One year ago i bought this wrangler, was in rough shape. in this video i talk about what my one year was like living with this thing and bringing it back to its former glory!
I have had my beauty 23 years. I love her more each day I have her. We have grown old together over the decades. But just like all strong relationships, the years have only enforced the relationship. She is my love, my life, my dream come true.
Want the engine to last MUCH longer? Switch to Schaffer oil. it has moly in it, & it cleans with each oil change & doesn't cannot burn up under extreme circumstances. Better than synthetics. It's in all my vehicles & now get better mileage & use less oil etc.
Pro tip- I bought out door carpet (2 rolls for 40$) from home Depot and 3m spray adhesive and carpeted my hard top- took me all day to cut it out perfect but MANNNN is it nice and quiet and soaks up all the echos!
Really liked how you wrapped things up at the end. I feel the same way about my '98. I've owned a bunch of higher end vehicles over the years and not one has come anywhere near being this much fun. The TJ seems to be a perfect mix of reasonable comfort while still having a ton of character...sadly not something that really exists in many new vehicles these days.
Very true! And couldn't have said it better myself haha I'm a little shocked that this jeep gets as much attention as it does from non jeep people. For some reason people seem to ask what year it is and always shocks them when I say it's a '98 lol
You have done a lot more homework than your original video with this jeep. I like how you redid it. Yes a full doors or more practical but half doors are not dorky. Yes the ones you originally had one very rough in and needed to be replaced condition. You are 100% right on the reliability. And I like your passion for trying to keep it up.
If I ever get a Jeep again its going to be a TJ. I owned a 2009 JK it was modded for rock crawling. I learned to customize Jeeps with it and it was my first and only jeep. Sold it because I moved overseas. Letting go of your Jeep or any vehicle you love is hard to do.
I bought a 97 TJ about 3 years ago for a weekend driver. Its a 5 speed 4 cyl which i initially regretted but its taught me you gotta slow down in life sometimes. In 4 low i cant even tell the difference it crawls so well.
I bought my TJ in SoCal when I was in the Marines back in 2005, still have it today. I LOVE my 98'. It has a great engine and has never been a pain in ass to keep up. Everything you said at the end, is exactly how I feel. Nothing can ever make me get rid of it. A few years from now she will feel like your best friend!
Agreed! The Jeep is so classic. I got a TJ as a weekender but drive it a lot! I don’t believe there’s a more versatile car or truck out there. So many mods and so much fun you can have with it with doors off or on. Plenty of pep to for an in-line 6! I also see having this Jeep forever
I got a 97 4.0 love that thing i added a alarm with kill switches and remote start and that helps during cold weather, even do i live way down south tx😂
Wonderful! About the $8500, I saw your initial video and its condition. Just bought an 03 tj with 99k for $7100. Car is pristine but has the death wobble. Only beef is you gave up the half doors. I love the half doors! I ordered, yes ordered, my 2015 jk in copper brown pearl with half doors.
i also have a 98 tj bought 2 years ago this part march. not a speck of rust nowhere. everybody says the same thing about mine they think it is newer. bought it with just over 96000 on it and now has almost 102000 just ride around town. close too the same color as yours but all tan inside. had a 95 yj for two years traded it was the biggest mistake i made. that is why i wanted another wrangler. i'm now going on 61 and it will be the last car i own. unless somebody really offered me a decent price i would think about it.
I brought a 1998 TJ for $3,100 with 186K miles 2.5 manual and hard top. I replaced the PCM for the Check Engine Light. Power steering Gear Box for leaking fluid. Rear windows was gone, replaced with new window. going to rebuild the engine for engine knocking noise. A/C heater is not working. need more diagnostic. I mean the climate control unit is broken. so far $1,500 for parts. expecting to make it fully restore around total of $6,000. TJ is one of the best Jeep.
great vid. regarding your TCO costs, , ive seen similar jeeps TJ and LJ selling for $10k stock. congrats or condolences on becoming a jeep fan. i think you already understand jeeps are labor of love. you can't apply logic and business rules to something you're passionate about. good luck.
upgrade injectors to 4 hole, get a 160 amp alternator from a 2001 - 2003 Durango, consider upgrading the exhaust manifold from the stock, and if you don't have the "horseshoe" style intake manifold, you can find one at the salvage yard when your picking up the 160 amp alternator.
Right on man nice jeep. Iv had mine for about a year now also. Still gotta do my frame repair this winter gonna take it down and knock it out. Im from cental illinois. I hit mudfest in taylorville monthly its a good time. These things will go damn near anywhere
I love the TJ, such a fun vehicle & best looking Jeep, just too small for my family. Don’t like the JK. Wish I could get the LJ, but they go for $14k+ minimum, that’s mint Landcruiser 80 & 100 series territory
Great vid -and great TJ. I love my 01'.To your point of having a cool older Jeep; I agree there is a lot of pride and self-satisfaction in cruising a nice, reliable ride that you built yourself. Great job and best wishes, my brother.
