Intro and help with fsj purchase

[redbird00]

hello to all, just got signed up, looking into buying a fsj. I've been lurking for a while and finally decided to post. I've been wanting one of these since, that episode of trucks, I'm sure a lot of other people have too.

found what seems to be a pretty good deal, only i don't know a whole lot about these jeeps. here's a link to the craigslist ad.

http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/868090845.html

here's his response when i asked how it was running.

"its still running like crap, when you give it gas it now bogs down and dies. It hasn't had a tune up in awhile, i suspect that's why its running like that. The transmission seems to be leaking from the main pump, and the torque converter might be messed up."

he also said he thinks the torque converter was installed wrong? and thats what caused a seal to blow out, not real sure what he means there.

i was thinking that plugs/wires/dist. cap/filter/carb adjustments could get the motor running good again. but i'm not sure about the tranny, is this a common problem for these jeeps, or did someone royally screw it up?

plans for the jeep, are for it to be an off road only trail rig. soa/x-over/shackle flip from bj's off-road, and some 36-37" tires, some sort of sliders, and some lights.

all opinions/suggestions are welcome, thanks, great site you've got here!! :fsj:

[DerekTJeep]

Thank for joining. First off, I'm not sure about Texas from being in Chicago. I think that $650 is a little high, but if you don't buy it, someone else will. It's up to you how much you want it. I would suppose that you would sell the grille guard and the fog lights after you make the purchase. You'll be surprised at how much you will get for those 2 items.

The best luck!!

[redbird00]

well he's down to $550 obo, tryin to decide what best offer i'm gonna throw his way.

also i was doing a little more lookin around, anyone think, this will all i'll need for the tranny?

it is a 727 trans in this jeep isn't it?
http://www.bjsoffroad.com/CartGenie/prod-80.htm

[addicted]

Welcome!

If the torque converter is indeed installed wrong then I am willing to bet the input shaft is jacked up pretty good along with the torque converter itself. I would go with $350 at most since it runs like crap the trans leaks and he really doesn't know what is wrong with it.

[fulsizjeep]

Welcome from Colorado!
My general rule is if I can drive it, it is probably worth at least $500. If I can't, the price is below that. If you don't rush into it, you can probably find a better one to start with for around what he is asking.

[janie]

Welcome aboard fellow Texan. Yes, that Wag does have the TF727. Any rust issues with this rig? If so, I'd keep looking. If not, and providing the interior isn't trashed, I'd offer $300.00 max.

Good luck!

[fireman91186]

I agree I would try to stay around 300-400 dallors. It looks like from the pics its not very well taken care of and if it runs bad and the tranny needs work you will have to consider the money for that. But there are more out there if this one doesnt work out for you keep lookin and you'll become addicted as well.

[redbird00]

i was thinking about shooting him an offer of $250, and see where that goes, its hard to tell from the pictures what kind of shape everything else is in.

but considering i'd have to buy the trans seal kit, 'tune up' stuff, thats probably close to another $150 right there, and it 'should' be running good after that. hoping to have a decent trail rig for under $500, then come the goodies!

[addicted]

But there are more out there if this one doesnt work out for you keep lookin and you'll become addicted as well.

I don't like the thought of someone being able to just become someone else, especially becoming me. Besides one of me is enough, just ask my wife!

[Chrome]

Welcome aboard! I agree with the rest on the price range. Figure in a tranny rebuild, possible engine rebuild, and another $1,000 for odds and ends. I'm sure if you walk up and swipe a few Benjamins under his nose it will bring him around.

[j20brett]

Im with everyone else...throw $300 at him and see what he says. The running like crap issue is most likely carb related (power valve) and the trans can be rebuilt for ~$500 if you look around enough. :thumbsup:

O... and welcome from beaumont!

[redbird00]

here's his reply from my last email.

"well i figure after it gets new plugs and wires, distributor etc, it should run fine. the transmission is leaking to the point where the truck is not driveable. i believe the previous owner installed the torque converter wrong causing one of the gaskets or seals to break. it is the stock motor, and its has 114,XXX miles on it. the interior is like a dark burgandy red, and in pretty decent shape."

all the rest of the wagons in this area are in the $2k range, more than i want to spend on a trail rig.

[Chrome]

Shake them Benjamins! Money talks! :D

[maccj5]

i found my 87 gw on cl for free trailered it home and rebuilt the d 44 that he said was bad came with all bearings seals and u joints to rebuild the front and rear ends--- its now my d-d keep looking you'll find one in better shape cheap if you have patience

[Ugly Truck Nut]

Welcome aboard.

[Dmntxn77]

Ive had three just like that... Ran like crap, and had bad trannys...

I paid $250 for one, and the other 2 were free (even though one was 2 hours a way, so gas $$).

Of course, that was up here in the PNW... I havent seen too many for sale in Amarillo, and if I were there, I would probably consider dropping $350-$400 for it...

[jaber]

Welcome,

If it dont drive, I wont give more than $250 for it. just my rule of thumb.....

[COLOFIREMAN]

Welcome from Colorado.....well....er..... again.:D .

[69J3700]

Is there anyway you can pull off a compression check on the engine? If it's running poorly due to low compression, it's proably big dollars to fix. If the compression is good, it's usually lots cheaper (and easier) to fix.

If the pump is leaking, it's best to do a complete trans rebuild. That's a pretty easy trans to do, but getting the pump apart is difficult without a special tool.

I look at it this way. If a 4WD is in good condition, it's probably gonna cost at least $3000. If you're getting it for $500, it'll probably cost $2500 to get it into shape.

Don't forget to check the axles and transfer case out as best you can. Look for leaks, they can be time consuming and expensive to fix.

It's not a vehicle, it's a hobby...