What to Look for When Buying A Jeep Wrangler TJ 97-06
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- Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024
- Video on my opinions on what to look for when purchasing a jeep wrangler TJ 97-06. Just a few things I came up with to help you find a good jeep! Hope you guys enjoy!
#jeep
#jeeptj
#wrangler
I would also take it to a mechanic if you can and have the jeep inspected.
KyleSVT do you have a video on all of the mods and additions you put your Jeep? I have one, a 2001 actually. I really enjoy how you fixed up your Jeep, and wanted mine done like yours
I sure do man! ruclips.net/video/zija0kaf7PI/видео.html
Yo KyleSVT what year Jeep is this
Hey bro! it's a 2001
Get a 2003 or 2004 Jeep TJ or first year of Jeep LJ Unlimited in 2004:
- Newer revamped interiors w/ better controls than the '97-'02 models
- Dana 44 rear...NO Dana 35c as those break too easily on any TJ
- 4.0L engine only: Has better engine w/o oil pump failures of the '05-06 models
- 4.0L engine has exhaust manifold cracks that sound like lifter tick at start up when cold
- Hard top is VERY nice to have in Northern climates as TJ's heater is powerful and that helps keep heat in
- Full doors are very nice...especially when gotten new w/ purchase of Jeep
- What does driver seat look like: torn or grubbed up? = owner didn't care = what about the rest of the Jeep?
- Steering wheel cover torn up = owner didn't care = what about the rest of the Jeep?
- How does gas tank skid plate look? Those are weak and thin + dinged up easily
- Buy a locking gas cap if the Jeep you're wanting to buy doesn't have one...one keyed to ignition is best
- Manual transmission is better than automatic as those are less likely to be problematic
- How are control arm bushings? All cracked looking? = new poly bushings or Control Arms needed to defeat Death Wobble
- Front wheel bearing hubs & front drive axle u-joints: check by jacking up front axle and shaking wheels laterally. For wheel u-joints, check for squeaky metallic grind when test driving
2003 TJ is the best as its the 1st year for the Rubicon model.
Happy Jeepin'!
Do the 03 04 tj models regular models not Rubicons do they have drums in the back or did they upgrade to disc?
That I don't know as I got a "Sport" version in Shale Green Metallic back in 2003 and the only Rubicon Gene's Chrysler in Fairbanks, AK had at that time was a black one with an automatic and I passed on it: auto transmission is blasphemy on a TJ!
The replacement Ford 8.8" I had ECGS make for me came with disk brakes standard.
I can only assume the Dana44 the TJ Rubicon uses is drum with a rear disc option.
Stick shift models changed transmission types in 2005 from the NV3550 5-speed to the slightly weaker NSG370 6-speed w/ granny gear till the TJ's demise / end in 2006.
slant6guy If you have a 05 or 06, the Crown oil pump drive assembly fixes the stock's issue.
OPDA is a biggie. all TJs around here are rusted to hell. Including my '06 rubicon. I only had 34K miles on it and had to get rid of it, too much rust and issues. My JK rocks, way more power and better stance, more room, safer for kids in back seat....
Great list. I have a 2005 Jeep Rubicon I purchased new and we just went over 85K miles (it was in storage for two years). In that time I've only had two somewhat major issues - the coolant system started acting up and the jeep running hot. Some DIY and a long weekend and I replaced the entire coolant system and it runs great. Second issue was brake calibers - I had just installed new brake pads, rebuilt the front steering and the jeep was running great. Then one day I noticed what many refer to as the death wobble. I did know that this could be a result of a failed brake caliber. While I had done the brakes myself, I didn't have time for the calibers so down to a local auto shop and sure enough, failed calibers. I went ahead and bit the bullet and replaced all four, though only two were bad. Other wise I have a great jeep - the Rubicon did come with a six speed transmission and I know that can cause some problems. I had a new clutch installed two years ago and a general servicing of the transmission. I had the interior tub rhino lined as well as the fenders - I did replace the stock with a wider model in preparation for getting wider tires. I did install a CAT Back exhaust and a cold air intact for engine performance and periodically will drop some Sea Foam on a fill up and routinely change my oil every 3000k miles. Yes, I do baby the jeep but I've had her a hell of a long time and as I remind my wife of 36 years, there are worse things to spend money on then a guy's jeep - and there is always something you can spend money on when you have a jeep.
