What upgrades do I need???

[wranglerbabe]

Hi guys,

I am after some advice about what mods to do to my jeep. As far as I can tell, it's stock standard. I am looking into getting a second set of wheels with some mud grip tyres, and probably going to get a winch.
It is my daily driver so I don't want to go too overboard, but I am wanting to know what would beneficial so that I don't get stuck/when I do get stuck...

Cheers in advance!

[wranglerbabe]

Also, advice on snorkle kits would be appreciated. I like driving fast through big puddles

[snotgoblin]

As I was told when I got my first 4wd, get some seat time in it before throwing hard earned cash its way...

You may find that as is it can do all you want it to do. That said some mud tyres will help.. As will getting recovery hooks sorted.

Check your local Club's website, they should have a minimum equipment list to help you get sorted.

[wranglerbabe]

Do I need to join a club? I was kinda hoping I could just tag along with some others on my days off. I'm not looking to get too serious at this point, just wanting to have some fun and meet some new people

[derk]

but I am wanting to know what would beneficial so that I don't get stuck/when I do get stuck...

get some mates to go out with so they can pull your truck out when you get stuck and you can pull their stuck arses out when they get stuck

[wranglerbabe]

get some mates to go out with so they can pull your truck out when you get stuck and you can pull their stuck arses out when they get stuck

I'm definitely a fan of this idea Not too keen on going bush alone, just in case

[TJ]

You don't have to join a club to start but it helps as you can tap into a big knowledge pool and access to land. Recovery points would be priority. They are easy to do on a TJ.

Where exactly are you based?

[drive it ...]

Work out where you're going to hook on tow ropes - both front and back. GOT to be solid, like life/death got to be solid. People have been killed from recovery gone wrong.
After you get hooks or anchor points sorted, like previous post said, just go play in it and decide what more you want. Mods soak up money real quick.

[TJ]

Front tow hooks are just fitted to the frame on top by replacing the two top bolt for the bumper. Get rated hooks and grade 5 bolts minimum. Rear is a little tricky but nothing complex. Existing holes in the frame can be used.

[wranglerbabe]

I am in Cambridge.
It does have two big hooks on the front, I haven't looked too closely at the back though, just made sure it had a tow bar!

[SMOKEY]

If your Jeep is auto gearbox ---- read about water and autos . FITZY.

[zukmeista]

I am in Cambridge.
It does have two big hooks on the front, I haven't looked too closely at the back though, just made sure it had a tow bar!

If it has a rear towbar you should be able to use that. If it has a removable tongue you can buy something like this http://www.4wdbits.co.nz/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=4285 Or if the tongue isn't removable just take out the towball and fit a shackle through the hole. But make sure the towbar is bolted on properly.

[wranglerbabe]

If your Jeep is auto gearbox ---- read about water and autos . FITZY.

Nope, not an auto. I've never been a fan of autos. Being a manual was one of the requirements when i started looking for something

[wranglerbabe]

If it has a rear towbar you should be able to use that. If it has a removable tongue you can buy something like this http://www.4wdbits.co.nz/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=4285 Or if the tongue isn't removable just take out the towball and fit a shackle through the hole. But make sure the towbar is bolted on properly.

It is of the removable variety so I will look at getting something like what you have suggested. Thanks for the advice!

[TJ]

Put some photos of the front hooks up here.

[Tonkatoy.]

I am also new to 4x4'ing and also with a TJ. Look up Cozzie 4x4 club - President lives in Cambridge.

[wranglerbabe]

Put some photos of the front hooks up here.

Front hooks

Front hooks again

They look fairly substantial to me. But then again, I don't really know what they should be like

The back

And one of the back, just for good measure

[zukmeista]

Do the hooks have any numbers on them? Most aftermarket tow hooks will have a max pull rating on them and will bend open when this is exceeded, some hooks will just break off which is obviously not good.

[Ralfie]

Do the hooks have any numbers on them? Most aftermarket tow hooks will have a max pull rating on them and will bend open when this is exceeded, some hooks will just break off which is obviously not good.

Take a closer look. Those hooks do have the load rating stamped on them.
More importantly is to not shock load them when doing a recovery by using the wrong type of recovery strap.

[nzlux]

While not an upgrade, or a safety item, I would probably move the plastic trailer light plug from where it is before it gets broken.

[zukmeista]

^^ good point that will get ripped off first time you go offroad.

[TJ]

Hooks may be ok. But check those bolts. Are they rated? Can't tell from the photo on my phone. You can easily replace them with rated ones.

[wranglerbabe]

Thanks for all the tips guys. I will definitely look into shifting the tow light plug, hadn't even thought about it till you mentioned it! It's pouring rain at the moment so I will check the ratings on the bolts and hooks tomorrow

[Swamped]

Like everyone has said recovery points and some rudimentary recovery stuff is first on the list. After this just drive it and learn how the vehicle behaves.

I usually do a full service on a new purchase to know where your at.
I would then fit extended diff, gbox and tc breathers if the truck doesn't have anything from factory. Cheap n easy to do and looks after the important bits on the truck a bit more.

Another vote for the cozzie4x4 crowd from me too.

[TJ]

Front diff breather should be the rubber tube that is next to the radiator. Rear breather vents into the wheel well next to gas cap. Transfer case breather comes up high on the firewall. Manual gearbox should not have a breather.

[wranglerbabe]

Ok, so I know the basics when it comes to mechanics and am always willing to learn, but what do you guys mean by breathers and what do they do?
I know you probably all think I'm pretty useless about now, but I would rather ask what I don't know than start playing around with things I don't understand while trying to look knowledgable

[TJ]

It's a rubber tube from the differential that allows it to breathe as oil heats up to neutralize air pressure. Otherwise seals would be blown frequently. Problem is that water can be sucked in through them once you dunk a hot differential in cold water.

[wranglerbabe]

Thank you very much for that detailed reply. Awesome picture by the way! I definitely know what to look for when I check that out.

I had a look at the front hooks today, both have max load 10000 LB. And yes, I double checked the zeros I can't see anything written on the bolts though...

[zukmeista]

Ok the hooks will be fine to tow off although would recommend putting a strap between them to spread the load on a heavy pull. If you can't see any markings on the bolts it would be a good idea to replace them with high tensile ones, 8.8 should do the trick. Take the old ones into an engineering supplies shop or similar and ask for bolts the same as the ones you have but high tensile ones. Some spring washers wouldn't be a bad idea either.

[SMOKEY]

Hey babe , if you want to play without getting hurt please have your vehicle checked by reputable 4WD people, you have done the right thing by asking and you are getting good advice ----- but we can only look at photos and that doesn't tell all the story. For starters, the front hooks are fine to recover from and the bolts --- well most hex bolts are 10.9 rated so should be ok ---- but what is under the hooks ? are they through the chassis or bumper irons or a bit of light weight metal with captivated nuts ?. Go to someone who has experience with off road vehicles, even with clubs you can get very knowledgeable people and then there are people who think they know everything. All the best,

FITZY.