Can a TJ hack it?

[ABMM]

I'm looking at getting a TJ but I have some reservations related to remote area dirt driving which I hope you guys can talk me out of:

1. If I'm on the OTL on Cape York and have a serious electrical problem, are the electrics user serviceable or is it all controlled by computer chips which I'll have to get shipped up from Cairns or even Brisbane? This vehicle isn't going to be a weekend warrior - "daily driver" means a 1-2 week trip up Cape York once every month or so during the dry season.

2. In everyone's general opinion will the drive train be able to hack the corrugations, washouts and dustholes - yes occasionally even I hit dustholes faster than I should

3. Has anyone here had any serious problems with their TJ on extended patches of nasty dirt?

I currently own a Suzuki Sierra coily and it's doing the Cape trips remarkably well, and there's little stress involved because I can fix most problems with the spares I carry or a little bit of cobb and co magic. Unfortunately, the old Zook is being retired for something with a little more grunt, but similar capability.

Any assistance, ideas or Jeepish wisdom appreciated.

PS: Don't say get a Landcruiser - I use them a lot at work but don't like the size, weight or fuel burn

[resident e]

I have never taken or been to cape york in a tj, but meny people have.

I have been on rough as corragated roads in mine. In 4high its not to bad, but is on the skitsh side because of its short wheel base and wide track.
But aslong as you have your mine at task you shouldnt have a problem handleing it.

Obviously after market springs and shocks would be a good idea.Go something like the 'old man emu' heavy duty spring and shocks and install a Slip yoke eliminator(SYE) to the T-case.
Electical wise not really, the computer itself is coated in silicon so its water tite. The only problem i'v ever had was muddy water getting in a wire connector(speedo wire, gearbox end) and putting the jeep into limp mode.It made the jeep stall every time i stopped. All i did was clean the connector out and was all good again. The most other commen problem i hear is of senors that'll were out and the jeep would use excessive amounts of fuel.

The other thing you mite find is its fuel range isn't that far. It'll really all depend on your driving style. For 'hight way' use expect about 450km before the fuel light comes on. Should have roughly (very roughly) about 20lts left(my experience). The old push rod 4lt 6 eat about 13lts
per 100k.But is very reliable engine that just keeps going.You can buy after mark tanks that increase fuel load)

Drivr train wise the standed rear drive shaft is the weakess link. But a SYE will fix that. The older 3speed auto has a habit of sucking water in when driving in deep water. because of where Jeep put the gearbox breather, but still a good box anyway.

But all in all the Tj wrangler is a good sturdy light truck with great off capablity.
Cheak out www.ausjeepoffroad.com these mlie of info here on australian jeeps. hope this helps.

[tasar]

just had an mjoc member drive from melbourne to melbourne via broken hill, corner country, alice,darwin, bungles, broome, shark bay, perth, esperance etc

with a camper trailor

had 3 or 4 issues - had a pan rod bend, rear suspension drop,

did 25000 k at 18l per 100k with a fully loaded vehicle and camper

so essential things are

air bag suspension, better shockers, long range fuel tank and good tyres ie coopers

other than that the tj can go anywhere a cruiser can go

i treat mine how i shouldn't and it starts everytime and just keeps taking the punishment

[mattc]

All TJs are EFI so I guess the engine is as computer dependant as any other modern 4wd.

2000 TJ and later are coil pack so I guess they are electronic distributer before that?

Really the only "electrical" faults I see people mention regularly are the TPS and the oxygen sensor - usually cos they have been taking mud baths

The drive train is pretty good. The weakest point is the stock slip yoke. Usually eliminated when people lift 3" plus because of short rear shaft / steep angle but is known to be a weak point running big tyres. A few people have them fail with stock tyres.

I think fuel economy will be the big issue without getting a replacement or secondary tank. I get 15l / 100km city or highway (33's, 4.56 ratios, and a decent lift)

Anyway, didn't that Troy Dan guy fang around the outback in a TJ


cheers
MattC

[ABMM]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I had planned for range being an issue, but I'm getting by now on a standard zook tank (35 lt) and two jerrycans to get me between fuel stops, so a TJ should be good to go with a similar setup.

I've noted down the various mods suggested above and I think I'll try and find one with as many of the basic mods already fitted as possible.

Thanks for soothing my troubled psyche

cheers

PS: in the zook it was a piece of piss to mount a jerrycan holder, but I can't see where I could mount one on a TJ? Is there any way to legally move the tail light clusters to accommodate a swing away spare wheel and jerry can holder? Dumb question?

[resident e]

PS: in the zook it was a piece of piss to mount a jerrycan holder, but I can't see where I could mount one on a TJ? Is there any way to legally move the tail light clusters to accommodate a swing away spare wheel and jerry can holder? Dumb question?

Yes theres plenty of after market fuelcan holder for the TJ. I think you'll find jeep and espacaily the tj has the most aftermarket support of any vehical from hardcore rockcrwaling to hight speed desert racing and all the bling bling in the world.