Nice video. I'm in the market for my first Jeep. Don't really want to spend $45K on a new one.. don't really like the JKs... I may just get a TJ. I don't see any for sale anywhere near $8500 though
Just past a year a couple months ago with mine as well. Have an '02 Apex Edition (fancy seats and a hood sticker, but otherwise a standard Wrangler X) and despite the weathers best attempts, still fired up at -40 F (not including windchill). As for heaters, mine works really well. Like sauna well (at full blast). I would check your vacuum and heater core lines to make sure those are up to shape. Sounds like somethings not working like it should on yours if it's a little anemic. Previous owner built two subs into the bottom of the rear seat (with a quick disconnect for easy removal), so that might be a route you could go in case you wanted to lighten up the tailgate a bit.
I have a 1999 that needs a new chassis. Im buying a 1998 tj. Im selling the 99 as a unit to someone who can take it on as a project. Motor, trans, interior and tub are mint! HMU if interested.
I didn't buy both at the same time the front bumper does not have any brandings that I was able to see. The rear bumper is EAG. I bought both on ebay for roughly under $200 each.
Have you flushed your system to improve the heating system I did a have wonderful heating mine is a 2000 wrangler sport and loving it. Just have to find an affordable hardtop. Any suggestions?
I did flush my system and works fantastic! I dont have any experience with aftermarket hardtops, although there were a lot of great options. I do like the factory top, I just found one local to me.
I have had my beauty 23 years. I love her more each day I have her. We have grown old together over the decades. But just like all strong relationships, the years have only enforced the relationship. She is my love, my life, my dream come true.
I have to say, I have a 2014 JK... much prefer the TJ for sure. To your point it’s a better look..more classic
I really like how the 98 and up jeeps can always be made to look "new" with just a few aftermarket upgrades
I have a TJ since 99 and still I'm in love of my Jeep and really happy with it. Good job and great looking your Jeep mate. Congrats.
My T.J 230,000 motor 4.0 and round great!!!!!
Want the engine to last MUCH longer? Switch to Schaffer oil. it has moly in it, & it cleans with each oil change & doesn't cannot burn up under extreme circumstances. Better than synthetics. It's in all my vehicles & now get better mileage & use less oil etc.
Pro tip- I bought out door carpet (2 rolls for 40$) from home Depot and 3m spray adhesive and carpeted my hard top- took me all day to cut it out perfect but MANNNN is it nice and quiet and soaks up all the echos!
Do not go rough country. If you like the stock ride go with OME or metalcloak springs.
Really liked how you wrapped things up at the end. I feel the same way about my '98. I've owned a bunch of higher end vehicles over the years and not one has come anywhere near being this much fun. The TJ seems to be a perfect mix of reasonable comfort while still having a ton of character...sadly not something that really exists in many new vehicles these days.
Very true! And couldn't have said it better myself haha I'm a little shocked that this jeep gets as much attention as it does from non jeep people. For some reason people seem to ask what year it is and always shocks them when I say it's a '98 lol
You have done a lot more homework than your original video with this jeep. I like how you redid it. Yes a full doors or more practical but half doors are not dorky. Yes the ones you originally had one very rough in and needed to be replaced condition. You are 100% right on the reliability. And I like your passion for trying to keep it up.
This Jeep is amazing it really is! One of the nicest Jeeps on the road I have ever seen.
Thank you:)
 jeep is like wine.The oldest is the best.Good job!
If I ever get a Jeep again its going to be a TJ. I owned a 2009 JK it was modded for rock crawling. I learned to customize Jeeps with it and it was my first and only jeep. Sold it because I moved overseas. Letting go of your Jeep or any vehicle you love is hard to do.
Sorry you had to sell your jeep. Hope you get another soon!
I bought a 97 TJ about 3 years ago for a weekend driver. Its a 5 speed 4 cyl which i initially regretted but its taught me you gotta slow down in life sometimes. In 4 low i cant even tell the difference it crawls so well.
The 4 cylinder is great too. Lot of people gloss over them, but can really scoop them up for a deal and have a bad*ss wrangler for a great deal
Got the same rig, i love it, goes further then i would ever need to go
I bought my TJ in SoCal when I was in the Marines back in 2005, still have it today. I LOVE my 98'. It has a great engine and has never been a pain in ass to keep up. Everything you said at the end, is exactly how I feel. Nothing can ever make me get rid of it. A few years from now she will feel like your best friend!
