I am looking to buy a Cherokee 4x4 with the 4.0L. I plan to lift it 3” or so and put 32” tires. I don’t plan on hardcore off road just some trails and mud. I usually prefer a manual for durability but am having a hard time finding one in good condition. My question is how durable is the auto for off road use and what millage dose the auto usually need rebuilding. Also is there any years of Cherokee that I should stay away from.

Thanks for the help.

 

Welcome to CF bacdraft. The auto is very sturdy, and with proper maintainence will hang in to about 500,000 - 650,000 miles before needing a rebuild. As to which year to pick, you will have as many answers as there are Cherokee owners. I like to work on mine and don't too much like to be stopped from doing that by the need for a computer to diagnose for me, so I like the older ones 87-90 but some like the ones around the mid ninetys and still others like the newest ones without even a distributor, just coil packs. So wait until you have looked at what you have to select from and then ask which is the better year.
Blue

 

I agree with blue. I have a 2001 and had it for a year now. I already had 6 codes popped up, all electrical and injector issues. Frankly i'm tired of the crap but the jeep is too sweet to give up. If i buy another it will be an older model.

 

Thanks for the replies. It sounds like I shouldn’t worry about the auto then. If I did have the unfortunate event of an auto going bad what is the general cost of getting one rebuilt. Also is there much power and fuel economy difference between the manual and auto.

Again thanks for the help.

 

You can pick up a junkyard auto for about $300 and the differences in power are about the same and fuel mileage may suffer 1-1.5 MPG depending on your driving habits. I can get better fuel mileage if I use the "egg" method.

 

Thanks Blue for your help. I think I am going to look for an auto then for the added trail advantages. I have my eyes on a 98 with 200k for 2800 and a 96 with 150k for 1500. Due you think these prices are reasonable.

 

Prices vary by regions of the country. XJStryker has two that he bought for under $1000 each but are older and needed a lot of rust repair. Here they are very high priced because I live on the border and they are very popular in Mexico but I have seen mid 90s Cherokees for as little as $500 and as high as $3000 so check your local craigslist and your newspaper and see what is appropriate for your region.

 

1997-1999 definitly.
you get a lot, if its a manual its the AX15(strong one)
Look for the 8.25 rear, given it has that you get...
4.0L "high output" (most powerful of all the years)
29 spline rear shafts
non disconnect front
high pinion
reverse cut
297x u- joints (stronger)
pretty much a very good setup to run 33s locked or 35s unlocked

 

Good news I bought a jeep today!!!!! I got a 96 green with 130k, auto, pw, pdl, cc, ac, cd great condition. Was owned by an old lady with great service records and drives like new. Just wanted to say thanks for the help and now its time to add a lift and other toys.

 

Congratulations, you are an official Jeep XJ owner now. Welcome to the ranks.

 

Welcome to the club and say goodBUY to that bank account of yours

 

welcome sounds like you got a nice one