First Jeep, tell me where to start

gimmie0124

New Member
Joined
Nov 8, 2022
Messages
2
Location
Austin, TX
Just purchased this 2012 2 door. I have lots of toys but this is my first Jeep. Any tips tricks or quirks to these things I need to look for. I purchased it with the lifter tick and fixed it. It's pretty much a stock one owner.

PXL_20221108_231024804.jpg
 
Good for you, for fixing the infamous tick and getting into a Wrangler.

My advice: drive and enjoy it. Worry about repairs as they come. The tick and oil filter housing leaks are some of the more common issues. Id say temp sensor and thermostat can fail quite early too. But they're easy fixes.

Cheers!
 
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When vehicles are referred to as "toys", I always assume that means you're a builder, not a stocker. If that is correct, then there are soooooo many options. And since modified Wranglers are so popular, they're cheap to build.
Tastes vary, but I'd start by losing that nasty thing on the front bumper. I'd probably just swap on a pair off good off-road bumpers. Then I'd go lift, wheels, and tires. Next would depend. It might be re-gearing, and if so, I'd go ahead and put in lockers while the diffs are open. Replace those delicate step thingies with some sliders. Then a winch...
But that's me. What are your goals for the Jeep? Building a mall crawler is quite different to building a rock crawler.
 
Welcome, except for the Bush Bar and black, looks like my Dealership detailed 2010 2 door JK when I drove it of the lot new 12yrs ago. 17Als have been in my basement for 10yrs, and my step bars are Bitched and gone from the hard winters here. All Good
 
What @Dirty Dog said, what are your goals / intent? Depending on that depends on what moods first. If for off-roading a few things for me are.
1. Skid Plates for engine / transmission / and transfer-case
2. Winch and recovery gear - tree saver strap, recovery strap, snatch-block, backup battery jumper, shovel, gloves, tire repair kit, tools, portable light, electrical repair kit, some sort of communication device, HAM, GMRS, CB etc.
3. Lift depending on interest. For me 2 1/2” lift can do what I think probably 80-90% of people do off-road, most can accommodate 35” tires.

Agree with @Threepointsix on repairs, cross the bridge when it comes. I recommend changing all the fluids so you peace of mind knowing when they were changed and are good to go.
 
Appreciate the replies. It will be more of a daily driver on the highway and the occasional trek to big bend. I'm not a rock crawler as much as a get somewhere and camp..er. I'm thinking a couple inches up.. little nicer wheels and cooper at3s. Get rid of the chrome (although that push bar is pretty damn stout..I was surprised) and maybe add some bumpers and a winch. Give it a little bark and no bite. This truck has never been off road. The underside is as clean as the day it was sold. I like the way it drives but never had a newer wrangler. I just didn't know what the "prone to fix" issues are. 3.6 tick is common in all of them. Someone had chased the oil pressure code and replaced the solenoid but didn't fix it. Turns out it had a wire rubbed through in the harness.
 
Welcome to the forum . Yeah what others posted.
Push Bar and side steps . There are much more
sturdier products out there for sure that will
suite your Jeep. But in the end end it's your money,
time and Jeep so do what you think is best and enjoy
the ride . We're always here for questions and friendly
digs if the need adrises.