Topic: Looking for YJ advice

[TheBrain]

I am looking at purchasing a used YJ in the next few days.  I have narrowed it down to 2 prospects.  Both are priced around $2500.  The first is an 89, 2.5L, 5spd, stock Jeep, has rebuilt engine (20,000 miles ago), new radiator, wheel bearings, exhaust, several relays and sensors, etc, with 180,000 on the clock.  No noticable body rust with a really clean undercarriage.  The second is a 92 with the same basic setup, 150,000 miles, uses about a quart of oil every 1500 miles, has some body rust, has an engine stutter around 2200 rpm, has a hard top.  Based on this information, which one would you buy?  I am leaning toward the 89 with the newer engine.  Just looking for some friendly advice.

Thanks

[lanulos89]

the 89 sounds a lot better to me id say the 89

[jagular7]

Not much change between the years, but only thing I can think of would be the roll cage. So choice of mechanicals seems about what you have to weigh for choosing. Take pics....

[Jesse-James]

With the 92 you will have MPFI, much better setup. Sounds like the 89 is in better shape though.

[chrisfranklin]

Buy the '89, I guess.  You sure you couldn't buy a 4 or 6banger, 5spd, maybe something '91 or better with maybe half the miles on the OD those have?  Hopefully you are at least getting the '89 dirt cheap - like less than $1500.  

My YJ4 only has around 140k, and, between 65k -140k, I've basically replaced everything that can wear out.  Maybe the last owner did the same on this '89.  Or, maybe not.

If not, you may have a lot of expensive stuff that you'll have to replace before too long (even if you never go offroad) such as the following:  shocks, stabilizer, bushings, engine mounts, brake rotors/lines, brake pads, tires, front seats, radio, speakers, top, ignition system, battery, all fluids (synthetic), alternator, starter, power steering, water pump.  You may want an alarm, security gear (tuffy center console and trunk).  Typical performance upgrades cost money and we are not even getting in to off road stuff like lockers, lifts, larger tires/wheels, regear etc which will really run up a tab.    

So, get the '89  (But, you may find that you will save money in the long-run if you get a later, '91 or better, fuel injected 2.5 or 4.0, 5spd with half the miles on the OD versus the '89)

Good luck. :)

[kidwired]

thats a tuff one, the FI motor is better generally speaking. If theres body rot it could be bad. Know any body shop guys?
have a mechanic check them both out. Watch out for "rebuild" motors. definition of rebuild can be new gaskets and a paint job. Was it done by a shop? are there receipts for work performed? warrantee?

I got bit recently by this on a toyota I built, I swapped a 84 pickup body onto an 85 runner chassis, dual cases, histeer etc and a "rebuilt" 22RE w/ only 30k, which developed a rod knock on its 1st trip out.

[TheBrain]

Thanks for all the replies.  The 89 was rebuilt about 2 years ago.  New rings, rod bearings, cam, lifters, water pump, etc.  The only real concern I have is that it has a rough idle.  The current owner tells me he has narrowed it down to a couple of things (map sensor and some other sensor).  He has replaced  most of the vaccuum lines during the rebuild process.  I have heard that this could also be driven by a bad head / head gasket.  If the water pump went out, which is why he rebuilt it in the first place, what are the chances that the engine has a bad head???

Thanks again everyone!!

[supryj4]

If you are thinking of performance mods on the motor you are better off with a 91 or newer there are more after market parts available for the MPFI.I actualy converted my over to mpfi I have a 90 2.5 and it was alot of work. Good luck finding the best deal.

[TheBrain]

The owner of the 89 has all the receipts for the parts he has replaced on the Jeep.  Any ideas concerning the rough idle?  Runs smooth above idle, just a rough idle.

Thanks again,

Brian

[Jeffy]

Honestly, I'd hold out and save up some more.  $2500 is cheap BUT unless you want to do a lot of fixing, it's probably not a good idea to by something with problems and that high of mileage.  If you are sold on getting a 2.5L then go with a MPFI '91+.

With the '89 you're starting off 12hp down from the '92.   Yeah, a lot of things have been replaced on the '89 but there are still a lot of things that can go wrong.  Not to mention there is very little in aftermarket parts.  So if you want to upgrade to larger tires, you will need to regear or live with it.  Proper gearing is crucial with either but is also expensive.  That '92 sounds like it will need a rebuild.  Using a quart after only 1500 miles is something to worry about.  With either, check for rust!  Look at http://www.4bangerjp.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2159 and see what can happen if you don't look everywhere.

With that said, the '89 sounds like a better deal.  (I'd maybe look for a 4.2L in that same price range.)

[TheBrain]

Bought the 89 for $2000.  Drove it home, tightend up an intake manifold bolt, bled the brakes and all is well.  Runs and idles like a top.  Some minor surface rust in the drivers side floor pan (plan por-15 it).  Frame is clean and rust free.  Shifts smooth and tracks straight.

Brain

[Jesse-James]

Good to hear, congrats. Got any pics?

[TheBrain]

I'll get some later as I have the interior removed for a good cleaning.

[chardrc]

congrats