New to Jeeps

[stooner]

Hey All,
I just bought myself a 1993 Jeep YJ Sport, 4.0L, All White, HT/ST. I've been looking for a YJ for some time, and this original-owner YJ was in really nice shape. Now as I am new to Jeep ownership, I have a few questions.

1. Although the owner gave me a quick walkthu/talkthru as to how to change over from hardtop to softtop, I could really use some more help. Do any of you have URLs or PDF manuals, visually explaining how to change over tops? Also it is my understanding that the softtop can be folded down easily without being removed, is this true?

2. The stereo in this thing is pretty terrible. Apparently it is really hard to swap the dash speakers out, so I think I will just leave them in there. However, I would like to upgrade the soundbar speakers, what size are these?

3. Additionally, I would like to change the head unit and perhaps put some 6x9s or subwoofers in. The YJ has a clifford alarm, but I am wondering about securing a stereo inside the Jeep that would not be easily stolen. Perhaps even using torx or oddball sizes of mounting bolts would suffice? I am only concerned about the aftermarket stereo and theft/rain with a softtop or no top. Any tips?

4. Since I just got this thing, and have no idea of its past, I plan on doing this: Synthetic Oil change for engine, tranny, differentials (any jeep reccomended types here? As well as plugs, wires, filter. Anything else I should be doing?


Thanks a lot guys, hope you can answer my questions.

[stooner]

One other question:

I am thinking about gutting the catalytic converter or putting a test pipe in. Has anyone done this? Any concerns with the O2 sensor?
Thanks

[BlackYJ]

First off congrats on the purchase you will enjoy it.

1.  I am sure currently aware of any online links but I am sure someone will help you.

2.  The speakers in the sound bar are 4", pretty brutal but whatever.  I have upgraded mine and it does sounds a little better but the system is seriously lacking some bass.

3.  I have had 2 alpine decks in my YJ.  One of the first things I invested in was a good lockable center console.  I have a steel horse and it is good, but if you can afford it go with a tuffy unit.  Both the decks were detachable faceplates, so usually I just locked the faceplate in the console and didn't worry about any thefts.  I usually take my hardtop off end of May and run a bikini top until late September.

4.  The 4.0L is properly maintained will easily last 500,000 km with little maintanence.  As for synthetic, I would say it all depends on how much off-roading you plan on doing.  If you are going to do a little, don't waste the money because the diffs will need to be change a lot more frequently.  The engine and tranny maybe, but I am not a mechanic and have never used synthetic because I am too cheap.  I have used some engine restorers before with no problems.  Also I would recommend some fuel injector cleaner.  If it was my Jeep I probably would just take it in and get all the fluid changed, engine, tranny, t-case and both diffs.

5.  I told out my cat about 4 years ago now.  There are no issues as long as the O2 sensors are before the cat, which in YJs they are.  Plus I got more power.  Also I would recommend going to a high flow muffler and cat back system and increasing the size of the exhaust to 2.25".  Good gain in power and increase in mpg

Good luck with the Jeep and feel free to post more questions

[redbull]

The dash speakers are are huge pain in the arse. I had my dash completely off to to some rust repair and I hope I never have to do that again. (Memories of removing the stock hinges make me shiver too.) I cut the steel dash plate to make it easier if there ever is a next time.

I also upgraded my sound bar speakers from the POS paper-cone jensens that were in there. Much better now. If you are getting no bass, you might have hooked them up out of phase?

Like Black YJ, I invested in a locking steel centre console. Mine is a Smittybilt piece and is a copy of a Tuffy, with a crappier lock but better (IMO) cup holders. It's a very nice thing to have, and eBay sellers had them for 1/2 of what National4WD sells them for... The soft-topped console paired with some Misch4x4 armrests to replace the door pulls was a great and comfortable interior change. I'll take some pics tonite.

I thought about removing the Cat, but I decided to be nice(er) to the environment and hang onto mine.

[Becker]

I bought a 93 about a year ago, managed to figure out the soft top alone, but would be willing to walk you through it if needed.  

As for speakers I upgraded the sound bar speakers to alpine 5" and installed an Alpine head unit.  Making it theft proof is hard to do, if they want it bad enough, it'll be gone, but for the most part as long as you remove the face plate and lock it away you should minimize the chances of it getting stolen.  

I dont run synthetics, as mentioned earlier, if you intend on doing any wheeling its just an added cost to change the diffs.
 
On a side note, check under your carpet in the front as well to see if you have moisture problems.  It might be worth trying to seal this.

[tankbuster]

I just tuned up my 90 YJ and a good friend of mine who is a very experienced tech insisted I use only champion plugs on the 4.2 inline 6. He claims they work better than all.

[Gearhead]

Some good advice so-far  , the hard top / soft top switch is fairly straight forward , it helps to have an assistant to haul the hard top off without damage.  There is , an order in which to do things , once you have done it a couple of times it will be a no brainer. If it's a bestop , there are downloadable .pdf instructions online , I bought mine new and came withprinted instructions and a VHS  tape.

http://www.bestop.com/


This is bestops instruction page
http://www.bestop.com/index.php?a=3


Here's where you can check for recalls , your's probably has a recall on the "E" brake ....................

http://www.jeep.com/webselfservice/jeep/index.jsp?screenName=recall&country=us&emailUrl=goToEmailForm%28%27R%27%29