Well folks, I just came down on orders to go to Korea for a year. Time to think long term storage. Any tips on what to drain and what kind of fluids I need to put in to make sure when I get home my baby hasn't turned to crap. Also, Maybe some tips on what to do to it when I get back. Any input is appreciated.

 

When my cousin had orders, he just loaned it to his cousin (not me) to drive around every once in a while.

Possibly a good way to keep things from settling too much.

 

Yea, that's not an option. I am sure there is a safe way to store plus that will be a whole year with no miles on it.

 

Fog the engine then drain out all the oil. Can leave mineral oil in if you like.
Drian out all the gas from the tank & lines.
Suspend it on blocks in preferably a heated area out of the weather.
Wrap the tires in black garbage bags to help keep the sun's UV rays from drying them out, inflated and upright not on their sidewalls. Maybe even re-mount them after & let them hang in the air.
Do not leave the e-break on, although you may want to get a lubricant that will not dry out, need this to coat all 4 rotors or they will be finished (rusty) when you return, + you'll have to remeber to clean them off again next year before your first drive.
Take out the Battery and leave it on one of them chargers with a microprocessor to keep it alive for when you return.

Should stay like new after all that.

 

"Fog the engine"
What is that?

 

For aircraft engines, long term storage includes changing the oil (moisture is suspended in used oil) and filter, fog the cylinders (you can buy an oil that "fogs" and sticks to the inside of the cylinders, then install dessicant plugs. Not sure if they are available for vehicle engines, but I bet they are. Pull the battery out too, or at least make sure it is charged occassionally, so it doesn't go bad and leak.

Really, if the Jeep is kept out of the weather, then prepping the engine is probably the only thing you need to do.

Oh...make sure you deal with mice...rotten little buggers.

 

May want to also but the vehicle on blocks...

if there is a slow leak in tires, it'll be empty when you get back, don't want the vehicle sitting on the rims, with flat tires for that long.

I don't think you need to remove the wheels from the Jeep, just put a couple jack stands under it to support the weight. (whether its necessary or not, it might be a good idea, especially if nobody is going to check up on it)

 

It will be inside on blocks for sure.

 

I dont know how it works for US guys but when we get deployed the military pays for our vehicles to be stored and maintained. You guys dont get that?

 

We still get that treatment. I've never personally used them since I always had someone back home to drive my vehicles around.