Need advice on buying a Wrangler

meduncan · **Posted:** Sun Aug 27, 2006 4:44 pm

Alright, so towards the January time frame I am going to be in the market for a cheap Wrangler (thinking of a $2500 budget) and I need some advice on what to get. I'd love to get one that I can tinker on and that has a carburetor so I can really work on the engine if the mood strikes me (but when I purchase it it should be in running condition).

Anyway, I need advice on what year of Wrangler would fit these requirements, if my budget is within reason (for the Jeep without the lift cost), what to watch out for when buying a used Wrangler, and opinions on lifts and their quality (probably between 3-4 inches).

Noscapegoat · **Joined:** Thu Jan 05, 2006 11:45 am **Posts:** 104

I know a few guys with 89 YJ's they love them. They are fairly cheap too.

pixeldzn · **Posted:** Sun Aug 27, 2006 7:32 pm

With a YJ, watch out for that problematic vacuum actuated 4WD system. Many people have switched the system out for one from a wagoneer, so you may be able to find one like that.

Otherwise, I'd personally look for a 97-98 TJ and work up from there, although TJs aren't carbeurated unless an engine swap of some sort has been performed. Aside from that, I'd go for a CJ-7 or something like that from the AMC days.

SunDvl · **Posted:** Sun Aug 27, 2006 10:41 pm

Check out JP magazine maybe even their website. They just did an article a few editions ago about what years are the better years for certain models. While the vaccum can be an issue on YJ's, it is typically an easy fix/repair. I believe the carb'd YJ's are all 4.2L's.

You should be on the lookout for rust, considering everything in our region will have it, the less the better. I'd start by looking at the frame, make sure there are no cracks or bends. Next check your spring perches, make sure there are no cracks. If you look at the axles, you coud probably grab one with 44 rear, which has more aftermarket parts available. The 44's won't have a rubber plug in the fill hole.

I'll be on the lookout for you Matt

Iceman · **Posted:** Mon Aug 28, 2006 1:28 am

just get a fuel injected YJ and call it good

meduncan · **Posted:** Mon Aug 28, 2006 2:35 pm

Thanks for all the advice. The wife just gave me approval to go look at a '89 YJ Islander Edition that's being sold for about $700 nearby. It's got a couple issues (what Jeep doesn't have its own quirks) but it does run and with some time and a wrench I think I can get it into trail ready shape. Couldn't talk the wife into buying a lift at the same time but at least she said I could get the YJ if it checks out.

Noscapegoat · **Joined:** Thu Jan 05, 2006 11:45 am **Posts:** 104

If its got your wifes approval you cant beat that :lol:

meduncan · **Posted:** Sun Sep 24, 2006 9:52 pm

Just picked up a YJ today. Couldn't help myself. It's not in perfect condition but the frame is pretty solid and the engine was replaced about 3,000 miles ago so it runs well. There's some body rust, worst is on the drivers side by the wheel well and goes through to the rear floorboard but I'll work on all that as I get time. Here's a picture of her:

Noscapegoat · **Joined:** Thu Jan 05, 2006 11:45 am **Posts:** 104

Alright its red too! now just convert it to spring over axle, new tires, probley a new driveshaft and your good to go!

OR

check out BDS lifts no fine print warrenty and full military wrap springs. A guy in my club uses BDS 3 inch lift w/extended shackles (to clear the military wrap springs) with 33x12.50's MML and stock driveshaft no vibes!

brpn#1 · **Posted:** Tue Oct 10, 2006 8:49 pm

man that is awesome.. im looking for an older wrangler or something similar to play around with here in the mountains of western nc.. if you see another deal or anyone else.. im looking to stay around 1000-1500$.. i can work on it in my spare time.. again.. the pic looks sweet.. your very lucky.. nice find.. can you post more pics??

meduncan · **Posted:** Mon Oct 16, 2006 2:26 pm

It took me quite a bit of looking and negotiation to get a low price on this one. If I see anything around your price range I'll let you know. As for the extra pics, I can post some more later today. Any shots in particular that you are interested in (i.e. under the hood, undercarraige, etc)?

