.. after just purchasing it, knowing its been sitting for awhile and was, for the most part, neglected, what are some of the first things you would check/do? (Besides a tune-up) I was thinking of checking the U-joints and ball joints. What are some other good ideas? Thanks

buy a manual to help

FLUIDS! trans, oil, diff, coolant, etc.

I have access to AllData but I probably should get one anyways to keep in the truck to help with diagnosing when internet isnt available.

Good point on fluids! Im not sure if they were ever serviced over the past 100K, probably throw a filter in the trans as well.

+1, fluids = the bloodlife of your Jeep.

u joints and tie rod ends would be the least of my worries. those are standard wear items.

i would look into floor rot, leaf spring mounts, brake and fuel lines, mice damage, etc...

first off, change the oil and diff fluids and maybe plugs/wires and air filter.

also hit all your grease points, check zerk fittings, and replace bad ones

X 3 on all fluids including differentials.... thats the first thing I do when i purchase any used vehicle and go one step further than most by sucking out/changing old p/s fluid a cpl of times and bleeding thru and refilling the brake system with new fluid.


While the coolant is out id replace the hoses also..... cheap insurance

+1 on doing the hoses. Also a good time to do the Serpentine belt. Basically you want to replace any of the rubber parts that could dryrot over time and cause you big headaches if they fail. Speaking of rubber, how are the tires? May as well make sure they're not dryrotted.

to summarize:

1. at least INSPECT all rubber bushing, hoses, belts, etc for cracking/dryrot. Replace those that look like poop.

2. Change out the fluids, replacing seals as required

3. grease the Zerks mannnnn!

4. Check for heavy body rot/rust - especially on the frame tubes / pinch welds.

i would also put some fuel treatment in when filling the tank at least 2 or 3 tanks just to help clean the fuel lines i would also replace fuel filter plus above mentioned items

Oh yeah...how could i forget?

i stopped suggesting sea-foam because there are so many opinions about using it me personally i use it on all my vehicles but you know how it is so to save face i just dont mention it anymore

opinions about what? that it's a magical elixir from the combustion gods?

i agree 1000% but some think it cause's harm instead of good what most doesnt realize is it will find a sweak gasket or hose and let you know it needs replacing plus i know what the internals look like after using it versus not. i believe that seafoam was the best invention for engine cleaning internally. i swear by it but i got tired of hearing people argue over the matter