On Jeep #3, first TJ

[SprinceMainly]

Hey all, Just picked up a 97 TJ last two were JKs..just felt the need to own one of these classics. Little project,fun car. Everything looks clean does need some normal wear and tear replacements. Gas tank skid plate steering linkages. It has 156k on it all original garage kept and maintained. Frame has surface rust inside does have some chipping but no soft spots cracks holes etc..Paid 4K for it. Let me know what you guys think.

 

[Chris]

It looks clean for the most part. The frame needs some attention in terms of cleaning it up with a wire wheel, but other than that, it looks great!

I had a TJ, sold it for a JK, and then went back to a TJ. I find I like the TJ a lot more than the JK.

 

[Alex01]

Great find. Like Chris said wire wheel the frame and coat with por15.

You picked a great forum to join. My only advice would be to ask lots of questions and research before starting to dump money on parts into it.

Any future plans?

 

[Flivver250]

Welcome aboard. Nice looking Jeep. Wear gloves when you use Por-15. That stuff stays put where ever it goes.

 

[SprinceMainly]

Great find. Like Chris said wire wheel the frame and coat with por15.

You picked a great forum to join. My only advice would be to ask lots of questions and research before starting to dump money on parts into it.

Any future plans?

Thanks ! Honestly I'm a bit of a purist. As much as I would love to get I to wheelin I'd like to keep this TJ as close to stock as possible..maybe some bigger tires. I want to preserve the frame as much as possible drain holes etc. I already was aware of the TJ issues with the rust. Basically do as much work as I can myself I'm pretty handy with a wrench but anything engine related as far as opening it or transfer case etc I wouldn't feel comfortable doing. (Question is replacing the steering link assembly easy to do?).

 

[Alex01]

Thanks ! Honestly I'm a bit of a purist. As much as I would love to get I to wheelin I'd like to keep this TJ as close to stock as possible..maybe some bigger tires. I want to preserve the frame as much as possible drain holes etc. I already was aware of the TJ issues with the rust. Basically do as much work as I can myself I'm pretty handy with a wrench but anything engine related as far as opening it or transfer case etc I wouldn't feel comfortable doing. (Question is replacing the steering link assembly easy to do?).

I can respect that. 31-32" tires really make them look better with a minimal amount if. Spacers would likely do the trick.

The steering link is fairly easy to remove. I've done it multiple times and never had an issue. Just flip the bolt after removing it and give it a few whacks with a hammer or use a pickle fork. The connection at the pitman arm is a bit trickier but you could use extensions and route though the grill to get a good hit on it or the pickle fork again.

 

[SprinceMainly]

I can respect that. 31-32" tires really make them look better with a minimal amount if. Spacers would likely do the trick.

The steering link is fairly easy to remove. I've done it multiple times and never had an issue. Just flip the bolt after removing it and give it a few whacks with a hammer or use a pickle fork. The connection at the pitman arm is a bit trickier but you could use extensions and route though the grill to get a good hit on it or the pickle fork again.

Thanks, I'm sure I'll go beyond bigger tires in the future. Kinda like when I said I was only gonna get one tattoo.

 

[RustyAutoholicGuy]

Great looking TJ! Like everyone else has already said take care of the rust now and enjoy your TJ! Must admit it hurt me a little hearing you say that it's a classic

 

[SprinceMainly]

Great looking TJ! Like everyone else has already said take care of the rust now and enjoy your TJ! Must admit it hurt me a little hearing you say that it's a classic

Haha! Thanks Rusty! Hey man 23 years ago I was a freshman in highschool looking at this thing in a magazine.. Feels like yesterday but the grays in my beard tell me otherwise smh...

 

[OHFIVETJ]

Welcome to the group from the Island of Long, My name is Johnny & i'm a JEEPAHOLIC

 

[SprinceMainly]

I can respect that. 31-32" tires really make them look better with a minimal amount if. Spacers would likely do the trick.

The steering link is fairly easy to remove. I've done it multiple times and never had an issue. Just flip the bolt after removing it and give it a few whacks with a hammer or use a pickle fork. The connection at the pitman arm is a bit trickier but you could use extensions and route though the grill to get a good hit on it or the pickle fork again.

Would you mind if I send a few pics of the steering links and tell me if anything is imminent? I talked to the guys mechanic before I bought and he said in order to pass Pennsylvania inspection those would have to be done and the gas tank skid which I already ordered. But the track drag tie and sway.. anything look that bad? And what aftermarket brands should I look to replace with when ready.

 

[Gregg1LE]

Welcome from Texas !