WTB: TJ Rubicon. Looking at one, have questions.

[derekmac]

I'm on the hunt for a late model Rubi TJ. Prefer stock, standard, less than 200k, and minimal rust. Budget is no more than $10,000. There's one on kijiji that I sent a message on, but it's the only one that I've found so far.

[eastcoastcam]

Feb 10, 2016 21:02:45 GMT -4 derekmac said:

I'm on the hunt for a late model Rubi TJ. Prefer stock, standard, less than 200k, and minimal rust. Budget is no more than $10,000. There's one on kijiji 2005 Jeep Rubicon that I sent a message on, but it's the only one that I've found so far.

Keep on the lookout for the "Unicorn" of Jeeps... The LJ Rubicon, or the even more elusive LJ Rubicon with an automatic...

Believe me, the extra 10" of wheelbase on the LJ makes for a much nicer riding Jeep, and the extra room is incredible. With all the gear you carry on the WJ, you'll have to remove the front seat I. The TJ as well

[derekmac]

Yeah, I'll definitely have to rethink what I carry with me, lol.

An LJ would be nice, but I doubt I'd find one in my price range. Well, one that has what I want.

[Larry]

Here are a few Ontario LJs and TJs
www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/hamilton/2004-jeep-lj/1126325541?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true
www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/ottawa/2004-jeep-tj-rubicon-other/1137375920?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true
www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/windsor-area-on/2005-jeep-tj-unlimited/1137035410?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true
www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/sault-ste-marie/the-ultimate-fun-reliable-vehicle-for-winter-and-summer/1135686119?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

[derekmac]

Here's the reply on the one I posted.

Yes jeep is available.
Rust is forming under each front fender, one hole had formed, that I had patch repaired to pass inspection in May. The windshield frame has rust forming, there's a hole on each side of it, but can be seen from the inside only.
I've had the oil pan, steering block, water pump replaced in 2015, along with all new breaks, pads, shoes, and sway bar links. I've kept all my receipts of the work done on the jeep from the time I've owned her.


Thanks Larry, I'll have a look at them. I don't mind traveling for a good deal/rig.

[derekmac]

If the rest of the Rubi is good, what would it cost to buy replacement fenders and windshield frame?

[98TJ]

1k
Just bought them

[eastcoastcam]

Feb 11, 2016 14:54:16 GMT -4 derekmac said:

If the rest of the Rubi is good, what would it cost to buy replacement fenders and windshield frame?

Fenders are reasonably priced. Windshield frame is a different story though... I know EXACTLY where it is rusting ...

Good used ones are getting harder to come by but it could be repaired I would think...

[danodonn11]

I wouldn't say that's a bad deal for a stock Rubicon. They tend to go for more stock.

I sold my 06 (modified) with a rotted windshield frame and not so great tires for 11K with no problems back in June.

I would look into MCE fenders $500ish and easy installation... plus then you have flats (lifetime warranty).
Could prob also find a windshield frame for a couple hundred.

All said and done you have a stock Rubicon for > 10K

[derekmac]

I'm going to try and get in tomorrow to see it, but she's really slow at getting back to emails. The fenders I'm not overly concerned about, it's the windshield frame that kind of worries me. I'm not afraid of body work, but always found working around a windshield to be a pain if the glass is still in. It would be just my luck that if I removed the glass, it would break.

I was actually looking at aftermarket fenders, and I think that's the way I'd go. As long as the frame is good, and it seems good mechanically, I'll probably see if I can get it.

[eastcoastcam]

The common place for rust on the windshield frame is on the inside lower section on the passenger side, about halfway between the little tray on top of the dash and the outer end... At least the windshield frame is removable... Try doing a patch/repair in the same place on the WJ...

[derekmac]

Just got back from taking the Rubi for a drive, and looking it over.

The good:
It drives great, engine sounds good, has been undercoated yearly, clutch is very strong, frame is in great shape, body is good for the most part. Most work has been done at APJ's, and the fluids have been recently changed. Both locker lights went solid after two blinks.

The bad:
The rust on the fenders isn't horrible, and I would like to replace with flat fenders anyways. The windshield frame seems bad to me though. The water pump was done not long ago, but I could smell coolant when driving, and the temp was running a bit high. I know nothing about the 4.0's, so not sure what would cause this.

Here's the temp it's running at:


Here's both sides of the windshield frame:




Some underneath pics:











What do you think could be the cause of the running hot, and could it be something major enough to not consider buying it?

[The Garagemahal]

That's not hot at all that's normal temp

[derekmac]

Feb 13, 2016 14:10:51 GMT -4 The Garagemahal said:

That's not hot at all that's normal temp

Oh really? I figured it should be at 100, or a tick below. For the coolant smell, do you think it could be the heater core? When I was checking the floor, the passenger side was a bit wet. I didn't think to feel it, or smell it though. The drivers side was a bit wet too, so I was thinking melting snow.

I know nothing about TJ's, or the 4.0, so those things did concern me.

[danodonn11]

Around here if a TJ's got a good frame and body it's usually a deal if the price isn't outrageous.

97 TJ's go for $5k in good shape haha.