[fsts2k]

Hello all,

This is my first post on this forum and hope to be a regular member once I buy a Jeep. I have been looking for a used Wrangler for quite a while, the goal is to find something mechanically sound to use as a winter driver and have a bit of fun with. I found one near me, it is a 2002 TJ that has been used quite a bit. Has 117K miles on it and the following parts (quote from ad):

Upgraded battery to a Optima Yellow Top
Mirror Relocation brackets both sides
33 inch BFG Mud Terrain Tires 90% Tread left, 33 inch Procomp Spare
4 inch Procomp Lift (installed 5 years ago)
Currie Tie Rods
Upgraded Warn Front Bumper
Ugraded Warn Rear Bumper with Tire carrier
Upgraded Front diffirential cover
B&M Short through shift
Upgraded Transfer Case with customer drive shaft (slip Yoke Eliminator installed professionally)
Dana 44 Rear axle
Bikini Top and Dust cover along with Wind jammer
Original Soft top no tears(good condition)
No Air conditioning
Full Doors and roll up windows
Factory Radio/CD player

I drove it today, overall it tracked straight and the owner seemed honest enough. It is a single owner Jeep and he has taken it all around the country to wheel. The clutch was tight and the brakes were perfect (said to have redone front pads and fluid flush 6 months ago), engine seemed strong. The frame looked good and no body rust. Now for the minuses:
- Fair amount of clear coat scratches with associated battle scars. Nothing too terrible, just what you might expect.
- Driver door lock doesn't work
- Steering was less than perfect. It had a lot of dead travel before the wheels turned. Owner claimed he had replaced the steering box with a junk yard one; his claim is that replacing it with a new one would fix it.
- Cut wires where fog lights hooked up (he removed his larger ones that were previously wired up)
- Dirty (maybe that is not a minus)


He is asking 8K but is willing to negotiate. Recognizing I am asking for opinions via internet and nobody has seen the truck, any thoughts on the price or potential risks? I know Procomp doesn't always get great reviews and that a jeep with a 4 inch lift and 33" tires is not going to drive like a sports car, does the steering box story check out? I can rewire new lights as well as take care of some of the little stuff.

I had a Grand Cherokee that I drove to 175K before the auto trans went out but I love the 4.0 straight six and think overall the drive train is pretty strong.

Your opinions and thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Kevin

[durango-bob]

It doesn't sound too bad. The gears in the axle will probably need to be changed to make it more streetable and the steering story sounds right.

[Spiffums]

I gave 10k for my 00 Sport with 4 inch lift but it had been repainted and new carpet and a very very clean motor.

[2doorxj]

I believe him with the steering box. You can get a replacement box for quite cheap. Sounds like a solid jeep, id buy it.

[2jhanna]

Originally Posted by fsts2k

No for the minuses:
- Fair amount of clear coat scratches with associated battle scars. Nothing too terrible, just what you might expect.
- Driver door lock doesn't work
- Steering was less than perfect. It had a lot of dead travel before the wheels turned. Owner claimed he had replaced the steering box with a junk yard one; his claim is that replacing it with a new one would fix it.
- Cut wires where fog lights hooked up (he removed his larger ones that were previously wired up)
- Dirty (maybe that is not a minus)




Your opinions and thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Kevin

I believe that if you are worried about: 1. clear coat scratches, 2. cut wires (with reason), 3. dirt, 4. a door lock that doesn't work (most don't lock their jeeps), that you are never going to find a wrangler to be happy with !!

[robncar]

Get a PSC steering box and Currie HD steering setup, you'll be just fine. If your concerned about the mechanicals, have a Jeep savvy mechanic give it a once over. Money well spent.

Sent from DROID2

[fsts2k]

Thanks for the reply's. I am not worried about scratches and dirt, was simply putting out the cons that went with the pros.

I am making an offer tonight, will see where we end up.

Kevin

[fsts2k]

Bought it... will pick it up this weekend

Kevin

[wolfcreek]

Congrats... hope it works out well for you. What was the final $?

[NakedCreekTJ]

I wouldnt be concerned with most of the minor stuff (as long as you checked it out)
The steering is believable, mine only has 30in tires and has play in the steering wheel (need a new box)
however as far as the dirt goes, make sure its clean underneath and check the frame over good. especially near the control arm mounts and the skid plate mount and just every nook and crany for rust. I love my jeep!

but when i got it i knew it need a new syncronizer in the transmission, well it also needs new clutch springs and has a hole rusted all the way through the frame and needs a new steering box, also the cigeret lighter had wires short out where it was rewired, try to talk him down a bit, but for the year the jeep seems like a reasonable price and from your description sounds overall good.

luck me working on the jeep for a week now, starting into week two, found a hole rusted all the way through the frame where part of the control arm mounts to it. now for some serious cutting grinding and welding and painting then rust proofing.

Get a tj and join the crowd!!

[fsts2k]

Thanks for the reply's. The final was 7K, I probably could have gone lower but didn't think he would even take that. It is fine, i am happy with the deal. Drove it the past two days and have parts on order including:
- Fog Lights
- Left Front Indicator
- Some trunk thing that attaches to rear tailgate
- Radio (CD player skips and I want to connect an IPOD)
- 99 Durango steering box
- More dirt..

That should address all the little things. That said, and I apologize for asking a dumb question but if I have a Dana 44 axle, does that mean I have a 3.73 gear (that is what I found searching)? I drove a fair amount on the highway and 5th is pretty much useless going up a hill or with a child blowing in my direction, that and my MPG is a fantastic 10-11. Pretty sure this is the impact of 33" tires. Looking on the forum it would appear I should investigate putting a 4.10 to address this (Edit... appear I should do 4.56). Agreed?

I really enjoy this thing, it is a fun little Jeep.

Kevin