A Few Questions About Buying A Used Jeep

[lux_it_up]

Hi Jeep owners, Im thinking about buying a jeep wrangler around 97 to 99 model. I was just wondering what you think of your jeeps? are they reliable 4x4's? i am only looking a putting a 2 inch suspension lift and a 2 inch body lift and running 32 inch tyres on it. What sort of lift are you all running in your jeeps? do you have many problems with the diffs and driveline? Any answers will be helpful. Thanks, Mitch.

[LSE3.9]

Hi lux it up. I seem to remember something about the ignition switch [?] failing and causing an under dash fire. Think it was the 97 model. Someone else might have more accurate details????

[lows_13]

Apparently they don't have electronic ignition, they're still using rotor buttons.
I'm also in the market for one, any info would be much appreciated

[Butch In A Jeep]

Stay away from a body lift
If you lift 2 in you have no driveline probs
Tj ' s are very good off road
31 in muddies is good
once you go past 2 in you must get the driveline look at.
Look up Wooders to see how must it will cost you.
I have a 1996 XJ and i love it:D

[lux_it_up]

Thanks for the beedback. havent heard anything anout the faulty ignitions before. Butch in a jeep, why do you say stay away from a body lift? it doesn't affect the driveline in any way.

[danger_d]

Hi Mitch,
I just purchased an 02 TJ Wrangler about 6 months ago. I made the switch from a Hilux and overall i'm happy. Coils are offer a much better ride than leafs and the larger engine makes things easy. Fuel consumption hasn't been that different to my 2.4l petrol in the lux. I've found 4WD1.com - Australia's Leading Suspension Specialist (http://www.4WD1.com.au) to be a great site with loads of add on's available so check that out for prices etc.

In regards to the running gear i can't give you much as i purchased mine with most mods already completed. However i know you need to be careful when lifting and be sure to do it correctly or you'll run into problems so best to chase up a Jeep specialist who knows their stuff most 4wd shops will have some info for you so just shop around surf the net etc.

There is an article in the latest issue of 4WD Action about buying a used Wrangler.
Hope this helps a little.
Good luck Dim

[kyro]

Hi Mitch,
you will have a great time in a TJ, body lifts are fine most of the club members have them and have had no probs.. and yes with any jeep once you lift over 2" - 4" of lift you need to start looking at a SYE for the tail shaft which is not a big deal make it stronger anyways.
search the net there is heaps of info from the USA as they have been wheeling them for years. also drop into AUSJEEPOFFROAD.COM (http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com) and have a chat with someone in your area and go for a trip with them you will be shocked how well they go stock or even a 2" lift and 31"

hope that helps some

[Lushy]

I am a TJ owner for about 2 years and I love it to bits.
Setbacks are that it chews to much juice 23/100ks and that there is no space for gear, I have removed the back seat and this more room but not enough, try and get a 2001 and onwould model and join a jeep club to get the most out out of it. As the article in the latest mag says ownership and mods are as long as your imagination, other brand owners hate this car as they are jealous lol

[wooders]

There is an article in the latest issue of 4WD Action about buying a used Wrangler.
Hope this helps a little.
Good luck Dim

It's actually the second time that a buying TJ article has been published in the mag...The last one was probably 4-5 years ago now....But the current one is more accurate (not biased cause I helped ;) )

Back to the original questions:
Q.What do I think of it?
A. After 11years of ownership - I still love it/hate it/love it ;)

Q. Reliability?
A. Each problem I have experienced has been self-inflected :oops:

Q. 32" with 2"Sup+2" BL
A. Be aware that BL's are not allowed in rigs fitted with SRS airbags....Simple solution would be to remove that airbags ;) Or change the suspension component.

Q. Problems with Diffs & driveline?
A. Stock slip yoke design SUCKS (are you listening Chrysler??). Budget for a SYE if you want to keep it long term. Stock ratios SUCK (Anyone at Chrysler??), putting larger tyres on there just makes it more labourious....Yoiu can regard the diffs but it's expensive and you want to "future proof your plans before you do it.

