New Cherokee Owner in Seattle

shoggoth80 · 11-02-2009, 06:31 PM

Hey all,
I found this forum via google of course. I JUST bought a 1993 Jeep Cherokee 2 door. It's got the 4 cylinder engine (2,5L right?), and a 5 speed manual. 138,000 miles or so on the clock. I got it at a little mom and pop bargain car lot for $750 with a little talking down (ugly exterior, micky mouse passenger mirror, and cracked windshield). It didn't make any strange noises when I tested it out the other day, and all the minor things can be corrected. I have a paint gun if I wanted to take that route, a new mirror can be had from a scrapyard, or just get something aftermarket that is better than what is on there. Interior is ok, though a little worn. I've owned worse looking machines.

I would have loved an I6 with a 5 speed, but none were available in my area under $1000, except for one, which was a total heap (naturally I passed). I've been fancying the idea of getting myself a Jeep for a while, and since I got into a pretty bad car wreck with my Saturn, I found an opportunity to get one. Unfortunately, I was limited by budget, but I think I made an alright choice.

I must say that I am pretty surprised by how light this thing steers. It handles pretty well overall, but the steering is really light. I had a Ford van some years back (E150 Econoline with a 351 Windsor) that had a lighter steering wheel, so I am sure I can adjust. I was also surprised at how low first gear felt. Pretty torquey even with a 4 banger in there.

I like how basic the interior is. I've never been a fan of having too many frills on a car. This seems to fit my tastes well.

There are some questions that I have though, just out of general curiosity. CAN you bolt the inline 4.0 to the 2.5L tranny? I know the 6 makes more power, and would probably be a bit more fun in the car. Not necessary, but would be cool. How large of a tire can you run on the 4 cylinders without stressing them too much? I know this is going to have very limited options as far as upping the tire size due to engine size limitations, but I figured it was worth asking. Provided that the car proves it worth to me, I'll probably get a new set of rubber at the start of next year.

Also, my jeep is only a 2WD model, though I am not letting that discourage me too much. I needed a car, and decided to fill 2 desires at once. I used to own Volkswagens, and they would drawl around the mild terrain that I come across just fine (without any true mods). I don't see a lot of offroad use, but having at least some capacity there is a fun thought.

TheBigDogg · 11-02-2009, 08:49 PM

welcome dude!!!

BuckB91XJ · 11-02-2009, 09:51 PM

Welcome to CF from Buck in Oak Harbor up on Whidbey Island. Post some pics of your new XJ as soon as you can.

shoggoth80 · 11-03-2009, 12:06 AM

It's totally not pretty on the outside. Not too bad inside, and from what I can tell from a brief inspection, not too shabby under the hood as well. Clear coat is peeling, and the paint is faded, with a couple scratches, but no real dents of any kind. I can work at getting a couple pics.

Silly question, is XJ another model designation for the Cherokee? Total Jeep n00b here.

BuckB91XJ · 11-03-2009, 12:23 AM

Yep, the Jeep Cherokee 1984-2001 is the XJ.

91 limited owner · 11-03-2009, 07:47 AM

Welcome, from Wisconsin

shoggoth80 · 11-03-2009, 05:53 PM

Cool, I did not know that model designation. It helps at least, when looking for parts... won't have to be confused when someone refers to a Cherokee as an XJ now.

It did well for its first real day out today. Even for a 4 cylinder, it keeps up well enough on the highway. Handles much better than one would imagine without having been behind the wheel of one before.

Thanks for the warm reception. I find that most enthusiast driven communities tend to be really fun and informative.

crrider833 · 11-15-2009, 02:21 AM

Welcome, Im a bit new to this forum as well, however not new to the jeep thing in the Seattle area!! Feel free to contact me if you need anything

Jeep Guy · 11-15-2009, 06:44 AM

welcome to CF! enjoy your new rig.

NewXJaddict · 11-15-2009, 05:23 PM

Welcome to CF! and yes first gear is VERY low. I almost bought a 4 banger 2wd, the guy I was going to buy it from said he drove it on the beach with no problems at all. I waited a bit longer and found the I6 though.

shoggoth80 · 11-17-2009, 12:53 AM

Oh, and to top things off, I don't appear to have the stock rear end in my jeep, and it also appears to be a locking, or limited slip differential. It is larger than the stock units listed for my model. I got two wrong gaskets at the parts store the other day because I thought I was dealing with an original part. It is larger, has a rounder cover, has a plastic fill plug, and holds way more oil than the owner's manual states. Surprise, I have a better rear end than what the car apparently originally came with! Win.

gearheadette · 11-17-2009, 10:40 AM

WELCOME

You would be better keeping that as a DD and buying a 4wd 4.0L, money wise that is

