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
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 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.
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'!
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.
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 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.
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
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
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. 🙃
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.
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!
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.
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
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
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.
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 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!!
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
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!
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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 :(
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.
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.
@@KyleSVT I've never had a Jeep before so I'm thinking of buying a TJ first before spending $40-50K on a JL. I also really love everything about the TJs design and "analogue" nature to it with technology (or lack there of)
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.....
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.
