[godwinaustin]

Hi Everyone, I found a red 1990 4cyl 5spd 4x4 YJ out here in Wyoming. The vehicle has ~65K original miles on it. It was used as a "fishing rig" by an older gentleman out here. Right now its on consignment at a dealer for 6K and Im thinking of buying it. The vehicle drove great, the engine is strong running, very clean with no apparent leaks. Tranny and 4wd seem fine. Amazingly the frame is in outstanding shape as Ive heard these YJs are very prone to rust (I've always owned toyotas so the first place I look before I even drive a truck I'm looking at is underneath)

Now, I know that 6K is pricey for this truck, but would you all consider it at this price? The other thing Im worried about is frame rust.... although its in fantastic shape now, are these things just ticking time bombs that will eventually turn into mush if I drive it in the winter?

I loved how this truck drove, seems to me it drives like a wrangler should, like a 1950s military truck. The round gauges and very simple interior are great too :happyyes:

Thanks so much.

 

[mijeeper80]

Pictures would be sweet and yeah it's pricey but if it's in good of shape as you say it sounds like a good find. As far as the frame, if it's in excellent shape now your way ahead of the game. Now would be a great time to clean it up and paint it or bedliner it. There are several good brands out there. Search this sight and you will find just about anything you need to know about anything yj.

 

[baptizo]

Is Wyoming like Idaho where they don't use the salt crap used on the roads out here in the Rust Belt? I remember all of the really old and cool trucks/cars that were still on the roads in WA and ID when I lived there thanks to them not using salt on every road surface.

If they don't, then your frame will continue to last you a long time and even more so if you protect it. As for price, everything is negotiable.

 

[godwinaustin]

Is Wyoming like Idaho where they don't use the salt crap used on the roads out here in the Rust Belt? I remember all of the really old and cool trucks/cars that were still on the roads in WA and ID when I lived there thanks to them not using salt on every road surface.

If they don't, then your frame will continue to last you a long time and even more so if you protect it. As for price, everything is negotiable.

They actually do use salt out here, but it is not exclusively salt as it is in some states. The lack of rust on this particular truck makes me think it was only driven in the summer.

What I have found through searching seems to suggest these YJs are very prone to rust, the type of vehicle that will quickly rust when driven in a winter environment where road salt is present - is that a correct assumption?

I really don't have the means to strip and repaint the frame, so basically I would be working with the factory primer/paint.

 

[mijeeper80]

With something of that condition it's a shame to see it go to crap because you can't take care of it. It's really not difficult especially if your working with something in great shape for a few hundred bucks you can ensure its longevity. Or don't do nothing and watch your mint yj go to complete shit like the rest of us who aren't as lucky to find mint condition yj's. Just my 2 cents

 

[DREDnot]

Little pricey for a four cylinder. But that kind of condition is hard to find.

 

[godwinaustin]

So I guess the word is then that these YJs DO need a frame off strip and repaint or they go to shit?

 

[mijeeper80]

Basically. It just means climbing under your jeep and doing some cleaning and painting.

 

[baptizo]

They actually do use salt out here, but it is not exclusively salt as it is in some states. The lack of rust on this particular truck makes me think it was only driven in the summer.

What I have found through searching seems to suggest these YJs are very prone to rust, the type of vehicle that will quickly rust when driven in a winter environment where road salt is present - is that a correct assumption?

I really don't have the means to strip and repaint the frame, so basically I would be working with the factory primer/paint.

I'd still slap some POR-15 or something similar if you plan on using it in the winter months. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Razer]

Without some pics it's hard to judge value.

 

[Babasnoopy]

I bought practically the same exact jeep 3 years ago. Little old man that kept my YJ stock and well cared for. The first thing I did was internally seal the frame with Eastwood. And now every spring, I go over the whole frame with Rubberized Rust encapsulator from Eastwood in any perches or low spots that have even a sniff of surface rust, and my frame looks brand new still. I paid $3k for mine with $50k miles on it. I'd try to negotiate a bit.

 

[bergovoy]

check craigslist... see what they are going for... who knows, you may find another for less.

I would want to find one for cheaper, so I could have some money to fix it up...

if you buy it for 6k, then want to lift it, you will be up to $8k in a blink of an eye.

 

[mijeeper80]

Yea I am sure he didn't buy it because that would mean maintenance and taking care of it, needs to buy a Kia because those are throw away cars anyways, least I hope he didn't because simply painting a frame was just to much!

 

[bigearl]

Post some pics! I bought my 4 banger several weeks ago for $7300 @111k miles, and smile every time I get in it. I'm not very helpful as far as rust, because I live in a desert. Mine is the same as yours, old man got it for a fun vehicle, drove it once a week down the street to get milk and eggs, then parked it in is garage until he sold it to the dealership. I love the gauges across the dash, reminds me of the cockpit of a plane!