I'm looking at a 1996 Jeep Cherokee, four cylinder engine, manual transmission. The snap ring on fifth gear seems to need replacing. It drives fantastically. They're asking $1300.00. Should I buy it? I don't do transmissions. How much do you figure it would cost to have someone repair the snap ring? AX5 transmission.

I'd like to make an offer tomorrow. All Help Greatly Appreciated,

SpaceCowboy2000

 

I have a '96 with a manual (AX15) and a 4.0 and I freaking love it... never intended for it to become my daily driver but that's exactly what it is now.

To date, I've only had minor electrical issues and a problem with the cooling system due to previous owner's neglect. Otherwise its been fantastic.

As far as the transmission, I have no idea. If it were me and the body is really solid I'd buy it, find a good 4.0/AX15 drivetrain to swap into it and Bob's your uncle.

Whatever you decide, good luck!

 

You can do better if you're patient. I just bought a '96 with a 4.0 and 5-speed and 4x4 (you don't mention) for $900. The drive train is in perfect shape, but it does have rusty floors that I am fixing now. I owned a '92 XJ with a 4-cylinder and 5-speed, and it's woefully under powered in my opinion. I would avoid the 4 cylinder unless you can get an amazing deal on it. That car with a bad tranny is not an amazing deal.

 

I've got a '96 also. Only thing that really concerns me is what to do if the fuel pump/regulator combo goes south.

 

I keep seeing mumblings about that but haven't researched it yet... whats the deal?

 

'96 was the only yr for the combo set up. Haven't checked lately but last I knew for sure there were no factory(other than used)or aftermarket replacements. There was a guy on here trying to convert his '96 to a later model set up and got it down to figuring out the wiring but I don't know if he ever completed it.


I know mine was replaced by the original owner when they were available.


Hate talking about. Afraid I might jinx myself. LOL

 

Ha! Yeah I know the feeling. I'll definitely be doing some more research though... if Man made it, Man can fix it. Thanks!

 

Depends on where you are and what kind of driving you do. Mountains and interstates will become tiresome with the 4. But around town, some off road, general use, it should be fine.

If the body and chassis are nice, rust-free, and everything works, it could be a reasonable deal. You might have some negotiating room with the bad transmission. These are pretty robust transmissions (had one for 14 years) so swapping a used one might be more cost effective and trade in the old one for a core.

Again if it's nice otherwise, could be a reasonable deal; if not, I'd pass.

 

Impossible to accurately diagnose with out physically tearing in to the transmission. You could spend the asking price having a newly rebuilt transmission installed, I would keep looking.

 

yeah unless its real cheap i would pass on it,With the trans one thing never just fails it does and takes out other things with it.