Several (dumb) questions

[Crew11]

I'm new here and just about to get back in to Jeep ownership- driving 1995s today.

I have no experience with the YJ 4 cylinder engine (only had a '94 sahara), any opinions on how many miles is too many? I'm looking at several with 120,000.

No lights for 4wd came on during my test drive. I could tell when low was engaged, but not high. Should the front driveshaft turn freely in my hand when not in 4wd, and not turn when engaged? Other tests? Normally bad sensor or just light bulb?

This one had A/C, but my 1995 Jeep book does not list this as an option on the Rio Grande model for '95. Was A/C a dealer add-on?

Any other pre-purchase must-looks for this model?

Thanks

 

[Joopin]

Here's a test for the 4WD H... find some mud to park in, or water, engage the Tcase to 4wd H, turn your wheel to the right as far as it goes, stick your head out of the window, keep an eye on the tire, and floor it.

As for the miles, I think yours is still a baby, mine (inline 6) is approaching 216k. Welcome to Jeepz!

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

120K isn't too bad for a '95 4banger, they generally last well over 200K.

As for the 4wd light, the actuator is at the front axle disconnect and if the light isn't on it's a pretty good indicator that the front axle disconnect (pass. side) is not engaged. You'll still get your low gear in the transfer case but the front axle will not pull with the pass. side axleshaft disconnected.

It's a common problem, and easy to troubleshoot and fix. Would be a good tool to haggle the price down if you know how easy it is to fix and the seller doesn't.

 

[mud4feet]

x2 what Bounty and Joopin' said...........and remember, the only "dumb question" is the one not asked!!:shock:

Welcome aboard, hope we can help ya'!

 

[Crew11]

Thanks for the info. The axle disconnect got me thinking- I did see a button/key thing below the steering wheel which looked suspiciously like one of these: http://www.4x4posi-lok.com/app_jeep.html
That would seem to explain the non-engagement. Anybody have any experience with these? It is still probably a good bargaining position as they would have no idea how to get it in 4wd...

 

[mud4feet]

Thanks for the info. The axle disconnect got me thinking- I did see a button/key thing below the steering wheel which looked suspiciously like one of these: http://www.4x4posi-lok.com/app_jeep.html
That would seem to explain the non-engagement. Anybody have any experience with these? It is still probably a good bargaining position as they would have no idea how to get it in 4wd...

I believe that's one of the easy fixes Bounty was speaking of.........and an improvement....................sounds to me like you're getting the "bug"!!!!!!

 

[lah2420]

Here's a test for the 4WD H... find some mud to park in, or water, engage the Tcase to 4wd H, turn your wheel to the right as far as it goes, stick your head out of the window, keep an eye on the tire, and floor it.

Tried something similar to that one time. The front tire didn't get me. The back one did.....as well as the inside of the windshield, door panel, dash, etc.

 

[Jeepr]

I have had different luck with the 4-bangers. Don't get me wrong, I like them. But in my experience they are good for just over 100,000 miles, if taken care of. I know, I know everyone knows someone that got 3-zillion miles out of their 4-banger. But in my real-world experience I know lots of people with high mileage six cylinders and few high mileage 4 cylinder owners. Of course they made a lot more Jeeps with the sixes. I just think the 4 has to work a lot harder to move the vehicle around than the 6 and it wears them out faster. I have owned 3 YJs and an XJ with 4-bangers and for the most part I was doing serious engine work or replacement between 100,000 and 120,000 miles.

 

[mud4feet]

I have had different luck with the 4-bangers. Don't get me wrong, I like them. But in my experience they are good for just over 100,000 miles, if taken care of. I know, I know everyone knows someone that got 3-zillion miles out of their 4-banger. But in my real-world experience I know lots of people with high mileage six cylinders and few high mileage 4 cylinder owners. Of course they made a lot more Jeeps with the sixes. I just think the 4 has to work a lot harder to move the vehicle around than the 6 and it wears them out faster. I have owned 3 YJs and an XJ with 4-bangers and for the most part I was doing serious engine work or replacement between 100,000 and 120,000 miles.

Well, I'll have to defend that, just so you have more info to go on. Mudwoman's '94 - 150,000+ and still going strong - no major issues (i.e.-engine related). My '03 TJ - 90,000 and still like new - probably be needing a clutch somewhere down the road, but right now runs like the day I got it. Both 4bangers. Both have been and will be well taken care of and am looking realistically for over 200K. My 2 bits from current 4 banger owners.