Gary the liberty

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Heavymetalduck

Someone with a wrench and free time.
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My 02 limited 4x4 kj 160,000 miles
Planning on using it as a daily and mild off roading.

Overall is in good condition when I bought it.

(The good)

Besides for a bit on the exhaust there's absolutely no rust.

I've changed all the oils and all were spotless and no glitter.

Engine runs amazing and starts instantly.


(The bad)
Clear coat is non existent and is slowly coming off.

Tires don't even have a dot code.
Almost slipped off the highway because of them.
(Linglongs)



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Has been sitting in this garage being worked on slowly.

So far I've replaced
-Front bushings.
-Front ball joints
-Front sway bar bushings and links
-Disk brakes
-Struts (kyb)
-All lights converted to led
-Flasher resistor mod (Hyperflash fix)
-Rear shocks (Bilstein 4600)
-Starter (Easier than what I've heard people say)

Planned things
-Rear ball joint
-Rear bushings
-Investigate a possible leak (Is extremely slow valve covers most likely)
-Fix the paint (Have a friend that does body work)
-Belt tensioner and pulley
-Water pump and thermostat
-Tires (Currently cheap craptanium)
 
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duderz7

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You could do a starter, don't be scared. When I consider a job to be a pain I just consider how high labor costs would likely be and feel good about my decision to suffer. I've got an oil pump on the way for my GMC Yukon and according to an online quote I'll be saving myself almost $1000 to do it myself. Also recently finished a gear swap on the liberty and saved myself at least that much if not more and that includes buying some specific tools which I got to keep. And as a bonus I learned lots!
 

Heavymetalduck

Someone with a wrench and free time.
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You could do a starter, don't be scared. When I consider a job to be a pain I just consider how high labor costs would likely be and feel good about my decision to suffer. I've got an oil pump on the way for my GMC Yukon and according to an online quote I'll be saving myself almost $1000 to do it myself. Also recently finished a gear swap on the liberty and saved myself at least that much if not more and that includes buying some specific tools which I got to keep. And as a bonus I learned lots!
The problem was when I tried I couldn't figure out how to get it out as the whole car was keeping the starter captive.

I actually just found a way that might work so I'm gonna try it when I get paid.


My first car I've ever worked on or owned so I'm still pretty new to this.


Also wanted to say thanks and hopefully your oil pump goes well.
 
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KJowner

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Make sure you remove the battery leads before you start, the feed to the motor is permanently live and switched at the motor by a large solenoid l, if you don't then you will be doing unexpected arc welding....
 

Bigezee69

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Jan 8, 2023
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Bridgeport, IL
My 02 limited 4x4 kj 160,000 miles
Planning on using it as a daily and mild off roading.


You must be registered for see images attach

Has been sitting in this garage being worked on slowly.

So far I've replaced
-Front bushings.
-Front ball joints
-Front sway bar bushings and links
-Disk brakes
-Struts
-Some lights converted to led


Planned things
-Rear ball joint
-Rear bushings
-Starter (Probably won't do it myself as it looks like it would suck)
-Investigate a possible leak (Is extremely slow)
-Fix the paint (Have a friend that does body work)
-Belt tensioner and pulley
-Water pump and thermostat
-Tires (Currently cheap craptanium)
Looks good other than that clear coat coming off. I just got an 05 and will be slowly fixing things like you are. Lot of things on my list to fix/replace. these things are money pits but will be fun doing most of the work myself. satisfaction in doing that. first thing on my list is replacing that rear upper control arm and bushings. baad noise in the rear. then maybe all fluids. also have a bad oil leak on one of my valve covers.
 

Heavymetalduck

Someone with a wrench and free time.
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Ohio
Looks good other than that clear coat coming off. I just got an 05 and will be slowly fixing things like you are. Lot of things on my list to fix/replace. these things are money pits but will be fun doing most of the work myself. satisfaction in doing that. first thing on my list is replacing that rear upper control arm and bushings. baad noise in the rear. then maybe all fluids. also have a bad oil leak on one of my valve covers.
Probably right on them being money pits but with most of it being easy work I still love mine.
 

Heavymetalduck

Someone with a wrench and free time.
Joined
Aug 25, 2022
Messages
23
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21
Location
Ohio
Make sure you remove the battery leads before you start, the feed to the motor is permanently live and switched at the motor by a large solenoid l, if you don't then you will be doing unexpected arc welding....
I always discount the battery when working on anything electrical.

Getting shocked isn't fun.
 
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