JEEP GUYS - looking for some info UPDATE - pics on pg 3

Possibly looking for something similar to turn into a bird hunting rig. Interested in the responses...

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Looking for an older model for $5500 or less.

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That's 2.5L price range. 4.0L are out there in that range but you're going to do a lot of shopping.

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years to stay away from?

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99-2002 had bad head castings. The 0331 iron head liked to crack between #3 and #4 cylinders. Alabama Cylinder head use to make a direct drop in replacement complete with valves for $600 but they went out of business.

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what mileage is too high for Jeeps?

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For $5k you're not getting a low mileage example unless your lucky. You should be happy if it runs and drives.

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standard or automatic?

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Whatever you can get in your price range. The 3 speed auto is a tank, the ax15 is the best manual if you can find one. Either or, it really shouldn't matter.

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I hear a lot of headache stories about jeeps and never owning one

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I've had a bunch of TJ's, they are all headaches in some form or another. It's little things like leaky soft tops (they all leak) that are the most annoying. Big things like having to remove the entire dash to replace the heater core aren't too bad if you have friends who are into jeeps and are willing to come wrench on it for free.

If you can't turn a wrench, you're going to have a bad time.

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Looking for an older model for $5500 or less

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Your options will probably be a whole bunch of YJ's, CJ5's, and some beat up TJ's.

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I hear a lot of headache stories about jeeps and never owning one, looking for a lil help.

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You can work on a jeep very easily and they are very much like old cars in that they will cost you money along the way. Headaches on a jeep are a lot easier to solve than in most modern cars(sans death wobble). The people that have problems with them and become non upgrade money pits, usually dont do their own work.

Thanks!!

My CJ7 has been a pain in the neck since day 1. Got it for around that price, its a 77.. Still trying to get it right, worst money ive spent unfortunately. Maybe one day i will get some enjoyment out of it but not yet

For 5k, spend 2k on a sidekick or tracker, spend 1400 on a lift, 1k on tires, and 600 on any maintenance items.

Pop the doors off and cruise.

I'm waiting to hear back on a truck from a friend. If he is willing to sell it, then I'll be selling my jeep soon. If not, then I have to go look for a truck, save a few bucks, and may sell the jeep around July.
This is what I have

2007 2dr Sahara
55k miles
6 speed
410 gears
Terrafles 2.5 coil lift with Bilstein shocks
.75 spacers in front and back
35" tires (5) BFG KM2 50% plus tread left
Ace front bumper
Terraflex rear tire carrier
Rigid Windshield LED lights
Hard top (freedom top) tinted glass
Stock soft top (in use) tinted windows
Extra (used but good condition) black (no windows) soft top
sound system

This is not a current pic but it looks the same.

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Craw.daddy@yahoo.com

Honestly, check out their facebook pages. The Southeast Jeep Association has people selling their jeeps left and right due to the downturn.

Thanks guys!!

I'd sell my 81 cj7 i6 for 5500 right now.