Jeep Shopping

[Onager]

1060360

I'm in the market for a used Jeep. I had an old Landcruiser (which turned into an enagement ring (ouch!)) and would like to get a newer vehicle with fuel injection; since Toyota is only making luxury SUV's these days, they are not an option.

I've been looking at quite a few used jeeps in my area and I have a few questions:

What is the earliest model year YJ that ships with fuel injection on the 4.0l? With MPI?

What are the largest tires that can be fitted on a stock YJ/TJ without rubbing? I remember hearing 31", but the Acme Jeep Parts website makes it sound as if you need a 2" lift to clear 31's.

What are the standard gotchas to look for when inspecting a used Jeep? Most of the ones I see have leaky rear mains (or oil pans, dunno which), leaky xfer cases, and leaky rear diffs. I figure this is kind of standard on a 10 yr old vehicle. Are there serious common gotchas to lookout for?

Prices around here, before negotiation, seem to be about 5000 for a late YJ with under 100k and 6000 for an early TJ with under 100k. Are these prices compatible with the going rate? I'm assuming I'll be able to knock 1k off the price by inspecting the think and discovering all the leaks, rusty frame spots, and whatnot.

Thanks for any help.

Cheers,
ONAGER
[addsig]

 

[dingus]

1060365

hey welcome to the board! it seriously sounds like you've done your homework... you know much more than most newbies that come around on here... i believe the earliest YJ that came with injection was in '92, but don't hold me to that ...

as for things to look for, you hit the leaks pretty well, also check for wear on the driveshafts (play), knocking and other noises when running/driving...

another thing to consider is that if you buy the thing from a 42 year old lady who doesn't know what dirt looks like, you know you're getting something that hasn't been abused yet...[addsig]

 

[Onager]

1060390

Thanks for the response.

I just thought of another question for anyone who may be able to help. Do the 4.2 and 4.0 use a timing chain, belt, or gear? Do they even use the same thing?

If the answer is chain or belt what is the service interval on the thing? Anyone know if it is an interference or non-interference system?

Thanks again.

Cheers,
ONAGER[addsig]

 

[jeepmaster]

1060415

the thing with 42 year old ladies is they dont do the mainenance. so id look for a 42 year old that has a husband that has some desire not to destroy his cars, ie changing the oil more than once a year lol. check all the fluids and such.[addsig]

 

[dingus]

1060419

all jeeps (that i know of) have a timing chain... and a serpentine belt to run all the accessories. they are enclosed in the case and run in the oil and such to keep them well lubricated. i dont know the difference between interference and non-interference systems...[addsig]

 

[Onager]

1060421

"Interference" refers to engines that have such close tolerances that if the timing is interrupted in anyway, the pistons and valves will mash into one another creating a sad, sad mess.

"Non-interference" ... as you have no doubt all ready guessed is the lack of said interference!

So, the question really boils down to this: with the 4.0 or 4.2 how worried do I need to be about timing chain maintenance -- is it just a potential breakdown or is it a potential disaster?

yeah yeah yeah.. I realize there are many times when breakdown = disaster, but for sake of argument lets assume it'll break when I'm close to home! (dumb assumption of course...)

Cheers,
ONAGER[addsig]

 

[dingus]

1060425

i think if you ask around you'll hear people say that the jeep inline 6 cylinder motors are quite possibly the strongest motor ever built. i've heard of some engines having their timing chain stretch out a good bit, but i don't remember the details... most likely just replace it. my jeep has 148xxx miles and it runs great! i know of other jeeps continuing to run past 200xxx or even more...[addsig]

 

[jeepmaster]

1060438

the performance of the 4.0 to the 4.2 is way better, plus you get fuel injection i believe. go with the 4.0[addsig]