. Worked out great for me. ;)
Click to expand...

The good news is she's learning well. The other good news is she's realizing it's a lot more work and you have to pay attention to what you're doing. So I'll still probably end up doing 95% of the driving 😁
 
Welcome to the Jeep world and this site.

4wd and Awd are two seperate animals.
Different sized tires on Awd can cause the death of the Awd.

Different sized tires on 4wd aren't really a problem unless you have some type of "posi traction"

My son was on my case about that because my spare is a bit smaller than the other four tires. I told him at the very worse if a get a flat in the rear I'll just move a front back there and put the spare on the front. Luckily the only flat I've had so far was on the front.
 
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JEEPCJTJ said:
Welcome to the Jeep world and this site.

4wd and Awd are two seperate animals.
Different sized tires on Awd can cause the death of the Awd.

Different sized tires on 4wd aren't really a problem unless you have some type of "posi traction"

My son was on my case about that because my spare is a bit smaller than the other four tires. I told him at the very worse if a get a flat in the rear I'll just move a front back there and put the spare on the front. Luckily the only flat I've had so far was on the front.
Click to expand...

That's a good idea as well! But looking at the age of the spare, I'll definitely need to be replacing it regardless of size :)
 
A small size difference is of no concern, especially for the temporary nature of a spare tire. However, you don’t want to rely on a dry rotted tire when you need it.

You don’t need rivet nuts. There are already hexagonal holes in the tub, 2 on each side. Pull the wheel well carpet section back, you’ll see them with some rubber plugs in them. Remove the plugs, mark the location from the outside with a sharpie and slit small X’s in the carpet with a utility knife to allow bolts to pass though. Then add a washer and locknut on the other side.
 
Tob said:
A small size difference is of no concern, especially for the temporary nature of a spare tire. However, you don’t want to rely on a dry rotted tire when you need it.

You don’t need rivet nuts. There are already hexagonal holes in the tub, 2 on each side. Pull the wheel well carpet section back, you’ll see them with some rubber plugs in them. Remove the plugs, mark the location from the outside with a sharpie and slit small X’s in the carpet with a utility knife to allow bolts to pass though. Then add a washer and locknut on the other side.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info on the tire... I'll be replacing it due to the age of the original and will make sure to get one to match the others.

As far as the rivnuts go, I'd like to go this route so I can remove the instatrunk if needed for a bit more space.
 
bucky said:
I learned the hard way about a mismatched spare on my new to me YJ. I was 200 miles below the border in Baja. Luckily all dirt road until I found a shop in what they called a town and had it repaired. 5 new tires when I got back to the States.
Click to expand...

Learned what exactly? You’re only giving us a tidbit of a good story here!
 
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TheBoogieman said:
My wife said she wanted to learn to drive a manual when I bought my Rubicon. Over 7 years later and she still hasn't taken her first lesson. Worked out great for me. ;)
Click to expand...

My wife knows very well how to drive stick.
 
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