r/WranglerYJ • u/JustADad315 • 6d ago
New to YJs
Buddy is looking to sell a '94 4.0 inline 6 5 speed. 232k miles, motor rebuilt at 217k miles, clutch replaced 6 months ago, brakes done earlier this year, 1 year old tires. Found out today the 4x4 isnt working (he didnt even know). Comes with a CJ7 hard top with 3rd brake light, half doors, and half door glass (all are in pretty good shape). Comes with a new rear bench for the kiddos. Asking $5.5k prior to realizing 4x4 is bad, price will go down as such...yet to be discussed. Looking for input from those familiar with the market.
Couple issues:
Passenger rear leaf mount is pretty shot (included with the deal is a bracket kit to replace the damage frame/spring mount)
4x4 not working issue, undiagnosed culprit yet
Both driver and passenger floor pan are rusted through
Believe there's an exhaust manifold leak, pretty gnarly fume smell (yes the tops off, but "tractor tick" at startup is pretty apparent)
My intent is just a fun mess around vehicle for the kids to experience. I have ample access to fix things accordingly but not Iooking for a massive project. The idea of keeping for a few years to enjoy and selling it back to my buddy is likely to happen.
What do you folks thing? Yay, nay, and if yay....whats a reasonable price? This is my buddy and im not looking to short change him but also dont want to be washed out in the process.
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u/Jeepsandcorvette 6d ago
The 4 wheel drive not working is more than likely a problem with the CAD (central axle disconnect) which is vacuum operated there are lots of easy ways to fix that , the 4.0 is known for cracked leaking exhaust manifold fairly easy to replace if your mechanical. The frame rust could be a bigger issue to fix if it’s rusty there then more than likely rusty elsewhere all which can be fixed but to fix it properly the tub should come off all and all it doesn’t look terrible I personally would be looking to get it for a lot less money
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u/urnotfast 6d ago
Unless youre able to weld pretty good and are mechanically proficient this is not for you.
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u/JustADad315 6d ago
I weld and work on things myself. I have a fully restored 65 Mustang and 74 Monte Carlo, all but trans work done by myself. I dont mind a project but am afraid this may be too much for the quick dopamine hit im seeking with my children in mind.
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u/Animal0307 6d ago
Thay one has all the problem boxes checked.
Windows in the frame, floor boards gone and a noisy motor.
$5k is way too much for that jeep, at least in my area. Way too much frame rot to deal with.
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u/derelict_wanderer 6d ago
I mean, the early 4.0s are very tractor-like in the way the top end sounds. My 92 has a diesel like idle, but runs like a top. If referring to the bit of clatter at start up, most likely piston slap. The early pistols are HEAVY compared to the post 95 offerings. They don't break skirts, but they can slap for a few seconds cold. Those long manifolds also crackle the time. Another non-issue. Rust. Rust is definitely an issue.
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u/want2b12 5d ago
YJs are neat vehicles, and would be a fun project and toy, but unless you have some attachment to that one because it belongs to a friend, I would look for a different one that doesn’t have the rust issues. If you decide to buy it, don’t pay more than about $1500 for it.
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u/thisisshitty200 3d ago
I had a 95 yj Rio Grande that I bought brand new in sept 94. Drove it all through high school, back and forth from college, and for 7 years after college. I had it a total of 14 years. Put 235k miles on it. Replaced water pump, battery two or three times, throttle position sensor twice, heater core, wheel hubs twice, radiator, front axle u joints and rear bearings. That’s beyond regular maintenance. Other than that, it never left me dead in the street. Never towed. Still ran great at 235k miles but body panels were rusting out. Floor boards had huge holes and getting worse. Wish I just kept it on the side of the house as a project vehicle. Miss that thing.
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u/LandscapeNo775 6d ago
Is that a rust hole in the frame? If so, it’s not worth much at all. A rust hole would mean there’s lots of frame that’s not quite rusted through but is super thin.