First post!
Bet this topic hasn't been beat to death . . .
I've already done some searching to no avail.
So . . . I am going to get a Cherokee or Grand Cherokee (not sure which or best year). My needs: Mostly DD but will take it to the mountains (Rocky) in dirt, mud, snow, rocks. I will tow a 2 machine atv trailer (with elk/deer/lopes hopefully). I like the idea of the I6 for DD mpg (if it will pull!). I like comforts like cruise, auto tranny, power windows/mirrors/etc. Mods I would like: slight lift for over-sized tires, roof rack, winch, light bar, & such.
And I like green.
Whaddayathink?

Oh yeah . . . for $5,000 or less.

 

What exactly do you need help with? If your wondering what year to get, I think 97-99 would be best for your needs

 

X2

98s come with the Chrysler 8.25 with 29 spline count if I remember right and an HP Dana 30. Better styling IMO and you don't have to worry about the bad head that tends to crack with a Pre 2000 model.

 

[QUOTE="ksrummel;2821750"] X2 98s come with the Chrysler 8.25 with 29 spline count if I remember right and an HP Dana 30. Better styling IMO and you don't have to worry about the bad head that tends to crack with a Pre 2000 model.[/QUOTE

C8.25/29spline came in more than just those years.

Arguably of course the best two years are 96 and 99 on the Xj.

2000 & 2001 have the dreaded 0331 head in it that is prone to cracking if you don't take care of your cooling system. They also have a low pinion Dana 30 front which you don't want if you don't have to. Not the end of the world though.

 

So 1999 and earlier. I might add . . . I've never owned any Cherokee. Had a mid 90's Wrangler for a while. 4 banger. From that experience I know I want Jeep, and bigger as in Cherokee/Grand Cherokee.
Still not sure to go with the Cherokee or Grand Cherokee? You don't see many GC's modified for off road.

 

You'll find parts easier and cheaper for the Cherokee as opposed to the grand. Buy you'll get more room and a better ride in te grand.

 

What about the packages: Sport, Limited, Classic, etc?

 

never mind

 

When it comes to the important stuff I don't see much differences the packages. But the upgraded ones like limited and such might get you better seats, leather, or wood grain. But the core of the vehicle will be the same.

 

Avoid rust. Everything else on a ZJ and XJ is easily found and replaced. Body and frame are kind of a big deal.

One thing I've learned from hitting the junkard is which vehicles are more reliable (if they're not there ). The 4.0L is a beast but not a good choice for a ZJ or WJ. The reason for this is that the Grand Cherokees are a fair bit heavier than the XJ - the V8s actually get better fuel economy! Also the transmission that Chrysler stuck behind the 4.0 in ZJs is notoriously crap. V8 didn't have that issue.

 

Honestly go drive both a cherokee and a grand see which one you like driving better.Both will meet your needs but the grand will ride smoother on the highway and you can get a v8 if you want one.

 

Another thing to look for in an XJ would be the UP COUNTRY Package, which will give you the 8.25 29 spline LSD{limited slip diff) in the rear, skid plates, tranny cooler, upgraded shocks and about 1 inch more in factory lift, and tow points.

Let me see I think the top of the line XJ would probably be the Country edition, with Up Country package, and tow package.

Ring in if you can think of a better setup.

 

As far as XJ's go I would stay away from 00-01's because they have 0331 heads, three catalytic converters, and low pinion front axles. I think a ZJ would fit your desires better. They are much roomier, have disc brakes all around, and tend to be more luxurious. I don't think either one will really enjoy towing two atv's and some game. If you could find one with a tow package that has 3.73 gears I would jump on that.

 

Good stuff all. Good thing I'm in no real hurry to get one . . . since I live in "Cheyoming" there are just not a lot of choices nearby. Denver's only 90 miles and am keeping my eye out.

 

[QUOTE=Little Red XJ;2823924]Another thing to look for in an XJ would be the UP COUNTRY Package, which will give you the 8.25 29 spline LSD{limited slip diff) in the rear, skid plates, tranny cooler, upgraded shocks and about 1 inch more in factory lift, and tow points.

What I find is the UC package is nothing more than upgraded shocks, springs and tires to get an additional "1" "lift. Or did I miss something? Utilizing upgraded shocks, springs and tires