I think this is on point, but just to add to the rust comments - anyone looking at a TJ should have the car put on a lift and drop the trans skid plate. The frame can look fine, but the skid plate can be hiding major frame rot along the rails where the 6 mounting bolts for the skid plate are. These TJ frames rot from the inside out, so I also recommend looking at the inside of the frame using an inexpensive smartphone endoscope. If a seller won’t allow the dropping of the skid plate, WALK AWAY from the sale.
dude how is your jeep so clean/rust free
HeyItsWinner bought it with only 9k miles on it
Is this video assuming the owner hasn't gone offroading?
LOL no I just take good care of my things
Literally just bought a good jeep because of all these tips glad to have been able to
Come across this video before I bought it!
My father has a Jeep and I'm looking at buying an older Jeep as a first car, so I know how they drive I know how what should be and this just really helps in seeing how everything else fits together. It also helps a lot cuz I've never bought a car before. 🙃
Around how much do they cost?
anna kost they’re all pretty expensive unless your looking for a tj you’ll find those anywhere from 3k to 12k but they hold their value
@@reidheine8838 and increase value…looking to buy one for my first car and a decent one can be 15000 easily
I love your comment about how cheap parts are. Jeeps are great because there's always work to be done but it's cheap and easy which makes it fun!
I just came across this and totally agree. I failed to look into more mechanical issues for mine and I am currently rebuilding the engine. I found out the owner let it over heat and didn’t want me to know before I bought my 2001 TJ 4.0.
This is the best!!! I’m a female and I don’t know jack about jeeps so this is so much help. I’m looking for jeeps to buy.
DUDE I was just looking for a video exactly like this for a TJ!! A buddy of mine bought an 01 Sport 4.0 5 speed at an auction and it looks too good to be true. Every car has its quirks so this was pretty informative
glad you enjoyed it!
I live on the east coast I have an 06 tj with somewhere around 200,000 miles I bought it brand new in 2006 I've had it for 12 years it only has one small rust spot on the drivers side fender but I'm gonna fix later this week
Fibreglass body will fix all worries of any fist on the body
not a TJ but i have a 94 ZJ with 239k miles and still runs great
I currently have a 4.0 Grand cherokee Laredo with 259k on the dash, still runs great! Looking to uy a Tj this year. thanks for the great info on what to look for man. will take these into account.
Even though this jeep is really clean, you can still see the beginning of frame rust between the skid plate and bottom of frame at 1:18. With no drain holes, its only a matter of time.
Fluid film the frame and rub it on the plastic fender flares to renew them a deep black color
Biggest thing to look at when buying a tj.
One of the most customizable vehies made. Make sure if there is a lift it was done right. If the owner did it themselves and wasn't knowledgeable, you'll spend thousands to fix it. After 2-1/2 inches of lift all drive lines need to be replaced.
Big tires=big problems. The more you increase tire size and wheel offset the faster you wear out the ball joints, tie rods and wheels bearings. Avoid 35" or larger tires with stock axles. Handling will also suffer greatly. More braces and stabilizers will be needed but will only be a bandaid.
Thank you!! This was super helpful for someone who doesn’t know the first thing to look for in a good tj 06 wrangler. Definitely know what to look for myself and what to bring a mechanic to look for
I agree, rust is the biggest concern. My current 1993 YJ has always been a Florida Jeep and the frame looks brand new. Mileage isn't a big concern for a 4.0, those things never quit.
Love your TJ though. Mine never looked as good as yours lol
thanks dude!
"Mine has zero rust... which is really nice." : )
Your TJ is in very good condition though man. Many aren't. Funny thing is I just picked up a 99 sport with 200k miles that looks just as good. It was well maintained and probably spent most its life as a mall cruiser. I feel like I hit the jackpot.
Love your channel by the way. Good info.
thank you!
Lord Humongous how much did you pay?
I had a ‘98 chillipepper red wrangler. Your vehicle reminds me of it so much. I miss that car so much. Considering selling my mazdaspeed 3 to get back in a Jeep.
Just picked up a CLEAN 2000
TJ today for $6500. It has 167k miles on. So exited
Very cool!
I bought a 2000 sport 4.0 for $1400 but I do stuff backwards so im watching this after I bought it.
I just bought an almost mint 2005 SE. This video is really helpful on what to look for, even being about a sport. Most of these things apply for the SE as well. Great video!
