TJ newbie mod questions

fortcoyote · 01-17-2009, 01:18 PM

I have a 2000 TJ with a 4.0,88K miles, 30" Goodrich AT's and would like to start making some mild mods as my budget allows. I am not an offroader now, but would like to start doing more with a goal of attending jamborees in the future. This is has been my everyday driver since i bought it new. everything is still stock ...any thoughts on which mods,products or vendors to begin budgeting for?

Thanks for your help and advice.....

**GREASEMONKEY** · 01-17-2009, 01:52 PM

You gotta decide where you are wanting to go? What's the look, and function you want it for?

There's a different list for everyone.

**TheBoogieman** · 01-17-2009, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RUBIROCKER

You gotta decide where you are wanting to go? What's the look, and function you want it for?

There's a different list for everyone.

Exactly right.

I wasted money thinking I would stay on 31's with a BB and BL.I wish I had at least started with 33's because good tires are expensive.Within 18 months(and a lot of money later) I was running 35's.I wish I would just skipped the $800 for 31's to begin with.You need a goal.

fortcoyote · 01-17-2009, 02:00 PM

thanks for the fast response....not sure I understand the question fully. I live in central illinois and will probably just start slowly where there are nearby jamborees. This will still be my daily driver, and I am a old short fat guy that cant put a huge lift kit in.....

Jeepster83 · 01-17-2009, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RUBIROCKER

You gotta decide where you are wanting to go? What's the look, and function you want it for?

There's a different list for everyone.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Theboogieman

Exactly right.

I wasted money thinking I would stay on 31's with a BB and BL.I wish I had at least started with 33's because good tires are expensive.Within 18 months(and a lot of money later) I was running 35's.I wish I would just skipped the $800 for 31's to begin with.You need a goal.

100% correct. Jamboree's have different difficulties as well. some for beginners with stock Jeeps, some for more experienced drivers with modified Jeeps, and just about everything in between. which would you like to be part of?

tell us your goal for the Jeep and youll start to get some good info. be prepared to possibly lose a girlfriend or something. it becomes an obsession.

fortcoyote · 01-17-2009, 02:09 PM

well, I guess i am too new or stupid to clearly have a goal right now. Here is what I am thinking: I would like to get more performanace from the TJ for the daily driving, and be able to tackle mild off roading. thats the best i got right now....

Jeepster83 · 01-17-2009, 02:11 PM

well then whats the budget you had in mind?

**TheBoogieman** · 01-17-2009, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fortcoyote

well, I guess i am too new or stupid to clearly have a goal right now. Here is what I am thinking: I would like to get more performanace from the TJ for the daily driving, and be able to tackle mild off roading. thats the best i got right now....

Probably a RC 2.5" lift and 31's or 32's until you change your mind.Then add a 1" BL and more stuff,lose your wife,house,dog and keep spending money because your an addict now.After countless meetings of JA (Jeepaholics Anonymous)and no friends other than Jeep peeps,you will still continue to build and spend money.

My windshield decal actually says JEEPAHOLICS.

**yellowismellow** · 01-17-2009, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeepster83

well then whats the budget you had in mind?

x2. im all stock suspension right now, but im heavily armored with skid plates and stronger body panels on a lot of areas of my jeep. i've bought 2 sets of 31" MT tires off craigslist for great deals.

this is my third jeep. i've lifted 2 before. for looks more than anything. i would never take the previous 2 jeeps offroad because i felt they would fall apart. even with big tires and lifts.

i've taken my stock TJ offroad several times now and learn what i can and cant accomplish on mild to moderate trails (this is where having skid plates as first mods helps). eventually when my payments are gone on my 06 TJ, i plan on lifting it. but until then, ill wheel it stock.

my advice to you; 31-32"tires, a body lift no more than 1.25" in height, and a budget boost of 2". a budget boost is like sticking hockey pucks above your springs and maintaining stock ride characteristics. investing in an engine/transmission skid plate would be my first add-on to your jeep.

hope this helps.

fortcoyote · 01-17-2009, 03:15 PM

thanks for the feedback... i was thinking my budget could be about $1500 initally... i really like the comments about what i would need for my limited off roading will be while still maintaining some stock ride aspects

bigman7878 · 01-17-2009, 03:20 PM

Skid plates, 2-3 inch lift, 33" AT's, winch, body armor. Maybe a cb

All good places to start IMO

**GREASEMONKEY** · 01-17-2009, 03:20 PM

I'm still close to stock if you look at the overall picture. I do a great deal of nite rides, and added a little over 1000 watts in lights. I run 33's, on an RE 2" BB, 1" BL, 1"MML, and use ZJ front springs to help with the weight added by a winch, bumper, high lift, ect... Mine is a DD, and weekend warrior. I have lots of gadgets, but the suspension is still just a step above stock.

You could do 31's/32's, a BB, BL, MML, and spend around $1000. Later add a winch, bumpers, and regear for roughly another $1000.

fortcoyote · 01-17-2009, 03:28 PM

not sure what a "a BB, BL, MML," is...can you spell it out for a newbie?

Jeepster83 · 01-17-2009, 03:30 PM

BB = budget boost 2"
BL = body lift
MML = motor mount lift