Picking up an 02 for my Daughter on Friday. Lowered or not?

LibertyDad · **Joined:** Tue Oct 05, 2010 12:19 pm **Posts:** 16

This is now my 4th Jeep forum I've joined, hope it's the last!

Well I started out looking at older Explorer Sports for my soon to be 16 yr old daughter, but they were all too rusted and beat up.

The Liberty caught my eye and reading on the various forums convinced me this is a better built vehicle.

So on Friday I pick up a black '02 KJ with about 155k miles. This will be my daughter's first vehicle, yes I'm spoiling her I know but hey, I get to drive it too! :BANANA:

I got the build specs from Chrysler, but it didn't tell me exactly when this was built, before or after April for instance. So, how do I know if it's pre-lowered or not?

The build specs did mention the springs, which I thought might be a clue?
"ZCHP Spring - Left Front
ZCUP Spring - Left Rear
ZRGP Spring - Right Front
ZRUP Spring - Right Rear "

Thanks for any info..

Semper Fi

mag03kj · **Posted:** Tue Oct 05, 2010 1:03 pm

Welcome!

The '02 KJs has shorter coils. With 155k on the clock the coils/shocks should/needed to be replace around 30k-50k. If your going to go with a lift kit use OLD MAN EMU(OME) coils and Rancho shocks.

:JEEPIN:

Somebody else will chime in!

LetFreedomRing · **Joined:** Mon Jun 28, 2010 8:51 am **Posts:** 268

LibertyDad wrote:

This is now my 4th Jeep forum I've joined, hope it's the last!

Well I started out looking at older Explorer Sports for my soon to be 16 yr old daughter, but they were all too rusted and beat up.

The Liberty caught my eye and reading on the various forums convinced me this is a better built vehicle.

So on Friday I pick up a black '02 KJ with about 155k miles. This will be my daughter's first vehicle, yes I'm spoiling her I know but hey, I get to drive it too! :BANANA:

I got the build specs from Chrysler, but it didn't tell me exactly when this was built, before or after April for instance. So, how do I know if it's pre-lowered or not?

The build specs did mention the springs, which I thought might be a clue?
"ZCHP Spring - Left Front
ZCUP Spring - Left Rear
ZRGP Spring - Right Front
ZRUP Spring - Right Rear "

Thanks for any info..

Semper Fi

Hey there, Welcome from the explorerforum (saw your thread over there.) I believe you made the right choice as far as reliabilty goes. :wink:

jmichaelsjeep · **Posted:** Tue Oct 05, 2010 2:13 pm

Welcome, Glad to see you made your way over here! I posted on your Jeep Forum post

I also agree you made a good choice, but I'm a huge JEEP fan! But I come from a Ford family, so either way you were heading in the right direction!

I just replaced my stock suspension on my 03 last weekend and boy what a difference!!! I have 135k on mine and I really should have replaced it about 60-70k ago! I went with the Frankenlift (OME all the way around, springs, shocks, struts) as an entire package from All J's Products (www.boulderbars.com) Great package and I REALLY like the height! So far it rides really nice and it hasn't even had a chance to settle yet!

You'll like this site, kind of like JEEPS, it is an addiction

Good luck on the personalized plates too!

STINGN · **Posted:** Tue Oct 05, 2010 2:20 pm

welcome...if she isnt going to wheel it then keep the suspension...if this is going to hit a trail or two or you just want to make it ride nice just get some OME coils on it and new shocks

stumpjumper_09 · **Posted:** Tue Oct 05, 2010 6:32 pm

The 02 is the prelower model. It is about 1/2" taller than the 03 and up models. Like previously mentioned your springs are probably about shot anyway. When you get a chance measure from the bottom of the fender flare to the center of the wheel on all 4 corners with it sitting on flat ground. Anything less than 18" and you'll be wanting to get some new springs. If all you want is to keep it stock height you can always find a set around here used for next to nothing. In fact I have 2 sets in the shop right now :roll:

Hope she enjoys it welcome to the greatest KJ information wealth on earth

LibertyDad · **Joined:** Tue Oct 05, 2010 12:19 pm **Posts:** 16

Thanks Stumpjumper, that's exactly the info I was looking for.

I'll try to measure soon and if drooping, u have a buyer for your springs!

The previous owner was a gal that never took it off road, think the springs are still soon to be replaced? Unsure if it's a usage/abuse thing or an age thing that mandates replacing.

Thanks again for the great info.

tommudd · **Posted:** Wed Oct 06, 2010 8:51 am

Age and miles are what get springs, they work hard all of the time no matter on or off road. Buying any used OEM springs that have over 30,000 on them is pretty much a waste of time I think. Also replace all four shocks when doing it, which will help the ride a lot.

Welcome to LOST as well!!

LibertyDad · **Joined:** Tue Oct 05, 2010 12:19 pm **Posts:** 16

For giggles, here's the build sheet.
Hey, it's got grocery bag hooks, woo hooo! Actually, so does my Dodge Ram 1500 and I use em a lot. Also has fog lamps which is nice.

