random255

No, I just put it on a list of things to do, I missed the reader not required part. Lots of information to take in all at once. :)

Wow, what a great feeling to get such a flood of helpful people! Thanks, guys! I just picked up my new license plate: ELMIN8TR, so if you see me on my journey to Boston, there won't be any mistake. :) I do have a few more pics, which I took a few months back. They don't show my fancy new license plate. :) Also, the paint is a cheap Maco job, so it looks better in photos and at a distance then it does in person. One day, perhaps, I'll sand it all down and do it myself. For now, it'll do. So, that's my truck. :) So reading over your posts, here's what I have thought: Fuel filter... That slipped my mind completely I don't suppose it's easily accessible? I had a Japanese car once that required removing the fuel tank. That's not much fun. It is not hot in Topeka, but it is getting warmer. Love that clip! I think my radiator hoses are good. They both get pretty hot. I didn't notice any cracks. I tried turning the key to the on position, then waiting a moment and starting. The first time I tried this, it started in about 3 seconds. The second time (about half an hour later), it started in closer to 6 seconds. I will snag a code reader and check for fault codes. I don't have a check-engine light or anything on, but you're right, it's good to look at and see what the Jeep wants to tell me. From Manhattan to Loveland, eh? Nice. I have a buddy in Denver, and I've been to Loveland twice with him to go snowboarding, it's a lovely area. Cruiser's ground refresh... not sure what that is yet, but I opened the link in a new tab and will look it over. You're right, 1500 miles is a long time to be bouncing around. :) When I first decided to leave Topeka, I wanted to move to either Denver, Portland, or Boston. I decided on Boston for a lot of reasons. I've been passing my resume around, but it's hard to get a job from this far away. I've decided to find a room for rent off Craigslist, probably in someplace like Somerville or Allston or something, then go to the temp agencies and such to find an IT job (I work with computers for a living). It's a bit scary moving with no job, but I have been saving for this for a year, and I have enough money to keep me going for about 3-4 months. So all I have to do is find some form of income in that time frame, and I'm golden. Thanks everyone for your help so far!

I won't have much of a load at all: I'm pretty much just bringing some clothing, a cat, and a futon. So, at the very least, that part won't be a problem. Although, I LOVED the Captain's seats when I got it, but for a roadside nap on a 22 hour drive, man, a bench seat would be stellar. I have to admit, I haven't a clue how to read a spark plug in a way that tells me how things are going... I might have to Google that. Also, replacing them regardless of condition is probably a good idea, unless they're brand new. Oh, and the old air filter was a Fram (ugh), I noticed it had a tiny amount of oil on it from blow-back. Hope that's nothing major, but since it was otherwise clean I'm guessing it's fine. I really love the MJ, took me years to save for one and find one on Craigslist. Didn't expect I'd be driving across the country with it, but hey, life is full of surprises. Where is your 1500 mile trip taking you?

Hello, I'm Random255, and this is my Comanche: I've only had her for a few short months, so I don't have a good feel for her mechanically. But, in March, I'm going to have to trust her to get me from Topeka to Boston, as I am relocating. I want to make sure it's ready. I've done an oil change, bought a new headlight (it had one new light, the second one was the original one, and very dim), and replaced the air filter. Pretty standard stuff so far. The heater wasn't working, but I got that up and running again. I'm trying to make sure it's in the best shape possible before I go. What else might I do? I notice that it is very slow to start, I have to hold the keys in place for a good 3-6 seconds before the engine kicks up. However, it does start, each time, every time. Is that normal? I have the 4.0L engine, it's a 1991, and just over 200,000 miles. 2 wheel drive, Eliminator edition. 5 speed manual. Seriously, any advice would be welcome. Big things (buy new tires), small things (use some RainX), and everything in between. My budget is tight, because I'm moving without a job, just the hopes of finding one when I get there. So every dollar I have will be best used for rent, and to keep me afloat once I get there until I get a job. Still, I will consider all things. Thanks!