To buy, or not to buy, an 89 Yj.....

burntkat · 03-03-2003, 03:12 PM

<this is a compilation of posts from another message board, so bear with me, folks>

Title says it all...

One of the engineers here has an 89 YJ. It's basically stock, the soft top has a tear near the tub in the rear. 4 Cylinder, stick <I think> faded paint <not a huge concern, as if I get it, it's going to be painted one way or another- and probably flat tan>. He wants $1500- no rust to speak of, as it's been a Southern Jeep the entire time.

I'm debating on it- it would make a presumably cheap backup set of wheels for work. I'd more than likely pick up a hard top for it, since I can't see spending several hundred on a replacement soft top. No air in it, which is a drawback for the SC heat. New engine with 30K miles on it. Best of all, it's a friend of the family, so I can more than likely pay half up front then pay it off in a month.

Thing is- I'd probably have to give up the Fiero to get it. I haven't checked insurance prices on an 89 Wrangler, but I can't imagine them being too awful expensive. A Jeep isn't the ideal family vehicle, but it's MUCH more ideal than a Fiero, to say the very least!

I'm torn on this one. Any Jeepers out there got any advice, regarding maintenance on these 89 YJs? I'd probably mod it a little- 33's and a springover, at the most. Maybe some custom bumpers front and rear, but I can make those myself. IT would certainly make the SAS on the Blazer a lot easier, though-- wouldn't have to worry about dismantling my daily driver and being in a press to get it back on the road, and there's my axle right there <and a excuse to upgrade the front axle in the Jeep at the same time- get two vehicles upgraded at once>. The Fiero is off the road right now, and is more than likely going to Alabama for surgery to get it back onthe road <body work involving a space frame-- WAY beyond my skills at present>.

Basically-- I love Fieros, and I love Jeeps and have always wanted one. Got a chance to pick up a Jeep cheap, and am sorely tempted......

the thing that concerns me is fuel mileage, really. Don't know if I can swing another fuel hog. Also, even though it has a back seat, it has even less room than the Blazer <and of course, the Fiero has the least room of all- I know this...>

We often have sudden unexpected rain showers during the summer around here. Security would definitely be a concern for me- thus the hard top <which I could still remove, of course, for those sunny weeks- and I'll definitely be putting some secure storage in her if I get it>

Hell- I may just keep the Fiero, work on it as I can, and get the Jeep as well. I really don't know at this stage, though. Might have to wait till I can drive the thing to see if I want to go with the Jeep or not. I'll see this guy at lunch tomorrow, so I'll see if he'll let me take her for a spin then. I drove my Platoon Sergeant's 89 YJ but that was in 92- forever ago.

I think I'd be a lot more comfortable with getting another vehicle if I hadn't spent all of last year sans employment. I mean- really- $1500, and it's mine and drivable- versus- $1500 of work needed to a vehicle I bought for $3000 <would still be driveable now if I'd not had a runin with a guardrail.>. Something of a no-brainer...

Details on the vehicle:

213,000 miles

1989 Jeep Wrangler

New engine @ approx 180,000 miles

4 cylinder, 5 speed

new clutch and all associated gear @ approx 150,000

no mods

seatbacks are broken <I have a welder-- worst come to worst, I can weld them>

soft top, with the "hard bottom" doors <steel panel in the tub with plastic from waist level up> <these are called half doors, evidently>

100,000 miles on the tires on it now. Stock tires and wheels

has been driven hard, according to my dad <owner is his friend> <dad is hardly an authority on vehicles, though. "Driven hard" can mean the brakes were locked up once, with him>

gets approx 15MPG according to owner

it was raining today, so I didn't get to drive it.

soft top is ripped at the right rear corner of the tub- but only along the seam, not flapping around

vacuum lines on the front axle are non existent <evidently, it's the CAD axle system>. As I understand it, this can be replaced by a posilock cable- replaces the vacuum system with a steel cable actuator, along the same lines as a hand throttle.

Still rather torn. This could go either way...

The major thing is this: I have a 3 year old. Is it safe to attach a baby seat in the rear bench? Obviously, I'd be putting a REAL roll cage in <$350 or so, I believe?> and tieing the baby seat in VERY well. I also know not to take corners at breakneck speed in a high-CG vehicle.

