What options to look for in a used KJ -- did the search, but

rmorit01 · **Posted:** Mon Apr 14, 2008 11:56 pm

Newbie here looking at used KJs.

I looked in the FAQs and did some searching but couldn't find any details on preferred options between the KJ models and what options are "must have"?

Opinions or resources?

Thanks -- Bob

DryBones · **Posted:** Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:24 am

I prefer the Limited with the tow package but it really depends on how you are going to use it and what mods you may want to put into it after you own it. Good luck and happy hunting!

PS: try to find a 2007. last of a dying breed but should last longer than the older ones. Dealer near me has a mint 2007 Limited with less than 6,000 miles on it. I keep trying to talk the wife into us having just 1 more in the driveway but she is not buying into my madness :lol:

I keep telling her I need to have a DD and one to play with!

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:35 am

You should tell us what your plans are for the KJ.

Keep it totally stock or inject it with steroids
off-road or stay on road (Daily Driver) or combo

sleeve84028 · **Posted:** Tue Apr 15, 2008 8:07 am

2002 was the best model year.. Tougher transmission, smaller gas tank, taller springs and a different power steering curve.

Look for:

1) Tow package [comes with HD cooling]
2) Skid Plate group [the stock stuff is better than nothing, sort of]
3) Full Time Transfercase [select trac is great for on-roading in winter and rain]
4) Keep the miles low on you canidate KJ
5) I'd buy one as close to stock as possible so you can tailor the vehicle to your needs.

Remember, the KJ gets lousy gas mileage so if you are planning to buy because you think it gets good mileage. It doesn't. It's a Jeep.

rmorit01 · **Posted:** Tue Apr 15, 2008 8:40 am

Tokyojoe wrote:

You should tell us what your plans are for the KJ.

Keep it totally stock or inject it with steroids
off-road or stay on road (Daily Driver) or combo

Well I'm moving from an FSJ (early 70's J-Truck) so I have a good idea of gas costs.

My plans would be as a Daily Driver and to participate in some of our Jeep Club events. In a perfect world it would be a "combo" vehicle 90% daily driver and 10% on trails or using it as the camping vehicle.

I'm falling into the mode of most XJs are too tired that I can find, Wranglers are just too small (unlimited wranglers too expensive) and KJ seems to be this love/hate type of Jeep from what I've read (clearly loved here).

Looking for more technical information on the differences in years and a run down of options for each class (Sport, Limited and Renegade). For example, it seems that the only "manual" Liberty that I have seen is 4X2 all others are automatics. What transfer cases did they come with? Could you option a Liberty any way you wanted? Or are the Limited all optioned the same?

Thanks for the info -- Bob

meh_kick · **Posted:** Tue Apr 15, 2008 9:07 am

http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=176

Midway through first post ought to answer most of your technical questions.

VTNomad · **Posted:** Tue Apr 15, 2008 9:08 am

Antilock brakes weren't standard on my 2004, so if that's a concern, check for that.

Some 2002 models have drum brakes in the rear, most have discs all around.

Some 2002 models have a beefier transmission.

ihatemybike · **Posted:** Tue Apr 15, 2008 9:16 am

CRD, wish we had one already.

Jeepman56 · **Posted:** Tue Apr 15, 2008 9:29 am

I have an '07 Sport and love it. If I could go back and do it over I would have gotten a '05 Renegade with a tow package. Since I got my Jeep I have added skids, AT tires, roof rack, tow hooks, and am adding a rear hitch and more lights. The Renegades all have this stuff (minus the tires and roof rack) standard. Good luck, have fun.

moose · **Posted:** Tue Apr 15, 2008 9:54 am

I'd opt for NO LSD in the rear, that way you can add a lunchbox locker to your DD. 6spds are rare, but out there. I'd get a sport or an '05 renny myself (no ESP, but the cool front end :twisted:

)

sleeve84028 · **Posted:** Tue Apr 15, 2008 10:29 am

All 2002 Transmissions (up to April 2003) were the 45RLE out of the Dodge Ram 1500
All 2002 Brakes (up to April 2003) were drum rear / disk front

After that cut off the following changed:
42RFE transmission added - considered to be a tad weaker and more fuel effiecent
4 wheel disk brakes
Shorter springs added to lower the CG of the vehicle
Different powersteering profile added to reduce "parking lot" steering effort

Renegade adds the light bar, 160A alternator (stock is 132A)

Tow package adds: PS cooler, mechanical fan and electrical fan for cooling. Transmisison cooler as well
Skid plate group added transfer case skid, transmission skid (and engine skid in later years after it was removed)

The two transfercases are the Command Trac and Selectrac.

scull20 · **Posted:** Tue Apr 15, 2008 5:40 pm

Two words...

