Considering purchasing my first ever Jeep. Right now as a casual driver, but perhaps I'll get the off-road bug later. There is a '97 Wranger Sport located about an hour from me. 6 cylinder manual, just under 100K on the odometer, and a 4" lift. The lady doesn't know much about it as it was her father-in-law's and he wasn't able to drive it much over the year or two that he owned it. She said the shocks said Skyjacker, so I'm assuming the entire lift kit is as well. I've heard less than stellar things about that brand. What would be a fair price? She's asking $10,900. Anything in particular I should look for? Looks to be in good shape from the pics.
'97 Wrangler Buying Advice
- Thread starter concoursal
- Start date
Welcome to the forum. It sure is pretty! Love the white hard top on it.
I can't help as far as price goes, but I can say that from what I have learned on this site, is check for rust in the frame. That is the most important thing to look for.
Others will be along to give more and better advice on other stuff.
I can't help as far as price goes, but I can say that from what I have learned on this site, is check for rust in the frame. That is the most important thing to look for.
Others will be along to give more and better advice on other stuff.
That graphics package is friggin SWEET!
That price isn't outrageous out west, not sure what the market is down there though.
Normal stuff (engine, leaks, driveability) aside, you need to get up under there & see what the frame looks like. Search this site for "rust" & you'll get a lot of good info as far as what's good, what's not, critical areas, etc etc.
That price isn't outrageous out west, not sure what the market is down there though.
Normal stuff (engine, leaks, driveability) aside, you need to get up under there & see what the frame looks like. Search this site for "rust" & you'll get a lot of good info as far as what's good, what's not, critical areas, etc etc.
Check the frame for rust. Check closely. Be ready for it to ride stiff with Skyjacker. The tires are shot from those pics. Be ready to buy expensive oversized tires. Be ready to replace the shocks soon after purchase.
Find out what gear ratio is in the axles before you buy. Know that if it is 3.07 gears and those are 33's it will be slow and long winded in between shifts. And 5th gear may not be very usable if 3.07's. The best factory ratio for that year you will be able to hope for is 3.55 if it has not been re-geared. I believe.
I would seriously check these things before you buy.
Find out what gear ratio is in the axles before you buy. Know that if it is 3.07 gears and those are 33's it will be slow and long winded in between shifts. And 5th gear may not be very usable if 3.07's. The best factory ratio for that year you will be able to hope for is 3.55 if it has not been re-geared. I believe.
I would seriously check these things before you buy.
The ad said the tires are 35’s.
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Specifically for the frame, you want to check the transmission skid plate mounting locations as well as the front and rear control arm mounting locations, and you want to check the body to frame mounting locations under the driver and passenger doors (checking the body for rust at those mounts). Also check the fuel tank skid plate for rust. See if there are any maintenance records as well so you know what might have been done and when it was done. Otherwise you will need to do a full maintenance as well.
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