Your opinion: Condition of 2004 Jeep Wrangler
- Thread starter Austin704
- Start date
Depends.
If you're going to put a lift and bigger tires, and then take it off road, you want to look into a Super 35 kit (~$1100) that will strengthen the axle to equivalent or better than a Dana 44.
Plus you will get a locker in the deal.
If you just want to pretty much leave it as is and putter around, no concerns.
Warning signs: Fishing pole holders on the front, bay boat in the garage, asking price of $17K. No way, Jose.
Lots of better TJ's in TX, keep looking. I could be wrong. D
Lots of better TJ's in TX, keep looking. I could be wrong. D
The lockers cost more than that now. A Super35 without ring/pinion is closer to $2,000 now, minus labor if someone has to pay for that.
I was just referring to the price of the kit, currently $1200 at Super 35 Kit Detroit Locker
But yeah, regearing front and rear drives up the cost real quick.
My friends is from the same dealership. Couple moved from TX to NYC and quickly found it was not a good match in the city. He grabbed it fast.
Where's the frame photos? Without those we can't give you the feedback you need.
SouthernTJ2000
TJ Enthusiast
At $17K, I wouldn't bother driving the 8 hours, unless this particular Jeep has some sentimental value. I've seen plenty just as nice (or nicer) then this one on FB MP in and around the Houston area, I'm in NW Houston, for $5K - $10K less. The first picture, where you can see a small portion of the rear frame, it appears to be pretty and clean. Almost like its had a fresh coat of paint...good ole craigslist rebuild. I looked at a '99 recently that had spent about 8 years on the Texas coast. Pictures looked great, price was amazing. I even asked for more pictures of certain areas and he sent them. Asked the guy point blank (on the phone) before driving the almost 2 hours to buy it, is there rust anywhere, or on the frame? He said, "just some small surface rust on the body, it could be cleaned up easily." Great!!! I headed down early the following morning only to find surface rust eating everything, frame, bumpers, engine, suspension, body, interior.
Yeah for $17k I’d stay away personally. Especially considering the drive.
OP
OP
Thanks for the suggestion. I'll probably leave it as-is but I'd like a locking rear diff.
OP
I found a nice 02' auto and told the guy I would pay his full asking price for it. I told him I had the cash with me and was on my way (3.5 hour drive one way). He replied, "sounds great, see you when you get here." I texted him when I was 5 minutes away to let him know we were almost there. He texted me back, " Sorry, I sold it 15 minutes ago to someone else." I wanted to stop by anyway, but my wife said it wouldn't be a good idea. I listened for once.
OP
Seller said he couldn't physically get down on the ground to take photos of the undercarriage. Said I'd have to come look at it myself.
Well whatever you do make sure you inspect that frame thoroughly. That’s going to be the area of most concern.
OP
I found a nice 02' auto and told the guy I would pay his full asking price for it. I told him I had the cash with me and was on my way (3.5 hour drive one way). He replied, "sounds great, see you when you get here." I texted him when I was 5 minutes away to let him know we were almost there. He texted me back, " Sorry, I sold it 15 minutes ago to someone else." I wanted to stop by anyway, but my wife said it wouldn't be a good idea. I listened for once.
This is unfortunately all too common with people selling things from behind the perceived anonymity of a keyboard.
OP
I think, given the feedback from you folks, that I'm going to ask the seller to find a way to get me some good photos of the undercarriage as a condition of even making the trip down there to take a look. There's a good chance this one will have rust issues and at $17k probably not worth the time and expense. If he can't take pics he can find someone who can--assuming he has nothing to hide. Thanks to everyone for the input!