11-02-2009, 06:31 PM	#1
shoggoth80 Newbie Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 10 My Photos 1993 Cherokee Year: 1993 Model: Cherokee Engine: 2.5L 4 Cylinder Transmission: 5 Speed Manual	New Cherokee Owner in Seattle Hey all, I found this forum via google of course. I JUST bought a 1993 Jeep Cherokee 2 door. It's got the 4 cylinder engine (2,5L right?), and a 5 speed manual. 138,000 miles or so on the clock. I got it at a little mom and pop bargain car lot for $750 with a little talking down (ugly exterior, micky mouse passenger mirror, and cracked windshield). It didn't make any strange noises when I tested it out the other day, and all the minor things can be corrected. I have a paint gun if I wanted to take that route, a new mirror can be had from a scrapyard, or just get something aftermarket that is better than what is on there. Interior is ok, though a little worn. I've owned worse looking machines. I would have loved an I6 with a 5 speed, but none were available in my area under $1000, except for one, which was a total heap (naturally I passed). I've been fancying the idea of getting myself a Jeep for a while, and since I got into a pretty bad car wreck with my Saturn, I found an opportunity to get one. Unfortunately, I was limited by budget, but I think I made an alright choice. I must say that I am pretty surprised by how light this thing steers. It handles pretty well overall, but the steering is really light. I had a Ford van some years back (E150 Econoline with a 351 Windsor) that had a lighter steering wheel, so I am sure I can adjust. I was also surprised at how low first gear felt. Pretty torquey even with a 4 banger in there. I like how basic the interior is. I've never been a fan of having too many frills on a car. This seems to fit my tastes well. There are some questions that I have though, just out of general curiosity. CAN you bolt the inline 4.0 to the 2.5L tranny? I know the 6 makes more power, and would probably be a bit more fun in the car. Not necessary, but would be cool. How large of a tire can you run on the 4 cylinders without stressing them too much? I know this is going to have very limited options as far as upping the tire size due to engine size limitations, but I figured it was worth asking. Provided that the car proves it worth to me, I'll probably get a new set of rubber at the start of next year. Also, my jeep is only a 2WD model, though I am not letting that discourage me too much. I needed a car, and decided to fill 2 desires at once. I used to own Volkswagens, and they would drawl around the mild terrain that I come across just fine (without any true mods). I don't see a lot of offroad use, but having at least some capacity there is a fun thought.

11-02-2009, 09:51 PM	#3
BuckB91XJ ::CF Moderator:: Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Oak Harbor, WA. Posts: 3,444 My Photos 1991 Cherokee Year: 1991 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 liter H.O. I-6, HB Cold Air Intake, 2.5 FM Exhaust, 3 Core Radiator Transmission: AW-4 Auto Tranny HB 1st gear lock Transfer Case: NP 231 Front Axle: Dana 30 4.56 gears, Aussie Locker, HB Cable Axle Lock, Rusty's SB Quick Discos, HB beefed Tie Rod Rear Axle: Dana 44 4.56 gears, Aussie Locker Tires: 33x12.50x15 Maxxis Big Horns Lift Specifications: 4.5" Rusty's Kit, 1.5" Daystar Spacer/Shackle Rough Country X-Flex Upper and Lower Control Arms Misc Accessories: ORF Bumper, XRC8000 winch, JCR Rock Sliders, Rear tire carrier and skid plates from doner XJ	Welcome to CF from Buck in Oak Harbor up on Whidbey Island. Post some pics of your new XJ as soon as you can. __________________ Brian Buchanan - US Navy CPO 91 XJ 87 XJ 06 KJ

11-03-2009, 12:23 AM	#5
BuckB91XJ ::CF Moderator:: Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Oak Harbor, WA. Posts: 3,444 My Photos 1991 Cherokee Year: 1991 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 liter H.O. I-6, HB Cold Air Intake, 2.5 FM Exhaust, 3 Core Radiator Transmission: AW-4 Auto Tranny HB 1st gear lock Transfer Case: NP 231 Front Axle: Dana 30 4.56 gears, Aussie Locker, HB Cable Axle Lock, Rusty's SB Quick Discos, HB beefed Tie Rod Rear Axle: Dana 44 4.56 gears, Aussie Locker Tires: 33x12.50x15 Maxxis Big Horns Lift Specifications: 4.5" Rusty's Kit, 1.5" Daystar Spacer/Shackle Rough Country X-Flex Upper and Lower Control Arms Misc Accessories: ORF Bumper, XRC8000 winch, JCR Rock Sliders, Rear tire carrier and skid plates from doner XJ	Yep, the Jeep Cherokee 1984-2001 is the XJ. __________________ Brian Buchanan - US Navy CPO 91 XJ 87 XJ 06 KJ

11-15-2009, 06:44 AM	#9
Jeep Guy Seasoned Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Higgins Lake, MI Posts: 259 My Photos 1997 Cherokee Year: 1997 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 liter H.O. I-6 Transmission: AW4 Transfer Case: NP231 Front Axle: Dana 30 Rear Axle: Chrysler 8.25 Tires: 31/10.5/15 Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac Lift Specifications: 3" Rough Country Lift Misc Accessories: FM CAT, K&N Cold Air, 1 Ton Steering, Trimmed Fenders, Bedliner up to door handles and roof	welcome to CF! enjoy your new rig. __________________ 97' Heep XJ, 4.0L I6, 3" RC with Rusty's Steering and sittin on Duratrac 31's.