HappyJeep · 03-03-2003, 05:21 PM

Hi 'Kat,

Just a BTT for ya, since I really don't know much about these leaf-spring things, and nothing at all about putting a baby in it.

HJ

(btw, if it'll get ya outta that Chebbie, I say go for it!

)

burntkat · 03-03-2003, 05:28 PM

No chance whatsoever of it getting me outta the Chevy. Got to have something dependable, now don't I?

BIGWHITE · 03-03-2003, 05:31 PM

I put my car seat in the back with no problems.. Or the front- no airbag..

LeadFoot · 03-03-2003, 06:33 PM

Don't buy it, I'll drive down there and buy it.

burntkat · 03-03-2003, 06:35 PM

OK-- so I'm thinkin' this sounds like 2 affirmatives thus far....

claudius753 · 03-03-2003, 06:40 PM

As long as you don't mind the top tear and the faded paint, go for it!

burntkat · 03-03-2003, 06:48 PM

I'm definitely thinking a hardtop will be in order-- as well as hard doors. Yeah, I know they aren't exactly cheap- but hey- still cheaper than a Landy <if I had $3000, I'd go for the Landie!>. Also much easier and cheaper to work on.

As for the paint: I'm thinking a spraybomb session with flat desert tan or maybe a camo job might get me by for a bit....

HappyJeep · 03-03-2003, 07:06 PM

Quote:

-=- originally posted by burntkat -=-
No chance whatsoever of it getting me outta the Chevy. Got to have something dependable, now don't I?

:laugh:

Just keep on :pablo:

tsc · 03-03-2003, 07:24 PM

The price is about right, but it will need some work....

burntkat · 03-03-2003, 07:26 PM

Quote:

-=- originally posted by tsc -=-
The price is about right, but it will need some work....

like???

catts258 · 03-03-2003, 07:51 PM

I wouldn't drive it home on tires that have 100,000 miles on them.

Get a piece of paper and write down all of the things it would take to make it a comfortable daily driver. It will add up quickly (top $ 400, tires $ 400 etc) and consider this added to the $ 1500. Now take this number and look at other YJs on the market that are in good condition; ie good tires, top, etc. Weigh the two $ and try to make a decision. Also, as far as buying from a family friend what is going to happen when/if the motor and tranny go in a couple of months? No hard feelings?

LeadFoot · 03-03-2003, 08:22 PM

Would there be any tread left?!?!?!

burntkat · 03-03-2003, 08:24 PM

Quote:

-=- originally posted by catts258 -=-
I wouldn't drive it home on tires that have 100,000 miles on them.

Already checked them out- no dryrot, and no bulging. Plenty of tread.

Get a piece of paper and write down all of the things it would take to make it a comfortable daily driver. It will add up quickly (tires $ 400 )

For the sake of argument- I'll grant tires. So that makes it $1900. <tires are fine, though>. Nothing is wrong with the top other than a tear you on't even notice until it's pointed out. I specifically checked out the top's integrity and he had to point out the rip to me.

An 89 YJ just like this one, with severe body cancer, is going for $3000. I'm still ahead of the game.

Also, as far as buying from a family friend what is going to happen when/if the motor and tranny go in a couple of months? No hard feelings?

Obviously, I'll repair it. Duh.

burntkat · 03-03-2003, 08:31 PM

Quote:

-=- originally posted by LeadFoot -=-
Would there be any tread left?!?!?!

There's plenty of tread left. Truth to tell, I think he's overstating the mileage on the tires. With that in mind- I went over it mechanically, as best I could without a lift.

The Jeep drives very well- very tight, no appreciable wandering in the steering. The clutch action is smooth and there is no excessive play before the clutch catches. Engine runs like a top and makes good power <again, I'm very familiar with the 2.5L Iron Duke engine from my Fiero days>. Gears do not grind. Transfer case shifts just fine into 4Hi and back. No wierd noises from the axles, balljoints, or tranny. Small engine oil leak from the oilpan and PCV valve. As I understand it, ALL Jeeps leak- and I know for a fact the 2.5 I4 is bad about leaking around the rocker cover. I also have a complete headset and rocker cover gasket set, from my Fiero days.

