As the title states I just picked up a jeep it's a 97 2 door Cherokee sport with 165xxx on the 4.0 and a 5 speed. It's got the typical northern body cancer under the rockers and 4.0 lifter tick and the drivers door hinge is so worn out that it bent the fender. Btw I noticed even though it's a 97 it has pre 97 hinges? Anything else that would be different about the early 97s compared to late 97s? Back on subject though I would like to hear what you guys would do if you just got it and or any weak points or common issues that can be addressed early? I already have a toy truck so I would like to keep this thing pretty dependable for a d.d. But we will see how long that lasts cause the more i drive it the more i wanna turn it into an off road beast

 

Welcome and congratulations on the purchase. This site has awesome info as well.

If you don't know the repair history, then I would suggest replacing/upgrading the cooling system. That seems to be a big weak point if ignored.

 

Thank you for the advice what does that usually consist of doing? Coolant flush, new t stat, check hoses and fan clutch or is there more to it? I noticed it runs about a 1/8"-1/4" over 210° on the freeway which seemed hot to me

 

You can replace everything for under $300 or so. Good thing about xj's is the parts are cheap. I would replace the water pump, upper and lower rad hoses, T-stat (the experts here suggest going with the oem one from the dealer. 195 degree I believe) radiator and fan clutch.

Imo rather than just check them, replace them since the parts are cheap and this way you know when it's been done and less of a chance to leave you stranded. Some guys say if it ain't broke... but I like doing preventive maintenance.

 

And the other problems I have personally ran into are the neutral safety switch not allowing the jeep to start and the crank position sensor also giving me a no start problem. Also a leaky valve cover, very easy fix. I had a hard time taking my nss off to clean and eneded up breaking it. The cps is in a tough spot but definitely doable.

 

Wow that is really cheap I've gotten used to all of the overpriced diesel parts a little too much I guess 300 bucks would hardly pay for a radiator in my truck. I'm guessing the neutral safety switch would be an auto only feature because I'm pretty sure I started it in gear a couple times not positive on that though. Also does anyone know the differences between the early 97 and late 97 xj's I almost ordered the wrong door hinges cause everything I read on here and the part site said 97 had new style but my 97 has old style hinges and I don't want to run into part issues with other things as well

 

Just flush your coolant and replace the t stat, that can be done for super cheap and I'll guarantee it fixes it. No need to replace parts that don't need it. If you have the money I'd do what rgr said, but that's a lot of labor for parts that might not ever need replacement (within reason).

 

You may "OR" may not need a cooling sys overhaul just yet, if I might make a more general starting set of places to start.

First would be a complete fluid/filter change starting with coolant clean/flush/fill then oil, trans, transfer case, differentials and as you do so check inspect each for wear TC chain, gear wear.

Then a complete front steering check replacing all worn compoints and if tie rods are needed an V8 GC upgrade direct bolt-in, ball joints, CA bushings, etc.

These items are the foundation for everything else you decide to do to your XJ and should be done first, as some like a lift can be very dangerous unless all other things are in VG condition to start with.

Good luck with your build as the XJ is a blast to upgrade and make it what you desire it to be.