I bought a used 1997 ZJ three years ago, and thinking about it, I've let maintenance slip quite a bit -- that is, I did regular oil changes, and that's just about it. The previous owner should me the work sheet from a pretty major tune-up at around 70k miles, but I'm up to 120k now. I just put on new rotors and pads in the rear, and new parking brake shoes, and as that was pretty easy to do, it got me into thinking that maybe I could spend some more time doing some easy tune-ups, if they would do the car good.
It's a 2WD and only used on the road. Generally, I follow the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" strategy, but then with cars I guess there are things you better change while they're still good, when they break they can cause a whole lot of damage (and the hassle of having a broken car, too). Timing belt is something which comes to my mind, though that's probably not DIY for me.
So I'd like to get some opinion on these items I can think of, additional suggestions welcome.
- spark plugs -- I guess one is supposed to change them once in a while, though the engine is running just fine
- spark plug cables, distributor -- again, everything's working fine, so I don't see much of a point?
- grease -- haven't done a thing, but I guess this is an item where you'll only notice once it's too late. And where -- drive shaft and suspension joints is all I can think of (and I've no clue, really, but then using a grease gun probably isn't too hard)
- differential fluid. I only have a rear differential, the one with the rubber plug, and it's slightly leaking from the plug. I'd guess a new plug will help. I guess it may be a good idea to change the fluid at the time? What's recommended, new gasket or just the silicone stuff? By the way, he differential also makes a whining sound under no load (basically, when I push on the gas and the car accelerates it's quiet, when I let go off the gas completely, so the engine slightly brakes, it's fine, but with just a little bit of gas it makes that sound. But it's been doing this since I bought the car, so it can't be too harmful?)
- automatic transmission fluid -- worth changing? And how hard is that diy?
- air filter -- that's an easy one, and may be worth it?
- brake fluid -- another item, where I don't have any problems, so I don't really see any reason to mess with it.
I'm sure I've forgotten some stuff, pointers welcome. Also, how about more serious items like timing belt etc -- anything I should take it to the shop for?
Lots of questions, I know...