Hi. first post i see all of the mods and add ons everyone gets i have a more basic question. This is my first jeep zj 96 4.0 I6 it has 251,000 miles on it for that i dont want to mess with jackin it up or some big swampers had that on my ram.
Where is the best place to start returning a vehicle to the day it drove off the lot?
Just looking to get the most life out of her.......thanks guys
If you plan on keeping her for the long haul, then here's my list of things that I would strongly recommend. Take care of it and it will take care of you.
-Spark plugs, plug wires, distributor rotor and cap. Use OE replacements and nothing else. NAPA makes good components. Champion copper plugs only!
-Engine Oil+filter change - Conventional 10w30 valvoline and a purolator one (not the generic purolator) filter.
-diff fluid change - standard OE replacement oil
-Trans fluid + filter change. (do NOT flush. changing the fluid is enough) - ATF +4 and a nice filter. It will take a bit of extra fluid to clear the old fluid out of the torque converter.
-Power steering fluid change. Same deal as the trans, run all of the old fluid out of it and fill with the new.
-Brake fluid is often overlooked. Replace with new DOT 3 and bleed thoroughly.
-Oxygen sensors and maybe even the catalytic converter.
Check the brakes, all suspension bushings, and tie rod ends in the steering. The steering gear is probably out of adjustment so that's a good place to start.
If it needs tires, then replace them. Michelin MTX M/S2's are expensive but are a fantastic tire. My sister's ZJ has done 90k miles on them and they still have plenty of life left. Best road tire in my opinion, hands down.
If it needs other major work, have somebody you know well and trust to do it. People get screwed with shop work far too often. If you can do the work yourself, research well and do it. Sooner or later, you'll be able to do everything on your own.