Newbie just looked at first possible LJ purchase (questions)

[ALScott]

Pretty sure I know the answer here but I have questions about how bad the rust is. Anything else you guys could point out in pics would be appreciated
It is fifth owner, came from New Jersey and has 135K miles. New valve cover gasket. Said he just had a transmission leak fixed and the mechanic told him the main seal was leaking a tiny bit. He said he checks the oil and it never needs any.
He said it had 2 inch body lift. This is not it correct?


Driver side rear hole in frame same hole Passenger side


What is that tag?

 

[AndyG]

Buddy people in New Jersey want to get an LJ from Alabama but people from Alabama do not want to get one from New Jersey.

Stay away from that.

 

[never monday]

No body lift
You’d need to measure the springs to check suspension lift.
That’s not rusty at all!
Depending on the price it’s a strong average condition LJ

 

[Jerry Bransford]

X2, there's no body lift on that Jeep. Actually the rust, while always alarming at first glance, doesn't look bad at all on the frame where it counts.

 

[TJ4Jim]

That's real clean for NJ, may have spent time elsewhere.

 

[ALScott]

He's asking $12,999 but said he would negotiate. On the plus side the engine was very quiet and smooth, sounded good. Think I am going to keep looking for less rust.

 

[never monday]

He's asking $12,999 but said he would negotiate. On the plus side the engine was very quiet and smooth, sounded good. Think I am going to keep looking for less rust.

If you can get it around 10,5-11 you’d be good

 

[L J]

Did you look at it in person? If you can, use an inexpensive borescope from Amazon to inspect the interior of the frame (or for future inspections).

What is that tag?
View attachment 226358

The manufacturer's ID tag. It gives you the model number, serial number, etc. of the transfer case.

 

[04Rubi]

that is not rusty for a rust belt vehicle.

 

[NashvilleTJ]

If that rig spent its whole life in Jersey (well, depending on what exit...), it was very well taken care of in terms of keeping the rust in control. I don’t see anything alarming, especially in the key spots as Jerry said. The rear lower control arm amounts are always the first to go, and they look good.

it actually bodes well that the rest of the vehicle was taken care of as well.

 

[Chris]

You need to endoscope the inside of the frame.

 

[ALScott]

You need to endoscope the inside of the frame.

I found another one with zero rust. Spent its whole life in FL and GA plus 50k less miles and bone stock. Cost more but it’s piece of mind.