I am new to working on my car. I've had it for a year and a half. I want to start playing with it, doing upgrades/modifications, and taking it off-roading. I have no idea where to start or what question to ask. ANY HELP is very much appreciated.
1998 Jeep TJ Upgrades / Modifications
- Thread starter DS TJ 1998
- Start date
Start by telling us what you want to do with it? Is it a daily driver, a rock crawler, or you just want to be able to drive it off the beaten path?
These things are very capable in stock form. There isn't much you need to do to them unless you're looking to play in some big rocks.
These things are very capable in stock form. There isn't much you need to do to them unless you're looking to play in some big rocks.
I would recommend that you go out and start wheeling it. The Jeep will tell you what it needs depending on where it is you like to wheel. You may not need to modify as much as you think to get where you want to go.
Good tires for the terrain you plan on using it on. MT, AT, etc......
Make friends with 4x4's that have more experience than you to go out with.
It is always a good idea to have more than one vehicle when offroading
It is always a good idea to have more than one vehicle when offroading
Learn it limits in stock form if its stock. Best money invested IMO is a winch plate for $60 or so and a winch for $350 to $1200 depending on what brand. I cant say what its like trail wise around Raleigh, but if its anything like were we moved to in KY its all pay to play parks and from what I've seen the trails are not beginner stuff but who knows.
I would say especially on an older vehicle like a TJ, make sure the maintenance is up to date before doing any modifications. Doing your own maintenance can give you a good idea on how the vehicle works, the general condition of it, etc. Forums like this and Youtube are great resources to see how to do different repairs or modifications and what is involved. I believe there are also factory service manuals available on here that are a wealth of knowledge for repairing your Jeep.
Well right now i do daily it, but I also go around with friend finding anywhere to go off-roading. I would like to put bigger tires (currently have 31x10.5 I think) 33s or 35s. A lift from 2-4 inches. My friend suggested removing the front and rear fenders to give it a more aggressive look/stance. I do need a new bumper cause I did hit a tree and broke off the “milk jug” part on the end. I would like to add a tow hitch. I need to replace the radio cause it doesn’t work ( Currently using a small JBL and it slides around on the dash). Would love to replace the factory headlights and fog lights to LEDs. Maybe even like ditch lights. The soft top need new window from Sun damage from the previous owner. Also considering a hardtop but they are crazy expensive. Those are all ideas and stuff I seen on the forum from exploring but I don’t know where to start or have a load of money to throw into it.
Decide if you are going to solve problems the Jeep has or if you are going to decorate it.
Okay, so basically you're looking to decorate your Jeep and make it "look cook".
There's nothing wrong with that, but if you're planning on fitting 33s or 35s and doing it the right way, expect to spend 10k plus, easily (not hyperbole).
I would strongly caution you against going that route. I know that it looks cool to have a lifted Jeep, but unless you're doing some serious off-roading and playing in really big rocks, you can get by just fine on 31" tires and a 1.25" body lift.
In addition, 33s (and especially 35s) are going to make it not nearly as fun to drive as a daily driver, especially on longer drives.
If I were you I'd keep it on 31" tires, get some nice LED headlights, a 1.25" body lift, and probably call it a day. You don't need 33s or 35s (and you probably don't realize just how much money and work is involved in that sort of setup yet) unless you are doing some serious rock crawling.
I hope you're prepared to spend copious amounts of money to say the least! I'm just trying to save you both your money and sanity by falling into the same trap that myself and many others have fallen into.
If you need 33s or 35s, you'll know that you need them. If you just want them for looks, I can't stop you from spending your money, but I can tell you you're going to be broke pretty fast!
Now thinking about it, Chris and jjvw, y'all are honestly right and would save me lots of time and money. So the main things i need to do are the Bumper, Radio, Replace the windows or top on my soft top.
31's and a 1-2" suspension lift looks pretty sharp. 1" coil spacers and shocks would get you there cheaply and not need a bunch of other parts
+1
I have 1" H&R springs and 31s on stock wheels and I think it's perfect. I don't do any rock crawling or crazy trails, so it works great.
Tonz and Fodeez!
Edit: Ahhhh, wait...that comment may be just a bit out of place on this thread...
Edit: Ahhhh, wait...that comment may be just a bit out of place on this thread...
KennethS
TJ Addict
For headlights, pass on LEDs and get the Toyota H4s for around $25.
So you lost a milk jug on the bumper. Just take the other one off. I removed those on mine a 20 years ago and haven’t missed them at all.
Tires: I do lots of trails and rock crawling with 32s. I haven’t had a need for larger tires.
Here’s a picture showing no bumper jugs and articulation with OME 2” lift and 32” tires.
Here’s a typical easy Arizona trail with the 32s:
So you lost a milk jug on the bumper. Just take the other one off. I removed those on mine a 20 years ago and haven’t missed them at all.
Tires: I do lots of trails and rock crawling with 32s. I haven’t had a need for larger tires.
Here’s a picture showing no bumper jugs and articulation with OME 2” lift and 32” tires.
Here’s a typical easy Arizona trail with the 32s:
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are these the headlights you are talking about?
I just wanna make sure I get the right ones before buying.
https://cruiserteq.com/oem-toyota-koito-h4-headlight-upgrade-kit-w-harness-elec81110kit/
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KennethS
TJ Addict
Yes, that is the headlight kit, but the price on that site is 2x what you can get on other Toyota dealership sites.
I got mine from Lakeland Toyota, but any Toyota dealership can get them. You have to search for the best price + shipping as it's different from each location.
Toyota part number 81110-60P70
I just looked and Lakeland still has them listed for $16.49
https://toyotaparts.lakelandtoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-headlamp-assembly-8111060p70
I got mine from Lakeland Toyota, but any Toyota dealership can get them. You have to search for the best price + shipping as it's different from each location.
Toyota part number 81110-60P70
I just looked and Lakeland still has them listed for $16.49
https://toyotaparts.lakelandtoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-headlamp-assembly-8111060p70
Ctdriver86
TJ Enthusiast
Already bought and did the swap on mine, last year. But can’t pass up buying another set at 16 bucks. Good find!
It's wise to install rocker guards BEFORE the rockers get damaged. There are quite a few decent options in the $300 range that would be good for non-hardcore off roading.
If you're just looking for the least expensive way to go, I recommend rocker guards, 1.25 inch body lift, and 33 inch mud terrains. The expensive stuff starts with suspension modifications. The only adjustments you would need make with 33 inch tires and a body lift are to the steering stops and bump stops so the tires don't rub.
If you're just looking for the least expensive way to go, I recommend rocker guards, 1.25 inch body lift, and 33 inch mud terrains. The expensive stuff starts with suspension modifications. The only adjustments you would need make with 33 inch tires and a body lift are to the steering stops and bump stops so the tires don't rub.
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