99_tj_sport

So pretty much I picked up a tj a little while ago and have a pretty good idea of where I want it to go... but new ideas never hurt :)

Basically, its a 1999 tj sport wit the 4.0L 5 speed, dana 35 in the rear and 30 in the front (both r open) with 30x9.5 a/t. I was thinking a little more power and 31's would be nice but still manageable on road (its my dd) and other than that I'm still figuring things out...


So with that said whats the best thing you have done???

jetmerritt

I want to start with a lift for looks, but I think they are possibly overrated. Over the years of wheeling I have done to go places, and just screwing around, I have found lockers to be one of the best investments, or for a budget - tire chains.

I find lifts also create a lot of reliability issues of a daily driver; u-joints, poor highway handling, etc.

I would really like to start with lockers as I also have open diffs and see what difference that makes before making it even more unstable and suck fuel.

Also the braking power is so-so on mine already with 30X9.50's.

I think on mine I am going this route:

1. Tires - I really like BFG muds so far, had a couple sets already, I think I'll either get 30X9.50's or see if I can squeak 31's, not sure yet.

2. Lockers - I don't really like ratcheting, I would like something switchable if I can afford it. I put a rear detroit in my toyota I had a while back and it made 100% difference.

3. For power I have done some reading and I think I am going to start with a cat-back exhaust, I like Magnaflow myself for the sound.

I just have found over my last few vehicles that unless you are going rock crawling, mud bogging or just want to impress people, lifts and 35's are not needed. The lifts are problematic, the tires to "fit" the lift are more money and I haven't needed them, also bigger tires mean a mandatory gear change. I love exploring and going places and I find I get everywhere I need to at stock height with good tires and I don't think I am a novice wheeler. I just like to enjoy driving my rigs and having reliability.

If I could build a play rig, different story! This is the daily driver opinion.

Hope that helps,

Jet

By the way, what ratio are your diffs? I have 3.73's with a 6 spd manual and find mine goes pretty good, I am really happy with it (highway and trail use). For power, the best place to start might be a gear change to 3.73's or 4.10's.

RiponredTJ

Taking the roof and doors off for the summer is by far the best and cheapest mod you can do.

99_tj_sport

jet, i definitely agree that i don't think i really need a lift. for the little bit of 4wheeling i've been doing with it i think it will be fine. especially if i get some slightly more aggressive 31's. How are the bfg muds in the snow/ice? do they wear well enough for what they r? (again the whole dd thing)

I've def tossed around the idea of a locker, but with the highway/city driving day to day, I feel like i wouldn't want a detroit, and a selectable is looking a little pricey so that would prob have to wait lol.

Im pretty sure i have a 3.73 but im not 100%. The jeep really isnt bad more i just wouldnt mind a bit more kick lol agreed the cai did help and a cat back will probly be next. is it true that the stock headers arent port matched? (i think i read it somewhere) cause if thats the case a header might be more helpful.

Has anyone tried the trail jammer kit from edge? good/bad? it seems pretty legit.

haha agreed... the soft top is going on in the next couple weeks and the doors r coming off pretty soon :)

jetmerritt

BFG muds are wicked in snow, but are terrible on ice. I have had a studded set in the winter before, that made them a perfect tire. They have no siping on the tread face, that's why they don't hook up at all on ice. Also you could take them to a full service tire shop and get the top 2/32" siped for winter at a low cost. BFG's (old tread pattern, I haven't had the new ones yet) are a good balancing tire most times compared to TSL's or stuff like that and run reasonably quiet. Also I find they have good sidewalls. I have run a few sets, I trust them, but they are not cheap.

As for port matching, that's picking the fly poop out of the pepper. That would maybe add a horse or 2, nothing you could feel. A different header would probably help, but only due to design. I think I have a different one on my '06, I have Cats in my header, bummer, no change ups for me.

some people recommend a cold air intake as well...

Have fun,

Jet

99_tj_sport

hmm ya i kinda figured they wouldnt be great on the ice being a mud terrain... good to hear a positive review. ever tired the mickey thomson baja mtzs?

Well glad i asked about the header lol the site made it out to be a pretty be deal lol i do like the looks of the banks header. might be worth putting it on the wish list. really?

Sid1966

i installed a banks header 2.5 "exhaust cherry bomb glasspack muffler can really feel the difference from the drivers seat,have also installed a 62 mm throttle body and homemade cold air intake with a k&n filter,kinda sounds like a farm tractor now but has a lot more midrange punch to it cant comment on mileage cause i dont pay much attention to that, if i did i wouldnt be driving a jeep.the front lunchbox locker is probably the second best mod i have made

Sid1966

for tires i run BFG KRAWLERS 35x13.50x15 year round havent had any real scares not the greatest on ice but not as bad as i was expecting

karinne

Hmmm... I haven't done much really (see sig) but the one things I wish I'd done sooner is the LineX.

99_tj_sport

I'm def leaning toward a new exhaust system next. However, im not trying to make my 6cyl sound like a v8 so im not sure which muffler would be best... any suggestions?