Thanks! Comgrats on the jeep
So my mother bought an 05 Tj, it’s an X. She bought it out of the dealership. Don’t remember what happened I was young but my grandfather had the engine swapped to the same engine. 4.0 in line 6. For five years it sat in her garage and I finally decided to fix it up. Wasn’t anything hard, thermostat, battery, driveshaft u joints and front axle u joints. Never done stuff with cars before but my friend has done engine swaps on his 97 square body. But still had one rattle left imma look at the ball joints and tire rods next praying it’s them
Owned three TJ's since '97, all Daily Drivers, bought an '06 Rubicon and loved that as well. But lots of issues, the horrendous OPDA. ugh '05 or '06. My TJ's rusted like crazy. Now I have a JK and it rocks. SO much more power from the 3.6L. The TJ is like a tractor, and that's great for slow, offroad. But I want more than that. Also, TJ sucks if you have kids. Too small and no head rests in back seat. Dangerous! Don't risk it. JK better all around.
JKs don’t look like real Jeeps. Fake Fiats
Take from an owner of a TJ, look underneath and check out the frame. I am looking at rust from the inside out on the frame and floor pan. Both sides.
I've got an 01 TJ 4.0 with 103k miles that I'll unfortunately
Have to sell this summer but looking back to when I bought it this video would've been very helpful. Loving the TJ content!
Thanks bro!
God I miss Wisconsin (your accent gives it away). Great video and I appreciate you putting it together.
Thank you! I sure won't miss it lol
I just bought a 2000 Jeep TJ. So much fun!
Very cool! Congrats!
Just picked one up for 5k and it’s only got 78k on the in-line 6 and is a 05 and it was owned by a guy who was 78 and hadn’t driven it in 2 years and it was just sitting in his garage and had ordered new tires and wheels still in boxes lol it was awsome
Very cool!
To be honest I didn’t think you would respond that’s awsome that you do!
of course brother!
I really like your content dude. I’m looking for a tj right now so you’re videos are great
thanks for watching them!
What year jeep is most reliable? And what would be a good price for a well taken care off jeep with no rust and lower miles. I've heard that '98 tj is the best and that a "good one" with no rust and good condition goes for about 10k
Just bought my first Jeep Wrangler tj 2002. My dad and I just rebuilt it’s transmission. Going to give it a paint job, very excited! I keep watching all your Jeep vids
Very cool! Thanks for watching them!
Thanks so much for this video. I'm looking at jeeps right now for a first car. Always wanted a nice beater jeep. I'm just working on learning all the parts right now
Thanks foe watching my videos!
Main death wobble cause is a track bar issue.
I have 105,000 and my 05 wrangler still runs just fine
is your jeep lifted? do you recommend a lift kit over tire spacers?
lastly can you make a video on how to do a lift on a jeep?
No lift on my jeep just the metalcloak fenders to fit bigger tires
You ever get a video on doing a lift?
Look at the drivers side how is the torque box . Lift the carpeting check the back mount that’s the big issues that thing is cherry
i cant believe i missed this in the recommended list 🤦♂️ This is perfect haha
We get snow in California lol. We have snow in the desert too. We have mountains, beaches, deserts, country, any terrain you can take a jeep on.
lol snow meaning they salt the roads. Salt comes with any snowfall here
I’m about to buy my first car/Jeep, thank you this was super helpful!
Glad I could help! Thanks for watching
I’ve gotten wobbling at 60-65 but that also could be just the Jeep in general
MxEli41 try balancing your tires
Had it when I first got my then I rotated and balanced and it’s doing great
I'm looking at a 98 that looks to be in great shape for New England only bad thing I see is it's a 4 Cylinder.. is that a deal breaker..?
If you can afford to get the 4.0l get the 4L
Thank you so much for all the tips about what to look for in a TJ , I'm planning on buying a TJ and all of your videos have been very helpful ! Keep the good work man ! Awesome videos!!
Thanks man!
I’m glad this kind of basic information is helping many buyers
me too!
In Chicago it’s almost impossible to find with no rust
Nice Jeep man! I'm thinking of getting a 2004, so thanks for this vid!
Thank you! Very cool!
Any tips. Might get mine today
Anything to look out for on the Rubicons? I've been shopping around for a TJ Rubicon. Want to make sure I don't buy a lemon. Great video by the way.
Thanks brother! Rubicons have the best equipment on all of the TJs so you should be good
I've lost track of how many times I've watched this video.
Thanks for the support!
I bought a wrecked sidekick to get the engine and transmission. It was a Florida vehicle. It was eaten up with rust. Salt air must me brutal.
Jeep was probably not a Florida vehicle its entire life
If you buy a Jeep with no rust in the undercarriage area, you might want to stock up on POR 15 or RUSTOLEUM black spray paint
That is one sweet Jeep. What size wheels are you running. They suit that Jeep perfectly.
Thanks! They are 35x12.5x15
I seen a jeep in pretty good conditions that I want to buy and your video will help me thanks!