Bun Warmers

-Ryan

scarletbegonias · **Posted:** Tue Apr 15, 2008 6:20 pm

The overhead console EVIC is really convenient bc it features such things as a compass, temperature readout, fuel statistics, garage door opener option, miles-to-empty, miles-to-next service, and in the later models..05 and up..available w/a low drive tire and low spare tire notification. Pretty cool stuff.

rmorit01 · **Posted:** Tue Apr 15, 2008 7:57 pm

meh_kick wrote:

http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=176

Midway through first post ought to answer most of your technical questions.

Thanks that was very informative.

Also, as I've been looking at pictures of Libertys it seems that the 2005 Renegades do not have the same type of wheel flair as the earlier versions, is this in fact true?

Guest · **Posted:** Tue Apr 15, 2008 8:07 pm

whatever you do, don't get a 4 cylinder expecting to save fuel. You won't.

if it still has the OEM tires on it when you buy it, GET RID OF THEM. they SUCK...HARD...and not in a good way. 10 year Cheng Shins on a 30 year old motorcycle have better wet-weather traction.

keep your fluids changed, check the radiator for wetness around the endtanks and around the front cradle and such.

Prepare to pay out the arse for brake parts if you get an '02...the drums/shoes are pricey compared to pads/rotors for an 03+.

plugs...every 25k in my case. My KJ also doesn't like 87 octane (not that I've purposely put it in there...i let my brother borrow it ONCE...yeah...bad idea. poor 3.7...already has to haul around a heavy pig :lol:

)

if you're buying from a dealership, check the front diff for a pinion seal leak, and use that as a bargaining point.

All I can think of right now, aside from agreeing on the heated seats...I drove my grampa's Audi a couple days this past winter and WOW are they sweet!

snowsport · **Joined:** Tue Oct 18, 2005 11:52 pm **Posts:** 1211

sleeve, my KJ was built in Feb 03 and it has the 42RLE tranny. It also has 4 disc brakes.

I agree about the Trak-Lok, I have that and it doesn't seem to add much to the performance of the KJ. Although I have never driven another KJ, so maybe it does. Doesn't seem like it though.

Also recommend the tow package, and get skids and tow hooks. Even if you don't off-road the KJ, you might need hooks to get out of a ditch, and the skids prevent road debris from damaging the underbelly.

rmorit01 · **Posted:** Wed Apr 16, 2008 12:06 am

What type of mileage should I be wary of?

For example, is 64K "worn out" in a Liberty? I ask because there is a 2004 Renegade near me with that mileage.

Or is it simply better to start out being under 30K miles regardless of year?

Bob

carroll952 · **Posted:** Wed Apr 16, 2008 2:19 am

rmorit01 wrote:

meh_kick wrote:

http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=176

Midway through first post ought to answer most of your technical questions.

Thanks that was very informative.

Also, as I've been looking at pictures of Libertys it seems that the 2005 Renegades do not have the same type of wheel flair as the earlier versions, is this in fact true?

2005 brought a face-lift to the KJs. As for the renegades, the fender flares were no longer painted to match the body, the front bumper is different and the fog lights are mounted on the bumper. Also in 2005 the Renegades were equipped with a flat hood unlike the rest of the KJs.

Here is a pic of mine when I first bought it.

side profile after I lifted it

bugnout · **Posted:** Wed Apr 16, 2008 9:33 am

the one feature I would recommend is SelectTrak transfer case. I use fulltime 4wd all the time. I'm always impressed at how much better the KJ handles in the snow and wet roads. Soooo much safer.

You could only get SelectTrak on the Limited model gassers I believe, Came std on all CRD's

snowsport · **Joined:** Tue Oct 18, 2005 11:52 pm **Posts:** 1211

bugnout wrote:

You could only get SelectTrak on the Limited model gassers I believe, Came std on all CRD's

IDK about all years, but SelecTrak was available in all models in 03, as an option. My sport has it. And I agree, it is definitely worth while.

What options to look for in a used KJ -- did the search, but

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