All in all-- it gives the impression of having been cared for very well. No, I'm NOT a stranger to automobiles... I've rebuilt the engine in my Blazer, replaced the tranny and rebuilt the transfer case, and rear axle as well. About the only thing I won't do on a vehicle is automatic transmission work- and that's just because I don't have the room to lay all the pieces out and when my tranny went out last year, I needed wheels NOW and didn't have a backup vehicle. I've rebuilt 2 Fieros from nose to tail. I have the technology, and all the tools, if worse comes to worse. The thing about the Jeep is there is scads of room under the hood if I should have to pull the pack. No problem.

Jerry Bransford · 03-03-2003, 08:52 PM

'89 is where Jeep transitioned from the notoriously weak and problem-prone Peugeot transmission to the far stronger and more reliable Aisin transmission. Personally I wouldn't buy it if it had the Peugeot tranny. And you're absolutely sure you want the 2.5L four-cylinder engine? One of the most popular threads on engines is 'How do I get more power out of my 2.5L engine???'. It's great for pure offroading but it's marginal for highway use.

burntkat · 03-03-2003, 11:24 PM

Let's recap, folks. This is a BACKUP vehicle.

Also-- again- if I find I need more engine- there's always a 4.3L V6.

burntkat · 03-03-2003, 11:29 PM

Quote:

-=- originally posted by Jerry Bransford -=-
'89 is where Jeep transitioned from the notoriously weak and problem-prone Peugeot transmission to the far stronger and more reliable Aisin transmission. Personally I wouldn't buy it if it had the Peugeot tranny. And you're absolutely sure you want the 2.5L four-cylinder engine? One of the most popular threads on engines is 'How do I get more power out of my 2.5L engine???'. It's great for pure offroading but it's marginal for highway use.

I understood the Jeeps had the AX5 tranny. Is that the Peugeot tranny?

If I get the VIN, can you tell me which it has?

LeadFoot · 03-03-2003, 11:51 PM

Jerry can be alittle confusing sometimes (

). All 4 bangers have the AX-5, and most 4.2 I-6 have the Peugeot tranny. Easily tell the difference by looking. Here's a pic of the Peugeot tranny. The AX trannys are shorter and wider. The Peugrot is more skinny and longer.

HarvinJeep · 03-03-2003, 11:51 PM

Quote:

-=- originally posted by LeadFoot -=-
Would there be any tread left?!?!?!