Might buy a 2005 stock Wrangler x tomorrow. 6 speed. Supposedly mint mint frame.. well see.. looked at three today that looked like they were parked at the bottom of the ocean.
Definitely helped out alot. Looking at buying a TJ within the next few days so this was definitely insightful! Love the channel man! -Peace from across the lake
Jose Arriaga Thanks man!
KyleSVT no lie, these tips saved me from buying 2 bad tj's today Haha!
Damn. I wish you could come with me to buy one. Haha
was about to grab a nice 06 red tj with very clean frame but my friend looped me into grabbing an 08 civic si..... regret it so much so im looking for a TJ again :(
Anyone can find a civic si but a TJ in great condition is hard especially if you live in the northeast like me.
when you get a tj your gonna love it
who ever talked somebody in the market to buy a jeep into buying a civic is a natural born salesman/woman! But yeah, your gonna love your tj...
I'd have to find a new friend lol it took me a long time to find my 01 tj now its mine till i die
Friends dont let friends drive civic's
But what about Rust? If the Jeep has lots of Rust, would that steer you away…. Or no worries buy it anyway?
Depends how bad the rust is really
Ok so let’s really answer this question. If you see surface rust that’s ok. If the floor boards, rockers and rotted through then I’d definitely understand I had work to put in. Most importantly check the frame. Both sides of the frame so the side thaf faces what you CAN see as well as the inside of the frame. Tap it with your keys, knuckle or whatever and make sure the frame sounds solid.
check the wheels make sure you have four of those.
Kick ass jeep u have.. been wanting one for a long time ...... just makes want a Jeep even more
Thank you
And today on “ Unless You’re Mechanically Inclined “ haha
You so much I'm looking at purchasing one of these. and I decided to do some research and this popped up, wonderful thank you.
Tj
LOL the AMMO decal. It all makes sense now. Nice work. I think you underestimate the 2.5L, though
btw, I noticed you're missing the under dash light. Takes a T10 LED. Merry Christmas
Yea stock one burnt out. 2.5 is very underpowered good motor tho
Nice informative video Kyle... I have a stock 2006 TJ with the "Rocky Mt. Package". I have fiberglass fenders in matching stock color. I'm told that's original but not sure. My brother is in Hawaii and has a 99 TJ. Many jeeps in wet climates rust in the rear corners of the tubs. My paint is good but light scratches in the doors and chips in the paint below the windshield.
Thanks Matt!
Great info. I've had my TJ for several years now and I definitely learned some things from your video, so thank you! I have the surface rust coming through on my front fenders as you mentioned to be common. I'm looking to replace them with tube fenders similar to what you have on your. Do you recall what brand/style your were and if you would use them again or go a different route? TIA
I have metalcloak overline fenders on my jeep. I have a bunch of videos on them on the channel if you want to know more about them
@@KyleSVT Thanks for the reply, I'll be sure to dive into your channel some more.
no problem! Thanks
Watched this video yesterday before I went and looked at one. Helped out a lot. Found a 05 with 58k miles on it for 9 grand. It was bone stock and you can tell this jeep has never seen mud Hell I doubt it’s seen a rock road. Underneath is mint. Thanks
I might be buying my first car tomorrow and this was very helpful and I thank you for that
No problem! Glad it helped!
How is the car Zack? Did you ever buy it?
B gomez we didn’t end up buying it, as much as I tried my family that it was normal but they didn’t like how it felt like it would roll because it had a small lift kit
i don't really care about the paint , what i care the most is the frame , no body rust and the pink slip , clean pink slip only
I got a 97 Cherokee XJ and it had 77k miles and it’s now at 81.1k (I’ve had it for about 8 months
MxEli41 How is it
Great video,
Could you make a video about AC
my jeep recently stopped blowing cold air.
I don’t know if it needs Freon or what else could it be !
I like to diagnose my own problems before I pay someone to do it for me.
I wish I could help. Don't have ac in either of the jeeps
Looking at a 2002 jeep wrangler sport with 4.0 102,000 miles they want 7k.... thanks for the tips..
What do you do to prevent rust?... Wash the frame let it dry... Then undercoat it... Or oil the frame?
All of the above
Nice. I got a jk. Because where I live it's pretty rid trying to find a clean tj. As far as rust.
i’m looking at a 97 sahara with 145k miles, any advice on what i should look for? i know it needs new rotors but it’s currently on 35’s, dana 44, with new transmission, radiator, tps sensor, kick down and shifter cable. they’re asking $7200. thanks!!
Why did they ever stop making the 4.0l for the JK and JL?
Yeah but what about rust? Kidding...thanks for the video, good insight for a jeep buyer.
