2004 Wrangler SE Advice

[2004WranglerSE]

Howdy Folks, as a newbie to both the site and Jeep life, I've really enjoyed seeing the true expertise found in the forum. Simply stated, I'm fascinated with and thankful for the knowledge contained herein.

I recently obtained a 2004 SE (2.4L five-speed manual) with 35,000 miles. The Jeep is very basic which fits me perfectly. When purchased, the only existing mod was a recently installed 2" Rock Krawler suspension lift. My plan is for this to be a local (city) driven weekend Jeep with no off-roading or highway work.

Any input to the following would be much appreciated:

1) TIRES/WHEELS: The existing (10+ year old) 215/75R15s will all be replaced along with the original factory stamped-steel wheels. Right now, I'm focused on either 15" or 16" wheels. From your comments on the site, I'm really not interested in re-gearing per my aforementioned driving plans, so are 32s (and up) even possible? I can see the awesome moderators banging their keyboards in frustration now!

2) REPAINTING: Any recommendations for full body repainting? Any experience with Kevlar paint? I'm not a big fan of the factory white paint job (which needs some work anyhow). Any local DFW-area shop recommendations would be much appreciated.

3) BIKINI TOP, ETC: The original (sun baked) soft top will also need to be replaced, and my thinking was simply to go full-time with some type of waterproof bikini top (recommendations?). I'm in Texas and have no issues going topless year-round as long as I don't get soaked. She'll also be garaged at home when awaiting her next Home Depot assignment.

4) ENGINE, ETC: I have a lengthy background using Mobil-1 oil. Any tips on conventional vs. synthetic oil?

Thank You in advance for your input.

 

[Nashvillwill]

Bump for 4 banger love. I have a ‘97 2.5l. I’m not your guy for advice as we have very different drivetrains. Just keep it light. Someone help him out.

Bikini/Safari top all the way!

 

[TheBoogieman]

You could run 32s for city only driving. I'd add a 1.25" BL to the current lift though. Stick with 15" wheels for less expensive tire choices.

 

[L J]

1) 31x10.5s at most on a 15" wheel
2) no input on that matter
3) Bestop safari top
4) Run whatever oil you're comfortable running and change it at the correct interval. I've run Mobil1 since day one of ownership while others prefer conventional oil.

 

[Blackjack]

31x10.5x15s on aluminum wheels would be the ideal to run and I would avoid the 16s all together.

Can not help in the paint department.

I have to run full top most of the year so I run a Rampage frameless top, but a bikini with a windjammer and duster does an ok job of keeping the elements in check.

With an older engine that was not run on synthetic there is a chance you could develop leaks if you switch. The 2.5 really just wants to have oil in it so I would not get too picky about what you give it.

 

[Vtx531]

Lets see a pic of your Jeep - I like basic Jeeps and especially with the steel wheels and little tires. You hardly see any of them like that anymore.

 

[Elyse8743]

I've got an '04 2.4 stick as well. Love to hate it

I run 31x10.5x15s and the only time I run into issues is on the highway, anything up to 50/60 is easy-peasy. I wouldn't go bigger until I either regear or engine swap. I've got no need to yet though, with those and a 2.5 inch lift I haven't found a trail around here I can't navigate and actually it's performed better than some of the JKs/JLs/JTs on 37s lol.

I've got a Sierra Offroad soft top I believe, it can get pretty loud and flappy - it's almost quieter to run topless / doorless lol. I'd suggest dropping cash for Bestop if you can. Not sure if you're just looking for shade or actual rain protection, but a sun shade might not be a bad idea.

I use conventional oil in mine. I switched to synthetic once and it sprung a couple little leaks and maybe it was my imagination, just didn't feel as healthy. Conventional 10w-30 since with no issues.

 

[Teufelhunden]

It's been 20 years since I ran 31s. Coincidentally, that's the last time I used 5th gear.

Been using a spider web shade for the last couple of years and love it, but I got a great deal on a new-in-box bestop on offerup this year so, maybe keep an eye out for something similar.

I use Mobil 1 in all my vehicles so, the brainwashing worked. Never had an issue using it though.

 

[SSTJ]

Mine is the 2.5L, and I don’t know much about the differences between yours and mine.

I do think that if it’s only for city driving, you could probably be fine with 32s. I once ran metric equivalents of 31.5 in the city and I liked it fine. Yours also has a little bit more HP than mine I think, though I don’t know how the gearing differs.

For the top, what about just a Bestop replace-a-top with all windows removed? Then you can always throw them on if you need to.

Check out the SE thread in my signature line and let us know if you have anything to add. Or if you start a build thread, I’ll add it to the list.

 

[GLJoneson]

if are going to sell your stock rims ..I,m in the market for some ...thank you
Greg

 

[2004WranglerSE]

As requested, please see below. Pic was taken by the prior/original owner and may have been before they added the 2" Rock Krawler lift.

Greg — I'll keep you in mind when I get to that point (may be a little bit).

 

[John’o]

How’d the 1st year go? What did you decide?