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.