I have 213,500 on mine and it’s still a tank
Definstely get one with death wobble. It is easy to fix and you can talk the owner down a lot.
How do you fix it
How do you fix it then
So it can be a few things, improper alignment, bad ball joints, bad tie rods, bad drang link/not setup right or any other worn suspension parts/bushings
@@mariodiaz3897 Go under the front end and start moving the drag link, track bar, tie rod, and look for strange movement. I have found the track bar and the ball joints are the main thing that causes death wobble. However, I have seen worn bushings in the lower control arms causing it as well. Having someone move the steering wheel back and forth while you check the movement of the joints really helps a lot.
@@KyleSVT how much does it usually cost to fix?
soooo your saying there's a chance if it has rust!!
What's your mpg city/highway on your rig? Your Jeep is my dream set up! Looks killer! 💯
Getting around 16.8 city/highway combined. Thanks brother!
Florida is probably worse for rust I remember my uncle and my father saying what happened to the Chevy Luv pickup truck every part of the truck you could push your hand through my uncle said Florida lime stone is extremely corrosive
2006... bad pcm.... if you turn on the radio during the test drive and the presets aren't set, they disconnected the battery before you got there.. this clears the bad shifts for a few cycles....
I bought a 2006 LJ with 12k miles... $22k and mint. 2 days later,.... regrets!!! On my 2nd $1500 pcm... and they are no longer available from mopar.. after market pcm companies are a horrid crap shoot.... my bad pcm threw NO CODES!! as a core, it likely got cleaned, and sold to a poor sap who had a bad pcm.....
Man that's gotta be the cleanest damn TJ I have seen
Thank you
Awesome video! I’m looking to get a Tj myself, not sure what years in specific are the best.What price range do you think is fair?
Thanks! The 97-02 seem to go for a little bit less than the newer 03-06
You are on fire right now. Good content on good content
j. alexander thanks brother!
By the main harness by the battery, on yours it’s a white square. I have an open slot there, why do you think that is? Just bought it.
hmm not sure what you mean
@@KyleSVT never mind no worries.
Is that the original top or a replacement? Does the top leak? I understand that almost all the fabric tops are prone to leak. Have you found that's an issue?
original top. Zero leaks. These jeep tops are made very well
I’m loving those wheels more as I watch the video
Thanks!
Quick question has “no bus” on your odometer pop up and the gauges don’t work and won’t start?
hmm no idea sorry man
I have a 2000 4.0 5 speed it’s been a pain the last few days or so but other than that I’ll probably never give that thing up lol
Is a 2006 JEEP WRANGLER 4x4 33 INCH TIRES, 4 INCH LIFT, 4 CYLINDER, 5 SPEED, 180,000 miles for $7900 a good price?
seems high for a 4 banger
Going to see 3 cars today, thanks for the help :)
Very cool!
Whatd you have to do to run the 35s? How much lift? Also where'd you get those fenders?
Just added the metalcloak fenders. No lift
What fenders are those those are sweet havnt seen any like that before
They are metalcloak overline fenders
What about people that pull their flares but don't fill the bolt holes?
What do you mean?
@@KyleSVT those holes left in the body after removing the flares and adding your smitty built fenders.
Ah yes my metalcloak fenders. So I will be adding a rock guard from metalcloak to cover those holes left by taking off the stock little flare
@@KyleSVT are you building this jeep for show?
It's so clean I can't imagine scraping it on tree branches and rocks.
It is my daily so that's the main way I use it but I will do some light trail riding. Yea nothing crazy like rocks or trees.
Great video, thank you! Got me to thinking!
CA and FL beach combers can get really rusty.
Yea I have yet to see a spot of rust on any jeep in Florida
Wait, so rust is bad?
Great Jeep! What brand fenders are installed on this TJ? Thanks, Anthony
Thanks! They are metalcloaks
Where did you get your fenders? They seem very attractive and durable. I am interested in them.
They are metacloak overline fenders
@@KyleSVT Thank you good sir. As you well know, the TJ factory fenders are prone to getting a rust hold right on the very top and in the middle because of the plate put under the sheet metal to protect from rocks flying off the tyres. The plate does protect against fly rocks but traps water between the plate and the fender bottom. Back in 1999, I drilled small holes into the fender plates and it has helped tremendously. But the fenders are just now getting the infamous little rust hole.
Just bought a super clean 05 jeep 4 inch lift love my jeep an I have a 85 renegade with a ls3 in it what lift is on your
no lift on mine
Awesome video ! Great content and thanks for sharing all your knowledge. 👌✔️
Thanks bro!
Love the snow background!
its called its snowing fuk tard