Buying my first Wrangler - TJ Inspection - ** Pic Heavy **

[rooks]

G'day all ... I'd appreciate some help if possible.


I'm planning on buying my first Wrangler & had a look at a 97 TJ today.

Actually, it'll also be my first 4WD.

Whilst the condition of the interior and basic exterior - ripped seats, faded lining, scratched paint, dings etc - arn't of concern to me, what I really want to pay attention to is the suspensions & related systems. Especially when it comes to modifications, as most 4WDs beyond the 'soccer mom' level of transport tend to have some form of suspension mod.

Having absolutely zero first hand experience/knowledge with 4WDs, looking under the TJ, I had no way of knowing if everything was as it should be.

... but I did take pics :)

I know there's very little one can decipher from some images on the internet, and they'd still have no indication on how it actually drives/rides, but I'd appreciate if some of you could have a glance at the below images, and tell me what you see.

I'm not expecting a complete diagnostics report - streuth, I'm not expecting anything, but if you see something that seems out of place; something that's there that shouldn't be; something that isn't there that should be; excessive amount of rust/corrosion; excessively worn areas/rubbers etc - I'd really like some input.

Clicking the images will open up a higher res version.


http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/DSC00934-small.jpg (http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/DSC00934.jpg) http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/DSC00935-small.jpg (http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/DSC00935.jpg)

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/DSC00937-small.jpg (http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/DSC00937.jpg) http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/DSC00938-small.jpg (http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/DSC00938.jpg)

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/DSC00942-small.jpg (http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/DSC00942.jpg) http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/DSC00943-small.jpg (http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/DSC00943.jpg)

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/DSC00944-small.jpg (http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/DSC00944.jpg) http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/DSC00941-small.jpg (http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/DSC00941.jpg)

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/DSC00939-small.jpg (http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/DSC00939.jpg) http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/DSC00940-small.jpg (http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/DSC00940.jpg)



http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/DSC00950-small.jpg (http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/DSC00950.jpg)



Just so you know what you're looking at.
2/97 TJ - Hardtop.
Approx 180,000kms.
Looks to have had a lift - roughly 3" (Used a stock TJ in the same yard as a guide)
Sitting on 31's.
I appreciate the time, and hope I didn't waste too much of your bandwidth.

Cheers!

[itchy]

How much is it?????????

[rooks]

How much is it?????????

~ $8,000 ~

[JRJ33P]

$8k doesnt sound too bad...

any exterior pics?

[itchy]

Some probs i had with mine,leaking radiator,leaking rear main,front wheel bearings and cracked extractors. If you are handy with the tools youll save a heap of $$$$, sound reasonable tho,Try and crunch him on price a bit

[BennyWA]

Looks and sounds like a good deal, don't worry about the bandwidth- we always want pics!!!:D

[starter]

some rattly swaybar disconnects, rancho shocks and lots of black preasure pack paint

[OIIIO]

Looks like a 12 year old 4WD,

Very bad detail job with lots of overspray.

Seems to have a lot of rusty surfaces, doesn't look to well maintained.

It looks like it has two different types of tyres. Make sure they are the same size and construction. The Goodyears MTR's ar just about rooted.

Get an inspection through your state motoring body.. NRMA, RACQ, RACV etc...

8K is a good price, seems a bit cheap if it's on a yard.
(probably for a good reason;) )

[rooks]

$8k doesnt sound too bad...

any exterior pics?

It's actually a dealers eBay listing: #230314671307 (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/1997-Jeep-Wrangler-Renegade-4x4-Black-5sp-M-Hardtop_W0QQitemZ230314671307QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU _Cars?hash=item230314671307&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A1%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318)



Looks like a 12 year old 4WD,

It looks like it has two different types of tyres. Make sure they are the same size and construction. The Goodyears MTR's ar just about rooted.

Get an inspection through your state motoring body.. NRMA, RACQ, RACV etc...

8K is a good price, seems a bit cheap if it's on a yard.
(probably for a good reason;) )


There is a difference in the tyres. Didn't notice it until now. The rear & spare are the same. The fronts are different.

Kicked it in the guts, and sounded fine. Havn't driven it yet though, so I have know idea how it really runs.

