new guy here

[butcher]

Hey everyone...
Here is the story to the beginning of a Jeep Liberty owner,
after a melt down to the CVT transmission on my gas saving Nissan Versa, and $4000 to replace it, I don't feel its worth it on an '09 with 257,000 KM's.
I also have a '09 Ford Escape Limited which is my wife's daily driver, and what we use for adventuring, traveling, camping, towing the boat and sled trailer.
I thought about it a bit, and said I'm gonna find us another little SUV to take out camping and hunting for CASH, and keep the Escape on the pavement while we still have payments on it.
I've done LOTS of off roading with other vehicles I've owned,
'92 ranger 4.0 lifted "3
'93 Nissan King Cab lifted "6
'98 F250 LD lifted "3

And Tomorrow I'm going to look at a 2003 Liberty Renegade.
It has 270,000 km on it, yup, that is pretty high, but it is in excellent shape and only needs a windshield and a leaky exhaust to pass the safety. For $1500 it don't seem to bad.
I am very good at turning wrenches, and looking for some pointers as what to look for in this vehicle.
EI, when I wen't to look at the Escape, I knew that the Rear Shock mounts up in the wheel wells were notorious for rotting out. Freaked the guy out when I pulled off the rear interior body panels to have a better look! LOL!!!

So Im hoping all y'all can provide with me with some pointers as to what to look for on this vehicle.
I'm bringing my jack and stands and going to get underneath to look at floor, gas / brake lines, wheel bearings, ETC.
Thanks for any help in advance, and look forward to doing a little work on either this Liberty, or another I pick up. What ever happens tomorrow, looks like I'm set in a Liberty.

 

[profdlp]

Sounds like you have a good eye for mechanical. I'd look for rust, especially the rocker panel area and under the third brake light.

(welcome)

 

[turblediesel]

You're in the right place.

 

[tommudd]

See what the build date is on the 03 but they have a heavier duty transmission than 04 and later
Also measure in front between the middle of the wheel and the bottom of the flare, if below 19 inches then it has sagged suspension and will need replaced ( good point to bring up to get a lower price. )
Check the rear boot on the front driveshaft CV , they usually go about 70-80,000 miles
Easy 55-60 dollar repair but if shop does it 300 or so
Check what type of spark plugs it has, and gap, use only NGK or Champion coppers nothing fancy
Check the drivers side top of the radiator , for any leaks

How it shifts in and out
what transfer case it has could be Selectrac or Command Trac
Selesctrac has 2WD, Part Time 4 WD, Full Time 4 WD, N, and 4 Low
Command Trac has 2 WD, Part time 4 WD, N, and 4 low

 

[butcher]

Thank you every one for the tips!!
I have found these two sites that give some good info, I am a little leary on site number two for accuracy, but hey, try your VIN and see if you think it is good.

#1 build date decoder. Steiger Performance - Liberty Build Date
Mine says "This vehicle was built on December 5, 2002 sometime between 1 and 2 PM"

#2 Vehicle info using the VIN https://www.vehiclehistory.com/vehicle/land.php
put in your VIN and click continue, it gives a chit whack of info.

 

[butcher]

how do I find out about which transfer case it is? would it be as simple as switching the gear? Im hoping for a full time 4x4 and not just a Part Time

 

[tommudd]

who do I find out about which transfer case it is? would it be as simple as switching the gear? Im hoping for a full time 4x4 and not just a Part Time

Posted above

Selectrac has 2WD, Part Time 4 WD, Full Time 4 WD, N, and 4 Low
Command Trac has 2 WD, Part time 4 WD, N, and 4 low
will have one or the other on the handle

I love my Command Trac, never seen a need for full time
with good tires I hardly ever use 4 wheel drive unless its a snow fall of 10-12 inches

 

[butcher]

Posted above

Selectrac has 2WD, Part Time 4 WD, Full Time 4 WD, N, and 4 Low
Command Trac has 2 WD, Part time 4 WD, N, and 4 low
will have one or the other on the handle

I love my Command Trac, never seen a need for full time
with good tires I hardly ever use 4 wheel drive unless its a snow fall of 10-12 inches

I live way up in Northern Ontario Canada,, 10-12" is a common over night snow fall
now that I bought a "new to me" sled though,,,,, I should be ok either way

 

[krisP]

I live way up in Northern Ontario Canada,, 10-12" is a common over night snow fall
now that I bought a "new to me" sled though,,,,, I should be ok either way

i live in a very very snowy area right along lake erie, 4wd about 50% of the time in the winter. one of the best vehicles in the snow i have owned...well fulltime 4wd if you consider that 4wd

 

[Dave]

Welcome. You are getting good info already I see.


Dave