The TJ really has become the "classic Jeep" in my opinion
Nice update, its come a long way from where it started. Love the TJ’s but so hard finding a solid one up here in the NE.
Great video, I have a 97 TJ that I have had about 2 years now. It only has 120K miles and I have the same bumpers. Need new fenders now. Looks great!!
That's cool! I do like the clean look of these bumpers.
Try flushing the heater core to see if that can improve heat output. Easy enough and a CHEAP fix, if it works.
Will give it a shot! Thank you!
I just bought a 2004 TJ unlimited this past weekend with 111,000 k on it. Love the damn thing already.
This is the best review I've ever seen. I'm definitely gunna buy my self TJ
Agreed! The Jeep is so classic. I got a TJ as a weekender but drive it a lot! I don’t believe there’s a more versatile car or truck out there. So many mods and so much fun you can have with it with doors off or on. Plenty of pep to for an in-line 6! I also see having this Jeep forever
That tailgate speaker is genius!!
My 2000 TJ is and has been the best vehicle I’ve ever owned and I’ve had alot.. 👍🏻
Why? Explain.
In others words... you totally love your baby!
💖
You did a great job on it.
I got a 97 4.0 love that thing i added a alarm with kill switches and remote start and that helps during cold weather, even do i live way down south tx😂
how much did you pay for it?
Nice Jeep! We bought a 03 5 speed tj. A big thank you to the last and only owner who took great care of this. Mint and rust free! Love mine.
The best jeep by far... its an improved car in general, reliable, high torque like EVERY OTHER JEEP, and a badass 4.0L engine.
Looks like you have the correct vehicle for your weather
Wonderful! About the $8500, I saw your initial video and its condition. Just bought an 03 tj with 99k for $7100. Car is pristine but has the death wobble.
Only beef is you gave up the half doors. I love the half doors!
I ordered, yes ordered, my 2015 jk in copper brown pearl with half doors.
Your car is amazing mate.
Love how it stands.
Can be used daily and doesnt stand out like dogs balls.
Id love one just like it.
Fellow Illinoisan here. From DeKalb county.
i also have a 98 tj bought 2 years ago this part march. not a speck of rust nowhere. everybody says the same thing about mine they think it is newer. bought it with just over 96000 on it and now has almost 102000 just ride around town. close too the same color as yours but all tan inside. had a 95 yj for two years traded it was the biggest mistake i made. that is why i wanted another wrangler. i'm now going on 61 and it will be the last car i own. unless somebody really offered me a decent price i would think about it.
I brought a 1998 TJ for $3,100 with 186K miles 2.5 manual and hard top. I replaced the PCM for the Check Engine Light. Power steering Gear Box for leaking fluid. Rear windows was gone, replaced with new window. going to rebuild the engine for engine knocking noise. A/C heater is not working. need more diagnostic. I mean the climate control unit is broken. so far $1,500 for parts. expecting to make it fully restore around total of $6,000. TJ is one of the best Jeep.
great jeep dude
great vid. regarding your TCO costs, , ive seen similar jeeps TJ and LJ selling for $10k stock.
congrats or condolences on becoming a jeep fan. i think you already understand jeeps are labor of love. you can't apply logic and business rules to something you're passionate about. good luck.
You need to extend your bump stops for the spare tire. Or it will destroy the tale gate. The bouncing will crack it for sure.
Nice looking jeep!
Love the tj jeep
upgrade injectors to 4 hole, get a 160 amp alternator from a 2001 - 2003 Durango, consider upgrading the exhaust manifold from the stock, and if you don't have the "horseshoe" style intake manifold, you can find one at the salvage yard when your picking up the 160 amp alternator.
That's cool I haven't heard of people doing that!
@@MrPati0077 You can find more info on the youtube about each upgrade. Make it happen! you have a nice jeep and could easily make it even better.
Also made it a nice shade of charcoal grey
This is the nicest looking tj i have ever seen
When my 98’ isn’t leaking I love it.
Good job I have a 2000 TJ
I have a 2 door jk and just got a AEV jku ,but gotta tell you TJ is the best. Also hold the price better. Totally love TJ
Good job saving this truck!✌️✌️
I just bought a 97. Thank you for your informative video. Subscribed from Canada
I like my jeep here in Florida cruising by the beach
Sounds like I need to do that!!
Oh nice seats! I was picturing them from earlier video.
Very nice.
Thank you! I bought them from a jeep dismantler on ebay. Bought a other set from them for another tj thatll be on the channel soon!
That thing looks nice! Take them stock fenders off and put some steel or aluminum fenders on. I think it'll look sharp.
