Help me find the perfect xj for me
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 34,088
Likes: 257
From: Lantana, Fl
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.Slow
Originally Posted by Atmos
if you have the option, just get a 91-94HO engine. I personally just dont like dealing with the renix and closed cooling
for reference, I have a 1993 base model. it is the exact one you want in every way execpt the windows arent tinted. it had 118k and I bought it for $1000. if I had a do-over I would've spent more like $1800 on a much cleaner one. same model though
base model, sport, or limited are probably going to be the ones you want to look at
91 - Base, Briarwood, Chief, Laredo, Limited, Sport
92 - Base, Briarwood, Chief, Laredo, Limited, Sport
93 - Base, Sport, Country
94 - SE, Sport, Country
Open style - any normal cooling system used today. Opposite of closed style described below.
Closed style - has no radiator cap and utilizes a pressure bottle. This style cooling system was used in 87-90 XJs.
3.07 - used with 4.0L engine / manual transmission
3.31 - only available on older (pre87?) 2 door XJs with "Fuel Economy" package
3.55 - used with 4.0L engine / automatic transmission
3.73 - found in some XJs with the towing package
4.10 - used with 2.5L engine usually, and older XJs with the "Off-Highway Vehicle" package.
Dana 30 high pinion - reverse cut - 27 spline, 1.16" diameter shafts, 7.13" ring gear - used 84-99 (some axles through 91 are vacuum disconnect, 92+ are non-disconnect
AW4 - 4 speed automatic, electronically controlled - manufactured by Aisin - used from 87-01 (87-91 models include a Power/Comfort button that adjusts the shift points)
4.0L I6 MPI "Power Tech HO" (High Output) - 190 hp @ 4750 rpm, 220 ft lb @ 4,000 rpm - used in 91-95 and updated in 96-01 to 225 ft lb torque @ 3000 rpm (00-01 models use a distributorless ignition system)
http://jeephorizons.com/tech/xjstockspecs.html
for reference, I have a 1993 base model. it is the exact one you want in every way execpt the windows arent tinted. it had 118k and I bought it for $1000. if I had a do-over I would've spent more like $1800 on a much cleaner one. same model though
base model, sport, or limited are probably going to be the ones you want to look at
91 - Base, Briarwood, Chief, Laredo, Limited, Sport
92 - Base, Briarwood, Chief, Laredo, Limited, Sport
93 - Base, Sport, Country
94 - SE, Sport, Country
Open style - any normal cooling system used today. Opposite of closed style described below.
Closed style - has no radiator cap and utilizes a pressure bottle. This style cooling system was used in 87-90 XJs.
3.07 - used with 4.0L engine / manual transmission
3.31 - only available on older (pre87?) 2 door XJs with "Fuel Economy" package
3.55 - used with 4.0L engine / automatic transmission
3.73 - found in some XJs with the towing package
4.10 - used with 2.5L engine usually, and older XJs with the "Off-Highway Vehicle" package.
Dana 30 high pinion - reverse cut - 27 spline, 1.16" diameter shafts, 7.13" ring gear - used 84-99 (some axles through 91 are vacuum disconnect, 92+ are non-disconnect
AW4 - 4 speed automatic, electronically controlled - manufactured by Aisin - used from 87-01 (87-91 models include a Power/Comfort button that adjusts the shift points)
4.0L I6 MPI "Power Tech HO" (High Output) - 190 hp @ 4750 rpm, 220 ft lb @ 4,000 rpm - used in 91-95 and updated in 96-01 to 225 ft lb torque @ 3000 rpm (00-01 models use a distributorless ignition system)
http://jeephorizons.com/tech/xjstockspecs.html
To the OP, you can't buy your perfect Jeep. But you can build the perfect rig to suit your needs. That's the beauty of this hobby, no two rigs are identical.
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro, OR
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Originally Posted by Outlaw Star
I have the 3.31:1 gears in my 85 XJ. It originally came equipped with the 2.8 V6 and A904 3 speed transmission.
To the OP, you can't buy your perfect Jeep. But you can build the perfect rig to suit your needs. That's the beauty of this hobby, no two rigs are identical.