brpn#1 · **Posted:** Wed Oct 18, 2006 9:53 am

thanks.. im looking to get one for my wife.. she's got jeep fever since we got the liberty.. any pics... offroad pics... anything would be cool to see.. it looks nice.. you got a great deal..

wendell · **Posted:** Wed Nov 01, 2006 7:54 am

The 91 and down yj has a carb on the 258 I-6, alot of vaccum lines because of smog to deal with, the best set up is a 258 with a 4.0 head and mopar fi kit, makes good power, but then it wouldn't have a carb. the 89 1/2 down has the french 5-speed tranny, a little weak. The 4 cylinder yj's can be had for a song, really not a bad deal. I've wheeled the 2.5. Go with 4:56 gears and no bigger than a 2" lift with 31 or 32" tires, the 4 cylinder is quit capable. They have factory 4:10 gears, just need a locker or a good lsd. The old willy's jeeps only had a 60 hp 4 banger and they were remarkable, the secert is gears. Also the newer x-15 5-speed can easily be swapped in if need be. I want to do a yj myself, it's the one jeep that I've never owned yet.

Jeepnut · **Posted:** Tue Nov 21, 2006 9:00 am

if you are planning to stay with a carb there are some trick to make the engine run better and at steeper angles. on my cj Ifound an adapter plater to go on the manifold that let me use a standard bolt pattern 2 barrel, then i used a ford motor craft 2 barrel off of a 71 jeep wagoneer, and an open element filter. then on the carb where the vents are you just get a couple little pieces of copper tube and put them in the vents and run them up about 1" taller and it wont let fuel spill over into the venturis. Also on the under side of the manifold there should be 3 screws to take out there incoming air heater, which looking down into the manifold with no carb looks like a bunch of spikes sticking up and slowing down your air flow as well, I took mine out and cut all the spikes off and then took it to a bench grinder and then the wire wheel to smooth it out, just this couple cheap things make a huge difference in acceleration and in keeping speed going up. you will also have to possibly add throttle cable balls or get the universal kit to position them where ever on the carb for connecting you accel cable. the adapter is made by trans adapt, TRD-2086, $12.75 you can probably get the carb at a pick and pull or some place similar, but this is far cheaper then running a weber carb

http://store.summitracing.com/largeimag ... t=TRD-2086

NU ARTY BOY · **Posted:** Sat Dec 23, 2006 4:36 pm

wendell wrote:

The 91 and down yj has a carb on the 258 I-6, alot of vaccum lines because of smog to deal with, the best set up is a 258 with a 4.0 head and mopar fi kit, makes good power, but then it wouldn't have a carb. the 89 1/2 down has the french 5-speed tranny, a little weak. The 4 cylinder yj's can be had for a song, really not a bad deal. I've wheeled the 2.5. Go with 4:56 gears and no bigger than a 2" lift with 31 or 32" tires, the 4 cylinder is quit capable. They have factory 4:10 gears, just need a locker or a good lsd. The old willy's jeeps only had a 60 hp 4 banger and they were remarkable, the secert is gears. Also the newer x-15 5-speed can easily be swapped in if need be. I want to do a yj myself, it's the one jeep that I've never owned yet.

How easy would it be to swap a 5-speed into a '95 YJ? I found a Sahara I really like - great condition, no rust (IN MICHIGAN!!!) and both tops- but its an automatic. Its got a 4.0L from a 2002 TJ with less than 50K miles on the engine.

wendell · **Posted:** Sun Dec 24, 2006 8:43 am

It really isn't hard, it would be the matter of having all the parts, the easy way would be to have a parts vehicle to pull from. I'm sure if you keep looking you'll find the one you want, without having to go through a lot of hassle, but it can be done.

meduncan · **Posted:** Mon Dec 25, 2006 8:10 pm

I'm planning on doing a ton of work on the YJ including bumpers, lift, armor, winch, Howell fuel injection, etc. so what tool list would you guys suggest that I go buy? Let's say you're given $400 to purchase the tools and keep in mind that you may have to deal with rusted on bolts.

Also, I've been told that the body mount bolts have a tendancy to snap when they are removed. Is this true and if so, wouldn't a tap/die or screw extractor set fix the issue of removing the broken bolt? I plan on installing a 1" Daystar body lift and want to know what I'm getting into.

Need advice on buying a Wrangler

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