Here's few shots of the engine bay:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/DSC00932-small.jpg (http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/DSC00932.jpg) http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/DSC00931-small.jpg (http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/DSC00931.jpg)

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/DSC00947-small.jpg (http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/DSC00947.jpg) http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/DSC00946-small.jpg (http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/DSC00946.jpg)

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/DSC00930-small.jpg (http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/DSC00930.jpg)

[JRJ33P]

going by the pics (and i realise they dont always tell the full story), but if thats running fine and there are no major issues, thats a very capable vehicle out of the dealer's lot.

a new set of tyres and you could easily take that strate out for some fun;)

its already got some lift, like i said - new tyres, has a set of driving lights, recovery hooks on the front.


if you could talk them down anymore on price, i reckon you'd almost be getting a bit of a bargain there.

[Jimmyb]

Tyres all different.... opps jus saw you wrote that.

[BLU-125]

Has some form of SYE.

[cj5350]

Going off the flares and the side trims,rims etc it's a early renagade ..has it got green seat inserts..with the tube on the rear tail shaft that short it has to be a hack n tap SYE..
so you already up for a full seat of tires..it's looking a little pricey...

there is one local to me...lower k's , 5 speed , tire swing ,front bar, BFG muds , 2'' ome, 1" body long rego for $7000

[rooks]

going by the pics (and i realise they dont always tell the full story), but if thats running fine and there are no major issues, thats a very capable vehicle out of the dealer's lot.

a new set of tyres and you could easily take that strate out for some fun;)

its already got some lift, like i said - new tyres, has a set of driving lights, recovery hooks on the front.


if you could talk them down anymore on price, i reckon you'd almost be getting a bit of a bargain there.


If I get the chance, I'll head out there tomorrow arvo - Works annual Golf day is in the morning :) - and see if I can take it for a drive. I'll see how that pans out, and go from there.


I appreciate the comments fellas (& ladies maybe? I dunno!).


Anything specific I should look/listen out for when I take it for a test run?




going off the flares and the side trims, it a early renagade ..has it got green seat inserts..

Yes it has. The listing actually states it as a "Wrangler Renegade".

http://farm4.dealernet.com.au/stock/20081216/973963F6DAD1461AAD05B46C48F739FB.jpg

[flexytj]

looks like its had some dulux reconditioning

[Matty ducati]

for 8g she looks ok.
Looks like the rear diff main has been leakin but thats no biggy.

[Festa_1]

I agree with Pezz, those sway bar disconnects look a bit nasty, I would not have though split pins/cotter pins (whatever there called) would be strong enough for that application, I only ever use them in non load bearing apps.

Also a 3" lift and no after market control arms is that normal?
Do TJ's have any trouble with death wobble?
If so might be something to checkout when testdriving, try and test at highway speeds on not so perfect roads.

Upper left hand rear control arm looks like something has been rubbing on it, you might wanna check out that brake line see if it's still good.

Pitty about all the black paint, people normally do things like that to hide stuff. Having said that it doesn't look too beaten up underneath.

As per OIIIO get it checked out by boys in the know it's money well spent.

Good luck

[MR EXTREME JEEP]

Sway bar linx look pretty short for a 3 inch lift. Also if its a 3 inch lift the brake lines need to be relocated or changed over for longer ones.
It has definately seen a bit of dirt. Rear diff looks like its had a bit of work. (chalk on the cover). Make sure you drive it onto a freeway and get it up to speed. Look for vibes coming through the floor or from the steering wheel.
Jack the front up and check the wheel bearings for slack. One hand at 12 O'clock the other at 6'Oclock and rock it to see if it moves. Also engage low range to see if it goes in freely.
Good luck dont rush it cause its currently a buyers market and there are bargains to be had.

[Method]

ummm is it just me or does it have a soft top window on the back of the hardtop??

[Aaronsjeep]

check carsales. has a quick look, a few wranglers for sale around that price, or a few bob more that look good also. id check out a few to compare what your getting for your $$$s

[Festa_1]

ummm is it just me or does it have a soft top window on the back of the hardtop??

No it's just a piece of heavy clear plastic stuff a softop window would at least zip up for security lol.

I doubt it would be cheap for the correct glass and locking mechanism either.

hmmm, ya might wanna keep looking rooks.

[Festa_1]

Another thing did those hard tops come out with roof racks?

If not you might wanna check for leaks and depending on how it has been done, strength also.
There would need to be some reasonable size metal plates on the inside.

[Sackly]

Hi,

a kiwi opinion.