11-15-2009, 05:23 PM	#10
NewXJaddict CF Veteran Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NC Posts: 1,184 My Photos 1987 Cherokee Year: 1987 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: The crappy one 10/5 Front Axle: D30 Rear Axle: D35 Lift Specifications: stock	Welcome to CF! and yes first gear is VERY low. I almost bought a 4 banger 2wd, the guy I was going to buy it from said he drove it on the beach with no problems at all. I waited a bit longer and found the I6 though. __________________ 3 minutes and 31 seconds you can't have back. ROFLMAO http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEWgs6YQR9A Just click, you know you want to!

11-02-2009, 08:49 PM	#2
TheBigDogg Newbie Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 16 My Photos 1989 Cherokee Year: 1989 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0	welcome dude!!!

11-03-2009, 12:06 AM	#4
shoggoth80 Newbie Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 10 My Photos 1993 Cherokee Year: 1993 Model: Cherokee Engine: 2.5L 4 Cylinder Transmission: 5 Speed Manual	It's totally not pretty on the outside. Not too bad inside, and from what I can tell from a brief inspection, not too shabby under the hood as well. Clear coat is peeling, and the paint is faded, with a couple scratches, but no real dents of any kind. I can work at getting a couple pics. Silly question, is XJ another model designation for the Cherokee? Total Jeep n00b here.

11-03-2009, 07:47 AM	#6
91 limited owner Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Oshkosh, WI. Posts: 82 My Photos 1991 Cherokee Year: 1991 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: auto Tires: 235 x 15 cooper s/t Lift Specifications: none yet	Welcome, from Wisconsin

11-03-2009, 05:53 PM	#7
shoggoth80 Newbie Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 10 My Photos 1993 Cherokee Year: 1993 Model: Cherokee Engine: 2.5L 4 Cylinder Transmission: 5 Speed Manual	Cool, I did not know that model designation. It helps at least, when looking for parts... won't have to be confused when someone refers to a Cherokee as an XJ now. It did well for its first real day out today. Even for a 4 cylinder, it keeps up well enough on the highway. Handles much better than one would imagine without having been behind the wheel of one before. Thanks for the warm reception. I find that most enthusiast driven communities tend to be really fun and informative.

11-15-2009, 02:21 AM	#8
crrider833 Newbie Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 14 My Photos 1990 Cherokee Year: 1990 Model: Cherokee Engine: HO 4.0 Transmission: aw4 Transfer Case: np231 Front Axle: D30 Lockright Rear Axle: 8.8 w/limited slip Tires: 35x12.50x17 BFG's Lift Specifications: 4.5" short arm no sye Misc Accessories: Tube doors, rock sliders, 12 Warn winch, hood mounted 60" hi-lift, wheel spacers f&r	Welcome, Im a bit new to this forum as well, however not new to the jeep thing in the Seattle area!! Feel free to contact me if you need anything

11-17-2009, 12:53 AM	#11
shoggoth80 Newbie Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 10 My Photos 1993 Cherokee Year: 1993 Model: Cherokee Engine: 2.5L 4 Cylinder Transmission: 5 Speed Manual	Oh, and to top things off, I don't appear to have the stock rear end in my jeep, and it also appears to be a locking, or limited slip differential. It is larger than the stock units listed for my model. I got two wrong gaskets at the parts store the other day because I thought I was dealing with an original part. It is larger, has a rounder cover, has a plastic fill plug, and holds way more oil than the owner's manual states. Surprise, I have a better rear end than what the car apparently originally came with! Win.

11-17-2009, 10:40 AM	#12
gearheadette Future Fabrikator Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 3,418 My Photos 1988 Cherokee Year: 1988 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: 4WD Front Axle: Dana 30 Rear Axle: Dana 35 Tires: 31" Firestone MT's Lift Specifications: 4.5" Rough country Misc Accessories: Flow master muffler w/cat by-pass	WELCOME You would be better keeping that as a DD and buying a 4wd 4.0L, money wise that is __________________ REMEMBER: Codes only tell you where to look, they do not diagnose your problem! For the Newbs: http://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/atte...nswered-29174/

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