03 TJ opinion request

[GoldenGorilla]

A rattle could be anything from a worn out trans mount, worn diveshaft u-joints that need to be replaced (both low cost diy repairs) to an issue with the throwout bearing or fork or something more substantial within the NV3550 if it doesn't shift well.

That hard top is not an 03 hard top, which means the soft top it came with might be around.

I'd also look at the insides of the front and rear tires for signs of the axles leaking gear fluid. Also not a major expense, but you may need access to a shop press for the rears.

As mentioned, rust free frame is a a big deal.

Go back and look at it one more time. Get underneath an look close. Put your hand on the front and rear driveshafts and check for play.

If you are OK putting $3-5k more into parts and time into repairs, it could be great.

 

[MB5]

Great info everyone, thanks!

My initial budget for this addition was 6k. I’m okay with more spent down the road, but was hoping to get going with an initial $6000. I’ll be going to see it again/pick up later this coming week. I’ll post if I take this one or any others I’ve been looking at.

I’m in Hoschton, GA. NE part of state off of I85, about an hour north of Atlanta.

Thanks again for the help and the warm welcome!

 

[Gilaguy23]

Make sure to check where the belly pan mounts to the frame. Thats a notoriously bad spot for rust and the inserts pulling out or coming loose.

 

[MB5]

Great info everyone, thanks!

My initial budget for this addition was 6k. I’m okay with more spent down the road, but was hoping to get going with an initial $6000. I’ll be going to see it again/pick up later this coming week. I’ll post if I take this one or any others I’ve been looking at.

I’m in Hoschton, GA. NE part of state off of I85, about an hour north of Atlanta.

Thanks again for the help and the warm welcome!

I was also considering this 98. Few thousand less miles, and a couple thousand more expensive, but an auto. In good shape but seems to have been used off road more. Looks like the decals are an add…has unlimited stickers and I don’t believe they read Sahara across the hood in those years?(appears to be wrong font anyway). I’m not a fan of chrome, personally, but it gives off CJ vibes that I like.

 

[John Cooper]

I’m in Hoschton, GA. NE part of state off of I85, about an hour north of Atlanta.

Thanks again for the help and the warm welcome!

We have members in Gainesville, Ranger, Suches area that try to go out pretty regularly. One is over in Clemson are another is in the Calhoun area.

@Hog @RangerTJ @trojandawg @tr21triton

We gave a Georgia wheeling sub forum if you would like added to it also.

 

[John Cooper]

I would go look at both of them, drive them and pick the one you like, as long as they check out clean and rust free.

Hoschton...... know exactly where you are. I was raised in Ila went to school in Danielsville.

 

[MB5]

I would go look at both of them, drive them and pick the one you like, as long as they check out clean and rust free.

Hoschton...... know exactly where you are. I was raised in Ila went to school in Danielsville.

it’s getting very populated over this way lately, metro area creeping closer and closer. Will be time to move farther out before long. I like Ila and all the little towns north and east of Commerce.

 

[Travis05Rubi]

I was also considering this 98. Few thousand less miles, and a couple thousand more expensive, but an auto. In good shape but seems to have been used off road more. Looks like the decals are an add…has unlimited stickers and I don’t believe they read Sahara across the hood in those years?(appears to be wrong font anyway). I’m not a fan of chrome, personally, but it gives off CJ vibes that I like.

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Get the one that makes you happy. 3 to 5k for a TJ where I live is a deal either way. If I saw your first choice for sale near me it would be in my driveway already.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Looks like the decals are an add…has unlimited stickers and I don’t believe they read Sahara across the hood in those years?(appears to be wrong font anyway).
View attachment 662935

The unlimited stickers are just to remind you of what your bank balance needs to be. The small Sahara stickers are stock, the large ones are from a newer model.

 

[Ashim]

Go for it. Around here $3K buys a Jeep with a rusted frame.

 

[alittleoff]

I've got 2 '03's. First one I got in 2004 with 19 miles on it and now has 89,***+.
Second one recently bought with 242,*** + miles. Both have the 3550's in them.
They sound and feel the same as far as trans noise goes.
No slush boxes for me.

 

[MB5]

Get the one that makes you happy. 3 to 5k for a TJ where I live is a deal either way. If I saw your first choice for sale near me it would be in my driveway already.

Yeah, I’m thinking I should’ve just taken it. Owner can’t meet until mid week at this point, hopefully he holds it for me like he said. The more I’m looking around the better that one seems. I could take it and have trans replaced for lower price than a lot of these are listed for.