In preparing to tow a 6x12 trailer to Alaska from Michigan, it is time to get some things in order with my ZJ. She is a '93 with 194,000 miles on her. Very slight oil leak from somewhere I cannot identify.

For starters, this is what is new on the Jeep already:

Master Cylinder
Front Brake Pads
Front Brake Rotors
Cap
Rotor
Ignition Coil
Pickup Coil
CPS
Air Filter
Battery

So far I have a tenative list of things to replace, but i do not want to replace anything i really do not need too. I am working on a budget with all the other costs. Any suggestions, comments, brand and pricing ideas, etc are appreciated.

1) Tires - Mine are not bad at all. Factory size, probably have enough tread for another 10-15,000 miles but with a trailer and that kind of drive I think it's worth while to replace them.

2) Brake Lines - I have no leaks, but all the rubber lines are factory original and i worry that the weight (full trailer, wife, kid, two dogs) may cause a blwon brake line. Seems like a cheap and easy thing to do.

3) Shocks - My truck drives and rides fine but they look like CRAP and i know they won't be good enough for the trailer. I was going to replace them with those included in a lift kit, but have not got there yet so i need to do it now.

4) Plugs and Wires - Mostly to help with fuel economy.

5) Serpentine belt - To throw in the toolbox, just in case

6) Thermostat & Radiator hoses......maybe even a WP if they are ~60 bucks. Mine seems fine but i notice it may be weeping just a bit.

 

7) Maybe Differential fluids.

 

up we go, some of you must have experience towing bigger stuff long distances

 

If it's an auto, I'd get the trans flushed with new Dex and make sure the filters are good. If it's a stick, I'd carry a slave cylinder.

 

I would be more worried with the trailer and its wheel bearings and wiring than the Jeep.

 

It's an auto but personally i will not do anything to a transmission, including fluid and filter, if it is functioning properly. Mine has zero issues and when it comes to transmissions you really need to follow the "if it aint broke, don't fix it" method. More bad comes from trying to do good then good ever does.

As for the trailer itsself, I hear ya on that one Busted.