[breezy]

Hey all- first post here. Checked out an '89 YJ and it was exactly what I wanted. I decided I wanted a project/cruiser that I could work on as I went, but still be able to drive right away. I started checking the local ads just to get an idea of what was out there, but came across a solid deal. My price range was <$5k, and I was looking at everything from CJ's to TJ's. I love the old style roll bars, but finding a CJ that didn't have a mangled or rusted frame was hard for my price range.

After checking out this 1989 YJ, I knew it was built right. The guy I'm getting it from is an enthusiast and has 3 other rigs. It's built solid with absolutely no frame rust. The only rust is a little surface rust on a windshield bracket, and minor surface rust on the right rocker, but the seller's including new windshield brackets, and the rocker rust can be handled with some black diamond plating. Miles are on the high end at 170k, but no leaks, seals are solid, and it's been well maintained. Was bought by him from his buddy that used it as a daily commuter. And I'm getting it for $3.5k which I think is a great deal.

It's a 2.5L 5spd and has a 2.5" RE lift, new clutch, new brakes, Tuffy locking box, 33" BFG AT's (only about 40% tread, but I'll upgrade to treadwright's bfg mtr clones in a year and a half or so when they wear), newer rubicon wheels and best of all it's regeared with 4.88 gears.

I could hold out for a 6 cylinder or something a bit newer, but I doubt I'll find something like this in my price range. I'm not looking to wheel it hard, just want a nice runabout project so the 4cyl is perfect for me. I'll be picking it up in a few weeks, but I'm pretty pumped. There's a small cut on the driver's side door in the clear vinyl, but I'm going to do a pool liner repair, and the top will pretty much be off all summer as it is.

My list of mod's/fixes out of the box are going to be a tuneup with new filters, pcv valve, seafoam and bg44k gas treatment, and an oil change after the seafoam, DIY intake with eBay intake piping with a K&N filter, mirror relocation brackets, bikini top, 2" wheel spacers and that should do it. I want to get simple classic smittybilt front and rear bumpers, but that can always wait. Also- does anyone happen to know if you can fit the classic smittybilt bumper with the stock tire carrier with a 33" tire or will that hit?

Looks like I can't post pics until I reach 25 posts so hopefully I get there soon. It's black with a grey soft top and grey interior. Cheers!

[GRYDE001]

I just saw a 97 Sahara on CL for $5800 that looked nice, and I always see TJ's for the $4500-$5000 price range. Not trying to talk you out of the 89 or anything, but if I had a 5k budget I'd def go for a newer model, probably a TJ. You should be able to find a 4 banger TJ on Craigslist.
I had a much smaller budget when I bought mine....I searched for several months and bought mine for $1200 with only some windshield frame rust.
That being said, I love my YJ....and whatever you decide, have fun.

good luck

[04Sahara]

Hi 'breezy'...I had a '89 YJ 4.0L automatic in 1995-97 (or thereabouts). The only issue I had with it was that I could never get the carbuerator tuned quite right, not even at the dealer. A neighbour who was mechanically inclined plugged the vacuum line for the EGR valve I think it was, and it seemed to run a bit better but still wasn't right.

I ended up trading it in on a '99 Grand Cherokee which I recently sold and then bought the TJ Sahara I have now, I guess because other than the carb issue I really liked the Wrangler. Whichever one you get I know you'll like it and this forum is a great place for advise.