Should I buy this TJ? New buyer advice

[Liam_H]

Hi! I apologise if this is in the wrong thread however I am a new joiner looking to buy a 04 TJ 4.0L.
Ive been sent photos and videos from what seems like an honest genuine seller, I was just wondering if I could get any opinions on this undercarriage and is it good or bad?
He says it is factory paint and hasnt been cleaned underneath hense the dirt/dust. Floor pans under carpet look rust free. But can you more experienced guys see if this is a disaster or safe to buy?
Thank you I appreciate any help!

 

[TheBoogieman]

I see a Dana 44 rear axle, minor surface rust and lots of dirt/dried mud. Check inside the frame and feel for flakes and sand like particles. A scope works best if you have one handy. Believe me, that dried mud is a PITA to clean off and make it look nice again. Nothing stands out to me in those bad pics. If the inside of the frame is good, I'd make him come down at least $500 to clean up that dirty mess.
p.s. I had a mud Jeep that looked much worse than that. 6-8 hours with a wire wheel brush attachment and some black satin paint made it look like new. I paid $8500 for the 03' Sahara and cleaned it up nicely for a profit.

 

[JEEPCJTJ]

For the most part that doesn't look too bad, maybe ever pretty good.

I do see some potential issue where the rust is forming a few cm from the bolt that holds it on in your third picture down. That's where you'll want to check out the inside of the frame.

After double checking that picture I wonder if I see a bend in the frame where it seems to curve down between the skid plate and the lower control arm mount or if it's just a bad picture itself.

 

[Liam_H]

Brilliant thank you! What does the Dana 44 axle mean for it? Is that good or bad that its been swapped? It doesn't have very big wheels possibly 31s. Apologies I have a lot to learn!
Thank you

 

[TheBoogieman]

Brilliant thank you! What does the Dana 44 axle mean for it? Is that good or bad that its been swapped? It doesn't have very big wheels possibly 31s. Apologies I have a lot to learn!
Thank you

That's the much better rear axle Jeep used from the factory. Dana 35 = Not so good.

 

[Liam_H]

Ohh I see! Perfect, thanks for the help lads!