Pic 1 shows dissconnects fitted, the bottom bush could be suspect.
Pic 4 Is the diff a D35? I would have preffered to see a D44 in there.
As mentioned b4 I personally would like to see a set of matching tyres.
The exhaust system seems to have a lot of surface rust, but the vehicle may have been sitting for a while.
The Vehicle does not appear to have done any serious off roading, and with those kms, would seem to be a reasonable buy.

Take it for a good drive, get onto some grass and try ALL the gears in 4wd, high and low, do the old full lock turn (both ways) and listen for knocking etc. Try to drive it over some undulating stuff and see if there are any unusual noises from underneath.

Best of luck with your new Jeep.

Sackly

[jeep_boy]

to me it looks like it has seen some bush work, not always a bad thing atleast it has had 4wd engaged, put it in low range check that as said before get up to highway speed and check for death wobbles or vibes, shake and wobble the hell out of anything that moves and make sure there is no excess play, put it in 3rd gear with the brake on let the clutch out it should stall pretty easy the further out you can let the clutch the worse it is, check the cooling system is in good order

[rooks]

Looks like a D44 to me. I think you need to study pictures of diffs some more =)

Looks to be a D44 rear, and a D30 front.


Didn't get a chance to drive it today.

Had works annual Golf Day - followed by a few beers :) ...and now I'm into the Bundy: Distillers No.3!


Should make it out there tomorrow.

[ian]

you are a piss head.. you should make a good jeeper :cool:

[rooks]

you are a piss head.. you should make a good jeeper :cool:


Ah ... so I've stumbled upon a forum of drunkards have I?


Me no complain. :D

[Festa_1]

We only drink on two very special occasions.
When we are with someone and when we are by our selfs.

[CheSter]

Is the air intake on the air box meant to be horizontal ? I'm sure mine faces upwards.

C

[jsjeep]

Is the air intake on the air box meant to be horizontal ? I'm sure mine faces upwards.

C

Yeah it can be rotated

[AJ]

The rear swaybar has been fitted upside down!!!! It should run over the top of the diff :shock: It must have been removed at some stage and you wouldn't want to go wheeling with it under there :evil:

[rooks]

The rear swaybar has been fitted upside down!!!! It should run over the top of the diff :shock: It must have been removed at some stage and you wouldn't want to go wheeling with it under there :evil:


Whoa! I'm glad I posted these before making a rash decision - which is how I usually operate :)

Continually looking over the images, I'm starting to get the feeling it's a bitsa.

There's a few parts/joints that are connected to each other, yet they appear to be in completely different conditions.

The rear diff, with the chalk markings, leans towards it either been reconditioned or replaced. This gains credence by the sway-bar being on upside down/reversed. So I got to ask why?

Why was the work done? Was it a one off incident whilst off-roading? Which could happen to anyone at anytime - or has the entire vehicle had the guts flogged out of it? What else had to be replaced?

The sway-bar upside down also tells me that the people that removed/replaced said parts wern't as cluey as one would hope when dealing with vehicle repairs/mods. Which begs the question: what else did they get wrong?




Then there is this. My eyes might deceive me, but does this look like a few rust holes in the floor?


http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/rust-small.jpg (http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/rookskickz/Auto/97%20TJ/rust.jpg)



What else did I miss?


I like the price, and I really like the fact it's a black on black hardtop - but I think I might pass on this one.


If anyone is interested, has the resources to sort it out & feels they have the gift of gab enough to knock the price down a couple grand, the car is at a car-yard on Milperra Rd, Revesby. NSW. I posted the eBay link a few posts up.



I truly appreciate the help everyone has chipped in. You've possibly saved me a stack of cash buying a lemon that may have cost more in immediate repairs than the price of the vehicle itself!

As they say in ebonics: Mad props yo!



Let the search begin ... again!


:cool:

[Sackly]

Looks like a D44 to me. I think you need to study pictures of diffs some more =)

Luke.
You are so correct sir. Thanks for putting me straight on that. 8))

[JRJ33P]

is that the 4WD City sales yard by any chance? or am i thinking of something else...

[rooks]

is that the 4WD City sales yard by any chance? or am i thinking of something else...

This place is a couple hundred metres down from 4wd City. Same side of the road.

George River Cars & Commercials I believe.

[JRJ33P]

This place is a couple hundred metres down from 4wd City. Same side of the road.

George River Cars & Commercials I believe.

oh ok... i know the one.