Ok so I'm a newbie in jeeps and real 4x4's in general. But any ways I just bought a 92 Cherokee laredo for $500 from some college kid. He was told the cylinder head was cracked which I know is common in the 4.0 no big deal. So when I got it home cleaned up the "cracked " head there was nothing even had it checked at our local machine shop and nothing. SCORE!!!! And all the electrical works as well. Came with a 3" lift from rough country, tubular front trol arms, a manual cable ( twist style ) front locker?, and a rear locker. Needs the usual maintenance, but nothing else from what I can tell.


I just need some advice on what I should look for on this used and beat up rig.

Thanks for looking and ride on

 

For $500 that is indeed a score!
I don't know about common head cracks on 4.0 in general, as far as the XJ it's more common on the 0331 head found in 00-01 models. Also not sure about the cable front locker, I know up to a certain year had a vacuum disconnect for the passenger side axle shaft, some have replaced it with a cable. All that does is lock the one front shaft together...or maybe you have a locker? Either way, $500 is a winner. I'd just give it a good once-over, tune up, all new fluids, ball joints, etc and have fun with it!!!

Welcome to CF.

 

Definitely a new set of matching tires!

 

Cracks in 4.0 heads are only common in 2000 and 2001.

Great find!!

 

That's what I meant the later heads had the crack issue. And as for the cable locker it actually completely disables the front shaft, the only reason I found that out was i was tested the 4x4 system I'm my field and couldn't climb up a 4 ft hill in 4 low. That the transfer case was out but then I started twisting the **** under the dash. Once I did that it pulled its self out haha.

 

Ha i bought by first jeep (92 2 door 5 speed) for 500$. i know alot that can say the same. Welcome to the 500$ club!

 

did a 92 still have the vacuum disconnect for the front drive shaft? I know for my 89, you can get a cable to replace the vacuum system (or eliminate it all together with a single piece drive shaft)


Nice score, I bought my 89 cherokee for $500 as well, but I have over $5000 into repairs (not upgrades mind you, just repairs).

I would check wear items, bushings, Brakes, alignment, tires, etc. is this a trail only rig or going to be a DD?

 

I'm thinking it was the vacuum unit and was replaced for the cable locker unit at one point. But this weekend I'll do a once over on the wear items. Grease up he joints, tune up, replace the hoses, replace the front tires, get an alignment etc... this rig will be a daily driver/family carrier/weekend warrior.

 

after you replace those things, if you have a trusted mechanic/shop, have them do a "safety" inspection. most places have charged me 1/2 hour labor to apply their knowledge to it, and given me a list of things they would replace/repair on a descending order of what's important. Then whittle away at that list as you have time and $.

 

I only paid $100.00 for mine, but it was a clean roller.

 

Mid 91 axle disconnect went away.

 

Sweet! Exactly the type of deal we all wish we would just fall into. Lol! Enjoy.

 

that's what I thought, but I've seen those cable operated things for them, so maybe somebody swapped in an earlier axle? hard to say without looking at the axle.

 

Sorry wasn't able to get a picture of the axle till now. I'm thinking it was a swap to an earlier year axle. But you guys tell me you're the experts haha.







Heres where the cable connects

 

that must be aftermarket, those are usually vacuum disconnect.