Is my YJ worth restoring?

smithru_91yj · Member Joined: 05 Mar 2007 Location: Michigan

I bought a 91 yj around Christmas time last yesr. It runs great, has 106k miles and hardly any rust. It was a California Jeep and appeared to be in pretty good shape. I paid $2,750 for it. Last month I had to replace the wiper motor and switch and rear brakes. Two days ago the hydraulic fluid leaked out from the slave cylider and I had it towed to the shop. I had the mechanic go thru it and he told me that the following things needed repair. The clutch (obvioulsy), the transmission mount is cracked, the U bolts on the passenger front leaf springs are loose and need to be replaced and the radiator is shot and needs to be replaced. Also he told me that the exhaust manifold is cracked and should be replaced (i knew about this one since it is a little loud). After all this I'll have almost doubled my investment in this jeep. Is this jeep worth it?

Orangeamc13 · Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2007 7:22 am Post subject: Re: Is my YJ worth restoring?

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I think every Jeeper figures out the best way to save is to do the work themselves. For me it's half the fun of owning JEEPS. What you mentioned is not much work and is not worth getting rid of your JEEP. If the slave cylinder is leaking that does not mean you need a new clutch. Just rebuild or replace the slave. A transmission mount is very very easy to replace. If you can change a tire you can replace the u-bolts, if they really are shot. The radiator is easy work. The manifold is very easy as well, probably the hardest on your list, but still easy. If you're not really into swinging a wrench at least try, you might find that you really like it.

DozerDan · What the deuce? Joined: 03 Jan 2004 Location: Where im at

All of those things listed can be done by you to make the cost alot cheaper.

Me - I would have the mech do the clutch and trans mount depending on the price.

then grab a manifold from a yard or pull it off and have it welded

Rad - canbe found online for pretty cheap and takes about and hr to change out.

If you like the jeep get ready to pay for it. If I added up all the money I have into mine over the last 7 years I might have a stroke. Hell I just dropped $2300 into building a motor for it.
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Fabricator for hire.... contact me for info

mattj · Member Joined: 16 Feb 2007 Location: Jacksonville FL

really, those are relatively minor issues. The Radiator is easy, and a basic radiator runs around $180. You do not say whether it is a 4 or 6, in 91 the slave was internal on the 4 so that would explain the clutch. That would put your clutch in the ballpark of $290. Manifold would set you back about $250 for parts.

All together it is starts getting up there. Prioritize. Do the clutch now, you gotta. Then do the radiator next month if it is not leaking too aweful bad. The manifold, while noisy is not critical.

smithru_91yj · Member Joined: 05 Mar 2007 Location: Michigan

Thanks guys, you're all correct, I should be able to do these things myself, especially the radiator. Thing is, right now I have more money than time so I'm gonna let the mechanic do it. Everything but the manifold, I'm doing that one myself. I'm also thinking about putting a 2" lift on it. Any advice on installing the lift? With a 2" lift would I have to lower the transfer case and brake lines?