Newbie to the Forum & TJ ownership - question
 

Howdy everyone,

Not sure how active these forums are but they've been a good resource for me so far so I thought I would register.

I purchased a 99 TJ Manual about 2 months ago just for a bit of fun and to have a bit of fun servicing myself & learning along the way. It is a bit rough around the edges but the price was right and it has a brand new Quadratec soft top and I like project cars so it was the right one for me.

So far I have done the usuals like fluid change (engine, front & rear diffs, transfer case, transmission), air filter, oil filter, spark plugs, leads & cap, coolant flush and change, etc. etc. - was happy to see no metal in any of the fluid changes and everything mechanically appears to be quite sound.

One issue i have so far detected is that the previous owner installed a lift kit (Old Man Emu) - it looks to be 25 or 3 inches - and the 31x10.5 tyres on stock wheels are all good except for the rear right wheel - which is scrubbing on the suspension. I am new to these cars but from my research I think that the previous owner didn't fit a rear track bar bracket to realign the track bar when the lift occurred - so this may be the issue.

I've booked it in at ARB and I got them to order all new shocks, springs, transfer case spacers etc. and we will work out what the issue is and then fix it accordingly - but if anyone has any advice that'd be great. Hopefully the shocks are okay but either way they had a buy 3 get one free Easter sale so if I need new shocks then so be it.

Other bits and pieces I have done have been taking all carpets out and washing them - in the washing machine! Surprising results - they came up damn well - and last weekend I took off all fender flares and I'm just in the process of spraying them all with Duplicolor Bed Armor - they're looking fantastic - I will post up some pics later. The front chrome bar was all banged up and I don't really like chrome anyway so I sandblasted it and painted it black - looks much better (no pics yet). While it was off I removed the front sway bar and gave that, and a few other bits a lick of rustoleum and paint too - looking much tidier.

So far these little wranglers are great fun - I am looking forward to getting it all set for a bit of offroading!

Aside from that I do have a leaking transmission - but it is just the odd drop here and there so I am not too worried about it yet. RMS not leaking which is a bonus!

Anyway - thought I'd just introduce myself :D

Few random pics below of my TJ journey so far.

http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/...706c995a73.jpg
http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/...706eb1a10e.jpg
http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/...707c46ba1c.jpg
http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/...707dae1ea9.jpg
http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/...707f864f55.jpg
http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/...708131214c.jpg
http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/...70823c94a6.jpg
http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/...70837d8d4c.jpg
http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/...7086311dca.jpg

Looking good.
Yeah, the panhard drop bracket should fix rubbing issue.
Just check the rear control arms, to see if they are straight , and the bushes are good.
I lay on my back under the Jeep, and rock it backwards and fowards in park, and look for movement.
Also measure centre of front to centre of rear either side.
I would put a motor mount lift in, before a tranny skid spacer.
Skid hangs down enough already.
Do some research, I'm no mechanic,

TJs aren't the biggest baddest 4wds out there but they sure are fun - sounds like you are already having fun with it.

My '97 has the OME 2" lift - here's a pic of the rear track bar relocation bracket

http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/...3&d=1411191958

Thanks very much for that! Hopefully the gear arrives at ARB soon and we can go ahead and get this rubbing issue sorted.

Last weekend I ripped all of the interior out and gave it a good detail. I have now fitted Iggee seat covers too - they are such an awesome fitting and looking product! Haven't re-installed as I am waiting on my BedTred to arrive (front kit arrived, rears on the way). A few more pics attached.

http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/...95396c658f.jpghttp://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/...953a4586ad.jpghttp://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/...953b7e12e5.jpg

Do yourself a big favor and avoid ARB like the plague, their gear is overpriced Chinese rubbish and the service is even worse.

Ps. congrats on the new purchase

Nice covers! Did you get them shipped from ebay US?

Hey - sorry about the late reply!

Yep the covers came from the USA - Iggee brand - cheapest place was Amazon.

Have also installed Bedliner throughout now - it is BedTred. I am loving the interior now, it feels like new.