I am not sure there would be any tire left

HJ

03-03-2003, 03:12 PM	#1
burntkat Registered Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Charleston SC Posts: 1,779 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	To buy, or not to buy, an 89 Yj..... <this is a compilation of posts from another message board, so bear with me, folks> Title says it all... One of the engineers here has an 89 YJ. It's basically stock, the soft top has a tear near the tub in the rear. 4 Cylinder, stick <I think> faded paint <not a huge concern, as if I get it, it's going to be painted one way or another- and probably flat tan>. He wants $1500- no rust to speak of, as it's been a Southern Jeep the entire time. I'm debating on it- it would make a presumably cheap backup set of wheels for work. I'd more than likely pick up a hard top for it, since I can't see spending several hundred on a replacement soft top. No air in it, which is a drawback for the SC heat. New engine with 30K miles on it. Best of all, it's a friend of the family, so I can more than likely pay half up front then pay it off in a month. Thing is- I'd probably have to give up the Fiero to get it. I haven't checked insurance prices on an 89 Wrangler, but I can't imagine them being too awful expensive. A Jeep isn't the ideal family vehicle, but it's MUCH more ideal than a Fiero, to say the very least! I'm torn on this one. Any Jeepers out there got any advice, regarding maintenance on these 89 YJs? I'd probably mod it a little- 33's and a springover, at the most. Maybe some custom bumpers front and rear, but I can make those myself. IT would certainly make the SAS on the Blazer a lot easier, though-- wouldn't have to worry about dismantling my daily driver and being in a press to get it back on the road, and there's my axle right there <and a excuse to upgrade the front axle in the Jeep at the same time- get two vehicles upgraded at once>. The Fiero is off the road right now, and is more than likely going to Alabama for surgery to get it back onthe road <body work involving a space frame-- WAY beyond my skills at present>. Basically-- I love Fieros, and I love Jeeps and have always wanted one. Got a chance to pick up a Jeep cheap, and am sorely tempted...... the thing that concerns me is fuel mileage, really. Don't know if I can swing another fuel hog. Also, even though it has a back seat, it has even less room than the Blazer <and of course, the Fiero has the least room of all- I know this...> We often have sudden unexpected rain showers during the summer around here. Security would definitely be a concern for me- thus the hard top <which I could still remove, of course, for those sunny weeks- and I'll definitely be putting some secure storage in her if I get it> Hell- I may just keep the Fiero, work on it as I can, and get the Jeep as well. I really don't know at this stage, though. Might have to wait till I can drive the thing to see if I want to go with the Jeep or not. I'll see this guy at lunch tomorrow, so I'll see if he'll let me take her for a spin then. I drove my Platoon Sergeant's 89 YJ but that was in 92- forever ago. I think I'd be a lot more comfortable with getting another vehicle if I hadn't spent all of last year sans employment. I mean- really- $1500, and it's mine and drivable- versus- $1500 of work needed to a vehicle I bought for $3000 <would still be driveable now if I'd not had a runin with a guardrail.>. Something of a no-brainer... Details on the vehicle: 213,000 miles 1989 Jeep Wrangler New engine @ approx 180,000 miles 4 cylinder, 5 speed new clutch and all associated gear @ approx 150,000 no mods seatbacks are broken <I have a welder-- worst come to worst, I can weld them> soft top, with the "hard bottom" doors <steel panel in the tub with plastic from waist level up> <these are called half doors, evidently> 100,000 miles on the tires on it now. Stock tires and wheels has been driven hard, according to my dad <owner is his friend> <dad is hardly an authority on vehicles, though. "Driven hard" can mean the brakes were locked up once, with him> gets approx 15MPG according to owner it was raining today, so I didn't get to drive it. soft top is ripped at the right rear corner of the tub- but only along the seam, not flapping around vacuum lines on the front axle are non existent <evidently, it's the CAD axle system>. As I understand it, this can be replaced by a posilock cable- replaces the vacuum system with a steel cable actuator, along the same lines as a hand throttle. Still rather torn. This could go either way... The major thing is this: I have a 3 year old. Is it safe to attach a baby seat in the rear bench? Obviously, I'd be putting a REAL roll cage in <$350 or so, I believe?> and tieing the baby seat in VERY well. I also know not to take corners at breakneck speed in a high-CG vehicle. __________________ 89 Chevy S-10 Blazer SAS project- going diesel, Wagoneer D44's front and rear bought. 90 Cherokee Laredo- lots of stuff. Also going diesel. 94 Grand Cherokee Laredo- daily driver for the wife. No mods, for now. I'm workin' on her...

03-03-2003, 05:28 PM	#3
burntkat Registered Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Charleston SC Posts: 1,779 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	No chance whatsoever of it getting me outta the Chevy. Got to have something dependable, now don't I? __________________ 89 Chevy S-10 Blazer SAS project- going diesel, Wagoneer D44's front and rear bought. 90 Cherokee Laredo- lots of stuff. Also going diesel. 94 Grand Cherokee Laredo- daily driver for the wife. No mods, for now. I'm workin' on her...

03-03-2003, 05:31 PM	#4
BIGWHITE Registered Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Lexington, NC Posts: 432 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I put my car seat in the back with no problems.. Or the front- no airbag.. __________________ HIS'93 YJ, SOA w/ RE SOA springs, Super 35 w/4.88's, locked front and rear, 35' Pro Comp MT on Tech 1's, 36' TSL's on Eaton's, TBT Sport Cage, TJ rear flares, M8000, LED's, Corbeau Baja SS The BOYS '99 Power Wheels Wrangler, 2 speed tranny, custom Rollbar padding "03 Power Wheels Rescue Jeep http://www.triad4wda.org/ http://www.goferitoffroad.com

03-03-2003, 06:33 PM	#5
LeadFoot Forum Leader Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Jacksonville, NC Posts: 7,277 Thanks: 3 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Don't buy it, I'll drive down there and buy it. __________________ '94 YJ '92 YJ '89 YJ '47 Willys The more I interact with society, the more I like my dog.

03-03-2003, 06:35 PM	#6
burntkat Registered Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Charleston SC Posts: 1,779 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	OK-- so I'm thinkin' this sounds like 2 affirmatives thus far.... __________________ 89 Chevy S-10 Blazer SAS project- going diesel, Wagoneer D44's front and rear bought. 90 Cherokee Laredo- lots of stuff. Also going diesel. 94 Grand Cherokee Laredo- daily driver for the wife. No mods, for now. I'm workin' on her...

