88' sahara that just wont run!!

I recently purchased a 1988 jeep sahara 4.2L with 120,000 miles. It has been sitting in my friends backyard for about 3 years now, and i decided to take it on as a project. I cleared out all the fluids (gas was actually still good!) and refilled the entire thing. The jeep wont run, I think its the carburetor and i want to replace it but should I just buy a rebuild kit? which is better? Also should I look for any other problems it might have from just sitting for so long?

Well - you made a good start when you changed out all the fluids.

Make sure you change the fuel filter and air filter.

Check the Spark plugs - might as well change them for the cost.

It is a good bet that the carb is gummed up. You could try a kit if your confident in that area or get someone else to do it for you. A kit from autozone is about $15 or a complete carb is $200. Take your choice.

Have a close look at the tire side walls for weather checking and also the brake hoses at the front wheels and rear axle. They deteriorate more rapidly while sitting.

There is likely other areas to look at but once you start, they will pop out and you'll notice them too.

come back any time you have more questions.

JD

I purchased a 1990 Sahara 4.2 that was rebuilt with bigger pistons, a new transfer case, and lots of new parts and suspension, it was sitting in my friends back yard for 2 years! I've had constant carb problems, and overall, I think the Carter 258 carbuerator is a manufacturing defect and should be replaced and a rebuild doesn't seem to fix its problems. I seem to also have a ton of electrical problems, lights not working, guages not working, etc. Grinding between gears, 3rd gear grinding, 1st gear grinding when it gets hot, and reverse grinding. This is one expensive puppy:) All I know is Jeep Wranglers hold there value, I'm sure I could still get atleast 1g or 2gs for it!