Sinkic

Hello everyone i was just wondering if some of the Vets of JK,TJ,YJ, etc...
could say how they keep there rigs in good running shape after hitting
the trails (mud, sand, water, rocks, etc) and what are some good things
to do to your JK before taking it out to keep it running well (like change
air filter etc.)

Thanks

Sinkic

Mark Doiron

I'm not the most experienced, by any means, but here's what I do: First, if it was muddy, wash the Jeep, paying special attention to get all mud off the inside of the wheels (where it could lead to tire mis-balance). Then crawl underneath, checking for obvious damage or loose parts that need to be repaired/tightened. If trail conditions were dusty, change oil and oil filter, and inspect and change air filter, if necessary. If the diffy's were soaked in water, check the lube; replace as necessary. Finally, do just a general check of the vehicle like I do about monthly: Fluids, tire pressure and lights. Fix anything I find wrong.

opdsgt

I do all my maintenance before, not after the trip. Certainly, after I get home I wash the Jeep top to bottom and roll around underneath on a creeper to make sure I haven't done any damage I wasn't aware of previously. Might change diff fluid or repack a wheel bearing if I spent any time doing water crossings, but that's about it.

Sinkic

Thanks a lot for your tips.

OnBelay

1. Air the tires back up
2. Pressure wash the undercarriage, tires, and so on. The frame rails have holes in them that like to accumulate dirt/grime as well.
3. Inspect and clean air filter and intake
4. Inspect and clean throttle body
5. Torque all wheel lugs and suspension bolts to specification.
6. Clean zerk fittings and top-off with grease.
7. Inspect undercarriage and drive line for damage. Inspect rubber components (e.g. bushings, boots, etc.) for wear or tears.
8. If you were submerged/stuck in mud for a long period of time--and suspect that the breather tubes took on water/mud--then change your diff fluid. Depending on mileage since your last diff fluid change, you might want to take off the diff housing, spray the gears down with brake cleaner, and then fill with new fluid.

I am sure there are other things to check, but this is my list.

spartan99

Wash the mud out of the radiator housing. To get mud out of the rest of the undercarriage, put a sprinkler under the JK and run it for a while to loosen up the mud and then spray it out of the hard to reach places.

Sinkic

thanks a lot to everyone

Mark Doiron

But don't hit it directly with a high pressure stream. It will bend the fins and strip off the paint. Don't ask how I know.

Sinkic

lol thanks for the tip

HV

another thing is turning the wheels makes it easer to clean behind the rim and suspension