2002 Bella Blue, WJ Build
It seems like build threads are a thing here, so here's mine. Meet Bella.
>>Factory Build Info
Table of Contents:
BUILD
REPAIR
I have had her since July 2002, new to me and the only new vehicle I have ever owned.
Aside from the typical routine maintenance (fluids, filters, tires, shocks, brakes, ...), some of the things I have had to fix over the years. Note: at first I had all of my service done at the dealer or quick lube shops, but after a few bad things happened I started doing it all myself. Well mostly myself. Some jobs I still take to a shop if I feel like it's over my head or I just want somebody else to do it instead.
Current list of things that need to be fixed:
Here we are exploring the Lost Coast some years ago. We found a remote deserted beach with a fire ring and stopped for lunch.
Follow along with my adventures with Bella on my dedicated thread:
Gman's Adventures with Bella Blue
It seems like build threads are a thing here, so here's mine. Meet Bella.

>>Factory Build Info
Table of Contents:
BUILD
Suspension
- 2.5" Lift: OME HD Springs & Bilstein 5100 Shocks
- Addco 684 Rear Sway Bar
- Factory 2004 WJ 30mm Solid Front Sway Bar (no pics)
- Core 4x4 Adjustable CAs (stock length)
- Ironman 4x4 UCA
- Kevin's Offroad Track Bar Bushings
- Rubicon Express Front Swaybar Disconnects
Electrical
- Stereo Upgrade 2006: Fosgate Power & Infinity Perfect
- Stereo Upgrade 2020: DDIN Kenwood and Backup Camera
- Dual Battery and Trailer Charging Port
- 2awg Battery and Ground Cable Upgrade
- Auxiliary Lighting
- Mechman Alternator and 0awg Cable Upgrade
Other & Extras
- EBC Brakes (good!) & Synergy Spacers (removed)
- Whip Flags: Firestik mounts, Tusk holders
- 3M Undercoating
- Wolf Vinyl Decal (fight me!)
REPAIR
Suspension
- Rear Upper Control Arm
- Rear Lower Control Arm (video)
- Front Control Arm Replacement
- Ball Joint Replacement
- Detroit Axle Control Arm Review
Engine
- Fuel Injector Connectors
- Left Valve Cover Gasket
- Right Valve Cover Gasket
- Water Pump Replacement
- Valve Stem Seals & Lifters
- Spark Plug Replacement (video)
Other Stuff
- Driver Door Wire Repair
- Rear Axle Bearing Replacement
- Headliner Repair? -- FAIL
- Hood Emblem Replacement
I have had her since July 2002, new to me and the only new vehicle I have ever owned.
Aside from the typical routine maintenance (fluids, filters, tires, shocks, brakes, ...), some of the things I have had to fix over the years. Note: at first I had all of my service done at the dealer or quick lube shops, but after a few bad things happened I started doing it all myself. Well mostly myself. Some jobs I still take to a shop if I feel like it's over my head or I just want somebody else to do it instead.
- Rear axle "failure" and rebuild at 30k. Dealer stated the diff was empty. Odd, since they did all the service for me.
- Rear axle "failure" and rebuild at 65k. AGAIN!!
- Right rear TPM sensor replacement. Jiffy Lube smashed the valve stem for me.
- Passenger side wiper arm replacement. Jiffy Lube strikes again.
- Power steering hose, I think this was a factory recall?
- Evap cannister hose leak. Was throwing a trouble code.
- O2 sensor replacement. Threw a code so I was going to replace them all until I saw how expensive they are, so just did the one.
- Climate control panel replacement. The A/C would not blow cold air and really had me stumped. Replaced the panel out of desperation and it worked.
- EVIC overhead module replacement. Display just died. Got one without TPMS capability because I was running BFG E range tires that would constantly trigger high pressure alarms on the highway.
- Parking brake cable replacement, TWICE. What is this about?
- Window regulators on front driver & passenger doors
- Hood, liftgate, & liftglass struts several times
- Driver door panel replacement due to cracks in the arm rest. Done this twice too and need to do it again.
- Passenger side power mirror, I suspect a parking lot incident.
- Thermostat leak, replaced
- Water pump leak, replaced
- Radiator leak, replaced (& hoses)
- Starter motor replacement, solenoid was dying and threatened to strand me.
- Engine rear main seal replacement
- Rear axle seals, bearings, pinion seal
Current list of things that need to be fixed:
- Peeling headliner (failed 09/05/2020)
- Driver door panel (arm rest)
- Driver heated seat
- Heated seat switches, some lights don't work (but the switch does!)
- Clunks and creaks in the rear end (completed 11/01/2019)
- Oil seep from valve covers (completed 03/26/2018)
Here we are exploring the Lost Coast some years ago. We found a remote deserted beach with a fire ring and stopped for lunch.

Follow along with my adventures with Bella on my dedicated thread:
Gman's Adventures with Bella Blue