Looking for all the help I can get !!

northernmutt · **Posted:** Thu Sep 20, 2007 11:15 pm

Hello all - I am new to the forum here and hope that I may someday join your ranks as a KJ owner. I have looked at all the reviews, discussions and forums - this has led me to the potential purchase of a KJ.

What I need is any heads-up on what to look for in a KJ ( or what to avoid.?.?.?.). I have read about problems with the ball joints and the HVAC hose draining into the passenger side floor. Other than that, What should I look for ???

With my present budget, I am thinking of a 2002-2003 model - won't really matter if it is a limited or a sport, either would suit me just fine

Thanks in advance

northernmutt

tommudd · **Posted:** Thu Sep 20, 2007 11:23 pm

As with any vehicle there are some little glitches, ball joints are the biggest problem but with replacing them with Moogs they seem to last. Mine is a 2004 bought new with 121 miles replaced ball joints at over 50000 miles and rear u joints at 56000 and thats it so far and have almost 87000 miles on it and never been inside of any dealership! Some have had rear caliper problems and a few little things like that others will chime in with their experiences!
Welcome aboard this is a great place to live or I mean visit every now and again! :wink:

Tom

wildrussian · **Posted:** Fri Sep 21, 2007 8:16 am

I bought my Sport without really doing any research, I just went to the dealer for an SUV and came back with the Libby. I wish I did look into it a little more and bought the Limited Edition because it has the Full Time transfer case option which is very handy in rainny and snowwy conditions. There some other things that Limited has that Sport doesn't that I had to buy myslef like tow hooks and skid plates. I think some Limited also came with Trac Lok that is the limited slip differential (it was an option I think), I would of loved to have that also. But if you are going to go serious off roading you get a Sport and you can just build it up. Don't get me wrong some Sport could have all that stuff also, they could of added it as an option when first purcahsed. Just check into it when you are looking at one. I hope it all makes sence and good luck with the Libby they are great. :lol:

northernmutt · **Posted:** Fri Sep 21, 2007 8:58 am

Thanks for the quick replies - I will be sure to look more seriously into a ltd than a sport as they sound like they are more feature rich ( over and above looks ).

northernmutt

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

Welcome to the board! Whatever you choose you're going to have fun with it, for sure. When you are out shopping, make sure to look at the sport models too, lots of them are loaded up pretty well with options. I don't think leather was an option for sports, but most of the other options are.

If you want fog lights, Selec-Trac, Trak-lock, 6 CD changer, cruise control, tilt steering, tinted windows, etc, you can find it on a sport. Some have reported that the seats in the Limited are more comfortable especially for road trips.

If you plan to do much off-road work get a sport, you won't mind so much when the fenders get trail rash...

dkcase · **Posted:** Fri Sep 21, 2007 1:12 pm

With an '02 I have had the ball joints replaced twice -- on the two recalls, I was monitoring their wear and they were still within specs.

I had the radiator cooling fan relay go out two times. It really should have the connector replaced now.

Very recently I had the air conditioner clutch replaced. That was only available from the dealer $ $ , but I had it replaced at an independent. The aftermarket only shows rebuilt/new compressors with clutch, but not the clutch alone.

All in all, quite pleased with it.

Guest · **Posted:** Fri Sep 21, 2007 9:10 pm

I've had no issues in 2wd in rain/snow...about the only time you'll need FT 4wd is if A: you still have those god-awful Wrangler ST's or the not-as-bad RS-A's on your KJ (replace them ASAP with something that doesn't suck!) or B: if your tires are just plain bald.

I bought my '02 Sport with the 45RFE auto in October of '05, i've run the dogcrap out of it (I probably won't smash the 100k barrier before my two-year anniversary...it's got about 95,500 on it now) and I really haven't had any issues from it. it's been a great little rig, doin everything from carting drunks from bar to bar to dragging big trailers from here to there, and carting piles of RC cars from track to track to playing anywhere I'm allowed to play.

Just rotate your tires, keep the tranny serviced every 30k (probably oughta do that first thing when you buy it anyway), and keep an eye on those balljoints and you'll be a happy camper.

You should probably follow the owner's manual as far as maintenance goes a little further than I have though...I got lazy a few times.

LostEddie · **Posted:** Tue Sep 25, 2007 6:50 pm

A bit obvious, but if you are considering off road (or snow) be sure you get a 4X4. Part time or full time transfer doesn’t seem to be a big issue but many would like to have a locking rear dif.

Dje Ryu · **Posted:** Tue Sep 25, 2007 9:12 pm

The GY Wrangler HPs aren't any good either. Basically, if you get one with any of the factory tires, get better tires.

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Tue Sep 25, 2007 11:57 pm

^^correct. Those tires will cause you to wreck.. :evil:

Rush345 · **Posted:** Wed Sep 26, 2007 1:38 am

Last July I bought my '02 Sport from a stealership. Try to find another mechanic to look at it. Right off the lot I was back the next day for a complete A/C replacement, with in the next week a new Radiator, the next week Rebuild the rear dif and true up warped front rotors, Then LBJ's twice in the first year. Would I do it again, He!! YES. I might do a little more research and have it checked before I signed my name. But I love my Liberty. Then protect your investment as soon as possible switch it out to AMSOIL. :idea:

SoDakJeep · **Posted:** Wed Sep 26, 2007 3:34 am

i agree amsoil will be put in my jeep next oil change then tranny and w/e i can after that talk to jj kjs or somthing like that in his sig he has the amsoil logo he can get you a deal at a lot less then you think. fig an oil change is 20-30 bucks every 3000 miles so thsat 100-150 and you can change amsoil every 15-20k miles. and cut that price in half. plus its better for the motor haha but yea thast what I am doing as well.

sleeve84028 · **Posted:** Wed Sep 26, 2007 8:48 am

New car shopping is always fun. I just wanted to add that if you live in a cold climate and go with a limited edition that has leather seats, try to get the seat heaters if you can. The leather chairs can get really cold on the wintery mornings...

Also look for heated outside mirros if you can (cold climate bonus)

tjkoen01 · **Posted:** Wed Sep 26, 2007 9:44 am

northernmutt wrote:

Thanks for the quick replies - I will be sure to look more seriously into a ltd than a sport as they sound like they are more feature rich ( over and above looks ).

northernmutt

just be careful, I have a limited and it has NONE of those features....not even abs! I think the only thing that makes it a limited is the sunroof and the painted fender flares. oh well, i love it anyway!

WoodysKJ · **Posted:** Wed Sep 26, 2007 10:44 am

I have an 02 and an 07. Aside from the minor stuff that you get with any car. I LOVE EM!!!!

02 is a limited with only a few options, purchased new and 2 ball joint replacements. Pre-Lowered DC lowered them in april of 02 i think, anyway I like it the way it is, with the 07 was like that, and it will be booty soon as i can afford it.

07 is also a limited with LOTS of options. leather heated seats and mirrors ( have not had the pleasure of using them yet, bought the kj in may) and a full set of skids, hitch....

Only problem I have is which one get the mods first. Decisions decisions....

Good luck. what ever you do GET THE BALL JOINTS INSPECTED AND SEE IF IT HAS FULLFILLED THAT OR ANY RECALL BY RUNNING THE VIN ON JEEP'S WEBSITE!!!

Great vehicles. Just remember, it is not a mini cooper and WILL NOT GET THAT KIND OF GAS MILAGE. was never intended to do that.

Keep that in mind and you will love it.

Looking for all the help I can get !!

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