[msavard]

Hey guys...

I've been lurking for about a month now as I've been trying to learn as much as possible about the Wrangler TJs before jumping into this purchase. I think I'm about ready to pull the trigger.

First.. I'm aware of the "downsides" of a jeep and frankly I'm not too concerned. I owned an 86' Comanche back as my first vehicle and loved it until I blew the engine redlining on the highway for too long

Since then I've owned an 89' GMC Jimmy with 4wd that was my first "off road" truck. I took it on light trails and over some fallen trees, etc but never anything too crazy. I loved having a truck that offered that luxury and after 2 sedans I'm ready to get back into that type of vehicle.

I'm looking to spend around $10k on a daily driver. I'm hoping to get something reasonably reliable as I'm not that mechanically incliined (though I intend to learn with this vehicle). I'm just wanting to make sure that the range I'm looking at will provide sufficient reliability.

The jeep will be used as a daily driver with a LIGHT commute of ~5mins each way. I will also be tacking on about 15-30 miles of random HWY use each week as well... but not much more than that. I DO plan to take the truck offroad, but not mudding. I'm more into light-technical trail riding than barrelling through seat-deep mud.

The truck I'm looking at right now is a 1999 Sahara model with a 1" body and 2" suspension lift and 33" tires on stock rims (needs new tires pretty soon). It's got 85k miles on an 4.0L I6 engine and AUTO tranny, but just had the lift/wheels added 20k miles ago. It's been used as a daily driver. It is in impeccable shape and I imagine that it's not been abused if taken off road at all. The guy who's owned it for the last 20k works in a detail shop and has been meticulous with maintenance (ie synthetic oil every 3k, etc).

1) HOW reliable can I expect this truck to be. I realize this depends HEAVILY on how it's been used/cared for... but I was wondering what the track record was for this age of Jeep.

2) What mileage ranges can you expect certain types of repairs to be needed? Are there any typical repairs that should be budgeted for within certain timeframes?

3) I've been told the 4.0L 6cyl is the way to go.. espcially with lifts/larger tires. How can I expect this jeep to ride/handle. I've ridden in some old mid 80's CJs for comparison. I assume the ride will be a good bit nicer? What kinds of highway speeds can I expect with that lift/tire setup?

Anything else I should know about this ride before taking the plunge? I've got a local guy asking $10.5k for it. I think if I can get him a bit below $10k I might bite this week as all the extras (nice sound system, nice front bumper, 3 tops included, etc) have me thinking it might be a good deal.

[thejafe]

3) I've been told the 4.0L 6cyl is the way to go.. espcially with lifts/larger tires. How can I expect this jeep to ride/handle. I've ridden in some old mid 80's CJs for comparison. I assume the ride will be a good bit nicer? What kinds of highway speeds can I expect with that lift/tire setup?

Well those old CJ's were running leaf springs wheras the TJ's have coil springs on all four corners. In short... yeah the ride will be much improved. I'd like to know what 2" lift is on this rig and what size tire is on there. Is it a 33x10.50? Because that's about as wide as you can go on a stock rim without rubbing. Also, what gear ratio do the axles have? If it's a Sahara I'm guessing 3.73 but curious to know. If you have the Dana 44 rear axle then you've got 3.73 gears.

[msavard]

Originally Posted by thejafe

Well those old CJ's were running leaf springs wheras the TJ's have coil springs on all four corners. In short... yeah the ride will be much improved. I'd like to know what 2" lift is on this rig and what size tire is on there. Is it a 33x10.50? Because that's about as wide as you can go on a stock rim without rubbing. Also, what gear ratio do the axles have? If it's a Sahara I'm guessing 3.73 but curious to know. If you have the Dana 44 rear axle then you've got 3.73 gears.

Thanks for the prompt reply.

At this point I am not sure what the axle is or what the tires are, though I will find out this evening. I agree they're likely 33x10.5"s I might upgrade to wider tires when these are shot... but I'm not certain yet. I assume the narrower tires will allow me to run a litlte quicker on highways, right?

Anyone have some ballpark ideas regarding the 3 main questions above?

Thanks guys!

[thejafe]

Originally Posted by msavard

I am not sure what the axle is or what the tires are, though I will find out this evening. I agree they're likely 33x10.5"s I might upgrade to wider tires when these are shot... but I'm not certain yet. I assume the narrower tires will allow me to run a litlte quicker on highways, right?

