Question:
How are 87' jeep wranglers, want to buy one, rebuilt motor, no leaks, runs fine, manual trans. Deal or no deal
anonymous
2008-01-30 09:38:17 UTC
The 87' Jeep wrangler I am looking at has been well taken care of. The boy who owns it put all his money into it and it has a rebuilt motor in it that the kid says has been put in 3,000 miles ago. I am looking for a 4X4 and really like the rig. No engine leaks or tranny leaks, has new tires, newer paint job, 4" lift, 35" tires, manual transmission with clutch replaced 3,000 miles ago. I heard they are pretty reliable and if it doesn't work out for me I want to be able to turn around and sell it. Good looking rig comes with hard top and bikini top. Just looking for some input on experienced jeep owners. Please help me.
>Jacob<
Six answers:
anonymous
2008-01-30 11:16:26 UTC
Could be a good deal especially if it has the 6-cyl.



Look carefully for rust on the floor pan by the seats. Also check the frame rail where the springs attach, especially on the front, they are prone to heavy rust in those spots and the repair can be expensive if you're not a welder. Also check around the front of the gas tank for rust, there was a recall on this model with in-tank fuel pumps to replace the fuel pump sender bolts. They leaked and the gas would eat away the frame. You can take the VIN number to a dealer and they can see if the recall was needed and done



I would be a bit leery of 35" tires without axle and brake upgrades. 33's would be a better size with stock axles. 35" tires are big and heavy and take a lot to stop that weight spinning around and can easily snap an axle shaft. I run 35's on one of my Jeeps and have done extensive brake and axle upgrades to run them safely.



Check out the vacuum system carefully, run the heater controls and put it in 4WD and be sure the 4WD light comes on (the front axle 4WD is vacuum actuated).



What kind of lift is on it? Is it a spring-over (SOA=springs mounted on top of the axle)? SOA's take a lot of work to do properly. Is it a shackle lift and what kind of shackles? Some shackle lifts can be downright dangerous. Drive it and brake hard, see how it feels and get it in dirt and try the 4WD out, especially 4Lo to check for spring wrap and other issues.



Hopefully that didn't scare you off because it sounds like it could be a good deal. That's a good year and model, yes they will run forever with good maintenance and it'll be a blast to drive, just take your time and check it carefully but it sounds like it might be a deal.



Check out the link below, head over to the Wangler forum, you'll be bombarded with info on Jeep Wranglers
anonymous
2015-08-07 04:50:38 UTC
This Site Might Help You.



RE:

How are 87' jeep wranglers, want to buy one, rebuilt motor, no leaks, runs fine, manual trans. Deal or no deal

The 87' Jeep wrangler I am looking at has been well taken care of. The boy who owns it put all his money into it and it has a rebuilt motor in it that the kid says has been put in 3,000 miles ago. I am looking for a 4X4 and really like the rig. No engine leaks or tranny leaks, has new tires,...
Noah's Ark
2008-01-30 17:15:36 UTC
Sounds like a good deal but like everyone is saying about the 35 inch tires i hope its been regeared for them ,,, Also a spring over lift goes right to 6 inches as soon as its done ... so i doubt you have that ... But if the springs are above the axle thats what a springover lift is ....Again 35's will be to much for stock diffentials for that year ... Best thing to do is go online to a jeep club forum in your area and ask if anyone of their more experienced members would be willing to come out and take a look at this jeep with you . he , or she , will be able to tell you if it's worth the money your about to spend on it .... Most of these jeep club people will be more than willing to help you out ... Good luck with your new jeep if you buy it and welcome to jeep world ...
Joker®
2008-01-30 16:27:41 UTC
It sounds like a Mall Crawler. I'd be a bit leary of 35s with only 4" of lift. My YJ has 5¼" of lift with 33s and I get a rub on the rear flairs every now and then.



Test drive it up a steep grade. If it hasn't been re-geared for those 35s, you'll lose alot of speed going uphill. And the speedo will be off if a new speedo gear wasn't installed in the tranny.



Also it is carberated, fuel injection didn't come until the '91 model year.



I hope it 's as sweet as it sounds.



Happy Trails my Jeeping friend!
NEONSXT
2008-01-30 09:49:05 UTC
im not a jeep owner but i do sell them used and the wranglers keep there value very very well espically if they are in good condition if ur getting a good price i say its a deal
anonymous
2008-01-30 09:49:43 UTC
You will never find a more trustworthy vehicle. DEAL


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