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.

 

This should give you a rough guide.

GL.

 

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

 

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!!

 

Its gonna have rust. Determine the extent before buying

 

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.

 

Or he could say I want a v6 so I can drop a 4.3l vortec in it.

 

This..my first xj was a v6. Biggest pile of crap I ever had. I scrapped it and bought a nice 95 country. Sold that and now have a nice 90 limited.

 

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.

 

'Cause it's the year I was born! Nah, there wasn't any reason other than it was the best looking one I found this week on craigslist. I'll check it out today or tomorrow, but am in no rush.

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.

 

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...

 

Look for a cliff to push it off of if it has the 2.8v6.

 

A bunch of people will knock the old renix systems but I actually like em. All cherokees are easy to work on....and I agree go with the 4.0.

 

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.

 

4.0 is the inline 6 cylinder that you find from 87-01.

87-90 = Renix
91-95 = High output (OBDI)
96-01 = High output (OBDII)