Buying a Liberty - A couple questions from a Jeep Newbie

[DDavisIAMT]

I'm looking for a small 6cyl 5-speed SUV that's capable on worse than normal forest service roads and the Liberty appears to be one of the few vehicles that meets my needs. I'm not intending on modifying it more than putting some capable tires on the vehicle. Most of my concern lies with getting maintenance up to date and addressing anything mechanical.

Outside of regular things to check (ball joints, tie rod ends, CV axle boots, etc) what are some common or uncommon but expensive issues I should be looking for when checking out a Liberty? I remember when I was a technician I recall seeing two Libertys come in with the destroyed drivershafts at the front differential housing (possibly the transfer case, I can't recall which, it's been several years). Problems like this I'd like to know about so I could potentially avoid buying a problem vehicle.


Also, how many miles (with quality routine maintenance of course) can I expect from one of these vehicles?

Thanks in advance!

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Rust. But in NM you should be fine!

Post up pics of any you like and we can critique them! Not quite sure about the driveshaft thing, usually the tcase end of the front driveshaft is bad, about a $50 part to fix that. Wouldn't let that turn me off.

 

[tommudd]

rear boot on the front driveshaft goes then destroys the CV is what you are remembering.
Buying used and out o forest roads you'll want to find a good set of skids since the suspension is more than likely sagged
Other than that hope maintenance has been kept up good on it.
How many miles on it?

 

[DDavisIAMT]

Thanks for the replies.

Most of the Libertys I'm looking at are around 120-140k miles. I know a guy who was an engineer for Jeep and says that just getting broken in for the Libery. I know an older woman who has has 200k+ on hers and I don't think she's stringent on maintenance and drives it pretty hard, for an older lady.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

They are solid vehicles, that's for sure. About the only big failure I've had on mine with 160k on it is the transmission, but mine's an auto.

 

[Tog]

Transmission on the auto I've had 2 04's with the 42RLE go on me. Any shudder sometimes only noticeable in fulltime 4wd goid sign the T/C had crapped itself

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[teeje]

One thing I hope you don't run into is the heater core. I pulled the dash and replaced mine in about an hour and a half with help from another person. Lots of screws...


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[GunnerSchenck]

Thanks for the replies.

Most of the Libertys I'm looking at are around 120-140k miles. I know a guy who was an engineer for Jeep and says that just getting broken in for the Libery. I know an older woman who has has 200k+ on hers and I don't think she's stringent on maintenance and drives it pretty hard, for an older lady.

I have an 03 with the 42rle, and it's at 207k right now and earned each mile. All in how well it was maintained.. and I'm pretty sure the harder you drive these, the longer they last :happy175:

 

[JasonJ]

I have an 03 with the 42rle, and it's at 207k right now and earned each mile. All in how well it was maintained.. and I'm pretty sure the harder you drive these, the longer they last :happy175:

Within reason,yes. lol.

But it's all about maintenance and not being abused. Broken parts can be replaced, but if things are neglected long-term... bad news.

No reason why any KJ in good condition shouldn't be able to handle worse than average forest roads.