2002 Bella Blue, WJ Build

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GmanWJ

Discussion Starter · Jan 29, 2018 (Edited)

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

Suspension

Electrical

Other & Extras

REPAIR

Suspension

Engine

Other Stuff

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)

Obviously I am in no hurry to fix these things ...

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

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4xTroy

· #11 · Feb 6, 2018

gsmanich said:
Yesterday the Miller Tool 8278 arrived in the mail so I can more easily remove my rear upper ball joint. Picked it up for $40 from eBay. I'll take that, TYVM.

Very much considering the IRO adjustable upper control arm: https://www.ironrockoffroad.com/product/wj-adjustable-a-arm-short.html

If I install the 3" lift, can I run OEM LCAs or do I need to replace them? Think I will contact IRO and find out.

100% stock control arms here with the OME HD lift (3+). When you're ready to pull the trigger on the lift, be sure to talk to @Kolak. He's an IRO dealer, but will help you figure out the best way to go. OME HD springs are stiffer and may be the way to go if you have bumper dreams in your future.

I'm debating the IRO UCA... my bushings are getting pretty worn. Not as bad as yours, but close. It doesn't look like a fun job either way, but neither did an engine swap, and I got through that just fine.

blueseasons1 said:
WOW! I am impressed. I have never met anybody who bought a WJ brand new and kept it for so long. I have a million questions. With all the stories about sludge buildup, dropped seats and bad rockers.How is the V8 holding up? Do you still have the original heater core and evap cooler? Any blend door issues? Leaks on the passenger side? These are all the things we read about here and really hard to put in perspective since very, very few of us have owned them from the beginning. You are in a unique position. Oh. And whats with the pile or rocks? Beautiful country.

I bought mine in November '02. Not quite as loaded as this one, but pretty close. I didn't get the vari-lok axles or premium electronics. It's funny though, I put the same head unit, bypassed the infinity amp for the stock speakers, and added a 2nd amp to drive a pair of 10's.

There aren't many of us original owners around, but there are a few of us.

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4xTroy

· #21 · Mar 5, 2018

Most of mine are broke too. I really wanted to rebuild the entire harness while I had my engine out, but time and money...

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