Newbie to the Forum & TJ ownership - question

[adelaideslk]

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

Few random pics below of my TJ journey so far.

[nitrobrent]

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,

[wes]

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

[adelaideslk]

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.

[Redemptioner]

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

[GT-Pete]

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

[adelaideslk]

Originally Posted by GT-Pete

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.