ggcherokee

I just purchased a 96 Cherokee with 198k for $2800. It came with a 3in ProComp lift, Borla exhaust, Stainless Steel headers and I have $500 dollars to blow on it. What would you get? Let's start with this: it has no hitch, cheap brush guard, all new bushings on front axle, no tinted windows and I just don't know where to start!

drhoward1988

put that money into preventative maintenance. oil change, plugs, wires, trans flush, brake flush, ect. you will thank yourself later

XJ TENN

or hold on to the money for your first break down with it

Rogue4x4

This. However, if you're good on all that, start focusing on recovery/armor.

XJlimitedx99

Change every fluid out and get a trailer hitch.

ggcherokee

Ok, so I've never owned a Jeep before, I was a 4Runner kind of guy, we sold my wife's Liberty (yuk!!) and I've been nervous ever since. I've heard great things about the I6 and the aftermarket parts list is huge but when I hear save my money for when I break down, its kind of nerve racking because now I'm wondering if I made a good choice at all. The guy before me flushed everything and replaced the majority of the hoses as well.

besthaticouldo

If maintenance is up to date then do recovery and armor. Assuming you intend to wheel.

XJlimitedx99

Lol really? You're lying to yourself if you think there is a magical vehicle out there that never breaks down.

It's almost a 20 year old vehicle. It needs maintenance. You should still change all the fluids again for peace of mind and knowing when they've been done.

Focus on the needs and not the wants.

besthaticouldo

Even my BMX bike when I was a kid broke. Things break. lol

XJ TENN

you bought a vehicle from 1996 with 198,00 miles. things will need to be repaired at some point. wouldn't you rather have some money set aside so you can make the repairs and get back behind the wheel.

XJ TENN

I wish I had done this. Mine is also a 96 but with 96,000 miles. the guy I bought it from told me everything was in excelent working condition, and it all appeared to be so. So I immediatly spend all my money I had saved up on wheels and lift. My first time taking it out after the upgrades, it blew the radiator. Then it just sat there mocking me until I could save up enough to repair 'er. I had even asked if he had any troubles with it running hot. He said no, and I believe him because up to that point it had run ok for me too. Apperantly there must have been a small crack on the rightside side tank cause it blew there right at the upper radiator hose inlet. When I went to take the upper rad hose loose the plastic just crumbled in my hand. but was I mad that I might have made a mistake in buying the thing? No, because I understood that a 20 year old vehicle could develope issues sooner that a 2 year old vehicle. I was upset, though, that I had not kept some money aside just in case.

ggcherokee

Yea I understand that it's a 20 year old vehicle and I'm don't believe there is a magical vehicle that runs without breaking down. It's the preventive maintenance that keeps it from doing so. I have about a grand set aside for maintenance issues and I will take all of your advice and work on its needs and then get the wants. With that being said though, what should I get for recovery stuff?

MonacaYankee

Front bumper with frame reinforcing plates or rear bumper with built in hitch and and places for clevices. Check out jcroffroad.

jmm0122_

Tow points for when you get stuck.

Fred/N0AZZ

A Hi-Lift Jack with recovery/tree straps (it can be used for a winch in a pinch), to pull yourself out. I have done so for many years and a must if you have a lift and larger tires.


Do change all fluids top to bottom, front to back a must for starters. Then seriously consider installing a new radiator, water pump, all hoses, belts (new radiator from AutoZone is <$100 with a lifetime warranty.


Then do a full (Complete) Tune-up from cap & rotor, wires, plugs. Then check all sensors in the XJ. Another good investment is a factory service manual available online from pacificcoast manuals in pdf format for $7.95 for your year of XJ everything about it.