Looking at buying first KJ "project"

[forced_induction]

Hey guys, first post on the forum. I have been reading around for the past few days and figured it's time to pick your brains.

Im looking at buying a 2004 Liberty Sport (3.7, 2WD, auto) with 204k on the clock. Let me just say that 200k+ scares me a bit, but I am more than able to rebuild it down the road. Anyway the owner has paperwork for the replacement of the steering rack, and a rebuilt transmission 50k ago. Maintenance history was unclear on paper but the owner states routine oil changes and flushes were done, although I did spot a quart of supertech under the rear seat :flame:. The exterior is in excellent condition but the interior has seen better days (not that I really care) Upon test driving it I was shocked at how tight and almost new it felt. Not a tap from the engine after being started from stone cold (28* in SE PA) Trans shifted flawlessly as the car warmed up..

My current vehicle is a DD project that is never going to get done if I continue to drive it, so I am looking for 6-8 months of driving the liberty before turning the tables and working on getitng it rebuilt and up to ***** for some late summer beach trips, fishing trips, and cornfield adventures.

I have been getting very mixed advice from friends and family and just wanted to see what some real KJ owners have to say. Don't be afraid to be honest guys.. Is this worth it? Thanks in advance for any input.

-Nick :fishing1:

 

[tommudd]

Depends on how much you're paying for it
200,000 is not bad IF its been taken care of, lots on here and LOSTJEEPS with more miles

 

[1BADKJ]

It's not a car. Welcome to the forum.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Welcome! If you can get it for a fair enough price...like under 3-4k, go for it. But the 2WD won't work all that well on a beach.

 

[forced_induction]

Thanks for the input guys. Sorry for calling it a car! I was half asleep writing that.. :/ I guess what I'd like to hear is will the engine and transmission behind it last much longer than 200k? I understand they aren't the only moving parts on the car, but replacing hubs, axles, ring & pinion, etc is far easier than replacing an engine or trans. Not to mention the pricetag that goes with that!

I've read the high mileage thread but I didn't see too many guys pushing 200k on a factory motor. What do I need to comb through to check for excessive engine wear or other tell tale signs of impending doom?

 

[TwoBobsKJ]

Thanks for the input guys. Sorry for calling it a car! I was half asleep writing that.. :/ I guess what I'd like to hear is will the engine and transmission behind it last much longer than 200k? I understand they aren't the only moving parts on the car, but replacing hubs, axles, ring & pinion, etc is far easier than replacing an engine or trans. Not to mention the pricetag that goes with that!

I've read the high mileage thread but I didn't see too many guys pushing 200k on a factory motor. What do I need to comb through to check for excessive engine wear or other tell tale signs of impending doom?

Welcome! :happy107:

Yea, 200K is a lot of miles but if the purchase price is right then even a new or lightly used engine is a value to keep the vehicle for a few years.

If you didn't hear any tapping or knocking then you're ahead of the game. When things go bad with the 3.7 it is usually in the valve train - specifically dropped rocker arms, sticking/worn valves and valve stems. For whatever reason the #2 cylinder (the one closest to the front on the passenger/right side) has the most issues. I'd suggest checking compression on all cylinders and see if there is wide variation between cylinders. Engine swap can be done with a newer block but it is a lot of work.

The 2WD would bother me cuz you can't do the kinds of things the Jeep is made to do. But if your plans don't include a lot of offroading then maybe that's OK. The beach will be a problem unless the sand is hardpacked vs loose and deep.

Bob

 

[forced_induction]

Welcome! :happy107:

Yea, 200K is a lot of miles but if the purchase price is right then even a new or lightly used engine is a value to keep the vehicle for a few years.

If you didn't hear any tapping or knocking then you're ahead of the game. When things go bad with the 3.7 it is usually in the valve train - specifically dropped rocker arms, sticking/worn valves and valve stems. For whatever reason the #2 cylinder (the one closest to the front on the passenger/right side) has the most issues. I'd suggest checking compression on all cylinders and see if there is wide variation between cylinders. Engine swap can be done with a newer block but it is a lot of work.

The 2WD would bother me cuz you can't do the kinds of things the Jeep is made to do. But if your plans don't include a lot of offroading then maybe that's OK. The beach will be a problem unless the sand is hardpacked vs loose and deep.

Bob

I did read something about the #2 cylinder. Is there any particular reason they drop rockers? Weak springs? I thought the 3.7 engine was SOHC? Would that not have rockers? Im fine with doing an engine swap, especially with the 2WD setup most likely being easier to do so with.

As far as the 2WD goes, It's all I've ever had and been used to. I've never had use for 4WD. I plan to go off-roading here and there but nothing insane like sand or hill climbing. I've been searching and searching and can't seem to find out if the diff in a 2WD is open of LSD.. anyone know that for sure? or maybe how to identify one?

I read somewhere that the 3.7 is prone to sludging and requires pulling the pan and cleaning the pickup screen and manual removal of sludge for proper remediation. I did not see white crustaceans or mayo looking gunk on the bottom of the filler cap but would it be a bad idea to run some HDEO like Rotella T 15W40 with short oil change intervals right off the bat? Maybe a high detergent oil?

Thanks so much for the input guys.. I was so on the fence over this for the past week. The owner wants 2K, I think it's a steal even if I have to put work into it a few months down the road.

 

[Josh]

Thanks so much for the input guys.. I was so on the fence over this for the past week. The owner wants 2K, I think it's a steal even if I have to put work into it a few months down the road.

I've seen people asking 2k for KJ with blown motors or transmissions. Sounds like a good deal (if you get over the 2wd).

 

[TwoBobsKJ]

The diff is most likely open and not LSD.

Look for a tag/sticker on the axle tube that indicates LSD on it. If you can bring a jack along next time you look at it, lift the rear and spin one wheel. If you can't turn it or both wheels spin the same direction you have LSD.

Even if it has "trash lock" it most likely is toast by now. Most with that many miles have roached clutches.

Bob