I found a used TJ (1997) for sale near my house and the only issue I found was that the transfer case lever has a lot of play in it. When I tried to put it in 4 HI it didn't feel like it locked into place (nor did it feel like the front wheels were pulling). The light on the dash never turned on telling me that I was in 4 HI either. The owner claims that he has never had a problem with it and that the 4WD works fine.

Would this be an easy fix? The Jeep doesn't have any other issues and its pretty clean in and out. I asked a friend of mine for his opinion and he believes that the bushing is worn out....

What do you guys think? Is it worth buying the Jeep and trying to fix it myself or should I pass on this one and keep looking? The price is right - he wants 6500 bucks for it but I have a feeling that I could talk him down a little.

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LOST # 590
Not Jeepless anymore
97 TJ Sahara, 2.5" OME, SYE + CV driveshaft, JKS discos, some armor, some lights...

It might just be loose linkage between the shifter and t-case. Either some bolts need tightening or maybe a new linkage. Does the Jeep have a body lift? If so it can cause problems with the linkage. There are brackets made to account for the body lift. Should be an easy fix.

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David
Bel Air,Md
2003 KJ Patriot Blue Sport w/mods R.I.P.
2005 Wrangler Unlimited not so stock
L.O.S.T. #082670
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/803306
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2399643
More mods planned than money.
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"Roads, where we're going we don't need roads."

I'd get him to fix it first. I'm secptical, but then I've ben burnt....

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My opinions & advice are taken at your own risk.
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2002 Patriot Blue KJ - Coming soon!
2006 Black LJ (Wrangler Unlimited), auto, custom skids, 3.5" Rubicon Express, Aussie D30, Rocker Guards & Cooper AT3 235x85r16
2009 Patriot Blue D2500, 5.7L Hemi, 4x4, Quad Cab
1967 Alberg 37' Masthead rigged Sloop

Ditto....................but something doesn't sound right. He said it works fine and you have a problem with it?????....could be just linkage as was said.

Another option is to to have a shop look at it/fix it and take the cost off the asking price.

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05 BLACK KJ - 42RLE & NP242
Skids, Hooks, Bent Rock Rail, Lifted, A/T's, etc.
NY and PA and Florida ONF Special Custom Organic Trail Rash

I already have the local dealership taking a look at it first thing on Monday morning.

I went over to another site and read something similar about a possible loose linkage. If it is a simple fix then I might have found my new DD. If not then I might as well keep looking.

Another separate question: How long does the clutch last in a TJ? I understand it depends on how it is driven but it just came to me that with 100K miles I would need to know the last time it was replaced.

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LOST # 590
Not Jeepless anymore
97 TJ Sahara, 2.5" OME, SYE + CV driveshaft, JKS discos, some armor, some lights...