Q. My Jeep?
A. 6" AiRock long arm with 35-36" tyres ;)

[Jeeps]

I've had my 02' TJ since new. I have only ever run 31's with a 2" lift and i'm getting a SYE and ratios done shortly but still keeping my 31's. I've had no major problems but i'd suggest to get a tyre carrier if you're going to carry a large tyre (31" or bigger) as the tailgate can bugger up. My tailgate is fine with the 29" tyres but any bigger it's hard to operate. They're a fun vehicle you'll love it for sure.

PS, the previous 4wd monthly TJ article back in 2002 was the main reason i started looking at wranglers before i purchased one ;)

WOODERS!!! Let me know when my gear has landed ;)

cheers

[gmemud]

Have a look around for one that is within your budget that has the mods done already, there are a few about now quite well priced. I recently picked one up for about what the mods alone cost new.
They are a great fun machine as long as you don't need a lot of space. Yes things may break occasionaly, but dose'nt that happen with other makes as well?
Vehicles Jeep and other - www.ausjeepoffroad.com (http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=165)

[lux_it_up]

Thanks for all the feedback guys. I brought a 1997 model TJ renegade. It only had one owner and had all the log books and service history with it. Got the OME lift fitted yesterday and getting my 32" wranglers fitted to some black pro comp steelies put on the TJ today... Cant wait to go for a play on the weekend.

[kyro]

welcome to the dark side Jeep_it_Up hahahaha

[hillsjeep]

Thanks for all the feedback guys. I brought a 1997 model TJ renegade. It only had one owner and had all the log books and service history with it. Got the OME lift fitted yesterday and getting my 32" wranglers fitted to some black pro comp steelies put on the TJ today... Cant wait to go for a play on the weekend.

MUAHAHAhahaha!! , I mean welcome to Jeeping. Let see some pics!!

[lux_it_up]

Thanks guys, went to get my rims put on this morning and turns out they sent the wrong back spacing. 2.5" was a bit too wide for the poor wheel bearings. i'll post some pics up soon.

[Butch In A Jeep]

Its a Jeep thing we all know :truck:
But it is a lot of fun:thumb:

[hillsjeep]

As Kyro said, make sure you drop by AUSJEEPOFFROAD.COM (http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com) There's stacks of tech info there and ways to safe on mods and repairs. Oh plus a whole bunch of mad Jeep owners too ;)

[lux_it_up]

Yeh thanks hillsjeep. i been on ausjeepoffroad for about 3 weeks now. i did a bit of reasearch on there befor i brought the car. I love the tj, its awesome.

[CHRISMAV]

If you are still putting a body lift in, it will free up some space to tilt your engine/gearbox back. Will help your rear uni joint out especially if your not doing a slip yoke eleminator kit yet. Also depends on how you drive it. I see lots of nice modified tj's through work and get very jealous, nothing like the wind in your hair and the dust and grit in your teeth.

[lux_it_up]

Thanks chris. i got an ome lift and it came with transfer drop spacers. im goin to do the motor lift after the body lift so i can take the transfer spacers out but. Yeh i love the jeep already and i've only had it a week.

[lux_it_up]

here are a few pics of my wrangler. 97 tj renegade, auto, 2.5'' OME lift, 32'' wrangler mt/r on 15 by 8 pro comp rims.

[hillsjeep]

Great looking Jeep mate. I'd recommend hiding your plates on the forum though. Especially if you're in QLD.

[kyro]

nice TJ dude

[junglejuice]

Apparently they don't have electronic ignition, they're still using rotor buttons.
I'm also in the market for one, any info would be much appreciated

Uh they do run electronic ignition, even Sigmas ran electronic ignition they just don't use coil packs unless you get a really late model one...

[junglejuice]

Great looking Jeep mate. I'd recommend hiding your plates on the forum though. Especially if you're in QLD.

I'd second that, even though it is a good looking unit it is unroadworthy in QLD....