TJ pros and cons?

[ToyCrawler]

looking at getting an 01' TJ
has a decent lift and 37" tires and a rear D44 with an ARB. not sure on complete details but going to look and drive it tomorrow.
I dont know crap about jeeps so what should I look out for?

[img]http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=84679.0;attach=141303;image[/img]
[img]http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=84679.0;attach=141304;image[/img]

[munepit]

Look like it has been used! What's the price? Look under it for leaks, and if anything is bent up. But I don't know crap about Jeeps. Except, they will take all your money!!!!

If it has the 256 engine, I think the valve cover leaks on a lot of them. They do make am aluminum one that works good. Check for leaks! I'm sure any minute someone will chime in here. Good luck.

[ToyCrawler]

He is asking 5k. I think it has around 70k for miles, not sure. Definitely going to give it a meticulous once over. Also, this will be for my daughter so probably lower it a bit and smaller tires for sure. Not sure if it has a top or back seat but it does have the flares, just not attached.

[munepit]

5K sounds like a good deal. Every time I see these for sale, They want an arm and a leg. High resale.

[Lake_v2]

If its on 37" tires plan on upgrading the front if you want to wheel it, many members here have proven that 37" tires are the breaking point of dana 30 fronts.

Also 4cyl engines bring the suck in jeeps

[ToyCrawler]

Its definitely getting smaller tires. It also has the inline 6 motor

[Desert Dog]

Looks like a pretty good deal. Just beware of the following:

PROS:
* Most agree that the TJ is the best Jeep ever made. Great drivetrain that is easy to maintain, link suspension, smaller than a JK but a little bigger than a CJ, aftermarket parts galore, and a very durable platform.
* The rear D44 is a big plus, allowing you to safely run 35" tires. You can build the axle up to run 37s too.
* With some work, the front D30 in a TJ handles 35s well
* The sale price on that is very good. So even if you have to fix a few issues, it should be OK.

CONS:
* All Jeeps, even (JKs) tend to have trouble passing smog. The 4.0L pretty much runs right at the edge of passing when they run good, so if anything is out of whack, it will not pass. INSIST that a smog check is done before buying.
* Even though the 4.0L is just as bullet proof as a 22r, they go through exhaust manifolds like crazy. Its actually hard to find an older jeep that doesn't have a leaky manifold.
* Valve covers leak on all older 4.0Ls. Easy and cheap fix.
* Stock TJs, YJs, and XJs are known for having shitty radiators from the factory. try to test drive it up a hill and see if it overheats.
* 97-02 TJs have problems with the gauge cluster (gauges intermittently working). The fix for this is cheap and easy though.
* If the Jeep lived near the coast and was not cared for (that one looks pretty beat up), the frame and tub may be rusted out. Don't buy it if this is the case.

[ToyCrawler]

Decided to pick it up and keep it for myself. Its a 99' with 101k. it has an Arb in the front d30 and a Detroit in the rear D44. Going to spend some on it and make sure its mechanically sound before I hit the trails. Looking forward to going out with you guys.

[abendx]

Congrats man.

[Zak.Taylor]

I'm interested in those 37" bfg at's if you decide to part with em.
Zak


Sent from my A$$....via fartphone.

[ToyCrawler]

I still have the rig, not much done to it, on 33's now and has a new top
I need to get it worked on, has loose steering and needs a sye. Any good shops that can do it besides 4wheelparts?

[confirmer]

Well I do my repairs by my self and just buy parts from 4wheelonline. Congrats by the way with your purchase.

[81BigBrett]

I know a great shop but they are in Santa Paula. If anybody is down that way, check out Santa Paula Transmissions. They do great work and are super affordable. Also their turn around is really fast.