Went to view an XJ for sale: bad steering, any advice?
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Los Angeles CA
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Went to view an XJ for sale: bad steering, any advice?
Hey Guys -
I've been looking to buy an XJ. I went to view a 2001 2WD yesterday. It drove well with about 155k. Brakes were awful (I assume just pads and shoes) but what bothers me is the steering: it was stiff stiff stiff, and when I pulled out of a turn I had to fight it to center it again. Got it up to about 55mph on the highway and no wobble.
I've driven these XJs before (though not for a few years) and owned a Comanche and I don't remember them being like this.
Any ideas? My other vehicles have always had steering racks, I'm a bit in the dark about this one. Thanks!
I've been looking to buy an XJ. I went to view a 2001 2WD yesterday. It drove well with about 155k. Brakes were awful (I assume just pads and shoes) but what bothers me is the steering: it was stiff stiff stiff, and when I pulled out of a turn I had to fight it to center it again. Got it up to about 55mph on the highway and no wobble.
I've driven these XJs before (though not for a few years) and owned a Comanche and I don't remember them being like this.
Any ideas? My other vehicles have always had steering racks, I'm a bit in the dark about this one. Thanks!
Last edited by benevolentelephant; 03-02-2016 at 05:15 PM.
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Los Angeles CA
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Problem is that here in Los Angeles these trucks are rare now and I don't have much to choose from. Truck is otherwise good or I wouldn't still be considering it.......
BTW did a forum search, didn't come up with much. Maybe not using right key words.
#4
CF Veteran
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Oregon Coast
Posts: 1,508
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
You don't have to replace the box just loosen it a bit. If you do replace it it shouldn't be terrible. Worst part is pulling the pitman arm. You also have to remove the steering shaft and 3 bolts.
#7
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Los Angeles CA
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Trending Topics
#9
Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Straight 6
Sort of agree with this. 2WD and 01 is a no-no in my book, more so the 01 factor. I'm a little biased since I live in prime mudding area for my 4WD, so that's why I feel that way about 2WD. If it's just a daily driver, especially in LA, 2WD would be fine. And if need be, you can always do a 4WD conversion in the future if you really wanted to. If you can get it cheap cheap, like under 1000, it might be worth it for you. Depends how much you want an XJ and how much work you're willing to put into it with the potential head crack it can suffer. Good luck!
#11
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Los Angeles CA
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Thanks Guys - I passed on the vehicle. It was super-nice on the body and interior and he fixed the steering (put in a new steering box) but it was $5000 and with taxes would have been $5600. Even in Los Angeles that's high. I wouldn't even have been tempted but they're getting scarce to find here.
Saw another one yesterday: guy wanted $2500 for it. Windscreen covered in cracks, driver's window stuck down, bald tires, leaking water and PAS fluid. And those were just the good points.
Saw another one yesterday: guy wanted $2500 for it. Windscreen covered in cracks, driver's window stuck down, bald tires, leaking water and PAS fluid. And those were just the good points.
Last edited by benevolentelephant; 03-05-2016 at 12:26 PM.
#12
Note to self: when I'm ready to sell my XJ, I'm driving to SoCal and sticking a for sale sign on my windshield. At those prices I'll double my money from 6 years ago, even after buying a plane ticket home.
#14
CF Veteran
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Lost in the wilds of Virginia
Posts: 7,964
Received 952 Likes
on
767 Posts
Year: 1998 Classic (I'll get it running soon....) and 02 Grand
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Yep.
I don't understand why people don't know the difference between an SUV and a truck.
Agreed, except it's not just hillbillies.
I don't understand why people don't know the difference between an SUV and a truck.
Agreed, except it's not just hillbillies.
#15
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Los Angeles CA
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Yes you probably could! And the 5k being asked for that one isn't exceptional: a dealer close by is asking $7900 for a stock '01 4WD with 180k on the clock.