Newbie Questions - Getting ready to take the plunge
 

I know that nobody here has ever experienced this but recently (like
for the past 3 months or so) I have this urge to buy a Jeep. Now I am
a fairly sane down to earth guy but this damn thing is like a monkey on
my back now. I spend my days reading wants ads and lurking on
discussion boards. I have been trying to be patient and let my
knowledge build over time before I plunge right in with both feet. But
my patience is wearing thin and I'm starting to realize that I could be
wheeling around this summer if I begin to move now.

Anyway after much consideration I am thinking of looking into a 1998 -
1999 Used TJ. I kind of landed here by process of elimination.
Originally I wanted to get an old beater with a carb and make it a bit
of a project vehicle for me so was thinking maybe an old CJ7 or
something. Then a friend of mine started talking up her YJ which still
had a carb and so would fit the project vehicle criteria and she also
was telling me about the old CJ's having a little less wheelbase and so
not being quite as sturdy. Then when I read about TJs and the coils
springs and some of the other safety/comfort improvements they have
made, I kind of moved up in my thinking. I know I won't be able to do
too much of the engine work myself but then again maybe I'll surprise
myself and be able to do more then I think. I'm sure I can handle a
lot of the non engine mods anyway, which will serve the purpose of
keepin my hands dirty. I will definately take the Jeep offroad but
nothing too serious, just some mud and hills.

Anyway I guess my questions are specifically around 98&99 TJ's. Is
there anything that I should look out for on them. I read previously
about the exhaust manifold cracks and the steering column wiring
harness problems, but just wanted to know if there were any other known
bugs. Also are there specific features to get or avoid? I read
something about the rear ends and gearing, how can I tell if I have the
better rear end & gears? Also I am hoping to only spend in the area of
$5,000 (initially) so I know that I will need to be very patient or
else get a very high mileage model. Is there anything inherently wrong
with high mileage? Could it indicate that it has been well taken care
of if it has 150K+ miles on it?

I would be open to any advice or opinions and I appreciate y'all lettin
me lurk on here.

Re: Newbie Questions - Getting ready to take the plunge
 

Wanted to add that I have decided to get a 6cyl, 5spd most likely with
A/C probably because it's 100 degrees here today in NJ and also because
part of the selling of this idea is that my wife can drive this to work
sometimes. I would also be looking to put a small plow on it for the
snow, just to do my driveway and a few of the neighbors.

Re: Newbie Questions - Getting ready to take the plunge
 

Wanted to add that I have decided to get a 6cyl, 5spd most likely with
A/C probably because it's 100 degrees here today in NJ and also because
part of the selling of this idea is that my wife can drive this to work
sometimes. I would also be looking to put a small plow on it for the
snow, just to do my driveway and a few of the neighbors.

Re: Newbie Questions - Getting ready to take the plunge
 

Wanted to add that I have decided to get a 6cyl, 5spd most likely with
A/C probably because it's 100 degrees here today in NJ and also because
part of the selling of this idea is that my wife can drive this to work
sometimes. I would also be looking to put a small plow on it for the
snow, just to do my driveway and a few of the neighbors.

Re: Newbie Questions - Getting ready to take the plunge
 

Wanted to add that I have decided to get a 6cyl, 5spd most likely with
A/C probably because it's 100 degrees here today in NJ and also because
part of the selling of this idea is that my wife can drive this to work
sometimes. I would also be looking to put a small plow on it for the
snow, just to do my driveway and a few of the neighbors.

Re: Newbie Questions - Getting ready to take the plunge
 

The 6 cylinder is a good idea, the transmission choice is a personal
preference. The 4 liter I-6 can last 200-300k before major engine work is
needed if you keep the fluids and filters changed regularly.

I agree with your choice of a newer Jeep, the older ones need regular
wrenching and there is always the body cancer issue (rust) .

The TJs with the Dana 44 rear end are the preferred models for strength,
gearing depends on what you intend to do..... with plowing in mind you want
the numerically highest ratio you can find for that extra low end power.

Welcome to the dark side.....


"Kevtrane" <kevtrane@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1154479068.071609.227150@b28g2000cwb.googlegr oups.com...
>
> Wanted to add that I have decided to get a 6cyl, 5spd most likely with
> A/C probably because it's 100 degrees here today in NJ and also because
> part of the selling of this idea is that my wife can drive this to work
> sometimes. I would also be looking to put a small plow on it for the
> snow, just to do my driveway and a few of the neighbors.
>

Re: Newbie Questions - Getting ready to take the plunge
 

The 6 cylinder is a good idea, the transmission choice is a personal
preference. The 4 liter I-6 can last 200-300k before major engine work is
needed if you keep the fluids and filters changed regularly.

I agree with your choice of a newer Jeep, the older ones need regular
wrenching and there is always the body cancer issue (rust) .

The TJs with the Dana 44 rear end are the preferred models for strength,
gearing depends on what you intend to do..... with plowing in mind you want
the numerically highest ratio you can find for that extra low end power.

Welcome to the dark side.....


"Kevtrane" <kevtrane@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1154479068.071609.227150@b28g2000cwb.googlegr oups.com...
>
> Wanted to add that I have decided to get a 6cyl, 5spd most likely with
> A/C probably because it's 100 degrees here today in NJ and also because
> part of the selling of this idea is that my wife can drive this to work
> sometimes. I would also be looking to put a small plow on it for the
> snow, just to do my driveway and a few of the neighbors.
>

Re: Newbie Questions - Getting ready to take the plunge
 

The 6 cylinder is a good idea, the transmission choice is a personal
preference. The 4 liter I-6 can last 200-300k before major engine work is
needed if you keep the fluids and filters changed regularly.

I agree with your choice of a newer Jeep, the older ones need regular
wrenching and there is always the body cancer issue (rust) .

The TJs with the Dana 44 rear end are the preferred models for strength,
gearing depends on what you intend to do..... with plowing in mind you want
the numerically highest ratio you can find for that extra low end power.

Welcome to the dark side.....


"Kevtrane" <kevtrane@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1154479068.071609.227150@b28g2000cwb.googlegr oups.com...
>
> Wanted to add that I have decided to get a 6cyl, 5spd most likely with
> A/C probably because it's 100 degrees here today in NJ and also because
> part of the selling of this idea is that my wife can drive this to work
> sometimes. I would also be looking to put a small plow on it for the
> snow, just to do my driveway and a few of the neighbors.
>

Re: Newbie Questions - Getting ready to take the plunge
 

The 6 cylinder is a good idea, the transmission choice is a personal
preference. The 4 liter I-6 can last 200-300k before major engine work is
needed if you keep the fluids and filters changed regularly.

I agree with your choice of a newer Jeep, the older ones need regular
wrenching and there is always the body cancer issue (rust) .

The TJs with the Dana 44 rear end are the preferred models for strength,
gearing depends on what you intend to do..... with plowing in mind you want
the numerically highest ratio you can find for that extra low end power.

Welcome to the dark side.....


"Kevtrane" <kevtrane@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1154479068.071609.227150@b28g2000cwb.googlegr oups.com...
>
> Wanted to add that I have decided to get a 6cyl, 5spd most likely with
> A/C probably because it's 100 degrees here today in NJ and also because
> part of the selling of this idea is that my wife can drive this to work
> sometimes. I would also be looking to put a small plow on it for the
> snow, just to do my driveway and a few of the neighbors.
>

Re: Newbie Questions - Getting ready to take the plunge
 

"billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote
..
>
> Welcome to the dark side.....
>


And here I thought you just flicked the switch on me again...

:-)

K.