Vintage Jeep Maintenance Checklist for the Spring

Spring is in full swing and summer is just around the corner. That means it’s time to get the old Jeep out and start prepping for on and off-road adventures. Jeeps are built to last and outlast the beating you put them through, but it’s important to take important maintenance measures to ensure that your Jeep continues to take a beating for years to come. Here are some important maintenance tips for your old vintage Jeep and Willy's.

Change the oil every 5,000 miles

It’s important never to miss an oil change on any old vehicle, especially a Jeep. It’s also important to change the oil if it’s been a long period of time between driving or the oil is old. Be sure to change the air filter as well.

When removing old oil, idle your old Jeep for 10 minutes. This will warm the oil up and make it easier to drain. It will also help remove any buildup that has occurred.

Check for leaks and cracks

The time to check for leaks is not after you’re already off-roading in the middle of nowhere. Before you take your old Jeep out for a spin, do a thorough once over of the undercarriage to ensure that there are no cracks causing fluid to leak.

If you discover that the gas tank, fuel pump, water pump, or fuel module are leaking, consider replacing the whole unit. Repairing old parts might only cover up the problem rather than fix it. Old gas tanks can be replaced with new MTS plastic fuel tanks that are built for harsh conditions. Jeep fuel modules and water pumps are easily replaced with new ones and will improve the performance of your old Jeep.

Check ball joints

Ball joints are meant to last a long time if taken care of properly. Take your old Jeep out for a test drive and listen for a banging sound. This is the first indication that there might be something wrong with the ball joints. Be aware of the steering as well. Since ball joints are a crucial part of steering, if the wheel seems stiff when turning or is vibrating when driving in a straight line, these are big indications of a problem.

The first thing to check on your ball joints is to ensure that they are properly lubricated. Most ball joints have a grease fitting on them that allows extra grease to be added. Dry ball joints will wear and break much faster. Properly lubricated ball joints that are regularly inspected can last a lifetime.

Ensure wheel alignment is centered

Because most Jeep owners are known to go off-roading, this can cause serious wear and tear on the alignment. A big indication that your wheel alignment may be off is if your Jeep is drifting to one side while driving. Take you hands off the wheel and if the wheel begins to turn in either direction while driving in a straight line, your alignment is likely off-center.

When checking your alignment, use a frame alignment tool or the diagonal method to check points on each side rail. Make sure you are on level ground and use cement blocks if possible. This will make it easier to see chalk marks from each point on the ground.

Use common sense

When it’s time to take your old and vintage Jeep out of the shed for the spring and summer, use common sense when driving. If you’re hearing recurring noises or your Jeep is not handling the same as before, don’t ignore it. Parts for old and vintage Willy's Jeeps can be hard to find and if problems go unattended they can cause expensive repairs.

T-Rex Auto Parts can help you restore your old Jeep and Willy’s with hard to find parts and components. We offer MTS gas tanks, Jeep sending units, air intake parts, and more. We are your destination for vintage Jeep and Willy’s speciality parts that you won’t find at your neighborhood auto store.