Going through DTs, ROUGH!!

J

JethroJK

New member
Well it has been awhile since I posted anything on the site. :eek: I have been away dealing with job related stuff. Many of you already know but I had to get rid of my Jeep back in April due to divorce and financial changes in my household. Needless to say it has been rough going through the separation of not the wife, but the Jeep. :clap2: But onto greener pastures...So my new plan is to buy an older Jeep and do a complete restoration (or as close as possible). :thumb: The plan is to find an older Jeep and redo the suspension, potentially replace the engine, and add the normal aftermarket items. The end result is my daughter wants a Jeep once she is old enough to drive and I intend to give her this Jeep in a couple of years after I get it completed. So here is the request:

1. What model of Jeep do the majority of you think I should invest in but stay at a moderate cost?
2. After picking this model, do you know if any pros or cons that should be considered with the model of Jeep? (I only owned a JK, reason why I am asking):thinking:
3. I am looking at a 2-door model, so any comments that would be helpful in rebuilding would help. (i.e. drive train, lift, etc.)
4. If anyone knows a good location or site to order a new engine or just any engine suggestions please comment.
5. Anything else that you find useful, please provide. :hmm:

Last, please have fun with this and lets see what we can come up with. Your help is appreciated and I am looking forward to getting this project started in October/November timeframe once this damn divorce settles out financially and I can move on with life.

Thanks again...:rock:
 
With the thoughts of cost in mind I think I would look for a TJ with a 4 cylinder and A/C. These can be picked up at decent prices in the $5K range that are in decent shape around my area so that is what I base my opinion on. A crate motor or a rebuilt 4.0 will be in the $1K range but keep in mind there will be a difference in wiring and computer so that will be a someting to keep in mind. The TJ will not ride like a JK but better than CJ / YJ with leaf springs.
 
If coin is important, I'd try to find a good TJ, Rubicon if possible, with a 4.0L. Lots of power for a 2dr, are relatively easy to work on, waaaay cheaper to get HP out of than an engine swap and almost as capable off road as the JK. Best of luck! No matter what you choose it'll be a Jeep and will give you lots of fun and satisfaction over the years.:D:yup:
 
As much as I love TJ's, I might have to disagree here. For better or for worse, TJ's seem to hold their value pretty well and because of it, a decent one can still be more pricey than I would prefer to spend given how you intend to use it. If it were me, I personally would look into an 1991-2001 XJ. Basically, you want one that has the 4.0L high output in it and NOT the 258 with a carb. There are a lot good deals out there to be found and they can be built up to do a lot. Best part is, you can still get one in a 2 or 4-door option. Of course, that's just me. :yup:
 
wayoflife said:
As much as I love TJ's, I might have to disagree here. For better or for worse, TJ's seem to hold their value pretty well and because of it, a decent one can still be more pricey than I would prefer to spend given how you intend to use it. If it were me, I personally would look into an 1991-2001 XJ. Basically, you want one that has the 4.0L high output in it and NOT the 258 with a carb. There are a lot good deals out there to be found and they can be built up to do a lot. Best part is, you can still get one in a 2 or 4-door option. Of course, that's just me. :yup:
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I've seen a lot in my area for sale, and cheap. One guy even has a 2for1 deal for around $3k ( I think it was ).
 
ridg3runner said:
I've seen a lot in my area for sale, and cheap. One guy even has a 2for1 deal for around $3k ( I think it was ).
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Me too. I look all the time and haven't been able to find a decent TJ with a 4.0L in it for less than $8k. I find XJ's all the time for about $2k or there about.
 
I concur with Eddie. We currently own 2 XJ's for the teenagers and they were great deals and have been great. Clean ones are hard-to-find and by clean I mean under 150,000 miles. If you go the XJ route, look for cracks in the rear hatch and door frames. The 97 to 2001 had a stiffer body and seem to be the premium version find. If you find one and have any questions, feel free to send me a PM. I have owned five Cherokees so I have I have some good insight.


