Modifications required for TJ

[Palacian]

I have a standard TJ that requires some modifications. My driving consists of a fair bit of day to day stuff (for work) and of course the weekend away bush bash as often as possible. I haven't done any real serious off roading as yet but it definitely needs doing very soon.

I have $5000 max to spend and want to make sure its put towards the most appropriate mods.

What do you master jeepers recommend?

Thanks in advanced

[Wooders]

How much of that $5000 is going towards the mods & how much towards fitting....IE how much work are you prepared to DIY??

[Palacian]

My mechanical experience is limited unfortunately so I would say that I won't be doing alot myself. So assume all labour to be done by qualified mech for now.

[Gordo]

You might want to scan where us other Jeep inbred's hangout - www.ausjeepoffroad.com for aussie info

Also check the biggest US jeep site forum - JU - www.jeepsunlimited.com for the latest and the greatest

[Wooders]

Palacian,
Still before I answer you're post......my question is how much are you PREPARED to DIY, not how much experience do you have

Simply because the more you DIY, the more $$$ you'll have for mods capish

[Palacian]

I'll attempt with help from mech mate (assuming he has time) what is quick and relatively easy other than that I'll have to pay.

How bout this, I'll be prepared to consider and take on the projects you suggest are easy and capable for a novice like myself (im down with learning!) and I'll leave the more technical work for the pro's to do!

[Wooders]

Generally TJ's are pretty easy to work on.
And these days with the net & internet forums - generally helps is pretty close at hand.
Personally I prefer to do all my own work because 1. I save money, 2. If I stuff up there's only one person to blame .....But IMHO the more time you spend spinning your own spanners the more you'll learn how the vehicle works and have more $$ for mods.

Anyhow let me finally throw out my 2cents
Firstly sadly $5k can be chewed VERY quickly on a TJ. Eg Regearing & lockers - boom - you've just blown about $4k (depending on the locker choice). And sadly this is one of the biggest weaknesses of the TJ - the stock gearing SUX.
So the very first things you need to get is a plan, IMHO also scour the Trading Post and places Like AusJeep or Here for parts for sale - to help keep the $$$ down.
Infact just about everything hindges around the tyre size. For a Daily Driver I'd suggest 33x10.5 is a good size to aim for. Means you cn retain you current rims and flares. but also is better onroad.

So targetting 33x10.5's:
1. I'd go 4.56 diff ratios (but if you have an Atuo I'd prob go 4.1)
Dual lockers of your choice Detroits being cheaper, ARB more $$ but better onroad.....
This alone will make THE biggest difference in your offroad ability - but should also allow you to move to bigger say 35's in the future is you so decide.

2. Ok you've blown most of yor budget - so now I'd suggest a 2.5" Lift & 1" BL with 1"mml. This will empty out just about the rest of your budget but these items can be installed DIY. You may need to drop the bump stops a little bit more to prevent tyre rub - but this combo IMHO is the best fit and would work great offroad.

3. Front Swaybar discos are also a HIGHLY recommend item.

How's that for starters??

[jeep97tj]

That plan will give u a unstopable setup, and the front sway bar discos are a must.
A good supension kit is the OME 2.5" kit from ARB, cost about $1000 for everthing if u install it your self, which is very easy with a set of $40 spring compressors, make sure u get the L series shocks with the kit as they are longer and will give u more flex, they will fit straight in.

With gears, lockers and 33s u should be very very happy on and off the road

[Palacian]

Thanks for that Wooders!! and friends

What type of tyre would you recommend? and if I could scrape up another $3000 where should I put that?

cheers

[Wooders]

Slip Yoke eliminator and your tyres

[JEEP1]

i went straight to a 31" cooper st tyre really impressed with the tyre.
i went 31" because i didnt want to spend the money going for new rims and flares no i look back (3months ago) and am now looking around for rims 33" atleast and flares.
i also went the 2" ome at arb very good. and a 1" bl with bump stops to allow me to put 35s under it in the near future.
but my advice would be to go straaight for rims 33s or 35s prolly 33s on road and a set of play tyres 35 off i heard the cooper stt's are pretty good but if u wanted a extreme play tyre the simexx centipedes.

[Kyro]

I have a standard TJ that requires some modifications. My driving consists of a fair bit of day to day stuff (for work) and of course the weekend away bush bash as often as possible. I haven't done any real serious off roading as yet but it definitely needs doing very soon.

I have $5000 max to spend and want to make sure its put towards the most appropriate mods.

What do you master jeepers recommend?

Thanks in advanced

Hey mate hows it going ...as you are in brissy i'd stop in and see the boys at Hammonds 4wd centre and have a look at there tj's and the stuff they can get for you eg. procomp & RE stuff they are more then help full with anything jeep as they have been in the jeep stuff for 30 years now

Cheers Kyro

[Ian]

The sad thing is that $3000 wont get you much an a jeep

but as wooders said slipyoke, rubber also springs and shocks will get you a long way in a tj