Blue Mesa

All,

Looking at getting an older Wrangler for my son (18 yrs) - he's paying. I have the '08 Rubicon, etc... and he wants to go with me off-roading with me.

Don't know much on the older ones. Looking at a 1997 with 58K miles. 5 speed manual. It is a 4 cylinder which is my concern. Will it be too under powered? Looks in great shape, soft top / half doors.

Any model years to avoid? How are the mods to this model year? etc...

Thoughts?

Blue Mesa

muddy00

The Tj's (97-06) are great jeeps and very capable compared to older jeeps. The 4cyl will be fine on trails as most of the time you run 4 low, if you put bigger tires on it without regearing the 4cyl will be a little underpowered on the street.

Main thing to watch for if it will be used off road is alot of the rear axles are dana 35's which is a c-clip axle which is a lot weaker than the readr d44, if you are going to wheel it look for one with a d44 which will be a 6cyl, but not all have the d44.

muddpuppy01

I would go even older and find a cj better motor and stronger axles than the yj and tj unless you get a rubicon tj (front and rear dana 44) beisde it allow you two to work on a father son project

LidLess07X

The TJs are really nice and the aftermarket for them is obviously strong. If you get the 4cyl, just make sure its a very good price because they are way cheaper on resale. Also, if you think it will eventually get built up with lift and tires, stay away from the four banger because in the end you will have alot of $$$ in a Jeep with a limited market for resale.

jblankster

i jyus got a tj i love it yea find a 4.0 the extra 2 cylinders are WORTH IT.

sully151

Get the 4.0! The 4 banger is underpowered and won't have the resale. I had an 02 sport and loved it more than any car I have ever owned. We will see what happens when I get my JK.