Hi all, I am still new to TJs and hunting to buy one. Today I came across a 1998 TJ automatic 4L. 50,000 miles. Here is a photo of the oil leak that I found underneath. Easy to fix? How big a concern? Should I walk away?
Buyer’s advice: 1998 TJ with apparent oil leak
- Thread starter koning2e
- Start date
Looks more like the automatic transmission is leaking to me, and it appears to be nothing more than the transmission pan gasket, which is a super easy fix. Probably about as easy as they come.
OP
Thanks Chris. I will probably go back and take a closer look. It has been lifted on Rancho shocks. I also saw a 2005 manual which was lifted with spacers on original shocks. And another TJ 2004 was lifted on Pro Comp’s. That was quite a wobbly drive. I plane to go back Tuesday to test drive the first two I mentioned. What’s your view on these different lifts?
The better lift will always be springs and shocks as oppose to spacers (which is the cheap way of doing it). So while spacers wouldn't be a deal breaker if the rest of the Jeep looked good, if all things are equal, the spring / shock lift is the better option.
Rancho RS5000X shocks are the best riding "off-the-shelf" shock you can get for the TJ in my opinion. Shocks from Rough Country, FabTech, Rubicon Express, and Skyjacker are going to be poor quality and harsh riding shocks.
Any time you see a used TJ with Currie or Savvy lifts (there are a few others as well), that means someone likely put some money into it. I'm a bit biased, but like many others, I widely consider Currie / Savvy to be the cream of the crop in terms of TJ lifts / parts.
OP
Thanks Chris. I will test drive both and see how they drive knowing that they are seven years between them. Appreciate the advice!
Not a big concern at all...I bet 99% of the TJ's on the road mark their spot.
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OP
Hey Chris, today I test drove another TJ. 2001. Automatic 4L. 72k mileage. Great overall shape. On Rugged Ridge OVR 4 inch lift. No rust on the frame but some rust on the components as in the photo. Looks acceptable to you?
Also what are the views around spraying the underside of the TJ with underbody sealant to prevent or slow down rust.
OP
That doesn't look bad, though the rust on that axle side track bar mount is bad enough that it may or may not require a new bracket being welded on. Even if it did though, that's a very easy thing to do.
I'm all for undercoating as long as it's not applied over the top of existing rust. The smart way to do it is make sure there is no rust to begin with, then apply the undercoating over that!
Paul Land
TJ Enthusiast
2,500 Miles a year@ 20 years sounds a little funky Avg, Annual mileage 10k and thats lowball. Check clutch/ brake peddles it they have new rubber pads verses gas peddle pad they ware out around 75-100k. Do a Car-Fax I had a Range rover 90K Mi "NOT!" Car-Fax said 250K Mi. After I Paid $2500 It was worth $900 and i'm an expert in the biz
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OP
Thanks for the advice Paul. It’s a Japanese import to the UK. I doubt I can do any mileage verification anywhere. I will check out the peddles etc.
Paul Land
TJ Enthusiast
OP
I see there is a carfax.eu site. When I get the vin number tomorrow I will do a search.
