Considering purchasing this 02 TJ; Thoughts?

[Ksload92]

Went yesterday to see and drive this TJ that’s for sale. Back in the market looking for one after my 01 was totaled from getting rear ended

It’s a 2002 with 137,xxx, 4.0L I6 5-speed manual. The Jeep has always been in the South so no problems with rust. I’ll include all the work that has been done to it from the ad:

AXLES:
-Dana 44 front and rear axles w/ 4.88 gears and lockers.
-Front factory rubicon air locker.
-Rear Detroit trutrac.

LIFT:
-Metal Cloak 3.5” springs and 1” body lift.
-Metal cloak rear adjustable arms and track bar.
-Core tier 4 front control arms and track bar.
-Rocksport shocks

STEERING / DRIVESHAFTS:
-Currie correctlynk steering.
-Front and rear Adams drive shafts.
-SYE kit

MISC:
-Rare factory brown leather seats w/ Bartact seat covers.
-Brand new soft top
-Bedrug carpet kit
-Hella Fog lights
-15” wheels w/ 35” tires (Cooper Discovers)
-Clutch has been replaced recently

FLAWS:
-No muffler; did not have one when the guy bought it from previous owner (we don’t have inspections down here); might consider having one put on down the line
-Seller stated the Jeep sometimes needs to be started a 2nd time if it doesn’t start on first try. Something related to the fuel pump needing to pressurize. He said it’s not an all the time thing.

We negotiated to a price of $11,500.

Just looking to get some feedback from y’all about all the mods that have been done and if it would be a smart purchase! Seems to have been overall well maintained, upgraded and serviced.

Thanks In Advance!

 

[MutantNinjaTJ]

a quick glance tells me you should do alright in this deal.

 

[JMT]

If you could post of pics where the front and rear control arms mount to the frame and where the TCase skid attaches to the frame it will help. From here it looks fine...I don't think GA is a rust state, but that's the biggest concern.

 

[CharlesHS]

Appears to have transfercase drop spacers (picture 2) for driveline vibrations; do a thorough inspection of the frame rails for rust in the area of the skid plate mounting surface and the other areas recommended by JMT.

 

[TRE3TOP]

Looks like a good buy to me. I paid 10k for an 02 with 180k last year, but it didn’t have the Dana 44 front end so I’d say you’re right in the ballpark for pricing.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Ask them why the front fenders were replaced if it didn't have any rust. Accident? Offer them $11,000 so you can buy a muffler and fuel pump.

 

[por212]

Are you sure the rear differential is a Dana 44?

 

[Rcroane]

Seriously, no inspections required?!

 

[NWPA Jeepy T]

Rhino, rattle can or por15?

 

[macleanflood]

If you've got a pressure gauge and the fuel rail has a Schrader valve you can check the pressure quickly....not that I would consider can weak fuel pump a deal breaker.

I assume it has the 0331 heads?

-Mac

 

[zackcj7]

Make sure you look at the frame closely for rust if you have not already. People from up North have been moving down and bringing their rusty POS TJs down with them. I have also seen vehicles that live close to the coast have pretty severe rust issues.

If there is no significant rust, looks like a pretty good deal.

 

[hear]

Based on what I'm seeing listed in DFW, that Jeep for $11.5k is a very solid buy. I mean, the cost to find a front 44, re-gear & lock, plus the lift/arms/SYE/driveshafts/steering is easily $5k assuming you did everything yourself other than the gears. So ask yourself if you can find a better Jeep for $11.5k - $5k = $6k. And the answer is you probably can't, assuming there is no rust we don't know about.