Looking for a TJ project Jeep

[BobK]

I'm thinking of adding to the vehicle family a TJ series (I prefer Rubicon) model and building it up from what ever state its in when I buy it. I'm not looking to to a frame up restoration, more of a fix what is aged, upgrade what needs upgraded and turn it into a workable off-road ride for weekends.

Any advice on what to look for (trouble spots) with TJ's? How many miles is too many miles on a TJ engine? Despite the purists point of view, I want an automatic I'm too old to be messing with a clutch....LOL

The good news is that I've found a 2006 TJ Rubi, but the owner reports that there are "small 1 inch rust spots near both the passenger and driver door windows" which sounds like an odd place for rust to me. Next he says that there is "condensation" which I think is a euphemism for an oil leak "between the engine and the transmission".

Since the Jeep is pretty far from me, I am relying on more photos that I hope to get tomorrow of the rust and the underside of the Jeep. Do either of these issues sound curious to anyone?

 

[Chris]

Check this thread out:
What should I look for when buying a used Wrangler TJ?

4.0 engines can go well over 600k miles (there was a guy on here who had 600k miles on it when he sold it).

Transmissions won't usually last longer than 200k miles before they need a rebuild.

The engine / transmission oil leak is very common. It's usually the rear main seal, and it's pretty easy to replace. Most shops would charge around $600 for it give or take.