Hey guys(and girls),
I have been lurking for a while here but never really introduced myself and I need some help finding a good DD/trail ride.

Ok alittle history:
I am currently in Afghanistan, with not too much time left. That being said I am looking for a good DD cherokee(maybe Grand Cherokee.....maybe) that is trail worthy. I just bought my wife a nice tahoe 4x4 while I was home on leave but I want my own toy that I can drive anywhere and go down the trails also.
For about as long as I can remember, I have been an import car guy. Anything that was awd and turbo, I have owned it. I finally sold my last import about a week ago. I have built 500-600 hp 4 cyl Talons, they were my bread and butter. But I think its time to move on to 4x4 goodness with room for my 7 year old and 16 month old, yet letting me drive on 200 mile trips or go to an ORV park if I want to.

This is kinda a WTB ad, but specifically aimed at people close to Birmingham AL, so I justify it as getting "insight" or "direction" although I may post a WTB ad later.

I have $5k that I would like to spend. Lets get that out there now, 5k is the limit.....no question about it. I have a family to support and the Pentagon(my wife) has authorized $5k for my purchasing needs. That is not to say I wouldn't be ok with getting one that is less than $5k, but the limit is $5k.

I would like a cherokee as follows:
-4x4(duh)
-4.5 inch -5.5 inch lift, not really fan of Rancho fyi
- 33 inch tires in good shape
-decent body and interior
-good motor and trans, don't tell me its rebuilt unless you have proof(this really goes for the trans, I don't know how to rebuild an auto trans)
-some nice additional mods that will make it a good trail vehicle
- Good record on here and of good character. I have many friends in Law enforcement(and Higher) in the Birmingham and in the Southeast, so no games please. I also have a satellite phone here that I can call if I need to. Just PM me with the number and I will get back to you, somehow. I am also about 9.5 hours ahead, so keep that in mind(like right now I am about to go to bed)

I know that XJ's come in all kinds of flavors. I don't mind to much about the axles or diffs but would prefer the stronger rear end(8.8 I think) and good front diff, so that I can add lockers to a good diff and not a weak one.

It will be a DD, so must have heat...... minimum, A/C a plus is very desirable.

I look on CL everyday but I honestly want to get a Jeep from within the community more so than from a kid who beats the hell out of it, never changes the oil or trans fluid, and claimes it climbs trees with ease.

Think MANLY, with creature comforts

Anyone have any "insight"?

Thanks in advance, I hope to make it back home soon so that I can and make it out to some awesome trail rides around AL/TN/GA area.


ps- I know that i use alot of emoticons, but it adds to the post.....gives it pizzzzazzz

 

Man I will keep an eye out for ya. Anything for a fellow jeeper and a troop that fights for me and my family.

 

Thanks man

 

First thankyou for your service... and since this was an intro. welcome from N. Alabama... cant really go wrong eith an xj , and for the money your wanting to spend you can get a decent one and do the mods yourself or sit back and wait for one thats already the way you want the aw4 trans. is reliable but also cheap and plentiful if you ever have to replace the 4.0 has been know to clock over 300,000 so you have already picked a good platform and being a former gear head myself these engines are easily and fairly cheap to stroke given your previous history. 90 and older are renix controled and 91 up are H.O. . not speaking from experince but I have heard to stay away from 2000 models as the head tends to crack...... Good luck and happy wheeling to you !!!!!!

 

Thanks, I should be moving up to Huntsville when I get back.........but we will see.

Yeah I don't mind building a motor. In fact, I will probably get a Jeep and build an extra motor on the side......just to have one.

 

Build a stroker motor. Lile he said For 5k you should fond a nice xj. May can hit the trail with you soon. I am just over the line Rome, Ga. Whae going to be back in the states?

 

My parents live in Rome.

I will be back end of July.

 

sweet i found a 2 door for a great price.

 

Bump for a deal?

 

Still looking

Have some prospects on here but no definites yet.