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wayoflife said:
Me too. I look all the time and haven't been able to find a decent TJ with a 4.0L in it for less than $8k. I find XJ's all the time for about $2k or there about.
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How hard is it to swap a 4.0 into a TJ with a 2.5? Is it easy on say the early model TJ's?
 
jason08JK said:
I concur with Eddie. We currently own 2 XJ's for the teenagers and they were great deals and have been great. Clean ones are hard-to-find and by clean I mean under 150,000 miles. If you go the XJ route, look for cracks in the rear hatch and door frames. The 97 to 2001 had a stiffer body and seem to be the premium version find. If you find one and have any questions, feel free to send me a PM. I have owned five Cherokees so I have I have some good insight.


Sent from iPhone using WAYALIFE mobile app
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Stay away from the 98 model year. They have the dreaded 0331 head that's probe to crack.

Of course, it all depends on where you're looking too. When I bought my TJ, it was in great shape, it was a 97 4cyl standard, and I paid $3500. That was in NE Ohio. No frame rot, and I never had an issue with the drivetrain. I will say that it's extra important if you have the 4 cyl to regear when you lift it. I had 4.88's and was pushing 35" tires just fine.
 
OverlanderJK said:
How hard is it to swap a 4.0 into a TJ with a 2.5? Is it easy on say the early model TJ's?
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Well, I haven't done one before so I can't say for sure but, I would imagine it wouldn't be too hard. Still, being that most SE with a 2.5L typically sell for about $5k. For the price of a new crate motor, you'd still be out a lot of cash and time when all is said and done.
 
wayoflife said:
Well, I haven't done one before so I can't say for sure but, I would imagine it wouldn't be too hard. Still, being that most SE with a 2.5L typically sell for about $5k. For the price of a new crate motor, you'd still be out a lot of cash and time when all is said and done.
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I agree. That question was more me then the OP. :cheesy: somebody at work was asking me about doing a motor swap on their TJ because they have the 2.5L.
 
Pushrod said:
With the thoughts of cost in mind I think I would look for a TJ with a 4 cylinder and A/C. These can be picked up at decent prices in the $5K range that are in decent shape around my area so that is what I base my opinion on. A crate motor or a rebuilt 4.0 will be in the $1K range but keep in mind there will be a difference in wiring and computer so that will be a someting to keep in mind. The TJ will not ride like a JK but better than CJ / YJ with leaf springs.
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I will look into the TJs. This is the model that she often sees around here and says it is the Jeep she wants. Remember, this build will eventually be hers and not mine. So I have to keep a little of my personal desires off this build but keeping the build worth the money also.

Linebacker said:
If coin is important, I'd try to find a good TJ, Rubicon if possible, with a 4.0L. Lots of power for a 2dr, are relatively easy to work on, waaaay cheaper to get HP out of than an engine swap and almost as capable off road as the JK. Best of luck! No matter what you choose it'll be a Jeep and will give you lots of fun and satisfaction over the years.:D:yup:
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Appreciate the info. :clap2:

wayoflife said:
As much as I love TJ's, I might have to disagree here. For better or for worse, TJ's seem to hold their value pretty well and because of it, a decent one can still be more pricey than I would prefer to spend given how you intend to use it. If it were me, I personally would look into an 1991-2001 XJ. Basically, you want one that has the 4.0L high output in it and NOT the 258 with a carb. There are a lot good deals out there to be found and they can be built up to do a lot. Best part is, you can still get one in a 2 or 4-door option. Of course, that's just me. :yup:
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Eddie, I appreciate the info on the engine. This is the kind of stuff I am looking for on this post. Even though I really like the XJs, the daughter doesn't. She sees the TJs or JKs and says that is what she wants for her Jeep. I will have to start looking around in October and hopefully find one that is in good shape. Basically I want to find something that has a good body and hasn't been road too hard because I plan to drop a new engine in it and change out the suspension. I hope this all works out for me. It will allow for some good Daddy and daughter bonding. :rock:

jason08JK said:
I concur with Eddie. We currently own 2 XJ's for the teenagers and they were great deals and have been great. Clean ones are hard-to-find and by clean I mean under 150,000 miles. If you go the XJ route, look for cracks in the rear hatch and door frames. The 97 to 2001 had a stiffer body and seem to be the premium version find. If you find one and have any questions, feel free to send me a PM. I have owned five Cherokees so I have I have some good insight.
Sent from iPhone using WAYALIFE mobile app
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If I do decide to go with an XJ, I will definitely use your experience. But like I mentioned to Eddie, she doesn't really want that model. She likes the TJ, JK, type models. :yup:
 
wayoflife said:
Well, I haven't done one before so I can't say for sure but, I would imagine it wouldn't be too hard. Still, being that most SE with a 2.5L typically sell for about $5k. For the price of a new crate motor, you'd still be out a lot of cash and time when all is said and done.
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That is what I am a little concerned about, finding the right mix of model, engine, and getting the most out of the build. I am going moderate on the build because the girl will be using it as her daily driver but also something that is quality on the build so that I know it will last for some time.
 
redpatchjeff said:
Stay away from the 98 model year. They have the dreaded 0331 head that's probe to crack.