I want to start with the stuff that's a pita to change already done. Like swapping out fixed windows... Door windows are no big deal, but I want factory tint...
I'd rather start with the cooling system open...
I'd rather start with manual doors so I don't have to chase down door panels...
I know I'm not going to get I all.... But the closer I get, the more perfect it will end up.
I'll be doing a lot of mods/upgrades shortly after I get it dialed in and caught up on maintenance.
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 7,387
Likes: 10
From: City of Trees, CA
Year: 93 2 door
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I have the 3.31:1 gears in my 85 XJ. It originally came equipped with the 2.8 V6 and A904 3 speed transmission.
To the OP, you can't buy your perfect Jeep. But you can build the perfect rig to suit your needs. That's the beauty of this hobby, no two rigs are identical.
To the OP, you can't buy your perfect Jeep. But you can build the perfect rig to suit your needs. That's the beauty of this hobby, no two rigs are identical.
I reference jeephorizons.com and it's accurate 98% of the time. that and consumerguidetoauto
interesting gear ratio though
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 4,118
Likes: 6
From: Oshkosh, WI.
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
If you have read through my build sheet post earlier in this thread, The first option listed is AHT Trailer Tow Group (including NHBP Auxiliary Transmission Oil Cooler & NMCP Heavy Duty Engine Cooling listed down a little farther)
Down a little farther more is the rear axle gear ratio DMDS 3.55 Rear Axle Ratio
Down a little farther more is the rear axle gear ratio DMDS 3.55 Rear Axle Ratio
I know that... Lol, I just want to get as close as possible.
I want to start with the stuff that's a pita to change already done. Like swapping out fixed windows... Door windows are no big deal, but I want factory tint...
I'd rather start with the cooling system open...
I'd rather start with manual doors so I don't have to chase down door panels...
I know I'm not going to get I all.... But the closer I get, the more perfect it will end up.
I'll be doing a lot of mods/upgrades shortly after I get it dialed in and caught up on maintenance.

I want to start with the stuff that's a pita to change already done. Like swapping out fixed windows... Door windows are no big deal, but I want factory tint...
I'd rather start with the cooling system open...
I'd rather start with manual doors so I don't have to chase down door panels...
I know I'm not going to get I all.... But the closer I get, the more perfect it will end up.
I'll be doing a lot of mods/upgrades shortly after I get it dialed in and caught up on maintenance.
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro, OR
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I see it differently. I prefer a rig with less electrical items. I like it simple and easy. I've also got really long arms, so reaching in the back doesn't bother me.
Another thing I hate is leather.... Ouch! Or brrr... Plus my dog won't stay on leather seats because he slides.
I've spent most of my driving career without these features... The one thing that is consistent is that window motors and lock actuators get weak... Then security can be compromised, or you have to argue with your windows.
I do love the wing windows though... Old school a/c.
And who in the world needs power seats? Not me. Last thing I want is to be stuck with the steering wheel in my chest while I'm driving because of a $4 circuit breaker.
I have all those options on mine... And they work (kinda)... I still don't want them.

Another thing I hate is leather.... Ouch! Or brrr... Plus my dog won't stay on leather seats because he slides.
I've spent most of my driving career without these features... The one thing that is consistent is that window motors and lock actuators get weak... Then security can be compromised, or you have to argue with your windows.
I do love the wing windows though... Old school a/c.
And who in the world needs power seats? Not me. Last thing I want is to be stuck with the steering wheel in my chest while I'm driving because of a $4 circuit breaker.
I have all those options on mine... And they work (kinda)... I still don't want them.
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 7,387
Likes: 10
From: City of Trees, CA
Year: 93 2 door
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
If you have read through my build sheet post earlier in this thread, The first option listed is AHT Trailer Tow Group (including NHBP Auxiliary Transmission Oil Cooler & NMCP Heavy Duty Engine Cooling listed down a little farther)
Down a little farther more is the rear axle gear ratio DMDS 3.55 Rear Axle Ratio
Down a little farther more is the rear axle gear ratio DMDS 3.55 Rear Axle Ratio
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro, OR
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I'm Gunna buy another '88-90 XJ... They are really cheap & available... Plus it'll only cost me $206 to replace the entire cooling system including water pump. I already have a new radiator,
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