Startin to look for Wranglers.... opnions

TAHOE · **Posted:** Thu Oct 01, 2009 7:16 pm

Okay, got in my head I'm going to sell the purple pig and get a wrangler of some sort. I would rather get a TJ 4.0L w/ 5 spd if I had my choice, plus I'm going to try to keep price between $5-6K max. Looking at craigslist, I maybe limited to YJ's as even 97-98 TJ's are up around $7-10K in my area, but would rather have the coil springs up front. We had an 80 CJ5 yrs back, want a newer one. I'm hoping to find a "lost job, need to sell"
Anyway, those of you who own/have owned, what are your opinions on either or? Any thing to look for, stay away from, etc.

Thanks!!!!

pixeldzn · **Posted:** Thu Oct 01, 2009 9:16 pm

Stay away from the 4 banger as a first step. They are notoriously anemic.

Other than that, being in the rust belt just make sure to look underneath.

David Jr · **Posted:** Fri Oct 02, 2009 4:53 pm

Depending on the mileage, look at the U joints on the front drive shaft, they might need to be replaced(which is what i had to do) replace the thermostat, oil pressure sending unit (next on my list), and radiator. I paid $5600 for mine. i enjoy working on cars so this didn't bother me. Trying to remove the wheel bearing housing did

.

jeepmedic · **Posted:** Tue Oct 06, 2009 2:11 pm

I would stay with 97 or newer. That way you get the newer 4 coil suspension and there are tons of upgrades / mods avail for 97-07 TJ's with good pricing.

It may be a good idea to looked for a salvaged / wrecked Rubicon. F and R lockers, Dana 44's fron and rear, a little work and you have a great Jeep.

2006 KJ · **Posted:** Tue Oct 06, 2009 2:36 pm

jeepmedic wrote:

I would stay with 97 or newer. That way you get the newer 4 coil suspension and there are tons of upgrades / mods avail for 97-07 TJ's with good pricing.

It may be a good idea to looked for a salvaged / wrecked Rubicon. F and R lockers, Dana 44's fron and rear, a little work and you have a great Jeep.

took the words right outta my mouth.... stretch yourself for a rubicon it will save you A TON of money in the future. selectable lockers front and rear with Dana 44's (with 4.10's.. if you get a 6 speed your good up to 35's without a re-gear) , and a 4.0L. but the best part is the 1 to 4 low roctrac transfer case.. worth it's weight in gold offroad.

keep an eye on http://daveysjeeps.com/ that's where we got our rubicon

tommudd · **Posted:** Tue Oct 06, 2009 4:45 pm

Better yet just call him up and tell him what you are looking for. He'll keep an eye out and most times have all the parts you need to fix one. Great guy to deal with!

jeepmedic · **Posted:** Sun Dec 06, 2009 8:00 pm

any updates ??

tan's2002kjlimited · **Posted:** Sun Dec 06, 2009 9:34 pm

First year of the Rubicon was '03, so you'll be paying for it.
There's one up by "the exiled one" in Miamisburg.

2004 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon - $14,987
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&csDlId=&csDgId=&listingId=30013432&listingRecNum=27&criteria=sf1Dir%3DASC%26alMdId%3D22306%26mkId%3D20021%26stkTyp%3DU%26mdId%3D22306%26kwm%3DANY%26rd%3D500%26crSrtFlds%3DstkTypId-feedSegId-mkId-mdId-pseudoYear-kw%26zc%3D60193%26rn%3D0%26PMmt%3D1-1-0%26stkTypId%3D28881%26sf2Dir%3DASC%26sf1Nm%3Dlocation%26yrMn%3D2003%26kw%3DRubicon%26sf2Nm%3DmodelYear%26yrMx%3D2005%26alMkId%3D20021%26rpp%3D50%26feedSegId%3D28705&aff=national

Soft top, no less

STINGN · **Posted:** Mon Dec 07, 2009 5:16 am

is that a real rubicon, it said no diff lockers.

TAHOE · **Posted:** Mon Dec 07, 2009 9:31 am

jeepmedic wrote:

any updates ??

yeah, the wife put the brakes on it and the guy ended up pulling off the market at the same time. Good thing I didn't buy it too... intake gaskets and two injectors on Tahoe then new hot water heater, those sucked up about $700. I'll just stick with the 'Hoe and using the firebird as my daily, much better gas mileage.

JeepBumm68 · **Posted:** Mon Dec 07, 2009 11:13 am

Go to RubiconOwnersforum.com There are a few already built to still stock rubi's for sale there. Also like everyone else stay 97 and above.

teckman02 · **Posted:** Mon Dec 07, 2009 5:02 pm

hey tahoe i found this http://www.muddybuddys.net/Mud_Hole/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=1894

TAHOE · **Posted:** Mon Dec 07, 2009 5:09 pm

Thanks, but not in the market for one anymore. Don't have the extra $$$ for one now.

LibertyFever · **Posted:** Fri Dec 18, 2009 7:47 am

I have to agree with most of the previous posts.

While I do love the look of the early CJ's however the mileage will be high and unless it was driven exclusively in a sunshine state the body & frame will be rotted/rusty. A YJ Wrangler can be bought cheap too but they also are prone to rot & rust.

I have a 4 cyl YJ so I can tell you from experience that your best bet is a TJ with a 6 cyl, either manual or automatic. The 4 cyl is okay for tires 33" and smaller but only with regearing of the axles. A Rubicon TJ in sound condition would be a dream but you'll have to pay a lot for it. The Rubicon has stout Dana44 axles c/w lockers.

Startin to look for Wranglers.... opnions

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