Hey guys. This is my first build for an overland vehicle and I am super pumped. About two months ago, we made the jump to trade in our 2016 Jeep Cherokee, for a 2004 Jeep Wrangler with over 160k on the clock. It’s one of the best decisions we have ever made, and definitely one of the best investments... despite what some people may say.
I have always considered myself a Jeep person having owned an 04 Grand Cherokee and and still owning a 09 Commander. But the 2016 Cherokee just wasn’t making us happy. So we made the leap for a Wrangler which is what we have always wanted.
This is Hi-Ho Silver our mostly stock Columbia Edition Jeep TJ that will become our primary, middle ground overland rig.
Right off the bat, when we were test driving, we heard some bad u-joints. The seller decided they wouldn’t fix it in a feasible amount of time, so they knocked down some of the price in return and we made our way home.
Having 160k on the clock and an extensive history of owners, we knew going into it that it would need some work.
Right off the bat the weekend we brought it home we:
- Replaced front and rear differential and transmission seals and fluids
- Replaced bent tie rods
- Replaced worn u-joints
- Changed the oil
The transmission has a small kick in it and I suspect it’s on its way out from years of being beat and potential overheating from the slew of prior owners. I’ll probably run it until it gives up the ghost.
Silver was mostly stock aside from aftermarket front and rear steel bumpers. Not sure what brand they are, but they get the job done for now. I think someone along the way was building this to be an off-road rig. I’m hoping to add some lights and a winch to the front.
Next, I replaced the clunky, broken factory radio with a cheap head unit with aux port. I also changed out the busted speakers in the sound bar and replaced them with some Kicker speakers which sound and look way better.
I had also been wrestling with the defrost mode not working or blowing out any air. Troubleshooting, I initially thought it was the switch, but after several hours of tinkering I came to the conclusion it was a vacuum switch and decided to replace the entire HVAC panel switch. For a few weeks, things worked normal but I think there is a vacuum leak somewhere...
Added in some Rugged Ridge grab handles for utility.
I have a lot of plans for modifications for this rig and can’t wait to see where it heads. I currently have a 2.5 in Rough Country lift but am waiting to save up some $ to buy some new shoes and wheels for after install. Tire size thoughts and rim recommendations welcome!
Other plans for modification include CB radio install, winch, additional lights, jerry can holders, and hi-lift jack.
Sent from my iPhone using OB Talk
I have always considered myself a Jeep person having owned an 04 Grand Cherokee and and still owning a 09 Commander. But the 2016 Cherokee just wasn’t making us happy. So we made the leap for a Wrangler which is what we have always wanted.
This is Hi-Ho Silver our mostly stock Columbia Edition Jeep TJ that will become our primary, middle ground overland rig.
Right off the bat, when we were test driving, we heard some bad u-joints. The seller decided they wouldn’t fix it in a feasible amount of time, so they knocked down some of the price in return and we made our way home.
Having 160k on the clock and an extensive history of owners, we knew going into it that it would need some work.
Right off the bat the weekend we brought it home we:
- Replaced front and rear differential and transmission seals and fluids
- Replaced bent tie rods
- Replaced worn u-joints
- Changed the oil
The transmission has a small kick in it and I suspect it’s on its way out from years of being beat and potential overheating from the slew of prior owners. I’ll probably run it until it gives up the ghost.
Silver was mostly stock aside from aftermarket front and rear steel bumpers. Not sure what brand they are, but they get the job done for now. I think someone along the way was building this to be an off-road rig. I’m hoping to add some lights and a winch to the front.
Next, I replaced the clunky, broken factory radio with a cheap head unit with aux port. I also changed out the busted speakers in the sound bar and replaced them with some Kicker speakers which sound and look way better.
I had also been wrestling with the defrost mode not working or blowing out any air. Troubleshooting, I initially thought it was the switch, but after several hours of tinkering I came to the conclusion it was a vacuum switch and decided to replace the entire HVAC panel switch. For a few weeks, things worked normal but I think there is a vacuum leak somewhere...
Added in some Rugged Ridge grab handles for utility.
I have a lot of plans for modifications for this rig and can’t wait to see where it heads. I currently have a 2.5 in Rough Country lift but am waiting to save up some $ to buy some new shoes and wheels for after install. Tire size thoughts and rim recommendations welcome!
Other plans for modification include CB radio install, winch, additional lights, jerry can holders, and hi-lift jack.
Sent from my iPhone using OB Talk
