Hello gang,

So there is a really sweet looking 2013 JKR with AT at a local dealer for sale and I'm very interested in buying it. It has 9,400 miles on the clock and it seems very clean. The previous owner is also a JK Forum member. I went by and inspected the JK. The previous owner installed some Rancho skid plates on the differentials. I noticed there was oil around the diff and on the actual skid plate. I'm worried this JK ran with low oil to no oil in the diffs. How can I make sure no damage was done to the diffs? My guess is the skid plates were not installed properly, causing the oil to leak. What can I do to ensure I won't be buying a lemon?

Thank you in advance.

 

I saw that you pm'd the original owner. Did he mention anything about leaky differential seals? If I were worried about it, I'd simply take it for a drive and pull over someplace and check the fluid level. If the dealer did not fix the leak, I highly doubt they'd bother topping off the fluid. If it's full or close to it, I wouldn't worry. Just ask them to reseal them if you buy it.

 

Thank you for your suggestion. Previous owner is MIA.

 

a shot glass of oil looks like a quart when on a diff cover or oil pan. in reality if there was enough oil for it to be low it would be covered dripping every where.

 

It's very likely not enough to affect components inside. However, if the dealer is serious about selling it, they'll oblige you by removing the diff cover so you can see the condition inside. If it was run without enough lube, you'll see heat/blueing/scoring on the gears, etc. On a lift, should only take them < 1 hr for the entire process.

If that's your only hangup, make that request. Costs them very little in labor and lube compared to a lost sale.

 

Have the dealer check, as they should have already. And, it's still under the factory warranty.

 

Thank you very much guys! You are awesome!!!

 

Did you end up buying the jeep? Looks pretty nice. Would have the dealer fix the leaks also before taking delivery if you do.