[courtney_moore]

I am loving my new 95 baby, but as this is my first jeep, I dont know a whole heck of a lot about it. What are some upgrades/mods you experienced guys can recommend, and what should I do first? Its in pretty good shape, and I'm currently working on the cosmetics-pulled out interior except front seats for cleaning and will eventually replace the entire interior and roll bar covers, as well as the dash and door panels. Also any tips for deep cleaning the floor pan such as dirt in the welds, removing rust, etc. She only has 81000 miles, so the engine is an overall good shape, but Ive already had to replace the starter, battery, and a hose in the month Ive had her. Any suggestions at all would be great. My husband is more tech savvy than I, but Id like to do all of the work myself as hes been focused on his foxbody mustang. Besides, I couldnt truly appreciate it if I don't do the work myself thanks in advance!

 

[Defcon 1]

The best suggestions I have for you is to upgrade it to the kind of mods that suit your off-roading likes. You don't need 35" SuperSwampers if you don't play in the mud is what I'm saying. Take it out a lot, see what you like to do and enjoy. If you get stuck, and you will, you can do the type of mods that assist you better in not getting to that point.

There are basic mods like increasing ground clearance with a lift and increasing traction with larger tires, but the stock YJ by itself is pretty darn capable. No two modded YJ's are the same, they are all tailored to what the driver wants to accomplish with them. So my best advice to you is to keep doing the routine maintenance on it, that is essential, and also to keep wheeling it to see what type of wheeling you enjoy, and build it little by little so it's done the right way, instead of rushed.

 

[courtney_moore]

Thank you. It already has a lift, not sure how to figure how much of one. 31" tires, Id probably like to go up to 33 from what Ive seen, but no bigger. I havent taken it out yet to trails, just using it as a daily driver til I get a better feel of it. Dont really want to end up breaking something so Im just easing into it. The clear coat on the hood is peeling like crazy so that will probably be my first "big" project. From what Ive read, wet sanding it by hand, with some touch up paint and good clear coat should take care of that until I can give the whole thing a good paint job.

 

[87 Florida YJ]

Welcome. You have a lifetime to implement the all the modifications that fit your personality and the way you are going to enjoy the jeep. I mean 'stinger' bumpers are a must for deep off roading but not all that necessary for a street machine. Hang out at this Forum and you will actually see fun mods that you never knew were available. IMO the mods come second after you have your new ride running perfectly and that's where I would spend my money first. Mods don't do much for a jeep that sits in your garage because it won't start! Go slow, enjoy your jeep first and then your direction for your mods will evolve.

BTW pics are important. The JeepMasters on this forum can help with everything you will encounter if they can see what you are describing.

 

[courtney_moore]

Is there a piece similar to an extender for a manual shifter that brings the knob closer, such as an elbow? Being 5'4, i already have the seat pretty far forward to press the clutch all the way. Any more and ill be against the wheel.

 

[AllMudd]

Welcome and have fun. I'm 5' 6" and understand the shifting problem. Are you looking for an extender for the pedal or the shifter? I plan on cutting my stock shifter and putting about 1.5" extension in and welding it all back together. As far as the pedal is concerned you might be able to do kinda the same with piece of steel just to make the pedal closer for you. But just a suggestion on the interior. Monstaliner or something like this will look nice. The carpet tends to hold in moisture and make the floor pans rust, especially at the drivers feet!

 

[courtney_moore]

Its more reaching the shifter in 3rd and 5th. Im sure theres like an elbow shaped piece ot there somewhere that just brings the knob closer back but ive googled with no success.

 

[87 Florida YJ]

Your wish is our command soldier. Just google 'gear shift extension lever' and you get sites like this

........Gear Shift Knobs & Accessories: Big Rig Chrome Shop

They even ask for your extension preferences in inches:rofl: sorry just couldn't resist. Anything your mind imagines you would want for your jeep is always available somewhere. World has gotten so small.

 

[harleydragon]

Welcome. You have a lifetime to implement the all the modifications that fit your personality and the way you are going to enjoy the jeep. I mean 'stinger' bumpers are a must for deep off roading but not all that necessary for a street machine. Hang out at this Forum and you will actually see fun mods that you never knew were available. IMO the mods come second after you have your new ride running perfectly and that's where I would spend my money first. Mods don't do much for a jeep that sits in your garage because it won't start! Go slow, enjoy your jeep first and then your direction for your mods will evolve.

BTW pics are important. The JeepMasters on this forum can help with everything you will encounter if they can see what you are describing.

good advice

 

[Springsblueyj]

Take a look at "what I did to my yj today" it has many mods on there. Your imagination is the only thing that will limit you. Now that you have a jeep, don't forget to wave!

 

[courtney_moore]

Thanks guys, every bit of advice has been extremely helpful. ALWAYS wave, and get irritated when others dont!