What to look for when buying an '86
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Model: Cherokee
What to look for when buying an '86
Hey everyone,
New here, I'll do a proper introduction if I end up staying. I'm looking to get a Cherokee and know little to nothing of Jeeps and was hoping those of you who are idle at a computer may want to give me a run down. I like to learn and work on my vehicles, am only limited by garage space and tools... have replaced head gasket and cv joints, rebuilt the carb, etc. on my '87 Toyota pickup and done a bit of modding in the motorcycle world. I'm not trying to just toot my own horn, just want to say that if these things need minor work I'm ready to get my hands dirty.
Which brings me here... thought I would use my pickup more when I got it, it's a short range dd and it's moved like two couches. I love camping, but every time I go I'm one seat short and one bed half empty. I'd like a little more human room and want a little more protection from all the rain here in Arizona .
Here is generally what I'm looking for... what do I need to know? What fails on these things?
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/3098743609.html
Thanks!
Edit: One last thing. I REALLY like manual transmissions. Like, when I'm searching through craigslist I type in "Cherokee manual". And I don't see myself easily changing until batteries stop weighing as much as Saturn and electric vehicles can go 500 miles charge 5 minutes.
New here, I'll do a proper introduction if I end up staying. I'm looking to get a Cherokee and know little to nothing of Jeeps and was hoping those of you who are idle at a computer may want to give me a run down. I like to learn and work on my vehicles, am only limited by garage space and tools... have replaced head gasket and cv joints, rebuilt the carb, etc. on my '87 Toyota pickup and done a bit of modding in the motorcycle world. I'm not trying to just toot my own horn, just want to say that if these things need minor work I'm ready to get my hands dirty.
Which brings me here... thought I would use my pickup more when I got it, it's a short range dd and it's moved like two couches. I love camping, but every time I go I'm one seat short and one bed half empty. I'd like a little more human room and want a little more protection from all the rain here in Arizona .
Here is generally what I'm looking for... what do I need to know? What fails on these things?
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/3098743609.html
Thanks!
Edit: One last thing. I REALLY like manual transmissions. Like, when I'm searching through craigslist I type in "Cherokee manual". And I don't see myself easily changing until batteries stop weighing as much as Saturn and electric vehicles can go 500 miles charge 5 minutes.
Last edited by 7moore7; 06-26-2012 at 06:01 PM.
#3
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Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: i6
heres a search on renix engines... read through all the high posts threads
look for a dana 44 rear axle... which reminds me why '86? pls dont say v6...
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/search...archid=3465377
look for a dana 44 rear axle... which reminds me why '86? pls dont say v6...
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/search...archid=3465377
#4
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Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Renix and tube header
If your forces to get an 86' make sure it's at least a four cylinder. DO NOT buy a Cherokee with the V6 2.8L, it will be a huge mistake. Wait and look for a 91+ Cherokee with the 4.0l. Even if the 4.0L has high mileage (200k+) it will be 100% better than buying one with the 2.8l V6. Trust me, I went this route first and was a huge mistake!!
#6
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Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L 242ci I6
Go 91 and newer unless you wanna learn about the ol' renix systems. I happen to like my renny, but some say they're just a headache.
#7
Originally Posted by crbnfibr
heres a search on renix engines... read through all the high posts threads
look for a dana 44 rear axle... which reminds me why '86? pls dont say v6...
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/search...archid=3465377
look for a dana 44 rear axle... which reminds me why '86? pls dont say v6...
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/search...archid=3465377
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#8
If your forces to get an 86' make sure it's at least a four cylinder. DO NOT buy a Cherokee with the V6 2.8L, it will be a huge mistake. Wait and look for a 91+ Cherokee with the 4.0l. Even if the 4.0L has high mileage (200k+) it will be 100% better than buying one with the 2.8l V6. Trust me, I went this route first and was a huge mistake!!
#9
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Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
He lives in Arizona. No rust here unless it came from another state.
And OP, stay away from the V6 as stated.
Also, the 4.0 with the AW4 trans behind it is an awesome combo. Has 3.55 gears instead of 3.07s with a manual trans. It's a very durable trans. Something to think about.
And OP, stay away from the V6 as stated.
Also, the 4.0 with the AW4 trans behind it is an awesome combo. Has 3.55 gears instead of 3.07s with a manual trans. It's a very durable trans. Something to think about.
Last edited by cruiser54; 06-27-2012 at 07:18 AM.
#10
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Model: Cherokee
It looks like from the ad this one already has a 4.0L with 40k miles dropped in it and a 5 speed ax-15, which seems to be a good tranny from that article. And yeah, very little rust in this state
Thanks for the links, gives me somewhere to start. It's always weird entering a new vehicle's universe.
Last edited by 7moore7; 06-27-2012 at 10:20 AM.
#11
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Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: i6
well take your time, most of the time i wont even call about an ad that says "rebuilt" just be real cautious about new engine or new tranny as well, if it doesn't look like new and is just a swap, walk away. like i said D44 ftw...
#14
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Guys thanks a bunch for helping me out getting started. It really saves a noob a lot of dead ends and misplaced attention.
Ok, so the 4.0L is an I6? I'll take one valve cover and exhaust manifold any day of the week over two.
Renix is the electronics system it seems. I'm not too bad with a DMM, although no expert either. Always more fun than plugging something into an OBDII if I've got the patience.
Again, thanks and I'll try to poke around here when I get some more time.
Ok, so the 4.0L is an I6? I'll take one valve cover and exhaust manifold any day of the week over two.
Renix is the electronics system it seems. I'm not too bad with a DMM, although no expert either. Always more fun than plugging something into an OBDII if I've got the patience.
Again, thanks and I'll try to poke around here when I get some more time.