[nashvillwill]

'97 2.5l TJ 140k miles. bad shape

Here is the story. New girlfriend=new TJ No maintenance log. No recollection of last oil change or any other service. However, it's a good Jeep. Cranks everytime. Runs strong.

I instantly dove right in. Oil change, new plugs/wires, air filter, cleaning. New shocks(needed badly).

Observed problems;

broken exhaust manifold bolt
valve cover leak
possible rear main seal leak
ugly, torn soft top

Plan of action;

Fix broken exhaust bolt and manifold
Valve cover gasket
Transmission/differential/transfer case fluids
radiator flush
grease point
new BestTop

What else do i need to look for?

I'm asking for general maintenance things here. Are there any particulars i need to check/change as in the fuel system. What about the intake? What can i do to extend the life of this neglected 140k Jeep?

Thanks for any help.

[Dmcastino]

Seems to me like you have it pretty well covered, I'm sure someone will chime in with something though.

[TheBoogieman]

That sounds good.My best advise would be drive it a lot and you might be able to see if anything else needs work.My first 95' YJ was filthy,never waxed,dirty greasy engine,4 bald tires,cracked windshield,couldn't see out of the scratched windows.No dents though.Within a month it looked like new again.Lots of wax and engine degreaser,new windshield,tires,tinted windows.I drove it for 3 years and NEVER once had a mechanical problem of any kind.I sold it 3 years ago with 197,000 miles on it for $5000.Not bad for a 2.5L with no a/c or power steering.

[2_Salukis]

I'd check/do everything on the major mileage schedule (60k, I think). Also, don't forget the spare tire air pressure.

[gmiller0737]

My recommendations Inspect the following: Belt,Radiator & Heater Hoses,Tire Condition, Have the Suspension & Wheel Alignment Checked,Inspect all lights for proper operation,Inspect wipers,Check Brakes Front & Rear,Change Brake Fluid

[tj99]

Before you go with a Besttop check craigslist for a used OEM top. As long as your hardware is good it is a better fitting top. Or you can get replacement fabric for your OEM hardware.

My 98 has a badly worn factory top with a busted header bar. I found a complete minus door surrounds top on craigslist for less than replacement fabric. The top had never been used, the windows were still in the box with the foam around them.

It's in my garage waiting for the current top to completely disintegrate, glad I waited to put it on. I snagged my old one with a tree last time I was wheeling.

[2jhanna]

I would change the fluids twice, about a month apart. let the first set do some cleaning, then change again.

[Si1ver03Rubicon]

Fresh brake fluid (always overlooked)!!

[UnsanePyro]

Don't forget the rest of the fluids either, coolant, brake fluid, power steering.

[nashvillwill]

all great advise, thank you guys.

I do need a new windshield. What should i expect to pay for one? Is it a pretty easy diy? I've searched the forum and haven't come up with much.

[Knocky]

You are doing this for a NEW girlfriend and not a wife?

You have a lot of faith, don't you?

[GringoLoco]

I'd take a look at the pads and shoes, make sure they're not about to take a bite out of the rotors and drums.

[nashvillwill]

^^^Ha! yeah, i know.

Well, i'd rather decide if she's a keeper on my own watch, rather than when she is killed in her road-unworthy Jeep.

-Did an alignment/balance and replaced broken control arm linkage(see what i mean!)
-brakes look good

I know this is a matter of debate, but should i flush the brake fluid? I've heard not to change it unless you do a brake service. But if you had no idea when that was last done, would you do it?

[LJameson]

Yes, bleed them! Over time brake fluid accumulates dirt and moisture and can hurt your breaking performance. It'll also wear out your brake system quicker. Also look into getting the Power Steering fluid changed. Thats the most over-looked fluid when it comes to changes.

[GringoLoco]

Another reason to change brake fluid is that the fluid heats up in the calipers under hard or long braking. If the brakes were constantly rode on down long hills, or the PO was really heavy on the brakes, they could have actually boiled the fluid in the calipers. When you boil the fluid you get air pockets which can cause your brakes to fade dramatically and lose a lot of braking power. Every time you boil your brake fluid the boiling point actually gets lower and lower. If they've been rode on hard and boiled a lot, they might feel fine now but the first time she has to grab them hard from 70mph to a stop going down hill they might get help from the front bumper. It's just too cheap to justify not doing it.