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Newbie looking for information on TJ Wranglers

2K views 30 replies 6 participants last post by  Rubicondon53 
#1 ·
Hey all, I'm very new to the Jeep scene and have been looking at buying one, specifically the TJ models primarily because they are newer, but would like to know if there are any pointers that I should keep an eye out for, or any common problems that these vehicles have. Furthermore, I was looking at the X edition if that helps out any. Thanks in advance!
 
#2 ·
What are you planning on doing with the Jeep? Most people on here are going to give advice and opinions from an off road point of view. There are many pros and cons depending on what you'll be using it for. Commuter, toy, or both?
 
#3 ·
No matter what you're planning to do with it, try to find one that is rust free, and one that has never been off road, that way you'll have a very good platform to build it up any way you like, and your not going to have to correct some one else's mistakes...
 
#4 ·
I don't plan on off roading it but I would like one that either comes with a bit of a lift or one that I would like to lift it myself. I'm just more concerned about the longevity of these vehicles, especially in comparison of the 4cyl and 6cyl models, and any common general mechanical problems that are associated with the TJs. Currently I am looking a two, and although I haven't seen them in person yet, would you guys mind if I post their information that they posted about the vehicles and let me know if any red flags pop up?
 
#5 ·
Here's the first description of one of them:

6 cyl. auto. TRAIL READY, ROCK CRAWLER 2002 4x4 Lifted Jeep Wrangler WITH ALL THE GOODIES, $15k in upgrades. HIGHLY MODIFIED & Upgraded! LOCKERS front and rear, OX LOCKERS REAR, ARB AIR LOCKERS FRONT. Insane suspension lift, quick disconnect sway bar, steering stabilizer, under armor, with 35 inch OFF-ROAD TIRES. Snorkel air intake for water crossing. ICE COLD A/C. 83,000 miles. RUNS VERY GOOD. LOTS OF POWER. Lockable center console, Driving lights front and rear. Winch. Rock Crawler bumpers and fenders. New drivetrain, 5:13 GEARS front and rear, modified & READY FOR THE TRAIL. White with tan interior. Intake & exhaust. Recent tune-up and SMOG. Alarm. Tow hitch. No rear seat or hardtop.
 
#6 ·
Here's the second Jeeps description:

2002 jeep wrangler X
80,000 miles
-4.0L (242 c.i.d.) straight six
-comp 4x4 cam and lifters
-rear main seal replaced at 65,000 at dealership
-oil pan and valve cover seal replaced at 70,000
-k'n filter
-oil changed at 4,000 interval
-3 speed med\ heavy duty automatic transmission 32rh(tf999)
-replaced out put and in put shaft seals at 70,000 miles
-filter and fluid changed at 35,000 and 70,000 miles
-external HD cooler and temp gage
- Dana 30 front axel
- new seals, oil, and bearings at 65,000
- rough country steering stabilizer
-breaks pads and rotors changed at 60,000
-Dana 35 rear axel
-new seals, oil, and bearings at 65,000
-harden alloy half shafts (27 spline)
-breaks shoes and drums changed at 60,000
-2.5" rough country suspension lift
-1" M.O.R.E. body lift
-1" M.O.R.E lifted engine mounts
-rugged ridge S.Y.E. (32 spline shaft)
-custom front and rear alloy drive shafts made by Adams drive shafts
-A/C replaced with an air compressor
-greattop half top and bulk head
-cb radio
-tow hitch
-H.I.D head light conversion
-33" bf Goodrich mt2 tiers on 10 ½"x15" wide steel rims
-all recovery gear included
-3 row all metal radiator
-Banks header and exhaust kit
-warn fender flairs
 
#8 ·
Both of them appear to be heavily modified... You could end up with a jewel or a turd.

I'd look for a stock one as mentioned above and go from there. As far as the comparison between the 4 and 6 cyl they are both great motors but the 4 is a little underpowered for larger tires.
 
#10 ·
they are both heavily modified. and both are not something you would generally buy to drive strictly on road. the modifications they both have are there so it is more off road capable. that being said, it doesnt matter if you drive it on or off road, just expect to get pretty awful gas mileage. also, i highly recommend the 6 speed manual, that is one thing that will increase mileage over the 3 speed auto. not to mention they are much more fun to drive :thumb:
 
#11 ·
They're asking $8500 for the first one and $10000 for the second one. If I were to go look at them, now that you have seen the mods that have been done to them, are there any specifics I should check out? And how do I go about noticing whether they have been heavily off roaded?
 
#15 ·
x2 look for scratches and whatnot on the skid plates. but i think both of them have definitely been off roaded with those sort of modifications. who puts lockers in just for looks??
 
#14 ·
Maybe he's lucky and it's an overbuilt mall crawler... I've seen people dump thousands into these Jeeps and never let them get dusty much less dirty.
 
#28 ·
...the price seems low for how many mods it has... its a hard call I think
What he ^^^ said, but on the other hand, I found my street queen 05 Rubi with 108K, little surface rust in two spots, and slightly modified for 12.5k (which is anywhere from 4-6k below what others were asking). Only reason he was selling it is he needed it gone semi fast since he had a 2012 Rubi on order and a 3rd kid on the way...

I don't plan on off roading it...
If you're not going off road that rig is way overbuilt for your needs.
^^^ I agree with this comment as well. Why buy and spend the high bucks for something highly modified if you're just going to use it for the street?
 
#23 ·
i agree, maybe look at something a little less built

Its definitely a good deal. Kinda worried something wrong with it at that price
and yes, definitely bring someone along that really knows what theyre looking at
 
#21 ·
btw, i think $8500 is a ridiculous deal on that first one... if its clean that is. but you would definitely get your moneys worth there. and please,, if you do end up buying it, DO SOME OFF ROADING!! i promise with a machine like that you will love it
 
#27 ·
If you are new to jeepin, as you stated, stay away from either of them, unless you have really deep pockets. For some one that is not mechanically inclined, or unable to do the repairs and constant maintenance for yourself, they are nightmares in waiting.. My first question about used anything is " why are you selling it?". If they look away from you while giving you a half baked answer,,, RUN AWAY!!! If they are out of a job , broke, etc etc,,, that jeep hasn't been maintained properly for as long as they have been broke..
 
#29 ·
I don't even remember writing that^ haha but I would like to offroad it, but being that I'm new to this whole community I wouldn't just jump in it and take on some serious trails, I know there's a technique to it. The guy says he's selling it due to owing a lot in taxes.
 
#30 ·
Also I am mechanically inclined, mainly with GM vehicles and those of the muscle car affiliation, this would be my first 4x4/offroader so I'm not worried about having to get greasy, but at the same time don't want something that I'll be having to fix every week.
 
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