Anyone know what's included in the "power convenience groups"? I'm wondering if it has power seats or not, cause I don't recall.

Hmmm, these things don't have ABS? Darn. She gets to learn like I did then, pump, release, pump, release....

*M5 Cloth High-Back Bucket Seats
-DV Dark Slate Gray
AHMP Convenience Group I
AJPP Power Convenience Group
APAS Monotone Paint
A33P 3.7L Eng(EKG)/4Spd A/T 45RFE(DG4)
BAZS 136 Amp Alternator
BCPS 525 Amp Maintenance Free Battery
BRBS Power Front Disc/Rear Drum Brakes
CDBS Reclining Front Seats
CF5S Rear 65/35 Folding Split Seat
CGGS Traveling Inboard Seat Belt Buckle
CGUS Child Seat Anchor System-LATCH Ready
CGXS RR Head Restraints Outboard Seating
CG1S Next Gen Multistage Front Air Bags**
CG6S Center Rear 3-Point Seat Belt
CKDP Floor Carpet
CKNS Cargo Compartment Carpet
CKTS Cargo Tie Down Loops
CK3S Plastic Swing Gate Trim Panel
CLEP Front & Rear Floor Mats
CLHP Cargo Trim Panel w/Storage Net
CLNS MOPAR Bright Door Sills
CLPS Door Sill Scuff Pads
CSRS Passenger Assist Handles
CSWS Driver Assist Handle
CTLS Base Door Trim Panel
CUFS Full Length Floor Console
CUKS Removable Ash Tray
DGBS All 4-Speed Automatic Transmissions
DG4 Multi-Speed Auto 45RFE Transmission
DHAP Lock-Up Torque Converter
DHNS Command-Trac Part Time 4WD System
DJJS Dana 30/186MM Front Axle
DMEP 3.73 Rear Axle Ratio
DRAP Corporate 8.25 Rear Axle
EKG 3.7L V6 Engine
GBBS Tinted Windshield Glass
GCBS Front Door Tinted Glass
GEG Deep Tint Sunscreen Glass
GEKS Flipper Swing Gate Glass
GFAS Rear Window Defroster
GNAS Rear View Day/Night Mirror
GNCP Sun Visors w/Illum Vanity Mirrors
GTS Power Heated Mirrors, Fold-Away
GVBC All Vehicles W/Power Mirrors
GWA Power Sunroof
GXMP Remote Keyless Entry
HAAP Air Conditioning
JAYS Instrument Cluster w/Tach
JCBS 120 MPH Primary Speedometer
JHAS Var Intermittent Windshield Wipers
JHBS Rear Window Wiper/Washer
JJAS Cigar Lighter
JJBS Dual Note Electric Horns
JJJS 12V Auxiliary Power Outlet
JJMP Auxiliary 12-Volt Rear Power Outlet
JKHS Glove Box
JPDP Power Windows, Driver One-Touch
JPHP Speed Sensitive Power Locks
K3AS STRIPE/BADGE/MOLDING/COLOR
LACP Illuminated Entry
LAJS Headlamps On Warning Chimes
LBDS Ash Tray Lamp
LCDP Map/Dome Reading Lamps
LDBP Cargo Compartment Lamp
LHDS Headlamp Off Time Delay
LMAS Halogen Headlamps
LNJ Fog Lamps
LPSS CHMSL Lamp
MDAP Front License Plate Bracket
MFKS Body Color Grille
MHAS Black Windshield Moldings
MLCS Gray Fascias
MMGS Belt Moldings
MNAS Black Door Handles
MVCS Jeep Badge
MVDS 4X4 Badge
MVJS Sport Badge
MWGP Roof Rack
MZLP 3.7L Badge
MZ3S Liberty Badge
NAS 50 State Emissions
NBKS EVAP Control System
NBVP Low Emission Vehicle (LEV)
NF2S 18.5 Gallon Fuel Tank
NHFS Power Steering Cooler
NHM Speed Control
PX8 Black Clear Coat
QX8S Black Clear Coat
RAAC All Radio Equipped Vehicles
RBK AM/FM Compact Disc Radio w/Chgr Ctrl
RCGS 6 Speakers
RDDS Fixed Long Mast Antenna
SBAS Power Rack and Pinion Steering
SCGP Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
SDAS Normal Duty Suspension
SUAP Tilt Steering Column
TBBP Full Size Spare Tire
TBRS Outside Tire Carrier
TSN P235/70R16 OWL All Terrain Tires
TZAP Goodyear Brand Tires
WKBS Matching Spare Wheel
WLZC All Aluminum Wheels
WND 16X7.0 Cast Aluminum Wheels
XEUS Front Suspension Skid Plate
XGGS Grocery Bag Hooks
XPFS Protective Coating and Remover
YAAS Build To U.S. Mkt. Specifications
ZCHP Spring - Left Front
ZCUP Spring - Left Rear
ZRGP Spring - Right Front
ZRUP Spring - Right Rear
Z5BP Payload Rating - 1800#
2TBA Customer Preferred Package 2TB
27B Customer Preferred Package 27B
3VDA Customer Preferred Discount
5I4S Four Wheel Drive (4WD)/(4X4)
5I8S Left Hand Drive (LHD)

LibertyDad · **Joined:** Tue Oct 05, 2010 12:19 pm **Posts:** 16

Question for you guys.

