Bought my first Jeep, but it needs alterations (or I need to find a different TJ)

[Jonny D.]

2003 i6 5 speed manual, 5 inch lift on 35’s. Hard top, half doors with pull off windows.

This thing can go anywhere.

That being said, I’m looking at having to make the trip into the office every day due to administration changes where I work.

This thing, while operating excellently on the trail, can’t get above 45 without significant vibration and noise. Also, it struggles up hills on the highway and SUCKS the gas.

So, I need to either significantly alter this beast back down to close to stock, or find another TJ to trade for.

I could really use some input from you all. I’ve been reading some posts and learning. And you all are a wealth of knowledge.

Thanks for any help.

 

[bbaldwin237]

Welcome!

We're going to need more information. Do you know the gears, does it have a SYE, adjustable control arms, worn or aftermarket steering? What air pressure are the tires at? Are they balanced? So many factors can impact what you're describing.

 

[Chris]

Your gas mileage is going to suck regardless since you're on 35s with all that extra weight. Heck, even with stock wheels and tires TJs aren't known for getting good mileage.

You need to decide what you want to do with it. If you want a daily driver that gets good MPG, you need to either purchase a second vehicle or return to something like 31" tires and a 1-2" lift. Even then you're still going to get around 13-15 MPG city and maybe 18 MPG highway if you're lucky.

As for the vibrations, the first place to always start is your wheels and tires. Go have them checked and balanced. If it still vibrates after that then you need to look at driveline angles. You can always post pictures of your driveline angles and we can give feedback too. Start with the wheels and tires though.

 

[Duck Doctor]

What is your budget to make this rig drive properly for commuting purposes? I've owned CJs, YJs, and TJs for the past 32 years and would never use these rigs for commuting. LJ sits in the garage and I commute in a 20 year old Infiniti G35.

 

[macleanflood]

Buy a $1000 disposable commuter box for gas mileage.

Cheaper than any modifications.

-Mac

 

[Jonny D.]

Welcome!

We're going to need more information. Do you know the gears, does it have a SYE, adjustable control arms, worn or aftermarket steering? What air pressure are the tires at? Are they balanced? So many factors can impact what you're describing.

Thanks bbaldwin237. I suspect the gears were not changed with the lift. I’ll have to figure out the rest and let you know.

I do know the tires are 7 years old with great tread, which tells me they were sitting for a while.

Maybe these pics will help?

 

[hear]

I can't say I've ever seen a steering stabilizer on a tie rod before.

 

[Jonny D.]

I can't say I've ever seen a steering stabilizer on a tie rod before.

I need to learn what is what in the suspension.

 

[Brianj5600]

It looks like you have some worn joints in the front end. It appears the previous owner tried to band aid the front with a second steering damper. Have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth while you watch each joints. Replace all the loose ones and it should not have vibration. There should be zero play in any joint.

 

[Jonny D.]

It looks like you have some worn joints in the front end. It appears the previous owner tried to band aid the front with a second steering damper. Have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth while you watch each joints. Replace all the loose ones and it should not have vibration. There should be zero play in any joint.

View attachment 638334

Thank you! I’ll get right on this.

 

[L J]

As previously stated the TJ, at whatever level of modification, is not a good commuter. If you can afford it, buy an inexpensive shitbox for commuting and keep the TJ for fun. If not, sell the TJ and buy a proper commuter vehicle.

 

[Mall'er]

Hmm. Rear discs on a 2003.

I can't tell, but is that a drop pitman arm?

Regardless, a TJ on 35s will get about 15 mpg. What are you seeing?

 

[TheBoogieman]

For starters, get rid of the extra steering stabilizer, put a stock pitman arm back on, and do an alignment yourself. Then ditch those crap riding RC shocks. It has no power because of the 35" tires and most likely stock 3.73 gears with that Dana 44 rear axle.
p.s. Post pics of the skid plate, rear driveshaft and control arms.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Hmm. Rear discs on a 2003.

It was an option on Sport and Sahara models.

 

[JPHikr]

Having the right tool for the job.
I drive a 2008 Mazda 3 hatchback as a daily driver 34mpg can put a bunch of stuff in the back when I need to go to the store.
Out for a drive going to vist the kids we take the wifes 2006 Mustang 4.0 V6 27mpg good for cruising on the hiway we bought it new, now has 295k miles on it.
Going to home Depot or getting a load of gravel the old 77 Chevy C20 camper Special 8200 gvw 12 mpg.
The dirt road out to the county hiway is grade every 2 to 3weeks but can get a bit sandy in between gradings.
Monson season or time for adventure then its the LJ. 12mpg. I do have a small trailer that I use to go to Home depot or haul our dirt bikes.
Going Camping we take the 1983 Ford E350 Class b 26ft Jamboree with the 460 8 mpg but it will tow the Jeep for our adventuring when we get to the campsite, I also have a 1974 Suzuki RL250 on the front rack to run around while camping.

My point is use the right tool for the job.
Note all of them are paid off so I do not have any car payments and we are old so insurance is $165 a month for all of them, full coverage.

 

[RangerTJ]

If the tires are 7 years old and have been sitting, I'd inspect them very closely for dry rot.

Good tread doesn't mean they're still good.

 

[bbaldwin237]

Thanks bbaldwin237. I suspect the gears were not changed with the lift. I’ll have to figure out the rest and let you know.

I do know the tires are 7 years old with great tread, which tells me they were sitting for a while.

Maybe these pics will help?

View attachment 638328

View attachment 638329

As others have said, the drop pitman arm and steering stabilizer setup is one place to check. Worn suspension and steering parts can get dangerous and people try to fix them with a stabilizer (or two).

For the gearing, jack it up and mark a tire and the pinion. Rotate that tire one full revolution and count the number of times the pinion goes around. You're most likely looking at 3.07, 3.55, or 3.73 as the factory gearing.

Make sure your tire pressure is around 24-26 psi. Check balance and condition for dry rot or weather checking.

 

[Rickyd]

You're most likely looking at 3.07, 3.55, or 3.73 as the factory gearing

Not with his year Dana 44. 3.73 was it

 

[JMT]

So, I need to either significantly alter this beast back down to close to stock, or find another TJ to trade for.

100% sell it and get something closer to stock or another car.

 

[hear]

Not with his year Dana 44. 3.73 was it

My 44 came with 3.55, there were years where that wasn’t a thing?