Hey guys I'm new here, I'm currently shopping for an xj I've found an 01 with 180k with a 3" rc lift installed. Its a salvage title it was hit then repared, I can get it for maybe $1,100 only thing is it has DEATH WOBBLE. Now I've never dealt with DW and I hear its hard and impossible to cure . I'm mechanicly inclined and can do all the work my self but is it even worth going to look at it since it has DW? Thanks guys and can't wait to own my first XJ!!

 

From reading the DW threads here I am sure it is possible to cure it. For the 01 the biggest thing to watch out for is a cracked head, seems the 00-01 models have trouble with that.

 

Cherokees are difficult if not impossible to "repair" after a good hit. You should spend the money to get it on a rack, if it's tweeked & dogtracks like an sob, it will never be safe.

 

Yep once they've been hit a life on the paved road is completely over

 

Wow kind of a bummer to hear. But also glad i decided to ask i think ill hold off on this one and see what else comes my way. So what are some number one things to look for when buyin an xj both good and bad? Thanks alot guys

 

It really depends what you want to do with it, the 01 with the DW would make a good trail rig IMHO. I do think you might buy it for less money also, I wish that I had found it would have worked for me.

Fred/N0AZZ

For those wondering the N0AZZ is my amateur (Extra) radio licensed callsign.

 

Salvage title means it was wrecked bad enough to be totaled out then rebuilt back from that.Some insurance companies won't give you full coverage with a salvage title.The death wobble and cheap lift id walk away from it.

 

Yeah i think im gunna skip out on this one. Ive got a lead on an all stock 93 sport for a decent price with 180k that needs minor interior stuff. Are there any specific things i should look for or listen to when i go check this thing out becides the obvious? Thanks and btw my plans are gunna be a semi daily driver and trail rig. Small lift,31 or 32" tires possibly a locker for the rear and thats about all i wanna do besides cosmetic up grades.

 

Anyone at all? Just lookin for a few pointers about xj's

 

I am addict for jx's. I try to look first and see if it is unfinished project ...oil and water. Guess I am OCD but I like to know the cooling system history. Try to note body language of owner ..is he trying to hide something. Some people like me keep my repair history. I do own work but I keep record of parts and what part and when.
Why selling? I just bought a 96 xj and the owner had 5 kids. The carpet and interior was immaculate. I wondered about that jeep simply cause ain't no way 5 kids would leave the interior that perfect. It was his personal vehicle...I bought and no problems..good luck..sounds corny today but I pray about it and if its a good deal I will buy 24 hours later.

 

I had death wobble several times and new tires solved it...many more issues can cause it but if tires mismatched...try it

 

Death wobble is absolutely fixable and nowhere near as tough as some people claim. I've also owned a few R title vehicles. When you consider the book value of your average XJ is under $6500, it doesn't take much for an insurance co to total them. That also means it does'nt take much to fix them. If your mechanically inclined you can do pretty well with them.

 

Had my 96 since well... 1997. It smacked a t-phone poll sideways and was rebuilt before I bought it. havent had a payment since 2000. Avg tire wear and bare minimum maint. it outlasted every woman in my life. I have used it hard and it still goes. floors have rusted out twice, seats are held in with 5" hose clamps. its practically un-inspectable but it doesnt give up. Moral..... decide for yourself if its something you can live with...