Not sure what the weather conditions are like where you are but the narrower tire is better in the snow and rain. They are also lighter than their 12.50" wide cousins which should be a little friendlier towards your 3.73 gears if that's what you've got. I would find out if the previous owner regeared the Jeep when he went to the 33's. He may have gone to a 4.10 or 4.11 gear ratio.

To find out if you have a Dana 44... crawl under the Jeep and look on face of the rear diff on the driver side. Gear ratio should be stamped on there vertically. But also be sure to ask the previous owner if he regeared it.

[thejafe]

For trail use the 2" suspension and 1" BL may not be enough clearance for you with the 33x10.50's. You'll have to flex out the suspension and see if you rub the flares.
My guess is that you will. Is it a coil lift or a spacer lift?

For daily driving you should be fine with what you described. IF you have the 3.73 gears or better that is. Even then you might want to think about regearing it. I know lot's of people on the forum that run 33's with 3.73's and "live with it". I run 32's with the 3.73's and don't plan on running 33's unless I regear, everyone has an opinion on that issue though... you'll see.

[msavard]

Originally Posted by thejafe

Not sure what the weather conditions are like where you are but the narrower tire is better in the snow and rain. They are also lighter than their 12.50" wide cousins which should be a little friendlier towards your 3.73 gears if that's what you've got. I would find out if the previous owner regeared the Jeep when he went to the 33's. He may have gone to a 4.10 or 4.11 gear ratio.

To find out if you have a Dana 44... crawl under the Jeep and look on face of the rear diff on the driver side. Gear ratio should be stamped on there vertically. But also be sure to ask the previous owner if he regeared it.

Will do.. thanks for the heads-up. Will 33's overstress a standard gearing?

The weather here (memphis, TN) is not bad. Rainy in the spring, but rarely any ice.

[ggoodrum]

HOW reliable can I expect this truck to be. I realize this depends HEAVILY on how it's been used/cared for... but I was wondering what the track record was for this age of Jeep.

I just traded in my 99 Sport for a 06 rubi but I had no problems. the engine is pretty much tried and true in these things now I have no idea on the auto tranny mine was a 5 speed when I traded it in, it had 65k on it and the only things that had broken/been replaced were the thermostat went bad, and the serp belt had to be replaced oh and I redid the front brake pads.. other then that I put gas in it every week and changed the oil every 4k(synth) beat the heck out of it and it was one of the most reliable vehicles I have ever had.

What mileage ranges can you expect certain types of repairs to be needed? Are there any typical repairs that should be budgeted for within certain timeframes?

Not really sure you can probably check the owners manual it just depends whats been done to it care wise...

I've been told the 4.0L 6cyl is the way to go.. espcially with lifts/larger tires. How can I expect this jeep to ride/handle. I've ridden in some old mid 80's CJs for comparison. I assume the ride will be a good bit nicer? What kinds of highway speeds can I expect with that lift/tire setup?

the ride will definatly be nicer then the 80s cjs or even the early 90s yjs due to the coils but it is a jeep not a car so it will still ride fairly bumpy compared to what you have been in. As for highway speeds just depends on gearing etc.. find out the gearing and what Diffs it has under it before you buy that was my only regret on my 99 and why I eventually traded it in..

Good luck!

[DavidC]

I have a 99 Sahara that I bought used 3+ years ago with 35k on the odometer.

Issues to look for as these are very common:

Cracked exhaust manifold.

Radiator leak

Transfer case shift lever thunk(very easy diy repair)

To see if it has been offroaded- look at the transfer case skid plate ,Gas tank skid and diffs for marks/scratches.

You are correct the 4.0L is a great engine and with proper care will last well beyond 100k miles.

If your not mechanically inclined, ask to take it to someone who is to check it out.

The info on gearing and D44 is good to know. You really don't want 3.07 gears.
(don't ask me how I know)

[msavard]

Originally Posted by DavidC

I have a 99 Sahara that I bought used 3+ years ago with 35k on the odometer.

Issues to look for as these are very common:

Cracked exhaust manifold.

Radiator leak

Transfer case shift lever thunk(very easy diy repair)

To see if it has been offroaded- look at the transfer case skid plate ,Gas tank skid and diffs for marks/scratches.

You are correct the 4.0L is a great engine and with proper care will last well beyond 100k miles.

If your not mechanically inclined, ask to take it to someone who is to check it out.

