Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator

I'd like some opinions please

Bridge816

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Original poster
Joined
Apr 30, 2024
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23
Location
Utah
Howdy guys, I'd love some help here. I sold my 98 TJ a while back and I really regret that decision. I'm trying to get back into it, and I've looked at a couple different ones so far and I've put some thought into it. I would just like some of those very experienced minds out there to give me their honest opinion. Im mechanically inclined, and I like working on engines, specially these tjs. I'm not against putting some work into it (nothing insane of course).
The 2 I've looked at seem somethwat decent. I will provide some pictures
They are both 4.0, standard stick shift.

The first one is a 2001 sport, 138k. It drove amazing. Clutch was very smooth, shifted very well. It drove very nice, I was impressed. And also, the manafolds were in good condition. But I have a few concerns, and of course it's rust. I would want to redo the hood, whatever that would take. But there are some spots on the frame that worry me.

The other one is a 98 Sahara with 166k.
The exterior on this jeep is amazing. The frame is clean. No spots that even concern me. The deal with this one is I think it needs some work. I noticed the ticking immediately. It more than likely needs new manafolds, they looked not well. The clutch was stiff, and made some noises upon pressure that I thought were strange. I also wish it had different wheels and tires. But that's besides the point. It really seemed like it just lacked power, which I feel like after a manafolds and few things would be better. This jeep also has a rebuilt title. It slid off a road and tweeked the axle. It immediately had a new Dana 35 replaced. Alignment, inspection, all the things that seem like it would just fine now. And I didn't notice any of this upon inspection or driving.

I'll provide some pictures of both.
I'd love all the opinions! Please
 
This is the concerning spots on the 98 sport with 137k
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Yep, I have a feeling you may be right on this one. Gotta be patient 👍🏻

You can fix almost everything easily and being 25+ years I'd expect to need to fix some stuff, worn steering, etc. the only thing you cant fix easily or at all is rust. Or a blown engine/tran maybe be more work than it's worth.
 
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01 will have likely a poo poo 0331 head. IIRC 99 is the last year for the AX15 trans. Rust sucks, look inside the frame holes for the real story on rust. Me personally Id buy nothing but a 97, 98 or 99 with a 4.0 and ax15 or the auto in those years is known to be bullet proof.
 
Pass on #1

#2 is decent if no rust and you don't mind fixing engine issues. I'd also say to wait, maybe find one that's closer to 100K miles. Though I do really like the green (color only).
 
Maybe consider checking NV, AZ, and CA markets.

I was fortunate to get a southern AZ Jeep with no rust on the underside and a frame that still looks new on the inside.
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator