So here is the verdict. Runs great, shifts great, clutch feels fine. Goes into 4H and 4L no problem, both lockers engage and disengage easily. No fluid leaking other than some small oil weeping, probably rear main but not enough to fix yet for me, no drips just damp. All fluids checked are the appropriate colors and level. No diff leaks, but I see RVT so maybe serviced recently? I will check diffs and t case tomorrow. Finger in all the frame holes revealed no grit, no flakes, just smooth virgin metal. This thing is virtually rust free in all points I could access. Under carpet nice and clean no rust or damage. All the lights and accessories work, cold air, hot heat. Runs right at 2500 RPM in 6th gear at 65mph and sounds like a pack of attack helicopters is chasing me. The tires are HOT GARBAGE. Has 33x12.50R15 Mastercraft MXT and they are terrible. Fronts like new, rears 75% but they have got to go asap. Replacing with BFG KO2 or KM3 haven't decided yet. After some negotiations got the dealer down a grand and drove it home for $15k out the door. Here's where the fun starts.
A mile or two down the highway the HVAC was set to AC dash vents and suddenly changes to defrost vents. No worries, drive for a while and stop for gas, I find the vacuum line hanging off the manifold. A new rubber elbow fixed that issue for a few bucks. At the same time I smell coolant and see a puddle under the Jeep, not good. Investigation finds the upper radiator hose is missing its clamp. Clamp found dangling from middle of hose. Probably from when they replaced the valve cover gasket at the dealership. Could have been worse. Fixed that for free with some borrowed channel locks at the parts store. Topped off coolant and drove 225 miles home. This thing drives like a riding lawn mower. Steering parts are all new and tight but it does not want to stay on center. Feels like occasionally the rear is steering too. Could be some worn suspension bushings. Its not terrible, I can keep it in a lane at 70mph but I am not used to it. I drive a 2019 Ram for my DD so this is a change. Knowing its a 15 year old lifted Jeep I am not worried. I will dig deeper tomorrow. Plus I need to work on normal used car preventative items like belts, hoses, etc. Good time for me to get familiar with the Jeep my wife has affectionately nick named "Booger". Hope that one doesn't stick.
Oh, forgot, it has a working Warn M8000 under the cover on the front. Controller was in the glove box with the owners manual and some repair receipts from the past owner.
Can I join your club now?
