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XJ Ask the Question Thread
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
From: Huntsville, Tn
Year: Different Years (I have several XJ's)
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
I did that 4.5L low buck simple stroker. I got the Keith black pistons, Hesco high to mid cam. When I reworked the head I used Chevy camaro springs and had the head cut to fit them. At dyno I was roughly 270 hp.
I am having starting issues with my 94 Cherokee. When I put the key in and try to crank it sometimes it starts right up like it should. 75% of the time nothing will happen but the lights on the radio and dash all light up when in the key on car off position. Usually ill drop it into neutral and try cranking it again. That usually works but not on the first try. If it does not work I put it back into park pull the key out and try again. At first I figured it was the battery or that the vehicle wasn't getting enough power due to gunked up terminals but I cleaned the terminals and tested the battery. Runs at about 12.5 V with 450 CCA left in it. (Had the battery for about 3 1/2 years) Next I tested all the fuses underneath the hood. All of those checked out fine as well. I also noticed after the last week or so that sometimes it will turnover once then stop. I replaced my started about 2 years ago I believe. (I would have to go back and check the records) I cannot remember if I bought a refurbished started either. Is it also a possibility that it is my shift cable? Im thinking about having someone adjust my shift cable to make sure that is not it. Any troubleshooting tips or ideas on what it could be. The solenoid is connected to the started in these jeeps if im not mistaken. If the solenoid is shot would it just be easier to replace the started as well? Thanks
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 854
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I am having starting issues with my 94 Cherokee. When I put the key in and try to crank it sometimes it starts right up like it should. 75% of the time nothing will happen but the lights on the radio and dash all light up when in the key on car off position. Usually ill drop it into neutral and try cranking it again. That usually works but not on the first try. If it does not work I put it back into park pull the key out and try again. At first I figured it was the battery or that the vehicle wasn't getting enough power due to gunked up terminals but I cleaned the terminals and tested the battery. Runs at about 12.5 V with 450 CCA left in it. (Had the battery for about 3 1/2 years) Next I tested all the fuses underneath the hood. All of those checked out fine as well. I also noticed after the last week or so that sometimes it will turnover once then stop. I replaced my started about 2 years ago I believe. (I would have to go back and check the records) I cannot remember if I bought a refurbished started either. Is it also a possibility that it is my shift cable? Im thinking about having someone adjust my shift cable to make sure that is not it. Any troubleshooting tips or ideas on what it could be. The solenoid is connected to the started in these jeeps if im not mistaken. If the solenoid is shot would it just be easier to replace the started as well? Thanks
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,867
Likes: 16
From: Fauquier County, Virginia
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I-6 4.0 HO
I am having starting issues with my 94 Cherokee. When I put the key in and try to crank it sometimes it starts right up like it should. 75% of the time nothing will happen but the lights on the radio and dash all light up when in the key on car off position. Usually ill drop it into neutral and try cranking it again. That usually works but not on the first try. If it does not work I put it back into park pull the key out and try again. At first I figured it was the battery or that the vehicle wasn't getting enough power due to gunked up terminals but I cleaned the terminals and tested the battery. Runs at about 12.5 V with 450 CCA left in it. (Had the battery for about 3 1/2 years) Next I tested all the fuses underneath the hood. All of those checked out fine as well. I also noticed after the last week or so that sometimes it will turnover once then stop. I replaced my started about 2 years ago I believe. (I would have to go back and check the records) I cannot remember if I bought a refurbished started either. Is it also a possibility that it is my shift cable? Im thinking about having someone adjust my shift cable to make sure that is not it. Any troubleshooting tips or ideas on what it could be. The solenoid is connected to the started in these jeeps if im not mistaken. If the solenoid is shot would it just be easier to replace the started as well? Thanks
What's the difference between NP242 and NP231 transfer cases? Is one better than the other?
I have a 1998 Cherokee Sport that has the NP231, and just bought a 2000 Cherokee Sport with the NP242. I'm just wondering if there's any advantages or disadvantages to the NP242 vs. NP231.
Thanks.
I have a 1998 Cherokee Sport that has the NP231, and just bought a 2000 Cherokee Sport with the NP242. I'm just wondering if there's any advantages or disadvantages to the NP242 vs. NP231.
Thanks.
CF Veteran
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 10,447
Likes: 0
From: Frederick, MD
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
What's the difference between NP242 and NP231 transfer cases? Is one better than the other?
I have a 1998 Cherokee Sport that has the NP231, and just bought a 2000 Cherokee Sport with the NP242. I'm just wondering if there's any advantages or disadvantages to the NP242 vs. NP231.
Thanks.
I have a 1998 Cherokee Sport that has the NP231, and just bought a 2000 Cherokee Sport with the NP242. I'm just wondering if there's any advantages or disadvantages to the NP242 vs. NP231.
Thanks.
231 only has part time, but has much more aftermarket support for it. So it's better for offloading
That's how I look at it.
Thanks a bunch
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,994
Likes: 8
From: San Jose
Year: 89
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
The "part time" and "full time" terminology always seemed weird to me, it seems they mean the opposite.
As long as they're working properly there's almost no difference to them.
A 242 is good for snowy/loose road conditions, though it also has the option to be "part time" which means both axles rotate at the same speed.
The 231 is only "part time" and has much larger aftermarket support, making it better for trail rigs.
Moderator of Jeeps
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 21,029
Likes: 3
From: Frederick, MD from Cleveland, OH
Year: 1993 YJ Wrangler
Engine: 4.0 I6
Reinstalling my thermostat housing due to a leak after an overheat. I cleaned the surface, but I don't have a new gasket. Using a 1/8" bead of RTV Ultra Black should be just fine, right?
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
From: Huntsville, Tn
Year: Different Years (I have several XJ's)
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
CF Veteran
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,093
Likes: 2
From: Placerville, CA
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Inline 6
Found out today while I was under the jeep, and saw I was missing the furthest most rear intake/exhaust bolt...ben hunting down idle and coasting rpm fluctuation. everything checks out except the missing bolt.
can I go to the hardware store and get a bolt or do I need to order it from mopar? its 3/8-16x1-1/4.....other measurement is .375-16x1.25 (im assuming same measurement?
can I go to the hardware store and get a bolt or do I need to order it from mopar? its 3/8-16x1-1/4.....other measurement is .375-16x1.25 (im assuming same measurement?
☠ CF Sheriff ☠

Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,197
Likes: 18
From: Aberdeen, MD
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO I-6, 703 Injectors, Brown Dog Super Engine Mounts
Black should be fine. You can use a piece of cardboard as a gasket too (beer box?)
☠ CF Sheriff ☠

Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,197
Likes: 18
From: Aberdeen, MD
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO I-6, 703 Injectors, Brown Dog Super Engine Mounts
Found out today while I was under the jeep, and saw I was missing the furthest most rear intake/exhaust bolt...ben hunting down idle and coasting rpm fluctuation. everything checks out except the missing bolt.
can I go to the hardware store and get a bolt or do I need to order it from mopar? its 3/8-16x1-1/4.....other measurement is .375-16x1.25 (im assuming same measurement?
can I go to the hardware store and get a bolt or do I need to order it from mopar? its 3/8-16x1-1/4.....other measurement is .375-16x1.25 (im assuming same measurement?




