Hey guys,
My dad found me this jeep since i complain about the 2.5L all the time
http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/cto/1264342699.html

My dad went and put a depost on it for me, but says he can get it back at any time. Does it look like a good project? I really want a 4.0l automatic to cruise in, this 4 cylinder is death on the highway. I've been told the headgasket can be done in a day with about $100 in parts. Im not rich right now lol, but could probably buy it and sit on it for a month or two while repairing it. Idk what a clean 98 4 cylinder 4x4 is worth tho.

What are you guys thoughs on this jeep? I also found a 97 sport that needs an ECU for $1000 obo, and i obviousally wouldnt need to do a head gasket on it.

 

The problem with blown head gaskets is sometimes it's not the head gasket, and could be a cracked head. These 4.0's are pretty durable though so it probably is just the gasket. And that thing's gonna need some suspension work, rear leafs look as gone as mine, lol... but you're planning on a lift anyway, right?

 

I'd be concerned about the rusty floors issue, and the front end damage, as well as the engine problems. Not to mention the 4WD is inoperable. My opinion: That's too much money, and too many problems for you to tackle. You can find a solid old XJ for that price. JMO

 

um yeah i would find one that doesnt need motor work rusty floor isnt **** but u could find better casue i live in ohio to in barberton and i was gona go look at that till the guy told me all that was wrong but it looks nice

 

i work right up the road from barberton! I talked to the guy some more, and it needs a front universal joint. The floors arent rust holes yet, they're just "rusty" I think if I can snag it for $400 or so i'll totally take it and sit on it for a month or two and fix it up.

 

i got bored one day and did a head gasket on my 94, not using air tools it took 2 good hard days of work but i took my time, and the gasket cost 20 or 30 dollars, but youll want a new intake/eXhaust gasket and prob wanna replace the thermostat housing gasket. If your heads warped add another 150 to 250 dollars for it to get planed. 700 seems to much. If your going to do the head on it PM me i can give you lots of tips

 

if you can get for $400 it might be worth it but $700 is to much for that many problems check the frame rails even the smallest amount of bumper damage can cause frame issues with a unibody rig also ask how long he was driving with the blown head gasket the longer he drove it the more likely it will be warped good luck

 

You can buy a running and driving xj for 700

 

Like this one that I paid $700 CDN for ($600US)
Just needed brakes and ujoints to pass safety

 

I`d ask them how they know it`s just the head gasket..or why they think it`s the head gasket...As has been mentioned they aren`t super hard to do..I changed mine in less than a days time with normal hand tools (Plus assorted extensions, breaker bars etc)..If I found a nice condition one that I could confirm it was just the head gasket for this price I might go for it myself.

 

well if it needs a head MARS the junk yard by summit racing out that way has one for like $80 comes ready to bolt on valuave rockers everything is their

 

and i did my head gasket in like 3 hours maybe 4 its not bad

 

i got the same thing in the same condition with no probles for $1200 150xxx on the clock

 

The thing that is going to limit you is your budget. if you dont need it right away and can sit on it then although 700 is a bit high for what ive read. I picked mine up for 250 with an overheating issue. Repalced the head gasket , had the head shaved and the vlaves done and took my time with the rest. Theres always other things like are the drums worn and out of spec now? what else is there that it needs to pass safety and smog if you have it. If in fact its leaking from the head gasket , are you buying someones headache that they have not done anything about for a while? leaving a motor thats leaking coolant into the cylinder will cause piston rings to stick thereby causing a low compression on the cylinders effected along possible scoring.

has he added something to the coolant system that now reside in the radiator clogging passages. some of that stuff can be tough to get out if you cant get the end caps off the rad to clean it out.

If it was cheaper and you had a few dollars and were willing to say its a learning eperience after you looked at your checkbook then id say 6 one way half dozen of the other. but for that money you could find one that is in better condition with less substancial issues to deal with. Just my two cents if it means anything. good luck either way..

 

I think i seen a flyer up in the post office yesterday with that jeep on it... something about a reward for the whereabouts of it... I still say you robbed her blind on that one... great find ... Now if I could only convince my neighbor that his new rigid lowboy bike wasnt worth as much as he thought id be happier then a pig in mud...