03 TJ opinion request

[MB5]

Hello all,

New member here and looking for advice. I have an opportunity to pick up an 03 4.0 manual with high miles. It’s in great shape for the miles. But it’s got a heck of a rattle coming from transmission when in gear. Quiet as a mouse when clutch depressed or in neutral. Should I avoid knowing it needs trans work right away? I’ve worked out a deal with guy to buy it for 3k, which seems good to me. But how much can I expect to spend on repair?

It’s mostly going to be used to run around town, we don’t wheel too often. If it turns out to be reliable, we might use it for more off road. My wife’s daily (22 Rubi) is great, but seems too nice to beat on trails. I just like riding top and door free. This one will stay in garage naked and ready so I can take more advantage of that, my favorite part of jeep ownership.

Attaching a couple pics and appreciate your advice!

 

[macleanflood]

If you can do the repairs yourself or are willing to learn it's totally worth it.

If you're paying others for work... it'll be a money pit.

-Mac

 

[Travis05Rubi]

If you can do the repairs yourself or are willing to learn it's totally worth it.

If you're paying others for work... it'll be a money pit.

-M

X2

 

[MB5]

I’m middle of the road on being mechanically inclined. I’ve rebuilt a few engines in my younger days, but also had access to my father in laws garage/lift/tools back then. I only have basic stuff at home.

 

[lBasket]

May I introduce you to the wonderful world of https://www.harborfreight.com/

 

[Travis05Rubi]

I’m middle of the road on being mechanically inclined. I’ve rebuilt a few engines in my younger days, but also had access to my father in laws garage/lift/tools back then. I only have basic stuff at home.

With this forum, a basic set of tools, and a can do attitude that TJ can become your favorite hobby. And cash. You'll need cash.

 

[ColoJeep]

Hello all,

New member here and looking for advice. I have an opportunity to pick up an 03 4.0 manual with high miles. It’s in great shape for the miles. But it’s got a heck of a rattle coming from transmission when in gear. Quiet as a mouse when clutch depressed or in neutral. Should I avoid knowing it needs trans work right away? I’ve worked out a deal with guy to buy it for 3k, which seems good to me. But how much can I expect to spend on repair?

It’s mostly going to be used to run around town, we don’t wheel too often. If it turns out to be reliable, we might use it for more off road. My wife’s daily (22 Rubi) is great, but seems too nice to beat on trails. I just like riding top and door free. This one will stay in garage naked and ready so I can take more advantage of that, my favorite part of jeep ownership.

Attaching a couple pics and appreciate your advice!

View attachment 662885

View attachment 662886

The NV 3550 5 spd. is a very noisy transmission even when new . There may be nothing really wrong if it shifts and stays in gear . With the money you saved , maybe spend a little and get rid of the money face grille.

 

[macleanflood]

And if the NV is shot we'll talk you into a Novak or Advanced Adapters sourced AX-15 from the earlier years for a bullet proof upgrade.

-Mac

 

[TurboTJ]

Your Jeep has the Rubicon rocker guards. So….. is it a Rubicon? If you are getting a Rubicon for $3k, regardless of miles, it is a great deal.

 

[OldBuzzard]

It looks good on top (well, except for the grille).

But how is the frame?

 

[Rancho LJ]

Why is it so angry?

The hard top alone is worth a third of the cost of the Jeep. It seems like a pretty good deal to me if it's rolling. Rust is your enemy. Crawl underneath and take a very close look around.

There's plenty of help here to get you along. Wrangler TJs are fairly simple vehicles and easy to work on. I'd say pull the trigger.
 

 

[MB5]

I saw zero rust anywhere on it, but I wasn’t under there with a magnifying glass. It’s a one owner, well, Son is selling his Dad’s jeep due to his passing. Its entire life was GA/SC line area, so should be in decent shape. Interior is super clean with hardly any wear at all. Looks to have been very well cared for. That grille will be the first thing changed, 100%.

I’m not sure what options it has, seems pretty basic though, our JL rubicon is loaded by comparison. Can you get a build sheet or options list on it from the VIN like you can newer ones? I’m pretty sure the Son selling it has no idea what he has other than a manual jeep.

 

[06TJ35's]

3k is not bad there’s 2k in the full doors and hardtop alone. At least here in socal.

 

[Plumber1]

This area I have some concerns over

 

[TheBoogieman]

Your Jeep has the Rubicon rocker guards. So….. is it a Rubicon? If you are getting a Rubicon for $3k, regardless of miles, it is a great deal.

Those are stick-on BushCracker plastic rocker guards.

 

[John Cooper]

Yes you can get the build sheet by the VIN# i don't have the link but other's do.

@TheBoogieman hook this fellow up!!!

Where in Georgia are you from? We have a number of members from north Georgia to South Georgia.

 

[TheBoogieman]

This area I have some concerns overView attachment 662920

Those are stick-on plastic rocker guards.The double sided tape just came loose.

 

[John Cooper]

Those are stick-on plastic rocker guards.

Boog hook him up with the vin decoder

 

[TheBoogieman]

Boog hook him up with the vin decoder

https://fcagroup.my.site.com/RAM/s/equipment-listing

 

[JC123]

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/where-can-i-find-a-jeep-manual.87672/post-1812330