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Thinking about buying this wrangler

2K views 27 replies 13 participants last post by  000Triple000 
#1 ·
I'm thinking about getting into the jeep world. Looking for an om617 swap. Found this for sale near me, was curious to what you guys think. https://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5583056173.html ...... I have extra pictures and videos of it running. Opinions? I have asked a lot of questions and have gotten a lot of info not posted.
 
#2 ·
Personally it would not make a good "first" jeep unless you are super mechanically inclined, love working on vehicles, and know diesels. The big problem with custom builds like this, it that Factory Service Manuals are going to be no help to maintain it. It's a neat project through.
 
#3 ·
Sorry should have introduced myself. My name is Mark, I'm from cadiz ohio :). I have an associate's degree in automotive/diesel/alternative fuels technologies. I have worked on lawn mowers to aircraft for the United States Airforce. I would like to think i'm somewhat inclined, then life proves you wrong lol. New platform, know quite a bit about whats been done to it and to the extent. Was going to diesel swap a cherokeee xj. This one is already done, not a hugh wrangler fan but it's already in and running. Plus I would have plenty of budget left over to get a paint job aswell and fixing the body. It doesn't go over 85mph so i might swap the rears with 4.56s so I can run the 33s still.
 
#7 ·
Ah, then I can see why you are interested in this. The seller isn't going to have a wide market of potential buyers that know what to do with it, so you can use that to your negotiating advantage if you do decide to buy it.
 
#4 ·
This Jeep will not just need a cosmetic overhaul but just by the limited views of the frame in the posted pics, the frame rust would concern me in spite of the owner stating of the regular maintenance on it. It has a fairly extensive frame rust issue and those rear corner panels may be hiding tub rust. The interior is a mess with random red rattlecan painted areas with spotty red paint in the front suspension area. Homemade stock flat fenders along with that lime green accents. I find it interesting that he is proud of the motor swap but has no pics of it. This owner went cheap cosmetically, I can only imagine about the quality of lift and if the swap was done properly. I'll pass.
 

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#8 ·
Yea, i agree with you guys. As far as what I have been "told". It has 2 small hubbles under the doors. The way the engine looks, it makes me want to pass. Don't get me wrong I like it, at the same time only have 6000 after that point to restore anything that is needed. It looks to me like it could need some work. Sending pictures.
 

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#15 ·
Those engine pics pretty much goes with the rest of the lack of detailed quality build on the rest of the Jeep. For the asking price of $4500, you are better off keeping looking for a clean stock TJ in need of an engine rebuild.

I do like the seller's last line:

" I know what this is worth and what kind of time and money it would take to build another diesel jeep so no low ball offers or trades."


Gotta feeling he'll be renewing his CL ad when it expires.
Remember, OP, no low ball offers, that's firm and there's 3 guys coming after work tonight to check it out. First with cash in hand buys this beauty, sorry no holds.
 
#23 ·
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What got me the most is he said to me, the valve cover gaskets had been replaced along with the valve cover. By the picture he sent me, you can see that the engine bay has been through hell, the engine has slidge buildup under the valve cover which ahows me that it was not done however like he stated. He also seems to be in a hurry to sell which is the other hestitant point about all of this.
 
#16 ·
I'm on the fence here, there is alot of mud n gunk that might be rotted, or not. Hard to tell. You need to see it first hand. If that frame isn't swiss cheese, and just caked in gunk, it sounds like it fits your bill. But you really need to get out the old ice pick and give it the once over. If the frame is shot it's a parts heep.
 
#18 ·
Need to see it in person check it out. If you know anyone that is familiar w the Mercedes diesel that would be huge. Honestly I love the Mercedes diesel and had a YJ that had the conversion. I loved it but had to leave it behind when I moved from Hawaii. I also bought it second hand but it was great. If you aren't familiar w the engine, you have to be willing to get familiar with it or find a reasonable diesel mechanic you can trust because it will need work and maintenance. Those engines are great. Power output is decently matched for a jeep, horsepower numbers are low but it's a diesel and you have to drive it to feel that it's a good match. Good luck.
 
#19 ·
Also, the price, yeah it's real hard to build one for that price. Price is whatever someone is willing to pay though. It will cost you more for upkeep like any other jeep of course. Those conversions are a labor of love. Of course take what I say w a grain of salt because I loved mine.
 
#26 ·
That thing is a turd not to mention the lift on it I'm sure is a disaster with the stock rear arms and what ever else this guy put together with his "air shocks all the way round". That is a Miller Lite special from a hack at best I would not go near it! Do yourself a favor and find a good running clean stocker and then put a diesel in it. Truth be told their is nothing wrong with a good running 4.0 and it will always be cheaper to fix than a diesel.
 
#27 ·
It just seems like there are a lot of red flags with this one. I'm wagering if you walk away, this dude calls you up in a couple of weeks and offers you the deal of the century. There are very few people that would have any interest in this and you are one of the few. Even if I had your knowledge with Diesel engines, I would still run away. It's one thing if you would want to do it yourself but quite another trying to figure out all the weird things he did or possible shortcuts he took to put this in. I bet the next owner spends more time chasing gremlins than actually driving it. If you can get past all of that, what you are left with is a beat up TJ that hasn't been well maintained, that has a sketchy looking frame, and a seller who doesn't sound like he is on the up and up.

If you were transported back in time and were walking up the gangplank of a ship and then you happen to look up to see "HMS Titanic" do you keep walking up or run down as fast as you can?
 
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