Here is the latest on my build.
As introduced previously, the Jeep is a just purchased 2003 Sahara TJ, 4.0L, auto, hardtop, 3.73 Dana 44 with Trac-Lok, and 4 wheel disc brakes. It only has 31k miles as the previous original owner used it sparingly at a vacation home. Lucky to find her!
My plan is to use the Jeep for exploring local trails, hunting expeditions, and running errands around town. No rock crawling or heavy off trail use. I also plan on flat towing behind my diesel truck and motor home.
Mechanically, I had all the fluids replaced in the tranny, transfer case, and both axles as it appeared they were all original. It did have a recent oil change. With the help of the forum search, I also diagnosed an exhaust leak (a bolt was missing from the collector above the cat) and fixed a P1494 trouble code (the vacuum line was completely disconnected at the intake manifold). Thanks for that!
Also with advice from the forum, I repainted the fender flares the original Khaki color and repainted the rear bumper in SEM Trim Black and installed stubby bumper end caps.
I also power-washed and detailed the frame, under carriage , and wheel wells. Almost looks like new underneath! Fairchild door sill guards and Weathertech floor mats throughout round out the upgrades so far.
Next up is a new front bumper and winch. A Rockhard RH-4014 Freedom Series bumper is on order and I plan on upgrading the Warn M8000 winch that came with the Jeep with new synthetic rope to save weight. I will re-post when all this is installed.
After that, I will be looking for advice on tires and maybe a mild lift with new shocks. I think my plan is to go with 31x10.5-15 tires on the stock Canyon Wheels after researching all the options on the forum.
Thanks again for all the help thus far!
As introduced previously, the Jeep is a just purchased 2003 Sahara TJ, 4.0L, auto, hardtop, 3.73 Dana 44 with Trac-Lok, and 4 wheel disc brakes. It only has 31k miles as the previous original owner used it sparingly at a vacation home. Lucky to find her!
My plan is to use the Jeep for exploring local trails, hunting expeditions, and running errands around town. No rock crawling or heavy off trail use. I also plan on flat towing behind my diesel truck and motor home.
Mechanically, I had all the fluids replaced in the tranny, transfer case, and both axles as it appeared they were all original. It did have a recent oil change. With the help of the forum search, I also diagnosed an exhaust leak (a bolt was missing from the collector above the cat) and fixed a P1494 trouble code (the vacuum line was completely disconnected at the intake manifold). Thanks for that!
Also with advice from the forum, I repainted the fender flares the original Khaki color and repainted the rear bumper in SEM Trim Black and installed stubby bumper end caps.
I also power-washed and detailed the frame, under carriage , and wheel wells. Almost looks like new underneath! Fairchild door sill guards and Weathertech floor mats throughout round out the upgrades so far.
Next up is a new front bumper and winch. A Rockhard RH-4014 Freedom Series bumper is on order and I plan on upgrading the Warn M8000 winch that came with the Jeep with new synthetic rope to save weight. I will re-post when all this is installed.
After that, I will be looking for advice on tires and maybe a mild lift with new shocks. I think my plan is to go with 31x10.5-15 tires on the stock Canyon Wheels after researching all the options on the forum.
Thanks again for all the help thus far!