Congratulations on reaching the 100,000-mile mark with your Jeep! Whether you've been climbing over rugged terrain, conquering challenging trails, or just hopping curbs in the mall parking lot, your off-road companion deserves some extra TLC. Parts Via is here to help with a comprehensive guide on preventative maintenance to keep your Jeep going strong and healthy.
We will touch on the essential steps for off-roaders, along with traditional vehicle maintenance, and even suggest some aftermarket upgrades to ensure your Jeep remains a reliable partner for many more miles of adventure.
Off-Road Vehicle Inspection
If you’re driving your Jeep as intended over rugged terrain and harsh driving conditions, at 100,000 miles it is long past time to consider completing a thorough bumper-to-bumper vehicle inspection.
Off-roading can take a toll on your Jeep's components. Vehicles like these require extra attention and care, so it’s crucial to be on top of maintenance and repairs before you are left stranded on the trail.
We recommend starting with focusing on the suspension components, 4x4 system, and the vehicle’s undercarriage. This can be done in the driveway with a set of quality jackstands but a vehicle lift is preferred. Also, if you are not comfortable or familiar with working on your vehicle, then perhaps this job is best left to a specialist since it is beyond a simple service.
- You will want to go through every component underneath the vehicle. Start by removing the wheels and tires for unobstructed access. Check every suspension bolt and nut, and cycle the suspension from fully dropped to bottomed out. You are looking for worn-out pivots, bearings, bushings, rod ends, and the like. As the old saying goes "oil if it spins, grease if it slides," so grease or lubricate any pivots, bushings, and Zerk fittings as needed.
- Clean off and wire brush any electrical grounds and make sure they are as they should be. Check the various sensors and wire junctions, and give them a wiggle to ensure proper connectivity.
- Don’t forget to check the exhaust system, brackets, and hangers as well, inspecting for rust or corrosion.
- Check driveshaft, driveline, u-joints, transfer case linkage, transfer case mounts, transmission linkage, transmission mounts, and engine mounts.
If it moves, spins, hangs, mounts, drives, or pivots, give it a look and a once-over. Touch everything. A meticulous inspection sets the stage to prevent potential breakdowns on the trail. If you find any problems, issues, or potential failures then address or replace as needed.
Regular Preventative Maintenance Items
In addition to off-road-specific function checks, don't overlook routine preventative maintenance tasks that are crucial for your Jeep’s longevity:
- Complete an engine oil service.
- Replace spark plugs and wires.
- Flush coolant, and inspect all of the hoses, lines, and anything else made of rubber.
- Service the brake system and replace the pads.
- Give your transmission fluid a flush, and top off the transfer case and differentials with fluids.
- It is also a good idea to check any seals and gaskets to make sure they are up to snuff.
- Inspect the serpentine belt for oddities. Pro tip: Replace that belt with a fresh one and put the used one in your spare parts trail bag.
- Remove and disassemble the air intake system, wipe down and clean everything thoroughly inside and out. Add all new filters for everything.
These routine tasks not only optimize performance but also ensure your vehicle will run properly and last for many more miles.
Known Issues and Problems to Watch For
After spending some time crawling under, in, and around the vehicle, you will become intimate with its intricacies and note its age. There are two trains of thought here. Your vehicle is clocking over 100,000 miles and some of the core components may be reaching the end of their lifecycle. Additionally, off-road activity will shorten the lifespan, as will larger tire size.
Some say “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” However, a responsible automotive enthusiast and off-road recreational would plan to finish the trail rather than be busted on the sidelines. Replacing the ball joints, unit bearings, axle u-joints, and steering gearbox can make your vehicle feel and handle like new again.
