Questions about a potential 1999 Sahara trade

[spiderjason]

Hi everyone, my name is Jason. I’m new to the forum. I have some questions. I’m have somebody wants to trade me a 1999 Jeep Sahara overall looks to be in decent shape. It’s got a straight six and a five speed manual. My first question is in the 1999s or in that generation of the jeeps What’s the most sought after motors and transmission?

For example, I know some manufacturers. The four-cylinder is more sought after than the six. so I was wondering if there was a preference on what more people are looking for in this generation jeep and also what tends to hold up better and last longer ? that usually goes hand-in-hand to why people like either the four-cylinder or the six cylinder better usually one holds up and last longer than the other. for instance sometime the four-cylinder are under powered but they are bulletproof so some people prefer that also on these jeeps is the manual transmissions preferred more? I would assume the Manual transmissions are but I just don’t know if they are over the automatic?

I have another question. The guy said something about if these jeeps get pulled behind an RV it puts miles on the Jeep. that seems strange to me that I would do that, but I have no idea so can somebody enlighten me on if that if these jeeps do add mileage while you pull them behind RV, I know most of the time a lot of people take the driveshaft out when they pull something. I’ll just start with these questions. Any response would greatly be appreciated.

 

[JohnF500]

I have a 2001 Sahara with the 4.0 and manual. That is the preferred set up for most of us. Some people think an auto has an advantage in rock crawling but I’m in mud and old forest trails and like a manual. The Sahara’s have the stronger differential- they were the most off road capable until the Rubicon’s came out later in the 2000s is my understanding. I don’t think being pulled behind an RV adds miles, just based on my search for a TJ I found one pulled behind that was 25 years old with 20,000 miles but the tires were shot. I think it adds wear to the wheels, bearings, differential, but not the engine as the tranny is in neutral.

 

[KennethS]

6 cylinder definitely over a 4 cylinder. That year auto vs manual is driver’s preference as both are good transmissions.

Mine is a 1998 4.0 with a 5 speed and 3.73 gears.

 

[spiderjason]

I have a 2001 Sahara with the 4.0 and manual. That is the preferred set up for most of us. Some people think an auto has an advantage in rock crawling but I’m in mud and old forest trails and like a manual. The Sahara’s have the stronger differential- they were the most off road capable until the Rubicon’s came out later in the 2000s is my understanding. I don’t think being pulled behind an RV adds miles, just based on my search for a TJ I found one pulled behind that was 25 years old with 20,000 miles but the tires were shot. I think it adds wear to the wheels, bearings, differential, but not the engine as the tranny is in neutral.

OK, so the Sahara has a stronger differential. Do you know of any other differences between the I should say I guess on the Sahara package over the Wrangler? Also, he said this one has 200,000 miles. What’s your input on that he said everything works fine even AC works and then later on he said everything’s gone through but he hasn’t owned it that long so you know you can’t always trust what people say but what’s your thoughts of one with 200,000 miles on it

 

[B1Toad]

The Sahara’s have the stronger differential-

Does that mean it's a Dana 44 in the rear?

 

[B1Toad]

The TJ does not add miles to the ODO when being towed. Be sure to check for frame rust though, there are some threads here describing how to check. You really need to slide/crawl around underneath and stick your fingers inside the frame as they rust from the inside out, just peeking underneath with a flashlight won't cut it..

 

[macleanflood]

99 is a good year. Older models have less O2 sensors and cats and are simpler.

Post pictures. We're good at spotting shenanigans.

Check for rust. Don't be this Sahara...

-Mac

 

[swtrailboss]

Even though you’re in Texas the frame rust would numero uno!!!! If the owner hasn’t owned it for very long that either says he flips them for profit or quickly found out something major was wrong with it. Again as the previous poster stated “frame rust “. Everything else can be easily be dealt with. Check where the last location the car was titled per car fax.

 

[AndyG]

Also Texas had some bad floods a few years back- look close, some of those vehicles are still in the market.

 

[JohnF500]

OK, so the Sahara has a stronger differential. Do you know of any other differences between the I should say I guess on the Sahara package over the Wrangler? Also, he said this one has 200,000 miles. What’s your input on that he said everything works fine even AC works and then later on he said everything’s gone through but he hasn’t owned it that long so you know you can’t always trust what people say but what’s your thoughts of one with 200,000 miles on it

I don’t worry about miles as much as how cared for… which can be hard to determine. I bought mine with 150k it ran well, fluids looked good (but could be changed before showing) and I tried everything. AC, heater, horn, cruise control, 4wheel high and low, wipers, lights, etc. started and stopped engine to see if engine light came on. Checked and rechecked oil and coolant before and after road trip. AC went out in first month, coil pack went out in 3, based on tire wear I knew it needed, new tires, suspension work, ball joints, and so much more first 6 months. Its a25 year old vehicle, you will have things to repair, replace….as others have said a solid frame is most important!! You need to have a repair budget/$$ IMO.

 

[TheBoogieman]

The Sahara’s have the stronger differential-

Does that mean it's a Dana 44 in the rear?

A Dana 44 is optional on most TJs.

 

[B1Toad]

I thought that must be the case as my 2000 Sport has one.

 

[tnjeepguy]

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/what-should-i-look-for-when-buying-a-used-wrangler-tj.375/

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/wrangler-tj-factory-specifications.71/

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/how-many-miles-is-too-many-on-a-4-0.17164/

Just a little "search" or site review is really helpful.

 

[JMT]

Hi everyone, my name is Jason. I’m new to the forum. I have some questions. I’m have somebody wants to trade me a 1999 Jeep Sahara overall looks to be in decent shape. It’s got a straight six and a five speed manual. My first question is in the 1999s or in that generation of the jeeps What’s the most sought after motors and transmission?

For example, I know some manufacturers. The four-cylinder is more sought after than the six. so I was wondering if there was a preference on what more people are looking for in this generation jeep and also what tends to hold up better and last longer ? that usually goes hand-in-hand to why people like either the four-cylinder or the six cylinder better usually one holds up and last longer than the other. for instance sometime the four-cylinder are under powered but they are bulletproof so some people prefer that also on these jeeps is the manual transmissions preferred more? I would assume the Manual transmissions are but I just don’t know if they are over the automatic?

I have another question. The guy said something about if these jeeps get pulled behind an RV it puts miles on the Jeep. that seems strange to me that I would do that, but I have no idea so can somebody enlighten me on if that if these jeeps do add mileage while you pull them behind RV, I know most of the time a lot of people take the driveshaft out when they pull something. I’ll just start with these questions. Any response would greatly be appreciated.

- 4.0 inline 6
- AX-15 for manual and 32rh for auto are both desirable
- Mileage higher for sure, but maintenance and replacement parts used are key.