Hey guys,

Just joined, and I've got a couple of questions. I'm really interested in buying a Jeep Cherokee. I realize that they made them for almost what seems like 12-14 years or something? I'm not overly particular whether it's the 80s style, or the slightly more curved style of the late 90s. I've got a couple of thoughts of what I'm looking for to suit my purpose, and then I was hoping you guys could tell me what year or years would be best to purchase.

Ideally what I'm looking for is:

1 - 4x4
2 - Manual transmission (5-Speed I assume)
3 - the 4 liter straight 6
4 - posi traction (did they come with that, or are all 4x4 ones posi on both sides?)

Ideally, I'd like something in the range of about $2,500 to 3,500... but I might pay more if I find something that really fits what I need. I've always liked these Jeep Cherokees (not really a fan of the Grand Cherokees though). I love the simplicity of the Cherokee. I don't mean that as an insult, because it's NOT a "cheap" car, but what I like about it is that it's totally "purpose built" so to speak. It's as trail ready as a Jeep Wrangler (from what I know), but still with a good solid enclosed body. It's RWD, and the 4 liter straigth 6 has always been a really SOLID and well built motor (from what I've heard). I've never owned one, but I've always been eyeing them.

The biggest problem for me now is to decide what car I get rid of... do I sell my Pontiac Solstice, buy a used Cherokee and pay off my credit card debt.. heh... or do I trade my 73 Olds Cutlass outright?

Anyway... let me know what you guys think... I don't know much about the specific years, but I would like something that meets the criteria above, but something that's VERY simple to work on, the least complicated. I can rebuild engines, but it doesn't mean I WANT to remove half the engine compartment to change an A/C belt (for example). I'd prefer OBD-2 (96+), but whatever.

I still don't know if I like the 2dr better than the 4dr... they're both cool though...


Thanks,

Todd
2006 Pontiac Solstice
2004 VW Beetle Convt. (Wife's)
2002 Ford Crown Victoria LX-P74
1987 Pontiac Fiero SE / V6
1973 Volkswagen Type-2 Transporter
1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 350

 

If your looking to spend 2500-3500 you should have no problem finding one in good shape. There are several things to stay away from. Some, but not all Cherokees up through 1991 had a vaccum disconnect front axle. The passenger side shaft is a two piece unit that is locked by a shift motor mounted on the axle housing. These are notorious for failure. 92 and up has the H.O. engine which gives a slight horsepower gain over the older models. 87 - 89 offered the option for the Dana 44 rear axle though it is not very common. 4 door model have a slight strength advantage over the 2 door due to the extra body pillar between the doors. I could go on forever listing the pros and cons of the different years and someone will argue those due to everyone having a little different opinion of the best options. It is simply a matter of what you want to do with you vehicle that will dictate what is best for your needs. But no matter what stay away from the mid 80s 2.8 V6.

 

Thanks Winston, I appreciate it. What's wrong with the 2.8 V6? hahah... that's the same GM V6/60 engine I have in my Pontiac Fiero. Just kidding, I hear ya... bad main bearings...

That's really good to know about the vacuum disconnect. Now, I've never even owned a truck before, so this may sound stupid. But are both of these axle assemblies "posi", or is this the locker that you're talking about? I know there is a transfer case that attaches to the end of the transmission which then distributes the power to the front axle and the rear axle. I assume of course there is a lever that you move to engage this. But these "lockers" you speak of, is that what engages the front axle, or is that actually physically a "locker" in the differential that gives it equal distribution of power to both sides?

I don't really have any plans to turn this into a rock crawler, (although you never know... I may really get into this). But specifically, I have a piece of property near Lake Okeechobee that I'd like to start improving upon, planting trees, clearing out parts of it, and it's hard to get to since the access road is sand. My parents Ford Escape (2wd / fwd) couldn't handle it at all, which is one of the main reasons I want a 4x4.

Do you know if there is a write-up anywhere that shows the additional pros and cons?

I found this on Craigslist... it's awesome. If I had the cash right now, I would buy it... but I've got to decide first, Solstice, or Cutlass... which do I get rid of... sure would be nice to be independantly wealthy...





OH! I almost forgot to ask. Is there a "size difference" between the 2dr and the 4dr version? With respect to that:

1 - is the 2dr physically shorter?
2 - Does the 2dr have a larger cargo area?
3 - Does the 2dr have a larger front cabin area for the driver / front passenger?


Thanks!!!

 

How much is that one listed for you put the pic up of?

 

Dude, $2,750...

112k miles, but otherwise says it runs and drives fine. It's down here in Miami.

 

The vacumm disconnect only engages the front axle, if it doesnt work the front axle wont spin. Cherokees were not equiped with lockers (locks both wheels on same axle together).. and I dont think posi but maybe a few. If so they were only in the rear.

2dr and 4dr are the same length, same interior space, same cargo space. The 4door is said to be slightly stronger structurally due to the extra door pillar. One of the differences is the size of the front door opening. The 2doors have longer doors to make it easier for the rear seat passengers to get in. The 4door front doors are shorter and are the same as the MJ Comanche.

 

Ahh, ok, so the FLOOR PANS and the FRAME is identical to both of them...


Thanks!

 

if you have the cash for the one you posted up i would pick that one up quick, after you look at it of course. 112k miles is nothing on the 4.0 I6, that probably is not even half of that engines life. In fact that engine was pretty much just broken in

 

I know! I want it... that's the thing though... I gotta sell either my Solstice or my Cutlass. I can't justify going into my savings. But damn, I even like the color of that Jeep...

 

As far as working on them,they are all relatively easy to work on.I would stick with 92 and up to avoid the vac disconnect and get a little stronger motor.In 96 they went to an OBD-2 which can complicate thing's if you plan of doing engine mod's ect.Around late 99 early 2000 they went to a coil pack set up as aposed to plug's,wire's ect.As far as axle's go try to get a Chrysler 8.25 rear over the dana 35.The 8.25 is a bit beefier internally and has 3"axle tubing over the dana 35's 2.5".I have the 5 speed which is an ax-15 and I love it.As far as being trail ready as a wrangler,it is lacking recovery point's and a bit of clearance.Unless it has a frame mounted hitch and of course an xj can alway's benefit from a lift visually and on the trail.But it is the same drive train as a wrangler.That is about all I can think of at the moment.Hope that help's,Id go with a red one they run better

 

Just make sure you take the time to do some research. Know what you want and what it is capable of. I have rushed into to many vehicle purchases that I regreted later. This link will give you a little info to start working off of. And remember, any question you can possibly ask can be answered by someone on this forum.

http://jeephorizons.com/tech/xjstockspecs.html

 

Hey guys,

What does "SelecTrac" mean? Is it anything special or different over a normal 4x4 Jeep?


Thanks!

 

it means it has the np242 t-case which means you will have 2-Hi, 4-Hi (Part Time), 4-Hi (Full Time) and 4-Lo (Part Time)..compared to the command track which is the same except it is missing the Full time 4-Hi

 

dude keep the cutlass ditch the other and get your self an xj.

 

In the past, Pontiac was synonimous with bad transmissions, I'd let the Solscice go and go for an XJ!!!

Good luck.