I'm thinking about looking for a used Cherokee and would like some tips on things like:


- Years to avoid
- Points to pay special attention to when checking out a prospective buy
- Anything else you guys think is good to know


My basic requirements at this time are:


- 4 liter engine
- 4 door
- 4 wheel drive
- Occasional moderate (not extreme) off-roading
- Able to tow a camping trailer
- I like things simple, and don't require a lot of high tech features that add more clutter than value


I appreciate whatever input you guys can provide. Now I'm off to browse the forums!

 

99-01, I think are the years that they had problems with overheating and the engine case cracking? If you google it, I'm sure it'll turn up.

RUST. Check for rust. Everywhere. Personally, my biggest pet peeve and one of the hardest things to get a handle on once it starts. Make sure the tires aren't dry rotted, or there goes at least another 500 bucks.

and with Cherokees too, just because it has 130k+ miles on it doesn't mean it's down for the count. Don't be too afraid of the higher mileage ones.

If you only want to do a bit of off roading, you can have a lot of fun with Stock. But if you think you might want a lift, even a small one, buying one with it already done can be a big money saver : )

Take your time looking, there is plenty out there, so no rush!

 

91-99 are the best years to me,Like said look for rust and mileage don't matter.The 4.0 is known for running 300k if taken care of.A 3 or 4 inch lift and a set of 33s will get you a lot of places and back no problem.The camping trailer depends size and weight if you should tow it or not.

 

Ideal years are 97-99 with early 99's being top of the list. Avoid 00-01's because of head problems, Low pinion D30 among many others with anti smog being much worse on those two years.

 

84-86 should be avoided, you don't want the 2.8 V6 from the GM trash bin.

 

1999 is considered the best year, but earlier models are nice too. 1999 is the year when Chrysler revamped the intake system to add horsepower with a better-breathing manifold.

Mid-1999, Chrysler started a new head casting numbered 0331. These heads are known for cracking under extreme heat. Since the Cherokee already runs hot at 210 degrees, it's not a good mix. If you go for a 1999, you want to look under the hood on the driver-side center of the head for the casting number. The number you want is 0630.

Pre-97 Jeeps are decent, but not preferable. Chrysler made several improvements to the Cherokee in 97 and newer including the re-vamped interior style, stronger brake booster, better rear-view mirrors, and I believe more splines in the drive train too. Early Chrysler 8.25 axles had 27-spline axles, while the newer ones have 29 splines, making them solid off-road axles.

Many people like the roof rack rails from the 97+98 Cherokees because they take up the whole length of the roof instead of stopping at the driver door like they do on the 99+. Some very early Cherokees also come with a vacuum-actuated disconnect Dana 30, but they're kind of rare.

There are plenty of other improvements as well that you can research, although I can't think of them all right off of the bat when put on the spot like this.

 

The easiest way to spot the head that is known to crack is simply by seeing If there are spark plug wires. No wires means it's the crack prone cylinder head. All 2000-01 Cherokees had the 0331 head.

 

I didn't realize 99's could have the 0331 heads. I 'll check mine tomorrow to see which ones I have.

 

I have spark plug wires so, im good?

 

Mid-1999, Chrysler started running the 0331 heads. Mid-1999, Chrysler also started putting the 2000+ axle hubs and elongated brake rotors on too, as well as the computer chip key system.

Mid-1999 is when this all happened, so the 1999 year is affected too. 40% of 1999 Jeeps had the 0331 head, while 60% had the 0630 head.

Check just to be sure. I'm sure that what Bustedback is saying might have merit, but I haven't actually verified it myself and you can't believe everything you read on the Internet. :P

 

It wasnt just the xj that got the cracking head,The 99-01 wj got the same head on it and not sure about the tjs.

 

You're right. Just about any Jeep produced between 1999.5-2001 with the 4.0L engine had the issue because it used the same head casting.

 

With edelbrock putting out a head soon for the 4.0 it would give you a reason to upgrade if your head cracked.

 

Thanks for the information. I appreciate it.


Can a 0331 head be swapped out with a 0630 if there is a problem?

 

Yes, with some minor mods.