Which spare parts should I keep on hand for move to Belize?

[Matt H]

Hi all, so we recently bought a seemingly well maintained 2002 Sahara 4.0 auto with 178,000 miles on it. We will be shipping it down to Belize, where we have moved. While there are some fairly decent auto parts suppliers there, they are not nearby and likely won’t have specific products the TJ prefers so I am working on a list of service spares to send down with the Jeep. My research, mostly on this forum, has led to the list below and I am looking for comments or suggestions of things I should add, take off or change. There will of course be opinions on many things, I am not really looking for things like conventional vs synthetic oil discussions but more what makes sense to have on hand to tide me over for a while. Ordering anything not available there is a slow process, there is no Amazon delivery!

Thanks in advance for any comments!

Engine oil - High Mileage Conventional 10W30, 6 quarts
Oil filter - WIX 51515, 51085 (Napa Gold) or Mopar
Coolant - Zerex G-05 / Mopar HOAT, 50/50 10.5 quarts
Transmission - ATF +4, 4 quarts (8 quarts dry fill)
Transfer Case - ATF +4, 1.1 quarts
Differentials - 80W-90 GL5 Gear Lube, Dana 30 1.25 quarts, Dana 35 1.75 quarts
Brakes - Dot 3
Steering - Power Steering Fluid
Spark plugs - Autolite XP985 iridium
Belt - Gates 90K-38163 kit, or Mopar?
Hoses - Gates, Mopar

Quantities are there for my reference, for one service

 

[Matt H]

Also, I am comfortable with very basic service but I am no mechanic. I was thinking to get the Chilton manual. Or the Haynes. Any preference, or is there another better service manual I should get?

 

[JKP]

Go to Resources on this forum and download the Factory Service Manual. It's the best, and free!

 

[JKP]

Brake pads/shoes?

 

[Matt H]

Go to Resources on this forum and download the Factory Service Manual. It's the best, and free!

Okay, thanks! I didn’t see that.

 

[Matt H]

Brake pads/shoes?

Hmm, maybe but I’m thinking I can probably see that coming and plan for it when they are getting worn.

 

[KennethS]

Oil filter - WIX 51515, 51085 (Napa Gold) or Mopar

FYI, the Motorcraft (Ford) FL1A filter fits and may be easier to locate.

 

[macleanflood]

Recently bought high mileage TJ that's 20 years old. Hmm.

I'd change all the fluids now and bring the aforementioned spare fluids.

In the first year I drove mine I replaced just about every sensor, fixed wiring issues, replaced the timing chain, clutch, oil pump, rear main seal, valve cover gasket.

Replaced the dim headlights.

I'd do a lot of driving and a lot of testing. Including monitoring live ODB data.

How are the tires?

How about a hidden kill switch for the fuel pump?

I'd probably add a standard Motor Products crank position sensor, oil pressure sensor, throttle position sensor and IAT. NGK O2 sensors.

-Mac

 

[Matt H]

FYI, the Motorcraft (Ford) FL1A filter fits and may be easier to locate.

Thanks, that might be useful down the road. Should be easier to locate down there.

 

[Matt H]

Recently bought high mileage TJ that's 20 years old. Hmm.

I'd change all the fluids now and bring the aforementioned spare fluids.

In the first year I drove mine I replaced just about every sensor, fixed wiring issues, replaced the timing chain, clutch, oil pump, rear main seal, valve cover gasket.

Replaced the dim headlights.

I'd do a lot of driving and a lot of testing. Including monitoring live ODB data.

How are the tires?

How about a hidden kill switch for the fuel pump?

I'd probably add a standard Motor Products crank position sensor, oil pressure sensor, throttle position sensor and IAT. NGK O2 sensors.

-Mac

Mac, thanks. Yes, we already changed all the fluids and have been driving it a lot. Headlights are fine but the tail lights were dim. Cleaning up the wire connections restored them to acceptable brightness. We also had to reseal the axles and a few other items. I’ll look at your other suggestions, not sure that I understand the “hidden kill switch” - an anti-theft measure?

 

[CharlesHS]

From what I hear Belize can be warm and humid.
Suggest you purchase a new Mopar radiator as a spare (If you can find one).

 

[TJ4Jim]

Fuel pump, crankshaft position sensor and a cam sensor depending on model.

 

[macleanflood]

not sure that I understand the “hidden kill switch” - an anti-theft measure?

Yes, anti theft...

Good work on the preventative maintenance.

My friend lived in Belize for a number of years...I've got lots of second hand info and if you need first hand info let me know. His health declined and they moved back to Portland to be closer to the VA.

I was thinking about driving my 97 down through Belize to Costa Rica. Maybe join up one of the convoys going south.

I seriously might be interested in driving it south for you just for the experience. Save me having to drive home.

I've done a few road trips with mine.

-Mac

 

[Matt H]

From what I hear Belize can be warm and humid.
Suggest you purchase a new Mopar radiator as a spare (If you can find one).

Thanks, and yes Belize can be hot and humid!
The radiator was changed out by the PO less than a year ago. Doesn't look to be a Mopar radiator though. Something interesting is that when I drove the Jeep home, 3 hours at highway speed, the temps stayed spot on but when I shut the engine off there was a coffee percolating sound as coolant pushed into the expansion tank. After it cooled, examining the radiator cap there were no witness rings on the rubber and it didn’t feel like it was contacting. I took it with me to the auto store and asked to see radiator caps for the Jeep. The regular replacement was the same but the type with a lever on top was slightly longer. Installed it and problem solved so I guess the replacement radiator has a very slightly longer neck than the OEM. No issues since then…

 

[macleanflood]

Perfect. Find all those things road trips are going to flush out.

Pictures!

-Mac

 

[Matt H]

Fuel pump, crankshaft position sensor and a cam sensor depending on model.

Yes, sensors seem to be a good idea. I’ll give the fuel pump some thought, wasn’t on my radar. Thanks!

 

[macleanflood]

Spare fuel pump hose too... plastic line from the tank to the fuel line. I made a resources post about how to make one from Dorman parts.

-Mac

 

[inkedrose]

Doesn't Amazon deliver to Belize? Thought they covered most of Central America? I know Panama and Costa Rica you can get most things in a few days they just deliver to local grocery store or designated drop sites

 

[Matt H]

Yes, anti theft...

Good work on the preventative maintenance.

My friend lived in Belize for a number of years...I've got lots of second hand info and if you need first hand info let me know. His health declined and they moved back to Portland to be closer to the VA.

I was thinking about driving my 97 down through Belize to Costa Rica. Maybe join up one of the convoys going south.

I seriously might be interested in driving it south for you just for the experience. Save me having to drive home.

I've done a few road trips with mine.

-Mac

Mac, thanks again for the tips. I’m at work, at sea, so the replies may be slow at times.

The road trip idea sounds great but I already have shipping lined up for when I get back. The Jeep is in South Florida and there is direct sea service so that is easy.

I’ll be posting pics once I get it down there.

Interesting that your friend spent time there. We’ve been there a couple years so getting settled in.

Matt

 

[Matt H]

Doesn't Amazon deliver to Belize? Thought they covered most of Central America? I know Panama and Costa Rica you can get most things in a few days they just deliver to local grocery store or designated drop sites

Unfortunately, no. Import duties and the Customs paperwork prevent that. There are options such as sending to a consolidator in the US who thenships it down and does the import but it is much slower and more expensive than in the US…