Which Cherokee should I buy?
08-15-2010, 08:43 PM
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Model: Cherokee
Which Cherokee should I buy?
Hey everyone, I'm new to Cherokees. I've been searching the local
classfieds looking for one and there are many to choose from. I need something to take in the woods for fishing, camping, and some wheeling too. I don't know too much about them so I was hoping I could get some suggestions on what to look for. Are there any years/models I should stay away from? And why? Thanks!
classfieds looking for one and there are many to choose from. I need something to take in the woods for fishing, camping, and some wheeling too. I don't know too much about them so I was hoping I could get some suggestions on what to look for. Are there any years/models I should stay away from? And why? Thanks!
08-15-2010, 09:21 PM
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Model: Cherokee
I prefer the 97s up with the newer style interior and stiffer unibody with more sound dampening.. 97-99 is my first choice with 00-01 following.
Here is a good write up detailing the cherokee and its differences.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep_Cherokee_%28XJ%29
Here is a good write up detailing the cherokee and its differences.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep_Cherokee_%28XJ%29
08-15-2010, 09:51 PM
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Year: 1993, 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
2000-2001 had a 'weak' head casting that is prone to cracking. Does this mean you should avoid it? Not really, just be aware of it. Thankfully the previous casting head will fit and has no such cracking issues, so take that into account if you get one of those years. When the head does finally crack, you'll want to replace it with an older one. Maybe with some nice large valves in it.
08-15-2010, 10:06 PM
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Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 2.5 4 cyl.
Ah... no, right idea, wrong year.
2000-2001 had a 'weak' head casting that is prone to cracking. Does this mean you should avoid it? Not really, just be aware of it. Thankfully the previous casting head will fit and has no such cracking issues, so take that into account if you get one of those years. When the head does finally crack, you'll want to replace it with an older one. Maybe with some nice large valves in it.
2000-2001 had a 'weak' head casting that is prone to cracking. Does this mean you should avoid it? Not really, just be aware of it. Thankfully the previous casting head will fit and has no such cracking issues, so take that into account if you get one of those years. When the head does finally crack, you'll want to replace it with an older one. Maybe with some nice large valves in it.
or at least i hope so
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08-16-2010, 10:09 AM
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Year: 1993, 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
Avoid Cherokees with the 2.8L V6 like the plague (84-86).
4.0L engines from the late 80s are fine, they are Renix and not HO engines so they are down a bit on power (like 17hp and 20ft/lbs, I think? Not a ton). They are just as reliable as their HO cousins, the difference is really just the fuel injection system and intake design.
Pre-91s have a vacuum disconnect front axle. The Vacuum disconnect is probably going to be broke by now, either the motor will be gummed up or the lines cracked. There are several kits to convert them to manual disconnect with a lever, or you can get a kit to disable the disconnect and run them like 91+ front axles which are always engaged.
Some late 80s models have Dana 44 rear axles, which is a huge plus since you don't have to find one later.
Avoid Puegot 5-speed transmissions, they are weak and will break. They were used until mid-89, if I remember correctly. If you do get a Puegot 5-speed, you'll want to pick up an AX-15 at some point so that when it does break you can swap over.
4.0L engines from the late 80s are fine, they are Renix and not HO engines so they are down a bit on power (like 17hp and 20ft/lbs, I think? Not a ton). They are just as reliable as their HO cousins, the difference is really just the fuel injection system and intake design.
Pre-91s have a vacuum disconnect front axle. The Vacuum disconnect is probably going to be broke by now, either the motor will be gummed up or the lines cracked. There are several kits to convert them to manual disconnect with a lever, or you can get a kit to disable the disconnect and run them like 91+ front axles which are always engaged.
Some late 80s models have Dana 44 rear axles, which is a huge plus since you don't have to find one later.
Avoid Puegot 5-speed transmissions, they are weak and will break. They were used until mid-89, if I remember correctly. If you do get a Puegot 5-speed, you'll want to pick up an AX-15 at some point so that when it does break you can swap over.
Last edited by CodeXJ; 08-16-2010 at 10:11 AM.
08-16-2010, 10:36 AM
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Avoid Cherokees with the 2.8L V6 like the plague (84-86).
4.0L engines from the late 80s are fine, they are Renix and not HO engines so they are down a bit on power (like 17hp and 20ft/lbs, I think? Not a ton). They are just as reliable as their HO cousins, the difference is really just the fuel injection system and intake design.
Pre-91s have a vacuum disconnect front axle. The Vacuum disconnect is probably going to be broke by now, either the motor will be gummed up or the lines cracked. There are several kits to convert them to manual disconnect with a lever, or you can get a kit to disable the disconnect and run them like 91+ front axles which are always engaged.
Some late 80s models have Dana 44 rear axles, which is a huge plus since you don't have to find one later.
Avoid Puegot 5-speed transmissions, they are weak and will break. They were used until mid-89, if I remember correctly. If you do get a Puegot 5-speed, you'll want to pick up an AX-15 at some point so that when it does break you can swap over.
4.0L engines from the late 80s are fine, they are Renix and not HO engines so they are down a bit on power (like 17hp and 20ft/lbs, I think? Not a ton). They are just as reliable as their HO cousins, the difference is really just the fuel injection system and intake design.
Pre-91s have a vacuum disconnect front axle. The Vacuum disconnect is probably going to be broke by now, either the motor will be gummed up or the lines cracked. There are several kits to convert them to manual disconnect with a lever, or you can get a kit to disable the disconnect and run them like 91+ front axles which are always engaged.
Some late 80s models have Dana 44 rear axles, which is a huge plus since you don't have to find one later.
Avoid Puegot 5-speed transmissions, they are weak and will break. They were used until mid-89, if I remember correctly. If you do get a Puegot 5-speed, you'll want to pick up an AX-15 at some point so that when it does break you can swap over.
08-16-2010, 11:33 AM
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Year: 1993, 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
I wouldn't totally discount the late 80s Cherokees, they can be picked up cheap if you know what you are looking for.
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