New to Jeep KJ

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Mytmouse

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Hi all,
I just purchased a 2005 Jeep Liberty KJ. I'm new to the whole KJ scene.

As I was looking around for a KJ - I wanted either the 05 -06 year gasser to be able to swap the front springs to the crd diesel front springs , as I was looking for a reliable compact 4x4 SUV for driveway snow plowing (& soccer taxi for the kids), the KJ was at the top of the list. The swapping of the springs allows for the extra weight of the plow. I researched all about the ESP due to most of the Libby's I looked at were 06's (but Hi milage) they all had the ESP button on the steering column. But when I found a sweet condition 05 at a really good price I realize this does NOT have the ESP button. Does this mean the 05 doesn't have abs/traction control (which may benefit me for my intended use)?

Any helpful info, guidance, and suggestion would be appreciated.

Thank you in advance,
-TC
 

Jeremy-WI

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Even the ESP button doesn't disable all functions on my 06 Liberty Renegade. Your intended use might benefit from those functions
 

Mytmouse

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Another question - what's with the rear door release? Opening it , I was only able to open it when I used the key window hatch button, there wise it always seemed to be locked...
 

tommudd

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Just curious why 05-06 ? Just wondering
Personally with an 03-04 and 05 I like the earlier years way better
 

Mytmouse

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I wanted either the 05 -06 year gasser to be able to swap the front springs to the crd diesel front springs.
The crd diesel was only available in 05 and 06. Plus I didn't want any older which had even higher mileage....
The diesel front springs are 410# to handle the weight of my snow plow w/o having to go with a lift which is more money and I'm not looking to go rock crawling or anything , just plow driveways and drive kids around town...
 

duderz7

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Springs are compatible From 02-07 and I think maybe beyond. My 05 sport has abs, but no traction control. I don't think traction control happened til they got 4 wheel abs 05 has a single sensor on rear diff, (3 wire abs)
 

tommudd

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I wanted either the 05 -06 year gasser to be able to swap the front springs to the crd diesel front springs.
The crd diesel was only available in 05 and 06. Plus I didn't want any older which had even higher mileage....
The diesel front springs are 410# to handle the weight of my snow plow w/o having to go with a lift which is more money and I'm not looking to go rock crawling or anything , just plow driveways and drive kids around town...

OK little lesson for you, all springs and shocks are the same from 02-07, well fronts are the same till 2012 actually
Plus if only adding front CRD springs I assume you will be using new ones, then rear will be somewhat lower than the front , plus replace the shocks with preferably OME but second best is bilsteins ( good ones, not the cheap ones.
As far as on road or rock crawling,.....well most want the better ride of after market like OME on the road ( plus off) They are built for both . But either way, stock springs are junk, no matter if CRD or not. Over 55 gassers and 4 CRDs to date lifted/ upgraded in my garage so have just a wee bit of experience
 

Mytmouse

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Thanx Tommudd , That's good to know. Thanx for the lesson! That's why I go on these forums - to get info from experienced ppl.
At least I know I found a good Libby; low mileage, low price, decent shape (that I can tell so far)....
So I'll also look into the OME's. I'm just looking for heavier weight support like from the 410# of the crd's. And of course new along with struts/shocks.

So with this 05 you think I am ok with it's traction (or lack of) control, for snow plowing.?

And what's with this rear door release?
 
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ltd02

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If the doors are all unlocked then the rear gate glass and door should open when you pull the handle.

BTW my 05 only has ABS too. None of that other stuff.
 

Mytmouse

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So I would believe not having the traction control (pre 06 - I'm thinking) is better for both snow driving , plowing, off road, etc.
Not sure if the word better is the right word to use, but not having all those other "safety fetured" seems less to deal with. Sounds like everyone's always looking for a way to disengage them when wheeling....
I know the Extra traction control is nice and a huge gov. safety concern but for. ON road driving...
 

tommudd

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On my 05 only way to get into the rear gate is to use the button to pop the window then in, has been that way ever since I picked it up
The 03 and 04 work normal and always have
 

Mytmouse

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Looking at the autolite double platinum.. I believe they are APP5224. If anyone uses these what gap you set them? The stock 0.044" that the sticker shows, or the .035" that the Autolite dbl plats say?
 
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ltd02

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Stick with the recommended copper core. The plats don't seem to work as well even though they last a long time. Stock are NGK-ZFR6F11G. They work great but need changing every 25-30k. I'm actually running a Denso copper core right now and they're fine too.
 

Mytmouse

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Ok,

So another question - what have any of you successfully used for the faded out (now gray) side molding , fender flares and all?
 

tommudd

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Looking at the autolite double platinum.. I believe they are APP5224. If anyone uses these what gap you set them? The stock 0.044" that the sticker shows, or the .035" that the Autolite dbl plats say?

NO very bad, copper core NGKs
 

tommudd

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Ok,

So another question - what have any of you successfully used for the faded out (now gray) side molding , fender flares and all?

Peanut butter ...........
Seriously, P-butter puts the oils back into the flares which is what made them fade
Seen people use all kinds of tricks, heating the up, various sprays etc, in the end nothing works long term
 

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