I recently purchased a 2004 GC Limited 4.7l. PO had used spacers to put on Falken 245/75R17 on JK rims, replaced the grill with a body painted one, and changed to a cold air intake.



Since I got her home, I installed a Rough Country 2" lift kit, new stock springs, original intake system, rear control arms and sway bar bushings. Also swapped out the original headlights for a set of Laredo units, as I like the blacked out reflectors with the Dark Slate Gray paint and added a roof rack. I also replaced the aftermarket stereo with an original RB1 unit. As the PO had replaced the exhaust with a cat-back straight pipe, I installed a Flowmaster stainless system, which made it much quieter.


Between the lift kit and the new springs, she now rides 3-1/2" higher.

I put about 200 miles without any issues. Having no problems, I went on a weekend camping trip. On the way home, the engine overheated, going from 210 to 270 in less than 10 seconds. I pulled over and shut down to let it cool. When I checked, the radiator was just about empty. I filled it up with water and drove the last 6 miles home, without the temp getting above 210ish. Checking the radiator, there were bubbles, but no sign of oil. And checking the oil, there is no sign of milkshake in the oil. Of course, knowing the problem of dropping valve seats after overheating, I ordered a new set of heads, which are supposed to be arriving by UPS any minute. Hopefully, I can just change the heads and gaskets and get many happy miles for years to come.

If the engine lives, I will be adding new front winch bumper and rear bumper, front control arms, sway bar bushings, front axle bearings and seals, steering components, ball joints, all new front and rear brake components, and rear axles bearings and seals. I also need to repair the amplifier bypass, which I didn't have time to do before the fateful camping trip. I also have the HVAC 52 code, so that repair will be needed.

If anyone has any comments or suggestions, I will gladly listen.

Well, I guess that is all for now. I will post updates as they occur.

 

welcome!! Nice looking Jeep!!

 

Thanks Cruiser. I hope to find some solutions to a couple of issues.