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!

 

Sounds like they tried to adjust the steering box and went way too tight.

 

Thanks toasterknight - mega-quick response! That makes a lot of sense. Big job to replace the box?

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.

 

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.

 

Thanks again toasterknight: sounds like it's a worthwhile bargaining point then.

 

Please define what aspect of a Jeep Cherokee is "rare".

 

In Los Angeles they're getting pretty scarce: maybe not elsewhere. If I go on CL there'll be dozens of Grand Cherokees, but XJs are thin on the ground.

 

I would skip it unless its like 500 bucks,Its 2wd and a 01 which came with a head that can crack,Btw its a suv not a truck it don't have a frame or bed.

 

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!

 

2000 & 2001 have head cracking issues. Avoid unless you want to do some work.

 

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.

 

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.

 

It's not just your area.

That availability of GOOD used XJs have dwindled for the last 2-3 years.


Really pisses me off when I see you hillbillies hack a good XJ.

 

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.

 

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.