A while back, someone was asking what to do to the jeep after it hadn't be run for a long time (12 months?) Out of that thread, were some suggestions on what to do to prepare for an extended storage period. I can't find that thread and would appreciate any suggestions on what to do to prepare a vehicle to sit for 6-12 months at a time. All the manual says is to run the a/c for five minutes. I was planning on changing the oil, putting stabil in a full tank of gas, putting it up on jack stands and making sure the door and windows are closed. It will be in a non-climate controlled garage in Nebraska (both winter and summer). Also, there is no one I trust to start it up and drive around every once in a while and no, I'm not taking volunteers from the studio audience. Thanks.

 

Disconnecting the battery maybe?

 

I pulled my CJ out of storage a few weeks back and the brakes were locked up.
Vehicles, like naughty bits, must be used regularly or things stop working right.

 

I think you're on the right track. I would also recommend getting some of those little bags of stuff (can't remember the name) to guard against humidity, even though it will be in a climate controlled place. Also be sure you do not have any rodent issues in the storage area. Along with the things you listed, this is what I did for my Corvette and it always fired right up and ran great come spring. I never did store it for a full year though.

 

Mothballs around the engine will help keep the squirrels and rats from chewing on the wires and nesting in there.

 

I think what you are thinking about is called silica, it absorbs moisture from the air. My son and daughter inlaw have these little things they put in their horse trailer in the winter that takes moisture out of the air. You can get them at most any livestock feed store. I have a small unit I bought at at boat supply store that uses low voltage that I put in my metal shed that keeps mildew from forming.
Also make sure you don't set the emergency brake.

 

Yeah, that's the stuff. I had brain-lock this morning

 

In my opinion the most important thing is to put some Stabil in your full gas tank. Without Stabil the fuel left in your injectors will turn to varnish and clog your injectors. Full gas tank to combat condensation in your tank which of course will rust out your tank. taking your battery out is also a good idea. jacking up your jeep and putting it on jack stands is also a good idea to combat the possibility of your radial tires flat spotting or dry rotting. better yet is find someone to crank it and drive it periodically. If noone will volunteer I will. but u gotta bring it to me x2 on keeping the rodents away from it. Silica is not the only desicant on the market. desicant is to absorb moisture.

oh yeah, u might wanna put a teaspoon of marvel mystery oil in each cylinder. just put the plugs and put some in then put the plugs back in and spin it over a couple of times.

 

They also sell that moisture gathering stuff at marina's or boating supply stores, keeps the moisture out of boats while in a wet storage slip.
its like a hanging bag, the pellets inside collect the moisture.
it really shouldnt be that much of a problem.

i would suggest you make sure your fuel stabilizer is added and you let it run long enough to get into your injection system, not just put in the tank.

Personally, i've left a 5 year old vehicle parked outside, and uncovered for more than six months without ANY prep, and all that happened was the battery was too low to start the vehicle. (maybe you could get a "trickle charger" to keep it alive...?) But after being jumped, there were NO issues at all. This was in Florida, where it stayed out in the rain, under a tree...
So, if you can borrow someones garage space... do the moth balls in the engine bay ( rodents have been known to eat wires ).
Jack stands are good if you have them.

if its a rag top, i'd get a cheap cover over it. and not worry about it...
why change the oil before? some do...
changing it after your back would be fine... its not wearing on anything.

out of 21 years in the military, i've been "gone" for 6 years of that...
so, it will be fine. ( keep your insurance up on it? depending where you leave it)
for just that "insurance" (tornado's, fires, etc..) it can be replaced.
YOU cant.

enjoy your trip.