[MB98XJ]

Hey everybody.

Just wanted to start this thread to show off what I have and get some opinions and support and stuff like that.

Well, my family has a history of jeeps. Right now we have 1 Cherokee, 2 Liberties, and 1 Wrangler (My Jeep). We used to have a Grand Cherokee and a couple other Cherokees and a comanche. But anyway...

I've owned my Jeep since January 3, 2008. I am 17 years old and saved up for 5 years (saving since I was 12) to get enough money to buy it (always knew I wanted a Jeep).

Jeep Information, or atleast everything I know about it.



2000 Wrangler 4.0L Sport
Automatic (3 speed)
Dana 30 & 35
15x8 Ravines with stock 30x9.5 GSA's (off a neighbor's 06 LJ)
Previous owner lived in Pennsylvania (a little rust on the frame, but basically just service rust - will post pictures later)
119,xxx miles (Just changed oil, new air filter, new wipers)
OEM Soft Top
Full Doors
Backseat
CD Player

Also, I am a high school student, and right now its summertime and I have two jobs (lifeguarding and Dunkin Donuts) trying to save up and put a lift on the Jeep.

Within the next couple months (I wish today), I want to have:
-3" Full Traction Economy Suspension Lift
-going to go with the FT Hydro's only because they are 175 and shipped along with the lift - don't have to mess with picking out and ordering different shocks and stuff...
-33x12.5r15 BFGoodrich MT (hopefully the KM2's - I have a buddy that works at the local BMW dealership and he can get me those tires (4 tires) for about $400.) - So I'm hoping that will work because paying $800 for tires is freaking ridiculous.
-Cragar Soft 8's with 4.0 Backspacing (I would like to keep my stock wheels because they are nice but they will rub and if I'm spending $200 on wheel spacers then I might as well get new wheels that will hold up alittle better.)
-Herculiner?

I get terrible gas mileage and I drive conservatively. keeping the RPM's under 2000, new air filter + oil change and I'm considering a tune-up. Can anyone send me a link to a website that can walk me through a tune-up?

Also, what kind of transfer case do I have exactly? And what gearing do I have with my stock axles?

My inspiration for the lift was from the guy that owns this Jeep:



I've read his thread many times and really like his jeep - I want Swampers but since its my daily driver, I shouldn't - but since January (6 months ago - I've only put 3200 miles on my jeep)

I am considering coating the underside of the Jeep with POR-15 but its so expensive (do you have to buy the full kit?) so I'm rethinking whether thats a necessary thing or not (I live in Georgia its freaking hot here.)

When its really hot outside like 90+ degrees outside, and I start up my Jeep - it starts up fine but it shakes weird - is that normal considering the mileage and everything? Because it has been worrying me lately.

So basically I will update this thread pretty often and if anyone has any advice or pictures of their set-up or questions or anything just let me know.

And here's a pic with me standing next to the Jeep:


And no thats not my real face haha

[Havoc]

Sweet Jeep!
Prolly won't get run over by many airplanes with a Jeep that color

Lots of questions in your post... the FAQ's stuck to the top of the TJ Tech section are good if you haven't been there yet. Lots of good info if you have time to watch the threads here.

I'd recommend (FWIW) you take it easy and go slow on mods for awhile... I know... I'm and old poop

Learn how to drive and maintain it like it is. Save up the bucks while you learn. Do stuff right the first time so you don't end up having to do it over. Treat it like you're gonna keep it for a Looooong time. No new TJ's are being made.

You should wear a hat

PS - very refreshing to read a 17 yo who has the ability to communicate in writing.

[AlTheKillerr]

you have to NP231 transfer case and if you look at your dif. there should be a metal tag with your gear ratio stamped into it. itll either be 3.07 or 3.73

[raskull]

You're funny lookin'. You look older than you say if you're in high school.

