Out Wheelin' with the Inlaws: Joining a Jeep Family

[Nate Livingston]

My wife (then girlfriend) comes from a family of wheelers. Her dad is a EJS trail leader, drives a monster YJ, Grandpa and uncle both have JKs. I went to EJS with them one year, and knew the only way to get the girl was to get a Jeep. So, for a wedding present, I got her a 97 TJ (2.5L). Came with a 4in lift and 32's. I took it on some dirt roads, then on Porcupine Rim in Moab during EJS this year. 2 minutes into that, I was hooked. So... gonna build this thing on a newlywed budget and show the progress here! I see now why this is such a great family activity!

 

[Nate Livingston]

Here is the first little trail we went on, Cache National Forest in Utah.
the current status is basically stock everything (2.5 automatic), except for the lift and 32" tires. Definitely taking suggestions. What should I upgrade next?

 

[Chris]

Oh man, this is an expensive one, but if it was me, I think I'd get rid of the factory low hanging skid plate and get a tummy tuck!

Looks like you've got a transfer case drop on there as well, so it's even lower than normal! I believe @StG58 has some knowledge on which skid plates will work with the SE model Wranglers.

 

[Rob5589]

Door is wide open; sye/dc shaft & adjustable control arms for rear; gear swap; lockers; winch.

 

[05 Blue Unlimited]

My wife (then girlfriend) comes from a family of wheelers. Her dad is a EJS trail leader, drives a monster YJ, Grandpa and uncle both have JKs. I went to EJS with them one year, and knew the only way to get the girl was to get a Jeep. So, for a wedding present, I got her a 97 TJ (2.5L). Came with a 4in lift and 32's. I took it on some dirt roads, then on Porcupine Rim in Moab during EJS this year. 2 minutes into that, I was hooked. So... gonna build this thing on a newlywed budget and show the progress here! I see now why this is such a great family activity!

Dude...real nice find there, welcome to the club.

Oh and the SE looks good too. Sorry hard to resist.

 

[EJD]

Yeah, nice slate to start with for sure! I always love half doors on Jeeps too.
Really like the wheels on there, is there a matching 5th wheel and tire?

 

[T Crawford]

ok got the wife - check-
got the jeep- check
Now you gotta pay for parts for the jeep- good luck.

 

[Nate Livingston]

Yeah, nice slate to start with for sure! I always love half doors on Jeeps too.
Really like the wheels on there, is there a matching 5th wheel and tire?

Thanks! Its the same size tire, different wheel, but its pretty similar looking. According to the previous owner, he looked forever to find a match and this was the closest he could get.

 

[EJD]

I think a nice new set of bumpers will be a welcome addition. I just upgraded from stock after 2 years, and it really feels so much better now.

 

[Nate Livingston]

Just a little upgrade, but since I dont have a garage, I wanted to save the spare from the sun. Snagged a Bestop tire cover.

 

[bobthetj03]

32's and a 4 banger? I'd say a re-gear will wake those 4 angry squirrels right up!

 

[StG58]

32's and a 4 banger? I'd say a re-gear will wake those 4 angry squirrels right up!

+1

Save up the cash and regear that bad boy first thing. It will probably be the biggest chunk of change that you will spend on your TJ all at one time, but it will have the biggest impact on how it drives and wheels. Stay with the Dana 30 / 35, you'll be just fine there with some upgrades to axle shafts and such. Get some 4.88 or 5.13 gears in that thing and go from there.

@Chris is correct, there are not a ton of skid plates out there for SE's, especially the automatics. Check out UCF and see if you like their offerings.

 

[brpape]

Axles then Engine swap brother! Get some rumble in there

 

[Nate Livingston]

+1

Save up the cash and regear that bad boy first thing. It will probably be the biggest chunk of change that you will spend on your TJ all at one time, but it will have the biggest impact on how it drives and wheels. Stay with the Dana 30 / 35, you'll be just fine there with some upgrades to axle shafts and such. Get some 4.88 or 5.13 gears in that thing and go from there.

@Chris is correct, there are not a ton of skid plates out there for SE's, especially the automatics. Check out UCF and see if you like their offerings.

I will have to go check that out, thanks!

 

[gg1]

32's and a 4 banger? I'd say a re-gear will wake those 4 angry squirrels right up!

This was the first thought that came to mind. 4.10s? Not sure what your Jeep came with, but gears would probably be a high priority with the 4 banger.