I had a 98 TJ with a 6" lift and I'm not going to list the rest, but it was done right and I miss it
Right on man nice jeep. Iv had mine for about a year now also. Still gotta do my frame repair this winter gonna take it down and knock it out. Im from cental illinois. I hit mudfest in taylorville monthly its a good time. These things will go damn near anywhere
I love the TJ, such a fun vehicle & best looking Jeep, just too small for my family.
Don’t like the JK.
Wish I could get the LJ, but they go for $14k+ minimum, that’s mint Landcruiser 80 & 100 series territory
Great vid -and great TJ. I love my 01'.To your point of having a cool older Jeep; I agree there is a lot of pride and self-satisfaction in cruising a nice, reliable ride that you built yourself. Great job and best wishes, my brother.
I'm glad this TJ was saved from the junk yard
Great video bro!
Thank you! Love your channel and seen a bunch of your Jeep videos. I like yours a lot!
@@MrPati0077 Thanks dude! I dig your Sahara seats in yours
Excellent presentation. You have skills! I have a worked over 97❤️👣
You've done some nice work on that Jeep.
Nice video. I'm in the market for my first Jeep. Don't really want to spend $45K on a new one.. don't really like the JKs... I may just get a TJ. I don't see any for sale anywhere near $8500 though
Just past a year a couple months ago with mine as well. Have an '02 Apex Edition (fancy seats and a hood sticker, but otherwise a standard Wrangler X) and despite the weathers best attempts, still fired up at -40 F (not including windchill).
As for heaters, mine works really well. Like sauna well (at full blast). I would check your vacuum and heater core lines to make sure those are up to shape. Sounds like somethings not working like it should on yours if it's a little anemic.
Previous owner built two subs into the bottom of the rear seat (with a quick disconnect for easy removal), so that might be a route you could go in case you wanted to lighten up the tailgate a bit.
How much was the 2 inch lift? I’m from Chicago I’ll like to do it to mines
typically ranges from $200-300
TJ, the last real Jeep.
Sweet ride bro! 🤙
Thank you!
I have a 1999 that needs a new chassis. Im buying a 1998 tj. Im selling the 99 as a unit to someone who can take it on as a project. Motor, trans, interior and tub are mint! HMU if interested.
8,500 ain’t to bad but how much was the jeep by itself
Vaere kool 😍😍
I need thes jeep 🚙
Nice job. How’d you get rid of body and frame rust?
Great video mate
What part of Illinois do you live? I'm right by College of DuPage. I have a 98 as well, and have had her just 2 years now.
That's awesome! You're not too far me. I'm in Lockport.
Madpatt oh ok cool
Who makes the front and back bumper?
I didn't buy both at the same time the front bumper does not have any brandings that I was able to see. The rear bumper is EAG. I bought both on ebay for roughly under $200 each.
Thanks for the info I have a stock 05 tj and want to make it look epic like yours
Thats a great year and will be a fun project! Enjoy😁
subbed and liked. are you going to do jeep vids? wheeling and working?
What color is this paint?
Emerald green PGF.
Looks all business with the snow tires How is the fuel consumption?
Bad
Looking for a jeep preferably 2004-06. I'm not into off-roading but I wanna know if I can daily drive it?
Thanks
Are the mirrors a direct fit?
Yes they're direct fit.
Have you flushed your system to improve the heating system I did a have wonderful heating
mine is a 2000 wrangler sport and loving it. Just have to find an affordable hardtop. Any suggestions?
I did flush my system and works fantastic! I dont have any experience with aftermarket hardtops, although there were a lot of great options. I do like the factory top, I just found one local to me.
Nice Jeep....
Do you still own it? And do you still feel the same way?
are the tires 31" or 32 thanks
nice jeep!
Where did you get your front bumper
Would u ever consider selling it
I live in Illinois too
What rock sliders are they mate?
what's your tire size and rim ET ???
JL,,,,,,Yuppy
What was the mileage when u bought it?
I bought this jeep with 165k miles
Madpatt And is it a 4 or 6 cylinder?
It's a 6
how much did you buy it for ?
What fender flares are those?
They are eag brand. They were about $180 on ebay.
Yeah sit on the fiber glass roof, always a good idea. lmao
It's not a car.
That's right it's a jeep.
People keep calling mine a truck but its not it's a jeep.
Jeeps are their own class.
@@Jim_woods I do think calling it a truck is fine. The original was a 1/4 ton truck.
Qualifies under automobile just fine
No, it’s a TJ, so is mine 👌
Hey was wondering what kind of lift you have
It's a 2.5 inch rough country lift!
@@MrPati0077 nice