My buddies got a 98 Jeep Wrangler that I'm thinking of getting off him. I'm trading some guns fer it, and I know where its been for years, newer motor/trani (auto/4 banger) the only thing it needs is a top. What should I be looking for? Like rotted frame, whatever, I don't know anything about the Wranglers, i'm just looking fer a summer cruiser. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Billy D

 

The Jeeps tend to rust under the rockers and the fenders behind the tires. Also look under the carpet on the floor boards for any rust water tends to collect there and can start to rust out the floor boards. The 4cyl's tend to be alittle under powered IMO, but if you are looking for a cruiser shouldnt be too bad. But going to a larger tire will be worse for the 4cyl. What amount of $$ worth of guns you trading for it? Good luck man

 

I'm trading 2 model 20 (10mm) Glocks with some goodies, maybe 2 grand worth of crap. The Jeep is bone stock with brand spankin zero mile Goodyear Wrangler 235/75/15's with only like 10k on the drivetrain. It's perty clean, it was drove last by his daughter for 4 years of college and drove little 5 years before that. It's got 65k on body.
Thanks, I'll check the rusty crust, thanks again.

 

-Check the oil in the diffs, and in the transfer case( look for wet spots)!
-Trac-loc? Does it work?
- Check all fluids, especially the tranny
- Check the engine rear main seal, it does like to puke! it starts to leak at that mileage...
- as blkjack mentioned check the rockers.
- Check the coolant system( fan!).
- Check shifting into 4wd and back, does it shift nice and easy?
- Check for worn bushings, check the steering for noise
- Check the steering linkage rubber boots for cracks
- Check the lower front carrier for the brake calipers, they like to wear and cause uneven brake pad wear and noise.

 

Those are real simple vehicles. Look for rust, as mentioned before, in the wheel well area and such. Nothing major never realy goes wrong with those. With the 4 bang'er, there is not a whole lot of power to get yourself hurt, but plenty to get in trouble.

Scope out tops on Craigslist. Anything from a TJ (non-Limited model) will fit. I think the years are '97 to '05?ish If you get a stock soft top, you can unzip the sides and cruise around like with a bikini top.

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