I've been working from home since March and my home office looks directly into my neighbor's driveway, where he parks a 2004 Khaki Metallic Rubicon w/ 160k miles (rarely driven). I spent a lot of time fantasizing about it, so when I heard he was selling, I jumped. A quick pre-purchase inspection revealed a need for new brakes and shocks, a small amount of superficial rust, no frame rust, and a little oil leak. But it came with all sorts of goodies including a 4" Zone lift kit, various armor components, and other refreshed or replaced OEM parts (he's a lifetime Jeep owner and this is his 5th, so he put some time and money into it).
That was 6 weeks ago. Since then, the Jeep has become a gathering point for my dad, my brother, and me on a weekly basis, spending every Saturday figuring out what needs to be fixed and how to fix it, breaking things just so we can fix them, and watching youtube videos about how to fix things. Our collective toolbox has expanded as we take on new and different projects on the Jeep and plan for future aspirational projects. So far, we've worked on:
Thanks to all! I’ll update the thread as we update the Jeep!
That was 6 weeks ago. Since then, the Jeep has become a gathering point for my dad, my brother, and me on a weekly basis, spending every Saturday figuring out what needs to be fixed and how to fix it, breaking things just so we can fix them, and watching youtube videos about how to fix things. Our collective toolbox has expanded as we take on new and different projects on the Jeep and plan for future aspirational projects. So far, we've worked on:
- new rotors, pads, and calipers at all four corners. Turns out you can put calipers on upside-down
- new ignition switch and actuator. I think I might be able to hotwire a TJ if I had to now.
- new exterior door pulls on both sides. I've never cursed more in a 48 hour period.
- various personalizations to make the Jeep uniquely ours (trim, decals, grab bars, etc.)
- Oil change! Never done it, want to know-how.
- New wheels and tires: it came with 33s on 17" rims, but I'd like to size down the rims eventually
- New shocks all around: one is leaking, I have no idea how old they are
- refreshing all fluids
- repairing the HVAC system that only sort of works right now
- Check engine light is on, related to o2 sensor or cats, so maybe a new exhaust!
- bumpers, lights, armor, oh my!
Thanks to all! I’ll update the thread as we update the Jeep!