With that in mind, here are some vehicle components known to give folks issues at this milestone:
- Engine Coolant Temp Sensor
- Front Unit Bearings
- Front Axle Tube Seals
- Leaky Radiator
- Oil Filter Housing, Cooler, And Sensors
- Water Pump
- O2 Sensor
- Water Temp Sensor
- Belt Tensioner And Idler Pulley
- Ac Compressor
- Thermostat
- Fuel Pump
- Power Steering Pump
- Water Pump
- Alternator
- U-Joints
- Steering Linkage
- Ball Joints
- Wheel Bearings
Keeping an eye on these components and addressing any issues promptly can help ensure a smoother and more reliable off-road experience for many more miles to come.
Vehicle Upgrades
At the 100,000-mile mark, your Jeep just might sound and feel like that 20-year-old clothes dryer in your neighbor’s garage. You probably notice it creaks and clunks way more than you like. There are solutions.
It is time to consider upgrading some wear items that endure the brunt of off-road adventures. Upgrading tires, shocks, springs, skid plates, and perhaps even a brake upgrade will do wonders and enhance both safety and performance.
Parts Via recommends reputable brands like Mickey Thompson Tires, Bilstein Shocks, Eibach Springs, and Wilwood Brakes for durability and reliability. Going one step further, some Westin Automotive skid plates can add an extra layer of protection against rocks and debris, ensuring your Jeep is ready to tackle any terrain with confidence.
Here are five excellent upgrades to consider:
Mickey Thompson Tires Baja Legend EXP Hybrid All-Terrain
Investing in high-quality tires will take you a long way. When looking for rubber designed to withstand the rigors of off-road driving, it is important to select tires with aggressive tread patterns and durable construction. You want equipment that will retain on-road performance, and is made of appropriate compound makeup. The Baja Legend EXP Hybrid All-Terrain checks all of these boxes. This impressive tire package performs well on the streets and will hold its own on rugged trails. It comes with a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty as well.
Bilstein B8 5100 Series Shock Absorbers: Shocks are the workhorse of a vehicle’s suspension system, responsible for damping, ride quality, comfort, and stability -- especially on uneven terrain. Because of that, they can wear out over time and should be on the list of upgrades or replacements as your vehicle ages. Bilstein shocks offer superior damping characteristics and durability, and for a replacement, you can’t go wrong with the Bilstein B8 5100 series. Specifically engineered and vehicle-specific for lifted trucks and SUVs, these nitrogen gas-charged shocks boast a monotube design that offers serious and durable performance. Expect a stable, controlled, and comfortable ride every time you hit the road.
Eibach PRO-LIFT-KIT Springs: If shocks absorb and dampen the ride, then springs are what carry the weight. Worn-out springs can be dangerous both on and off the road. Further, you will notice the ride quality and handling may be compromised or inconsistent, with excessive sagging, leaning, or swaying. This would all be magnified when the vehicle is loaded down. With a new set of Eibach's progressive-rate springs, the vehicle dynamics would improve drastically and provide better handling and control – both on and off the road. When selecting new spring rates, it’s important to consider if your vehicle has been modified or extra weight has been added over the stock GVRW.
Wilwood Brakes Aero6-DM Brake Kit: With age and mileage, factory brakes may start to lose their effectiveness in providing quick and efficient stopping power. Upgrading to high-performance brake kits, such as the Wilwood Brakes Aero6 DM Direct Mount kits, can significantly improve your Jeep's ability to come to a halt promptly and safely, especially in demanding off-road situations where sudden stops may be necessary.
Westin Automotive Jeep Skid Plates: As your Jeep accumulates miles, especially in off-road conditions, its undercarriage becomes increasingly susceptible to damage from rocks, debris, and other obstacles encountered on rugged trails. Upgrading or adding skid plates, such as those offered by Westin Automotive, after reaching the 100,000-mile mark provides heavy-duty protection that shields against impact damage, ensuring your Jeep can tackle rugged trails without hesitation.
Clean Up and Hit the Road
Maintaining your Jeep's off-road agility and performance requires diligence and attention to detail, but the rewards are well worth the effort. By following this 100,000-mile preventative maintenance guide, you'll not only prolong your Jeep's lifespan but also enhance its performance and reliability on and off the road.