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Newbie question- buying a 1998 GC


CTCarpenter
12-07-2004, 07:53 AM
Great site. already have learned quite a bit. Looking into buying a 1998 GC, 95K, 4.0L, 4wd, leather, infinity gold, power seats. Truck is in good to very good condition as far as interior and exterior, very clean. Engine is clean with no visible leaks, but idles rough and check engine light is on. Decent power but not running smooth, no smoke.
I know without seeing the vehicle it's hard to judge, but do you think it's worth 5000.00? Any ideas as to what the engine problem might be?
Thank you.

Traktor
12-07-2004, 11:51 AM
The 5 grand doesn't sound bad at all - especially with only 95K on it. I'm not entirely certain about the engine idle, but I'd guess that a tune-up would probably take care of it. If not, a quick computer diagnostic will indicate what's tripping the engine light which is likely your problem.

As far as your decision to buy it goes, I would consider a few things:

What will you be using it for? If you plan to do some off-roading then you might want to get a selec-trac model. The quadra-trac's are great for people who don't know alot about how 4 wheel drive works and do not want to have to shift their transfer case. FYI - the 98' quadra-trac's have 3 positions: 4 FT Hi, Neutral, and 4 PT Low-Lock. The low-lock makes it somewhat suitable for off-roading, but the NP249 transfer case in them is notorious for failing when used in that application. The VC (viscous coupling) limited slip module wears out over time and can lead to an expensive repair - which if not fixed can cause excessive wear on the drivetrain. The selec-trac models offer 5 positions: 2WD, 4WD Part-Time High, 4WD Full-Time (open diff.), Neutral, and 4WD Part-Time Low Range. This is really nice if you off-road or like to be in control of how the power is transferred. I have a 98' selec-trac, 4 liter and love it.

The 4.0 liter will last forever if you take care of it.. much longer than the V8's from what I understand. While the tranny in my 93' was an AW4 and was bomb-proof, the ones in the 98's (either a 42RE or 42RH) aren't quite as stout - tho probably OK if taken care of.

Also, see if it has skid-plates. They're not super expensive to put on afterwards, but it would be nice if it had those. Good luck with the decision.

a_alyte
12-07-2004, 02:31 PM
I agree with Traktor, I think it depends on what you'll be using it for, unless you just like Jeeps!

I think 5K for a '98 is great, especially if it only has 95K on it. That price is $1,000 less than what I paid for my '98 w/138K on it (1 owner who had all maintenance records).

Now, 10K miles later, my 4.0 is still running strong & I believe the engine will be the last thing to go!

Before purchasing my Jeep, I noticed that the check engine light was on like you explained. I doubt if its for the same reason but my light was on because there was a crack in the charcoal canister! The Jeep was somehow hit in the front, nothing major, but enough to crack the canister.

After replacing it w/a new, I haven't had any check engine lights since.

dksob81
12-07-2004, 03:17 PM
I agree with traktor except for the part about the quadra-trac (NP249) transfer case, the 249 is awesome for 4 wheeling, I have had my Jeep burried over the bumpers w/out getting stuck, all tho I did get stuck once (that was my fault hit the puddle too fast engine engulfed some water and shut down).The VC is a known problem with the Quadra-Trac, I suggest swapping out the fluid for Full synthetic this will help displace heat (which causes premature failureof the VC).

The VC uses a putty like liquid, which when gets hot, say when the axles are spinning at different speeds (slipping) the excessive friction causes heat which causes the VC to lock - which locks the front and rear axles together to provide maximum traction. well sometimes the putty in the VC will get hott during normal driving in hot weather and will lock the axles together which will cause binding/hopping while turning. the way to prevent this premature failure of the VC is to use Synthetic Fluid b/c it helps deplace the heat.

altho I do plan on swapping my 249 for a 242, it is not as much for the Off-Roading part of it but more for the 2WD during the spring/summer - better gas milage and more power. also to ensure no future VC problems - altho mine was already replaced before I bought my jeep.
The 242 is also great for Winter you can leave it in 4Hi full Time and not have to worry about it - works just like the 249 but w/out the VC. well I guess all in all the 242 is beter but the 249 is deffinately suitable for the offroad.

CTCarpenter
12-10-2004, 09:33 PM
Thanks for the replies. I didn't end up with the '98, but found a nice black 1994 limited, 6 cyl., 110K with quadra track. Vehicle runs great but needs a thorough cleaning. Price was right for under 3K. I'm sure I'll have some questions for the board as time goes on, but for now I'm just happy owning a Jeep again. Thanks again.

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