Should I buy a wrangler?

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by theredtape

My step dad already had a tracker haha. He loves the thing. They have a really tight knit community believe it or not. He will stop at a gas station if he sees another tracker there and they will discus the various options that each of their cars has. Its pretty funny.....

Not a big Suzuki fan myself but it was the basis for one of my favorite accidental meetups once.

A group of buddies and I are riding ATVs out in the KY wilderness one weekend when we run into a guy with "tracker" that he had "slightly modified". It had a cummins diesel engine out of a school bus, and was jacked up on about 4 ft of tires. The thing would climb trees, or it least that's the way it seems after he shared a little moonshine with us.

[Wes B.]

Originally Posted by theredtape

BUT WHAT ABOUT THE GAS MILAGE?!

Not great...

[srtblake]

that 4.0 is almost bullet proof. I coudlnt think of a more reliable motor chrsyler has ever made.

[Wes B.]

Originally Posted by srtblake

that 4.0 is almost bullet proof. I coudlnt think of a more reliable motor chrsyler has ever made.

America Motors were simply awesome!

[theredtape]

So it happened. Went and saw a jeep, it needs some work but for the price I couldn't say no. Its not exactly what I wanted (I wanted a sport with the 6cyl) but I can easily flip it if I am totally disappointed in it after I finish.

Right now I am in the process of cutting out, replacing and bracing the frame rails where they typically rot out on north eastern Tj jeeps. Spent all of yesterday after work loosening bolts and removing the skid plates and exhaust. I should be dropping the gas tank and removing fuel lines today, if I can get to it I would like to get it up on blocks and remove the rear end too.

Anyway check it out!

[Rayme]

It's a nice find! Looks totally unmolested.

[Wes B.]

Nice! What are some of the specs (ie. engine, trans, differential gearing, tire size, etc.)?

[theredtape]

Originally Posted by Wes B.

Nice! What are some of the specs (ie. engine, trans, differential gearing, tire size, etc.)?

Its got the 2.5 4cyl engine(I believe its amc designed and the later 2.4s were out of neons). It has a manual 5 speed transmission which was my only solid criteria when looking for a jeep. I am not sure about the differential gearing, it has a dana 35 rear end but I have a suspicion that someone changed the gears out based on the fact that the motor can turn the wheels at highway speeds in 5th gear and a little visable rtv gasket on the diff cover. Also those tires are 31x10.5r15s but they are going to need to be changed as 3 of them are pretty dry rotted.

Like I said though it does need some work. the rear portion of the frame has some pretty serious rust spots and the body does have some small issues here and there. Overall I think not a bad buy though.

[theredtape]

Originally Posted by ottopilot

It's a nice find! Looks totally unmolested.

haha I wouldnt say totally unmolested... but its not terrible

[Wes B.]

Originally Posted by theredtape

Its got the 2.5 4cyl engine(I believe its amc designed and the later 2.4s were out of neons). It has a manual 5 speed transmission which was my only solid criteria when looking for a jeep. I am not sure about the differential gearing, it has a dana 35 rear end but I have a suspicion that someone changed the gears out based on the fact that the motor can turn the wheels at highway speeds in 5th gear and a little visable rtv gasket on the diff cover. Also those tires are 31x10.5r15s but they are going to need to be changed as 3 of them are pretty dry rotted.

Like I said though it does need some work. the rear portion of the frame has some pretty serious rust spots and the body does have some small issues here and there. Overall I think not a bad buy though.

Sounds like a good project vehicle to me!

[theredtape]

Here we are after a few days of work. Skid plates and gas tank are removed. I am taking part in operation how much steel is really there.

Not a lot haha.

Good thing I bought this pre-fab replacement.



I took the needle scaler to the rest of the frame and cross members and found them to be pretty solid. That's a relief. I was really worried about finding out that everything else was junk.

Attachment 37524

I may need to reinforce the spring perch but other than that everything else is pretty solid. I plan to spend this afternoon wire wheeling and rust converting. Next week will be operation frame restoration.

One more for effect !

[DEnd]

Originally Posted by theredtape

Its got the 2.5 4cyl engine.

Those are fairly bullet proof as well, a bit anemic stock and they get worse with age. I'm willing to bet it still has the stock gearing in it, gear changes and 31's just don't happen very often.

If it has a 1-2" body lift (common for 31's) I'd seriously consider a high clearance tranny skid/crossmember and engine mount combo. A good gas tank skid plate is almost mandatory on TJs. The d35 gets a bad rap, but it is pretty decent with the 4 banger and 31's as long as you aren't a throttle jockey.

[theredtape]

Originally Posted by DEnd

Those are fairly bullet proof as well, a bit anemic stock and they get worse with age. I'm willing to bet it still has the stock gearing in it, gear changes and 31's just don't happen very often.

If it has a 1-2" body lift (common for 31's) I'd seriously consider a high clearance tranny skid/crossmember and engine mount combo. A good gas tank skid plate is almost mandatory on TJs. The d35 gets a bad rap, but it is pretty decent with the 4 banger and 31's as long as you aren't a throttle jockey.

I was actually really surprised with how much power it had when I first drove it. I was expecting it to be a dog but over all it had a decent amount of get up and go. I definitely won't have any issues at highway speeds and slightly above. I have a feeling it has more torque than my brz

[theredtape]

Here is where it is as of yesterday. Got it all taken apart. Stripped the interior out to prevent fires when welding. Put it up on jack stands because my lift is the drive on type(forklift for safety!). Removed most of the old frame patches off one side. Next I need to remove the rear end suspension and cut out the rusty mounts. I plan to clean the rust out of the frame and repaint the inside. I'm getting there on this project, there is still a lot to do though. If the rain holds off I may get some done today but the forecast is looking pretty bad. Hopefully I can be done this weekend and on track to be cruising around next week.



Oh man those shocks look bad. I think I may change them out. Too the jeep forum to see if anyone who lifted has the old stockers laying around!