LS-Powered 1998 Jeep Wrangler SE

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

In 1998, Jeep’s sales brochure aimed for the heart when it appealed to anyone who has ever considered buying a Jeep. “Take the keys to a legendary Jeep 4x4 and you’ve taken ownership of something much bigger: Rugged off-road trails, scenic mountaintops, freedom previously unknown, and the company of like minds whose common bonds are adventure and discovery. You're now torchbearer of a legend—one that nearly 60 years ago was forged in adversity, driven to victory, and reborn as the world’s four-wheel-drive leader.” 

With a storied history that dates to the 700,000 or so military Willys MBs that helped the Allies win WWII, Jeep unveiled the second-generation Wrangler (TJ) for the 1997 model year. Instead of leaf springs, this updated Wrangler featured modern coil-spring suspension, front and rear, and a return to the classic CJ’s round headlamps. The engine was the same 4.0-liter AMC 242 cubic-inch inline-six used in the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, but a 2.5-liter AMC 150 inline-four was available on entry-level models. 

This 1998 Jeep Wrangler SE began its life as a blue-painted base model with a 2.5-liter four, but it has changed dramatically since then. Features include a 2005 GM L59 5.3L LS V8, NV3550 five-speed manual transmission, and a John Deere paint job. 

Highlights 

• John Deere themed build, completed in 2017 by Curtis Axiom, included: 

  • Refinished in John Deere yellow and green paint 

  • 2005 GM L59 5.3-liter LS V8 engine (swapped for original 2.5-liter inline-four) with ported and polished heads and camshaft to complement the manual transmission 

  • Dyno tune by Norris Motorsports 

  • Rebuilt NV3550 five-speed manual transmission  

  • Rebuilt NP231 transfer case including wide chain upgrade 

  • New aluminum radiator and accessories 

  • Full length dual 2.5-inch exhaust with custom mufflers  

  • Front axle: Rebuilt High Pinion Dana 44 with limited slip front differential 

  • Rear axle: Rebuilt Ford 9-inch 31 spline axle with disc brake upgrade 

  • Suspension: 4-inch overall lift, Rancho RS9000XL Adjustable shocks with progressive springs, all new bushings at all connection points 

  • Full custom dash and gauges 

  • Custom leather interior 

  • Custom stereo system  

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report  

Features 

• Rear-wheel-drive Jeep with 4x4 

• Drop-in side windows 

• Convertible top with zip-in rear windows 

• Winch with cover 

• Trailer receiver with wiring 

• Off-road fog lights 

• Roll bars 

• Side steps 

• 15-inch chrome wheels 

• Falken Rocky Mountain ATS 33X12.50R15 tires 

Known Imperfections 

• Minor paint chips and blemishes 

• Repaired cracks in passenger rear wheel arch 

Included 

• John Deere floor mats 

• John Deere steering wheel cover  

Ownership History 

The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report places this three-owner 1998 Jeep Wrangler SE in Indiana since it was purchased new in Indianapolis on 6 November 1997. It was sold 11 years later, in February 2008, to a buyer in Columbus, Indiana, and then again to its current owner in May 2013, also in Columbus (showing 130,808 miles). Originally painted blue, it received a John Deere-themed custom build that was completed in 2017.