Is the '04 users manual about the same as the 02? If not, is there one online?

I found at Jeep online but for the 02, I have to purchase one.

Just doing a little reading before I pick up the vehicle on Friday. Yes, I'm a geek at heart...

Also an online service manual/link would be great too.

Thanks.

LibertyDad · **Joined:** Tue Oct 05, 2010 12:19 pm **Posts:** 16

Had a ton of fun surprising my daughter last night with her "new" Jeep. She was THRILLED!

I'm glad that's over, it's been tough keeping this thing a secret and out of sight for almost two weeks. Had to get new front brakes, tranny fluid changed and new tires, Hankook Dynapros.

I'd upload a photo but, I don't see that as a choice, hmmm.....

Hopefully this link works:
http://gallery.me.com/eslrichey#100031

Trying again:

I'm really impressed with this Jeep so far, but I am a bit concerned about a hard shift from 2nd to 3rd. Seems to have gotten worse after changing tranny fluid. Will search forums here about that before posting an official call for help...

mag03kj · **Posted:** Tue Oct 19, 2010 9:16 am

Its nice!

Ummm......As far as tranny...mine has all was shifted hard. I think that most chryslers have a hard shifting tranny to me.

LibertyDad · **Joined:** Tue Oct 05, 2010 12:19 pm **Posts:** 16

mag03kj wrote:

:SOMBRERO:
Its nice!

Ummm......As far as tranny...mine has all was shifted hard. I think that most chryslers have a hard shifting tranny to me.

Yeah I have a Dodge RAM that shifts a bit hard but this at times feels like somethings about to break....

Oddly, it's worse when I accelerate gently vs. when I get on it WOT.

mikey1273 · **Posted:** Tue Oct 19, 2010 8:14 pm

wow thats a nice first vehicle she is a lucky girl.

wish I would have gotten something that nice when I started driving in 1990 but I got a 1976 Dodge Aspen.

Spooky_Doo · **Posted:** Thu Oct 21, 2010 3:57 am

Way to go dad! As someone who raised 3 daughters, I know the special relationship girls have with thier fathers. The reason wives are so good at getting what they out of their husbands is because they had a lifetime of practice with their dads.

LibertyDad · **Joined:** Tue Oct 05, 2010 12:19 pm **Posts:** 16

Yeah, I think she likes it...she keeps running around saying, "jeep, jeep" as though she's a little bird.

Too bad for her, but good for me that she has to wait until Nov. 30th when she turns 16 to drive it by herself!

tommudd · **Posted:** Thu Oct 21, 2010 4:01 pm

Mine looked like that way back when....same wheels etc, then something happened
darn Jeeps anyways.....
need a side by side pic of hers and mine and then compare the differences :-)r

blackwidowkj06 · **Posted:** Fri Oct 22, 2010 11:17 pm

Hey, your daughter has a really nice Jeep. Can't wait to see a lift put on that thing!

My first "real" vehicle I owned was a Jeep. I put a few grand down and so did my dad to help me out; to get a cheaper payment. My mom had to get the loan in her name because I wasnt old enough to buy a vehicle at the time and have a loan. The first car I ever had was a Blue 2000 something model Ford Taurus. My senior year was fast approaching and I wanted to treat myself a little early. Plus I needed a dependable vehicle for college

Well this is what I found...

I still remember like it was yesterday...I hear someone in our driveway and then a horn honking. I already knew my mom was in the process of buying the Jeep that day but I didn't know when she would be getting home with it. Needless to say, I was grinning from ear to ear that day!!!

Now almost 2 yrs later, and this is what it looks like now...

I have about $3,000 into the Jeep right now and counting!!! When I'm done building my Jeep, I will have close to $25,000 into it. That's becaue I'm planning to do a SFA swap and "somehow" fit a HEMI engine in it. I bought the Jeep with 32,000 miles and in a year I managed to put almost 20,000 miles on it. My Jeep and I have been through alot. At times I want to trade-in/sell, but my $145 Jeep payment keeps telling "DON'T!!!!"
:SOMBRERO:

JeepinJarhead03 · **Posted:** Sat Oct 23, 2010 5:28 am

haha, don't let your daughter read ^^ that post

She'll be runnin around chirping "Dad, Dad!" instead of Jeep, Jeep

hide the credit cards

blackwidowkj06 · **Posted:** Sat Oct 23, 2010 11:10 am

What's that suppost to mean JeepinJarhead03????

I've payed for most of my stuff on the Jeep with my own money. No help here and especially NO CREDITCARDS :grim:

All cash!

Now I have a cool rig that I just keep modding
:JEEPIN:

Picking up an 02 for my Daughter on Friday. Lowered or not?

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