Time for a WJ update! It has been sitting for a bit due to many other distractions, but we turned our attention back on her over the last week or so. First, it got a new starter, followed by a transmission fluid/filter change. I also had the power steering fluid flushed/filled and leaky hoses replaced. I'm trying to prevent a $1,000 replacement of that fancy hydraulic cooling fan, so this will be a routine thing every few years. It also got a new oil pressure sending unit. It runs like new and is VERY strong. The idle is smooth, but I'm still going to replace those O2 sensors at some point. It is sitting on about 104,300 miles, so it is nice to feel the engine/transmission performing so well. Lots of life left in this baby, for sure. We'll be changing the oil in 1k miles, as the previous owner changed it right before we bought it, so it is still in good shape. We've got some nice Pennzoil Ultra Platinum on deck with a Fram Ultra filter. That should do good cleanup duty, then it will get a steady diet of that or Mobil 1 from here on out. Oh yeah, the diffs are going to be changed soo, too. The rear looks like a little bit of a pain to get to, but we'll figure it out. I may have to jack it way up to get the suspension to droop enough to access the top bolts. It'll get some fresh Valvoline or Napa synthetic gear lube.
Next up will be a tire rotate/balance. We were thinking about JK wheels, but my son likes the 16" wheels that are on it, but they are chewed up with corrosion. Anybody know how much it costs to get a wheel refinished? If around 100 bucks each, he may get that done, one or two at a time. Otherwise, we'll Plasti-Dip them either black or a metallic color. We'll be running these Goodyears awhile. They are new, so why not? He also wants to get a roof rack. We've got front tow hooks, so I'll be painting them red and we'll install them this winter. I also want to put a hitch on it. I know there was once a recall for potential fires from the gas tank in a rear end collision. Jeep recalled them and put hitches on them, which offered more protection. I wonder if they'd still perform that recall? If not, a hitch isn't too expensive. It will cost a little departure angle, but will provide a recovery point for the rear, so it is worth it. Ultimately, I'll ut a new gas tank skid on it, too, as the current one is somewhat rusted. We'll also be installing a Pioneer 7" head unit with Android Auto so he'll have navigation.
Tonight, we gave it a thorough wash and threw a coat of Turtle Wax Ice paste wax on it. This made the previous owner's cheap Mako paint job look pretty good. ONce the wheels are refinished or dipped, it will look great. I think it is also almost ready for its Trail Rated badge!
Anyone know a good value roof rack/basket that would work with these stock roof rails?
Here are some current pics from this evening.
