Questions from a first time Jeep buyer

If you are describing the same Jeep that was in a wreck I would continue looking as there are plenty of jeeps out there to choose from.

 

It is the same Jeep. It has damage on the report, but no accident report was filed with the DMV (the state requires one for damage over 1k), looking at the jeep and getting under it the only damage I can find in these areas is un-repaired. The front right corner has a minor dent in the bumper and the rear end has some rubbing damage on the top of the roof from straps that weren't installed correctly. I could not see any damage to any frame or structural parts, none of the factory welds were touched, the roof fit correctly on the body, it didn't pull or drift in any way while driving on city roads or highway. Basically, there were no indications of any frame or other major structural damage.

I felt like the the steering was a little "loose" for lack of a better word at first but once I got used to the ride height, center of balance and clutch it seemed fine (It's been 3-4 years since I drove a manual and that was a '16 vette so... not really a truck lol). it wasn't drifting or pulling in any way as I said, there wasn't any wobble or sway and road noise was nearly non-existent. From what I know a little bit of a loose feeling isn't unusual for a lifted vehicle as long as it's not wobbling or drifting.

If you guys can think of anything else I should check off the list to ensure there are no red flags I'd love to hear it. I will double check there are no spacers or a body lift, but I really don't know what I'm looking at when it comes to suspension lifts.

Oh now that I think about it there was one thing I wasn't sure was normal (but I'm 90% sure it is), the shifter vibrated noticeably while driving. Not enough to draw alarm and nothing else vibrated with it but it was enough that I wouldn't drive around with my hand resting on the shifter for a long trip, I've noticed a number of long truck shifters doing this and have always assumed it was normal.

 

On further reflection I think I will removed manual transmissions from my list, so I won't be buying this Willys regardless.

 

First that shifter shaft vibration may be annoying but is a characteristic for the JK manual transmission. Second it’s not a recommended practice to rest your hand on the shifter after shifting.