03-03-2003, 05:21 PM	#2
HappyJeep Registered Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: CMH Posts: 4,204 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Hi 'Kat, Just a BTT for ya, since I really don't know much about these leaf-spring things, and nothing at all about putting a baby in it. HJ (btw, if it'll get ya outta that Chebbie, I say go for it! )

03-03-2003, 06:40 PM	#7
claudius753 Registered Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Thurmont, Maryland Posts: 64 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	As long as you don't mind the top tear and the faded paint, go for it! __________________ The necessities of life: Eatin’, Drinkin’, Sleepin’, and Jeepin’ 95 YJ 4.0 5spd with nerf bars, off road lights and fire extinguisher....work in progress

03-03-2003, 06:48 PM	#8
burntkat Registered Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Charleston SC Posts: 1,779 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I'm definitely thinking a hardtop will be in order-- as well as hard doors. Yeah, I know they aren't exactly cheap- but hey- still cheaper than a Landy <if I had $3000, I'd go for the Landie!>. Also much easier and cheaper to work on. As for the paint: I'm thinking a spraybomb session with flat desert tan or maybe a camo job might get me by for a bit.... __________________ 89 Chevy S-10 Blazer SAS project- going diesel, Wagoneer D44's front and rear bought. 90 Cherokee Laredo- lots of stuff. Also going diesel. 94 Grand Cherokee Laredo- daily driver for the wife. No mods, for now. I'm workin' on her...

03-03-2003, 07:24 PM	#10
tsc Registered Join Date: Apr 1999 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 2,491 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	The price is about right, but it will need some work....

03-03-2003, 07:51 PM	#12
catts258 Registered Join Date: May 2002 Location: Lake Wylie, SC Posts: 628 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I wouldn't drive it home on tires that have 100,000 miles on them. Get a piece of paper and write down all of the things it would take to make it a comfortable daily driver. It will add up quickly (top $ 400, tires $ 400 etc) and consider this added to the $ 1500. Now take this number and look at other YJs on the market that are in good condition; ie good tires, top, etc. Weigh the two $ and try to make a decision. Also, as far as buying from a family friend what is going to happen when/if the motor and tranny go in a couple of months? No hard feelings?

03-03-2003, 08:22 PM	#13
LeadFoot Forum Leader Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Jacksonville, NC Posts: 7,277 Thanks: 3 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Would there be any tread left?!?!?! __________________ '94 YJ '92 YJ '89 YJ '47 Willys The more I interact with society, the more I like my dog.

03-03-2003, 08:52 PM	#16
Jerry Bransford Geezer Jeeper Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Escondido, California Posts: 11,550 Thanks: 17 Thanked 56 Times in 54 Posts	'89 is where Jeep transitioned from the notoriously weak and problem-prone Peugeot transmission to the far stronger and more reliable Aisin transmission. Personally I wouldn't buy it if it had the Peugeot tranny. And you're absolutely sure you want the 2.5L four-cylinder engine? One of the most popular threads on engines is 'How do I get more power out of my 2.5L engine???'. It's great for pure offroading but it's marginal for highway use. __________________ See the Geezer Jeep at http://members.cox.net/jerrypb/ Bob Supplee: supplee4wd@sbcglobal.net or (405) 799-8977

03-03-2003, 11:24 PM	#17
burntkat Registered Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Charleston SC Posts: 1,779 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Let's recap, folks. This is a BACKUP vehicle. Also-- again- if I find I need more engine- there's always a 4.3L V6. __________________ 89 Chevy S-10 Blazer SAS project- going diesel, Wagoneer D44's front and rear bought. 90 Cherokee Laredo- lots of stuff. Also going diesel. 94 Grand Cherokee Laredo- daily driver for the wife. No mods, for now. I'm workin' on her...

03-03-2003, 11:51 PM	#19
LeadFoot Forum Leader Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Jacksonville, NC Posts: 7,277 Thanks: 3 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Jerry can be alittle confusing sometimes ( ). All 4 bangers have the AX-5, and most 4.2 I-6 have the Peugeot tranny. Easily tell the difference by looking. Here's a pic of the Peugeot tranny. The AX trannys are shorter and wider. The Peugrot is more skinny and longer. __________________ '94 YJ '92 YJ '89 YJ '47 Willys The more I interact with society, the more I like my dog.

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