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4 Wheel Drive/SUVs/2002 Jeep Wrangler Sport TJ

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Expert: - 3/22/2006


Question
I am about to buy a 2002 Jeep Wrangler Sport TJ edition and
received the car fax.  Everything on the carfax is clean but I did
notice the suspension has been work on twice.  What are some of
the suspension problems Jeep have?

Answer
Phunter,

You say that the suspension has been worked on.  Without knowing the particular Jeep that you are looking at, and knowing what has been replaced, or repaired, its extremely hard to tell you what problems it had.  If it is nothing more than shock replacement, or a bad bushing, then there should be no problems.

As far as any suspension problems on Jeeps go, there are no regular major problems that are related to manufacture defects.  Most suspension problems occur from hard use, carrying loads the Jeep is not rated for, etc.

If you are concerned about this Jeep, then I would suggest you  take it to a reputable shop, and have it checked out.  Possibly a body shop that can let you know if the Jeep has been in a wreck, and repaired.  Carfax may not show up all repairs.

Carl

4 Wheel Drive/SUVs

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Carl Brandt

Expertise

Will discuss suspensions, lifts, lockers along with tire suggestions. Trail ratings and possible requirements needed for specific type of trails. Safety equipment and what you should carry with you. Certified off-road instructor. I am not a mechanic, and 4-Wheeling is a hobby, so if I can't answer a technical question it is due to my mechanical knowledge being related to vehicles that I have owned, or have worked on. I do not have manuals on all vehicles.

Experience

40 plus years of 4 wheeling in a variety of vehicles. At the present time, my major off-road rig is a 94 Jeep Wrangler with a spring over and a 1 1/2" suspension lift. This gives me a total lift of 7" or so. I have lockers front and rear. I have removed the track bars, and sway bar for maximum articulation. I am running a stock 2.5 ltr 4 cylinder with a Jacobs ignition along with a cold air high flow filter. It has 4.56:1 gears with a Dodge NV4500 transmission along with a 3.8:1 Atlas II transfer case. This gives me a final ratio of 105:1 in low gear/low range. Other vehicles I own, are a 96 Ford F-250 with a 6" lift, posi rear end, 36" Hummer tires, 5 speed with a fuel injected 460 ci engine, an 87 Samurai with an 8" lift, Ford 9" rear end with a spool, Chevy Dana 44 front end with an electric locker, 5.88 gears, 16% reduction in high range and a 6.5:1 low range with 35" Baja Claws, and a stock 2003 Grand Cherokee Overland. Trails I have run are the Rubicon (10 times), Dusey Ershim, Fordyce Creek trail, McGrew trail, several trails in Moab, Utah along with local monthly runs.

Organizations
Lost Coast 4x4's Cal 4-Wheel Corva UFWDA Blue Ribbon Coalition

Education/Credentials
Certified off-road instructor - Certificates in engineering/electronics

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