The info on gearing and D44 is good to know. You really don't want 3.07 gears.
(don't ask me how I know)

Good post here. I know how to check the radiator for a leak... what is the best way to check for a cracked exhuast manifold as this looks to be the only "expensive" repair here... I'll likely take it to my mechanic to give it a good once-over before buying but wanted to know if there was a quick/easy way to check for common issues.

thanks again guys.. .I was told this forum would be a great resource and you have not dissapointed so far.

Regarding the 3.07 gearing. Will it just be weak? Slow? Fragile? What's the downside to the 3.07 gears. Again, I apologize for my ignorance on this matter... just trying to learn

[DavidC]

3.07 gears and anything bigger that 30" tires and you will loose 5th gear on hills as you won't have enough power.

Regearing is expensive, total cost over $1k for all components and install.

On the cracked exhaust header- you will hear a ticking noise, the header usually cracks at the collector where the two pipes combine into one.

Here's a replacement link as I couldn't find a pic of a cracked one.

http://www.nakedjeep.com/Projects/TTubes/TTubes01.html

Don't let all the issues drive you from buying a Jeep as I regret waiting 30 years to buy my first one.

There are many excellent sites out there to help you "learn" to diy.

Good Luck,


David

[msavard]

Okay... went and took a look at the jeep in question. Good looking ride. There are a few concerns, however:

1) Rear Axle/gearing. I imagine it's impossible to tell from this photo, but I was hoping maybe you guys might be able to tell if it was the d35 or d44 at least. I couldn't see any clear markings.

Axle Shot >
Up Close Axle Code >

2) The belly definitely looks to be scratched up a bit and he mentioned the exhaust may need replacing at some point. Obviously not concerned about cosmetic appearance.. just wondering if this looks typical, or looks like it's been beaten up a bit?

Middle Belly >
Front Belly >


3) The Drivers door has a bit of a dent/crease in it that has me concerned. I'm new to this but it looks like there might have been a buckling due to high-middling or something along those lines. This car was also hit in the back right (pass) quarter panel where that was replaced. Could this be residual from that? If so, does it indicate a problem?

Driver Door >

Overall, however, the jeep is a cherry for a 1999 ride. No shots of the engine but it is impeccable. The suspension lift turned out to be just 2" spacers, which kinda sucks but I don't intend to really be beating this thing up off road so I'm hoping that will be okay. HE's also replaced the radiator (probs with lift caused it to go bad), headers, A/C System, and the Transmission (possibly?).

The two right side tires are almost bald and I've got about 1/2" of tread on the driver's side. Apparently he went with a short spare for a while on one side and wore one down.. then when he put the other tire on they've both worn down excessively. I believe his story but could this be indicative of a bigger issue?

Here are some general shots:

Profile Shot >

Interior >

Back Side >

Back Corner >

Soundbar >

Thoughts?

[Pottymouth]

In regards to the driverside door crease, I can only say from past experience that that is probably not a very good sign. I had an 87 YJ about 6 years ago and had the same symptom. I ended up finding out that the frame was bent and causing it to buckle.

Also, in the pictures of the undercarriage, it looks like the tcase skidplate has some scratches running along it showing that this jeep has been wheeled. Also, and it could possibly be just the picture, but it looks like the oil pan was scratched/dented. That could be a problem if that is the case.

I cannot tell what rear axle that is, can you get a picture from the other side? (as if you are facing the back of the jeep)

A couple pieces of advice......get underneath there and look for sign of leaks and/or fluid drips. Check the differentials for scrapes and dents. Find out the gearing. Really, the only way to know that for sure is to jack up the rear end, spin a tire one full rotation and count how many times the driveshaft rotates.

Hope this helps.

[Poor Boy]

its hard to tell which axle it is from that angle...shoot the diff cover. if its oval (looks like it is) its the 35c.
those belly scratches don't look like much at all. your oil pan is dented, but i really don't think this has been offroad much...
watch out for that door...
i have a 99 tj, and the only things that have broken on it are by my own clumsy hands...66k miles, off road every chance i get.

[merfsiu]

my 97 tj creased like that when my wife flipped it. That crease would scare me away and 10K is alot for that jeep. There are plenty of good deals to be found in the 6-8K price range.

[thejafe]

woooops, that's the wrong side of the diff if you want an ID... . Still, the bottom makes me want to say that it's a 35.

See, the tag on the left side of this Dana 44? That will tell you what gearing it has. If it's got the 3.73 gears then you've got a Dana 44, if you've got the 3.07 gears you have the Dana 35.

http://www.yuccaman.com/jeep/pics/axle_d44.jpg

BTW you sure those are 33's?