OldCarBum's 2000 TJ Sport Build Thread

[OldCarBum]

I recently purchased a 2000 Wrangler TJ Sport 4.0L 5 spd with 172,000 miles from the original owner.
I bought it with a head gasket leak or a cracked head, which was ok because my plan was to go completely through and rebuild everything.
Last week I started pulling the head and between the rainy weather and getting work done on my other project, 1973 Corvette, it has been going slow.
My current plan is to fix the head gasket or replace the head, get the Jeep back on the road and drive it until I complete my Corvette.
This will give me time to see what I want to do as far as upgrades.
I may keep the 4.0L and 5 speed or I might do a V8 and 6 speed swap.
It all depends on what I can do to keep it emissions legal in California.
Either way, I plan to have a new Jeep when I’m done and anticipate about 2-3 years to complete this project.

 

[P man]

I recently purchased a 2000 Wrangler TJ Sport 4.0L 5 spd with 172,000 miles from the original owner.
I bought it with a head gasket leak or a cracked head, which was ok because my plan was to go completely through and rebuild everything.
Last week I started pulling the head and between the rainy weather and getting work done on my other project, 1973 Corvette, it has been going slow.
My current plan is to fix the head gasket or replace the head, get the Jeep back on the road and drive it until I complete my Corvette.
This will give me time to see what I want to do as far as upgrades.
I may keep the 4.0L and 5 speed or I might do a V8 and 6 speed swap.
It all depends on what I can do to keep it emissions legal in California.
Either way, I plan to have a new Jeep when I’m done and anticipate about 2-3 years to complete this project.
View attachment 507670

Looks like a nice clean jeep to start with!!

 

[OldCarBum]

Looks like a nice clean jeep to start with!!

It is clean and even though removing the head has been a bit of a challenge, it will be a fun project

 

[deadbeat son]

I recently purchased a 2000 Wrangler TJ Sport 4.0L 5 spd with 172,000 miles from the original owner.
I bought it with a head gasket leak or a cracked head, which was ok because my plan was to go completely through and rebuild everything.
Last week I started pulling the head and between the rainy weather and getting work done on my other project, 1973 Corvette, it has been going slow.
My current plan is to fix the head gasket or replace the head, get the Jeep back on the road and drive it until I complete my Corvette.
This will give me time to see what I want to do as far as upgrades.
I may keep the 4.0L and 5 speed or I might do a V8 and 6 speed swap.
It all depends on what I can do to keep it emissions legal in California.
Either way, I plan to have a new Jeep when I’m done and anticipate about 2-3 years to complete this project.
View attachment 507670

I really like the blue/tan combo. It doesn't seem like I see it very often.

 

[Shank]

I recently purchased a 2000 Wrangler TJ Sport 4.0L 5 spd with 172,000 miles from the original owner.
I bought it with a head gasket leak or a cracked head, which was ok because my plan was to go completely through and rebuild everything.
Last week I started pulling the head and between the rainy weather and getting work done on my other project, 1973 Corvette, it has been going slow.
My current plan is to fix the head gasket or replace the head, get the Jeep back on the road and drive it until I complete my Corvette.
This will give me time to see what I want to do as far as upgrades.
I may keep the 4.0L and 5 speed or I might do a V8 and 6 speed swap.
It all depends on what I can do to keep it emissions legal in California.
Either way, I plan to have a new Jeep when I’m done and anticipate about 2-3 years to complete this project.
View attachment 507670

Looks really clean. We also wouldn't mind seeing the '73 Corvette too!

 

[OldCarBum]

Looks really clean. We also wouldn't mind seeing the '73 Corvette too!

Thanks!
The body is off and at the body and paint shop.
The chassis is coming along and when I’m finished with it, it will go to the painter to get mated with the body then paint will be applied.

 

[Shank]

Thanks!
The body is off and at the body and paint shop.
The chassis is coming along and when I’m finished with it, it will go to the painter to get mated with the body then paint will be applied.
View attachment 507854

View attachment 507855

View attachment 507856

That looks fantastic, great work! Always like those rear chrome bumper cars!

 

[OldCarBum]

Thanks!
The Jeep will get the same treatment soon enough.