New member here. I have a 2000 GMC Jimmy
Going to be doing alot of work to it and trying to do alot soon since winter is approaching and down to one vehicle! I signed up to get some info/opinions and suggestions. Any and all help is very much appreciated. This is my first post it won't let me post anywhere else. Maybe me posting here will let me start posting else where. Again thank you for reading and all of your time. Here goes..

Been browsing all over for each topic I've needed opinions and info on. I thought no better than to come here sign up and get the best of the best. Long story short my jimmy is the only operating vehicle for me and my family of 5 at the moment
My wife's 2012 Ford escape was in an accident recently that totaled it. Now I am going to get the jimmy to as tip top shape as I can to make it reliable this winter (Indiana winters &#128562 for her to drive the kids and herself all over to school and such.

I have a 2000 Jimmy 4wd 4 door SLE 140,000 original miles.
I have sort of a list of things that I am going to do, and wanting to do to this truck.
First I will start with my known problems and then work toward what I am wanting to have accomplished on it.
(Note: I am full/all-in on making this vehicle nice. Love the truck and want to keep it even after new vehicles are bought down the road.) I want this to be made to ride very nice/be reliable and good in winter but then later down the road it's going to be my play truck to go missing/off-roading in like my old blazer used to.

Known issues:
Engine coolant needs flushed from radiator & reservoir
Automatic Transmission fluid must be leaking, was bone dry and spots on garage floor. Shifts just fine though. Added a quart last night going to check today.
Rear differential is leaking at the bottom of the gasket cover.
Passenger side rear shackle is almost rusted through
4x4 won't engage
Ball joints need replaced
Struts/shocks need replaced
Rotors/brakes need replaced all around
Probably other replacements as it's original parts haven't been apart enough to check the rest.

Need recommendations/opinions on good parts, such as I was thinking Moog for the ball joints.
I am wanting a solid nice feeling and quality ride.
The new tires I have on it made a huge difference in the ride but still rides pretty rough. Engine and shift is smooth.

My goals are:
Smoother, reliable ride like a newer vehicle with quality parts.
Lifted I'm undecided on 2.5" suspension with maybe 2" body lift
Or just save and go full 4-6" suspension lift. Opinions on these ideas?
Wider wheel stance. I want the wheels sticking out a few good inches. Should I achieve this with the wheel/tire offset? I'm unsure about the whole spacer ordeal..
Bigger 31-33" tires as well.
Aftermarket hood/bumpers/skids/lights (head/tail/roof)
New paint
New wheels

I want this to be my mud/off-road vehicle after we get new vehicles later down the road.. so should I just either get the parts needed and fix to nice and smooth now and then later redo and get the lift+ rest of the goal or wait for suspension lift now then go around that? That seems ideal but I need the ball joints and certain things like immediately the winter is coming. I'm unsure of what would have to be switched to have the lift fit out of the parts needed I have mentioned. This will be completed in a timely fashion with whatever I do decide to have all done. Fully dedicated and quite a budget to put into this. I find much joy from working and building onto my vehicles.

I will work on the matenience issues before any lift or modifications. Looking for tips on these and quality brands for a nice ride. Also tips on tracking these leaks.

Thank you so much for reading and any help or insight you can give! I will add anything left out please ask questions if need more specifications. Again thank you so much.

 

Welcome to the Forum.

 

Thank you good sir