Of course, it all depends on where you're looking too. When I bought my TJ, it was in great shape, it was a 97 4cyl standard, and I paid $3500. That was in NE Ohio. No frame rot, and I never had an issue with the drivetrain. I will say that it's extra important if you have the 4 cyl to regear when you lift it. I had 4.88's and was pushing 35" tires just fine.
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Great info here on the 98 model. For me I am living down in GA right now and it is a coastal town (Navy). So jungle rot is always a problem but not too concerned about where I find it. If I have to make a road trip to pick it up that is doable as long as it isn't too far from her.
 
My son and I had a lot of fun building up the CJ7, but it was not cheap and truth be told, I've been in carts overseas that rode smoother. If you cannot find a decent price on a TJ, you might want to look into a 2 door JK sport. I've seen some of the early ones go for really decent prices. We are already looking for a Jeep for my oldest son, who will be driving in 2 years. We will get him an XJ as his first. Something to start him out on and give him a sense of ownership, get him out wheeling on his own, etc.
 
AllAmericanInfidel said:
My son and I had a lot of fun building up the CJ7, but it was not cheap and truth be told, I've been in carts overseas that rode smoother. If you cannot find a decent price on a TJ, you might want to look into a 2 door JK sport. I've seen some of the early ones go for really decent prices. We are already looking for a Jeep for my oldest son, who will be driving in 2 years. We will get him an XJ as his first. Something to start him out on and give him a sense of ownership, get him out wheeling on his own, etc.
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Thanks for the info. Yes, that is what I am doing with my daughter. She will not drive for 3 years but getting it now and building it together and then transition her into it when she is legal driver is the plan. Good luck on finding one for your son. :rock:
 
The firewall is different between the 4cyl and the 4.0L inline 6. The firewall is tunneled out further back and the radiator support is moved forward to make room for the inline 6 configuration. This will make it hard to swap in a 4.0. Otherwise it is a great way to get into a short wheelbase Jeep for less money.

I've had both 4cyl and 4.0L Jeeps (both XJ and TJ) and the 4cyl is guttless. Increasing the tire size to 31" made 5th gear useless on the TJ. It would slow down at full throttle putting it into 5th gear. And there wasn't any real fuel savings having the smaller engine.

Any short wheelbase jeep is going to be more expensive than any vehicle of the same condition and age.

If you are thinking of swapping motors, I would personally start with a cj5 or cj7, then drop in a fuel injected 4.3L vortec V6.
 
I would second the cherokee if you want to keep it cheap, if you're dead set on a wrangler, I wouldn't settle for any older than a TJ, ABS (the TJ's had ABS right?), the air bags, etc are all things I'd want my kid to have on their daily driver, especially if they were just starting out. After a year or two behind the wheel I'd give them a bit more leeway, but for someone just starting out these are things I'd definitely consider. Just my :twocents: though.
 
wayoflife said:
As much as I love TJ's, I might have to disagree here. For better or for worse, TJ's seem to hold their value pretty well and because of it, a decent one can still be more pricey than I would prefer to spend given how you intend to use it. If it were me, I personally would look into an 1991-2001 XJ. Basically, you want one that has the 4.0L high output in it and NOT the 258 with a carb. There are a lot good deals out there to be found and they can be built up to do a lot. Best part is, you can still get one in a 2 or 4-door option. Of course, that's just me. :yup:
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I agree with this as far looking for an XJ. But I have read down the thread and saw the OP is more interested in the wrangler models. The 2.5/2.4 wranglers aren't as bad as they sound as far as power goes, as long as they're a manual transmission. My father-in-law has an '01 TJ with a 2.5 5-speed and it's not terrible with the 30" tires on it, I'm sure with the right gearing it would be just fine with larger tires. My $0.02
 
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