The Icelander

HI guys,

I am thinking about (well not thinking, going to) buy a used Cherokee or Grand Cherokee (ZJ, WJ or XJ), most likely from the years 1991-2002 somewhere in the era. What should i be looking for? which of the engines is the most dependable? (fuel consumption is no object) should i be looking for the 4.0, 4.7, 5.2 or 5.9? any obvious problems that could help me decide if the car is worthy or not? any tips would greatly be apriciated


-The Icelander

daves01XJ

Look for a Cherokee, 4.0, very long lived and much fewer electrical problems than the gc. Avoid D35 rear end if you plan on building it up at all. Good luck with your search!

Bustedback

Grand Cherokees do not have any more electrical problems than an XJ. Top engine for the XJ would be the 4.0. Top engines for the ZJ would be the 4.0, 5.2, and the 5.9 in a 98 (only year for the 5.9). The early 4.7 had some issues with lifters. XJs are very good off road and reliable as hell. ZJs are also very good off road and very reliable, but do have a few quirks (not unlike the XJ). ZJs offer a more comfortable ride with less wind noise and more interior room than an XJ. XJs have more aftermarket support for lifts and bumpers. Just don't buy the first one you see, it pays to shop around.

CrawlinPepper

97-99 cherokee with the 4.0L and 8.25 rear. End of story.

dougfrompa

X2!!!

jeepscottr1

X3!!!! I have a 99 with a 8.25 love it

Bbasso

WHY?
And for what purpose ?

weld3z

x2

if you want DD go for GC if you want a weekend off road , snow time go for XJ , 4.0 for what ever you decide .

TN12valve

I would go with a 4.0 no matter what. I hated the 5.2 in my old Grand.

McCaffrey

I went through all that recently. I got one cheap and turned out to have a bunch of problems although I paid close attention to the engine and miles. In hindsight I think the only thing to really look for would be the lowest miles you can find, and I6 engine only for an XJ. I can't think of anything I'd hate to do more than changing an engine (yes, I've changed several in my day). In comparison everything else is trivial and less expensive. Many people will throw fits over the D35, and I don't disagree, but you can get a 8.25 from the junk yard for $150. I'd happily take a D35 w/ 100K over an 8.25 w/ 200K miles any day.

Plus if you're planning to make it "built" you'll probably want a D44 or 8.8 so the stock rear is even more of a moot point.

The Icelander

hehe, I see why u ask. as u problebly saw or guessed. i live in Iceland, and this far north we have heavy winters. winter is coming so i need a 4x4, and I've always heard that a cherokee was one of the best (if not the best) of all 4x4. Also, after this winter, i plan on lifting it, most likely to 38" even 44" if i'm in a good mood. just for the coming winters

The Icelander

Woah, i certainly didn't see this many answering. thanks for all the answers, going to look at 1 or 2 today, a 4.0 '96 and a 4.7 99 or 00. maybe either will be mine