Lucked into this divorce find as a replacement for my wrecked 02. PO is a master mechanic in a small town between GA/SC (No rust or salt) In 2006 while going through a divorce he titled it to his father where aside from maintenance it's essentially been garged since then. 2002 Flame Red, 4.0 5psd, 3.73, and 33k on the clock. Bone Stock with the exception of front bumper, rear hitch, newer soft top, radio, and new tires as of this week. Pics as it is today and looking forward to documenting its build.
RED02TJ 2.0
- Thread starter red02tj
- Start date
awesome find..
As of now, I think I’m going with what I’m calling stock+, 2in rancho/pro-comp + 1in BL, 31or32s. I doubt I’ll ever do a tummy tuck, but figue while I’m in there I might as well. stock bumpers + winch, underseat sub + decent replacement speakers. Doubt I’ll ever wheel hard enough to need lockers or regear.
With no rust, and 33k on the clock, I want to balance having fun + teaching my 10yr old to drive it in a few years.
I got lucky with my last one and the PO did a good job on a 3.5in lift with 33s and while I liked the look and clearance I only wheeled twice a year so it was overkill.
With no rust, and 33k on the clock, I want to balance having fun + teaching my 10yr old to drive it in a few years.
I got lucky with my last one and the PO did a good job on a 3.5in lift with 33s and while I liked the look and clearance I only wheeled twice a year so it was overkill.
Finally got to drive the jeep and see in person. It was about 150 miles north of my and my wife’s uncle lives in the same small town as the PO so we was able to test drive it. And while I don’t *think I got screwed, it definitely needs some TLC.
On the positive, drive 150 miles on the highway, no smoke, CEL, or leaks and the AC works well. Aside from some surface rust on the passenger floor board, the tub and frame look really good. Also, No lifter tick or chatter
On the negative, needs new shocks and brakes asap, steering box is leaking and resivor is full of rust. Radiator is probably on borrowed time, it’s the original and looks rusty as well. Need to figure out what angry bee sound is when accelerating at 2500 rpm and stick shift sticks sometimes coming out of 2nd but no noises or grinding and stored code of p303 cylinder 3 misfire even after clearing it, hope it’s due to the original plugs.
On the positive, drive 150 miles on the highway, no smoke, CEL, or leaks and the AC works well. Aside from some surface rust on the passenger floor board, the tub and frame look really good. Also, No lifter tick or chatter
On the negative, needs new shocks and brakes asap, steering box is leaking and resivor is full of rust. Radiator is probably on borrowed time, it’s the original and looks rusty as well. Need to figure out what angry bee sound is when accelerating at 2500 rpm and stick shift sticks sometimes coming out of 2nd but no noises or grinding and stored code of p303 cylinder 3 misfire even after clearing it, hope it’s due to the original plugs.
cold start this morning, sat for 12hrs and currently in the mid 40s. Started right up, no chatter, lifter tick, or puddles in the driveway. Going to my trusted mechanic today for a sanity check which will give me a chance to clean the carpets.
Definitely has a power steering leak but seems to drive fine. for ~35 going to flush the fluids, put in some PS stop leak and a new reservoir cap and see if that helps before I go down the replace gearbox/pump rabbit hole.
Also getting a new rad cap, will need to flush the rad sometime soon.
Also getting a new rad cap, will need to flush the rad sometime soon.
Before you use that stop leak crap, clean and degrease the system. You'll be able to find the leak much easier and replace the fail component.
I generally agree with you and wouldn't use it in the engine or the radiator, but the PS stop leak seems to be well liked in a couple other threads. With only 33k miles, I'm hoping it's a dry seal + to your point, a good cleaning will let me know where the issue is but also buy me some more time while I prioritize the todo list.
nah...I got line on a sweet hood mount high lift AND another light bar.
More notes for myself.
Shop changed the rear diff fluid. Front diff, trans, oil were all good. Oil pan, valve cover, RMS, and pinion seals all look good. Rad will need a flush sometime soon but made it 150hw miles with the AC on so not rushing todo it. If leak stop and fresh fluid don’t stop the steering box leak I’ll have the shop do the Rad flush and gearbox at the same time.
Recommended Jeep shop quoting 1,250 parts and labor for a 2.5in Bilstien 5150 lift which should work for my 32s. Other shop quoting 2k parts and labor for the rancho/procomp combo.
Shop changed the rear diff fluid. Front diff, trans, oil were all good. Oil pan, valve cover, RMS, and pinion seals all look good. Rad will need a flush sometime soon but made it 150hw miles with the AC on so not rushing todo it. If leak stop and fresh fluid don’t stop the steering box leak I’ll have the shop do the Rad flush and gearbox at the same time.
Recommended Jeep shop quoting 1,250 parts and labor for a 2.5in Bilstien 5150 lift which should work for my 32s. Other shop quoting 2k parts and labor for the rancho/procomp combo.
Pressure washer did the job and carpet came out nicer than I expected. Will probably wait until spring to do bedrug unless I find another Amazon warehouse deal.
