General Maintenance

[gon2srf]

I spent the better half of today running through my rig. Removed all my skid plates and changed the diff, transfer case, engine oil and filter, lubed all the zerk fittings and cleaned the air filter and cabin filter. Checked the whole suspension and ran through misc fittings and electrical connections. Sanded and painted some rusty stuff.

I feel pretty good about the rig, I hope you feel the same about yours as well. BorregoFest is just around the corner!

[BorregoWrangler]

You bet! I'm getting a few things buttoned up in the Jeep. Replacing the rear main seal, oil pan and valve cover gaskets, engine and diff fluids, etc. Also plan building a cargo rack for the back, if I ever get the time.

BorregoFest is just around the corner!

[cruiserlarry]

This is a very important part of any off-road adventure - vehicle preparation.

Many folks ignore simple maintenance on their vehicle, and that can lead to problems on the trail. What Scott has detailed here is a great list of stuff that everyone sould do before heading out on the trail:

Check / change all fluids as necessary - including windshield washer fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, etc... (and if your brake fluid looks low, it might be that you need to replace the pads / shoes as well)

Check / change / clean filters - oil / air / cabin

Check brakes - you want them in top condition for the trail

Check tire condition - replace worn tires, check for nails / cuts / bubbles that might leave you stranded on the trail (and this includes the spare tire as well )

Check all lights - headlights/ running/ brake / turn signals, as well as auxiliary lights for lens condition, functioning bulbs, and working switches - check battery connections for corrosion / looseness as well.

Check suspension components for wear issues, bolt tightness, shock leakage, etc. - better to repair now than in the desert or mountains.

Check running gear - make sure your 4WD systems, low / high range, locking diffs, etc work - and check for leaking seals, noisy bearings, etc., that will haunt you later...

Any off-road trip will be more enjoyable knowing your vehicle is in the best condition it can be - and don't forget Murphy's Law is in effect out on the trail...

[gon2srf]

Did I forget to mention I pulled the motor, tore it down and checked the rod bearing tolerances. Everything checked out fine.

[FunJunkie]

Did I forget to mention I pulled the motor, tore it down and checked the rod bearing tolerances. Everything checked out fine.

Scott, stop playing with your rod
Good post though, simple but sometimes we get so wrapped up we forget the simple kine.

[cruiserlarry]

Did I forget to mention I pulled the motor, tore it down and checked the rod bearing tolerances. Everything checked out fine.

Oh, and I forgot ne more item -

Don't forget to check the loose nut behind the wheel...