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2003 Sahara with some issues

Discussion in 'Wrangler TJ (1996-2006)' started by Rah86, Jun 16, 2017.

  1. Jun 16, 2017 at 11:50 AM
    #1
    Rah86

    Rah86 [OP] New Member

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    First Name:
    Bob
    Vehicle:
    2003 wrangler sahara
    Hi all! Looking for some advice/moral support here. My 03 Sahara is not in the greatest of shape but I'm not ready to let it go. Body's in very decent shape, minimal/usual jeep rust. The problems I'm having are possible u joint and ball joints needing to be replaced in the front (waiting on a mechanic who is a close friend to get it up on his lift to see what's really going on) and a slow leak in the trans. I've got 168,000 miles on it. What's everyone's opinions
    .. is it worth putting possibly $2000 + into fixing these issues or should I call it a day? Y'all know how attached one can get to their jeep! I will update once I have a full diagnosis as well. Thanks!
     
  2. Jun 16, 2017 at 1:02 PM
    #2
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine Moderator

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    Welcome! Ball joints and a leak are all easy repaired, and no reason to consider cutting a vehicle loose. Ball joints shouldn't be an expensive issue, and can be done yourself, or with assistance from a friend. The leak shouldn't be very much either, depending on where the leak is. Keep us posted.
     
    JKBob 25 and aggrex like this.
  3. Jun 16, 2017 at 1:02 PM
    #3
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine Moderator

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    Oh....and post pictures. We love to see jeep pics :)
     
    JKBob 25 likes this.
  4. Jun 16, 2017 at 1:06 PM
    #4
    Rah86

    Rah86 [OP] New Member

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    Bob
    Vehicle:
    2003 wrangler sahara
    Thanks Chris. I think my mechanics concern is that there could be more issues with the suspension and the trans and that they will compound. I'm with you, I think I'm good to go for a while if the mentioned issues get resolved.
     
  5. Jun 16, 2017 at 3:01 PM
    #5
    aggrex

    aggrex Well-Known Member

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    DE
    Vehicle:
    Backcountry '16
    Tuffy>AEV>TTO>JW>STech>EVOcage>MagnaFlow>SpiderTrax>RockHard>TF>SpringTail>67design>Bolt>GPCA>Curt>
    Based on your description "body's in very decent shape, minimal/usual jeep rust" that sounds like an excellent base vehicle to repair/improve upon. And based on your committment "i'm not ready to let it go" sounds like jeep luv. Anyway as stated already the ball joints / slow leak are usually considered maintenance issues that are relatively easy, not expensive and necessary repairs.
     
    JKBob 25 likes this.
  6. Jun 16, 2017 at 7:09 PM
    #6
    OFFGRID

    OFFGRID Well-Known Member

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    Peter
    Houston
    Vehicle:
    1979 Jeep CJ7, 258, TH350, NP208
    Howell fuel injection, header, HEI distributor, TH350, NP208, SOA lift with YJ springs in the front & GW springs in the Rear. AMC20 with G2 1 piece chromos trussed, Dana 30 with G2 chromos and 760x ujoints and MM Stainless Hubs, Geared 4.56. Tom Woods shafts, Metal cloaks, Caged, 37" Toyo MTs.
    My $0.02. If you are going to sell it, you probably won't get your make the money back if you are paying someone else to do the work. You can spend over a grand on a complete front end rebuild of the suspension. I'd sell it as is unless you can do the work yourself. If your going to keep it, by all means do the work. It will make it feel like a new jeep again.
     
    aggrex and JKBob 25 like this.
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