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Old 09-19-2005, 08:05 PM   #7 (permalink)
cyrnel
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Location: In my angry-dome.
94=7125 retail, 5035 private. (my location, good condition)

With any 4x4 find some gravel and check the different 4x4 modes. It doesn't have to shift like silk but street jeeps often have tcase issues from lack of 4x4 use. If you can't find a mode, ask and make sure they can. Make a semi-quick launch in 4x4 low. Does it jump to N or another mode? (could be internal problem or just linkage, but it's a good way to knock a couple $hundred off the price.)

Open the air cleaner and look for oil drools on the filter or down the filter box. Tells you if owner watched the CCV orifice and probably other things. Look for sludge under the oil fill cap. Rust on the dipstick. The 4.0L is bulletproof if the lube has been taken care of, but it doesn't like sludge. That one's old enough to have history.

If you're making an appointment, ask that they NOT warm it up. You need to listen and test it cold. Changes how everything shifts, and how the engine sounds. If you near knocking while cold it could be the usual pre-99 4.0L piston slap or something worse. They may not know 4.0L's so it can be another price helper.

Get under the front and look up at the linkage as someone cranks the steering from lock to lock. If you see any up/down movement (anything but rotation) in the steering joints at full turn it means worn joints and a couple $hundred.

As mentioned, look underneath for evidence of off-roading. If you see long scratches or dents it usually means some crawling or crashing. That takes its toll on the best vehicle. Off-roading might have been mild and fine, but from here all bets are off.

Good time to look for oil leaks. If they've cleaned it, look closely at engine, trans, and tcase seals. Front and rear diffs, too. The rear D35 yoke seal is a common drooler and you'll pay $100+ up to have it and the crush-sleeve replaced correctly. Jiffy lube or other shortcuts cost less but can mean gear problems later.

See if it tracks straight at highway speed. Any shakes? Are lane changes okay or white-knuckle? Modification and abuse possibilities are endless, and can cause problems for street use.

Of course, if they have records that's always a plus.

Granted, it isn't an Accord, but a bit of inspection can improve your chances or at least your price.

Edit: Another off-roading sign: check for evidence of tow hook use.
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Last edited by cyrnel; 09-19-2005 at 08:07 PM..
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