[chainsaw620]

Nice jeep! I love the color, I'm also 17 (well almost) lifegaurding is by far the best job a teenager can have, I'm also a lifegaurd Well I was about in the same boat as you last year but over last summer I made enough to put on a 4" lift 33x12.5 BFG mud's new wheels, buy a hard top, put in a sound system (deck amp and two 10"subwoofers) make some disco's put in a front locker, Rear tire carrier, Cb set up and a bunch of other stuff, right now I'm saving up for a new rear axle ($$$$) almost have enough, Also your probably going to want to do a SYE/CV droveshaft when you lift it. I know its hard to wait the extra couple weeks to save 500 or so but itll be worth it for sure when you decide you want it anyways and do a belly up skid well anyways good luck heres some inspiration from another highschool wheeler

[AlTheKillerr]

with a 3" lift you wont have to do a SYE but its worth doing

wish i had one

[Grt_Ape]

Looks good. Nice ride for a 17 y.o..

Damn...when I was 17 my dad spent $150 bucks on a 75 Datsun pickup that didn't run. Gave me the keys...told me I owed him $150....and said I could drive it once I fixed it.

C

[-Rudy-]

Originally Posted by Havoc

PS - very refreshing to read a 17 yo who has the ability to communicate in writing.

'Aint that the truth.

I would give Dave at Northridge 4x4 a call once you get around to ordering your lift. (I just ordered my Full-Traction 3" from him) I'm sure he could hook you up with some Skyjacker Hydros for the kit (only $135ish + mail in rebate!) and you'd probably get a better ride out of it.

Welcome, that's a beautiful jeep!

[chrisjep97]

congrats bro!! i got my tj last year when i was 17 too. all i can say is dont jump into anything and save your money for quality equipment. im saving for next semester in college so a lift and tires will have to wait for me, good luck with the lift and tires, your on the right track.

my progress:

[MB98XJ]

Just wanted to update since yesterday.

-Yeah I was going to order from Northridge4x4.com. They have free shipping on all orders over 100$, but yeah the skyjacker hydro deal sounds pretty good. I will definitely give him a call. I get paid tomorrow and hopefully it will be enough combined from both jobs and what's in my bank account to be enough for the lift.

-I was able to get such a nice Jeep because I have been saving up since I was 12. I am the second child and my parents told me that I would have to earn my own car so I went and worked my tail off and look what I ended up with. An awesome jeep that everyone thinks is cool. I'm basically obsessed with it. People at school rag on me because I don't take it mudding. I want to take it mudding its just that I'm saving for the lift and if I have to fix the brakes when they mess up then thats going to set me back.

-My jeep is going to look extremely goofy sitting on stock GSA's with that 3" Lift. Anyone have pictures of a similar setup? I'm going to want those tires so quick haha.

Here's a pick of my jeep about a month ago when I got the new ravines and tires (other pictures were of the old worn down BFGoodrich All-Terrains.


I have a question for any engine experts. My jeep shakes a lot when I crank it when its hot out. It shakes back and forth for about 5-10 seconds when I'm in the driveway and after I back out and put it in drive it seems to be fine. Anyone know what the deal is? Thanks.

[rickster470]

Funny coincidence, I recently got my yellow jeep, also a 2000 TJ.

I'm pretty much finished paying it off and am going to lift it and everything after I get back from Pennsylvania.

Anyway, good luck with your jeep!

[Dmcastino]

Originally Posted by chainsaw620

44x1.5 BFG mud's

Interesting size choice for tires, how how are those 1.5 inch wide 44 inch tall tires workin out for ya?

[kjs tj]

Good to see another high schooler on here i bought mine (took out my loan) last year when i was 16 but i know my mileage is horrid about 12 or 13 on my normal driving to and fro from my home to work but on the highway it will get about 21 so it all depends where you are driving the stop in go in down town ATL isnt gonna be to great but get those hideous milk jugs off your bumpers some more motivation

[chainsaw620]

Originally Posted by Dmcastino

Interesting size choice for tires, how how are those 1.5 inch wide 44 inch tall tires workin out for ya?

sorry I was tired and it must have been dark 33x12.5x15

[chainsaw620]

Originally Posted by kjs tj

Good to see another high schooler on here i bought mine (took out my loan) last year when i was 16 but i know my mileage is horrid about 12 or 13 on my normal driving to and fro from my home to work but on the highway it will get about 21 so it all depends where you are driving the stop in go in down town ATL isnt gonna be to great but get those hideous milk jugs off your bumpers

How did you take out a loan w/o being 18?