I just started looking for a Cherokee and I have it narrowed down to the years 96-99. Is there a way to tell if the 99's are the late 99? From what I have researched I would like an early 99. Also are the automatic trannys durable or would I need to be looking for a manual?

Thanks for any info.

 

Well I have a 99 auto, and its amazing. Whats the difference in early and late? and I like the 98-99 year the most, and prefer the post 97 bodies

 

Should be zero difference between early and late 1999 model year XJ's.

 

I've heard the late 99's will have coil on plug, but I haven't personally seen one.

 

Some really late 99s supposedly came with the 0331 head. I have yet to see actual proof of this- just a few guys here and there through the years that say they have it.

I would not worry about it OP. Even if some of them did, it is a pretty small portion and any 99 should be fine for you. Just look in between the valve cover and the manifold and you should see a number stamped there or look and see if it has a distributer vs coil pack ignition. Distributer and you are good to go!

 

That 99 with 0331 head rumor is just that; a rumor. From what I know 0331's were all configured for the distributor-less ignition system, i.e. 2000+.

 

All 99's should be the same. Regardless, I'd find one with a 5 speed. The autos aren't worth having imo, I've had one automatic XJ, I'll never own another one. If mine had the 5 speed, I could still be driving it right now instead of using it as a parts Jeep.

 

The brakes changed mid year 99. With this change the rotor depth and hubs are different. When it comes to brake changes, you'll need to research the differences. Can't remember if it switched from or to cast. Just did my 99 and found out the hard way.

 

Whats wrong with autos? My uncle drives a 94 with a lil under 300k on it, it leaks a lil but thats about it.

 

They switched away from cast rotors mid way through the 99 models. September-October of 1999 ( start of the 2000 model year) is when the 0331 head was introduced as well, this is why people say late 99's have the 0331. So yes, no actual '99 XJ has the 0331 head casting, but people don't seem to understand the difference between build and model years.

Open the driver side front door and on the factory speck sticker it'll show the build date (mine for instance shows 01/99, thus meaning my XJ was built in January of 1999). As long as it was built before 09/99 you're good on the head casting. Anything built after 09/99 is technically a 2000 model year.

And to the OP, the AW4 is a terrific transmission. One of the best automatics out there to be honest. Would I prefer an AX-15, yes, but for a slushbox it's a hard one to beat. But, like anything, if it hasn't been taken care of you'll have problems. That's true of the AW4, the AX-15, the 4.0, and the GM 3800 V-6 (all of which are considered some of the longest lasting mechanical parts by the auto community world-wide).

 

At under 150,000 miles, I shouldn't need a new transmission and the computer that controls it. I can't even kill a clutch that quick.

 

You must of beat the **** out of it, or the original owner did. **** you might of even got a lemon. I know many XJ owners and just jeep owners in general, they love there autos, and never really see them having issues with them. Its just all in the maintenance

 

Previous owner didn't abuse it, and only took it wheeling a couple times, nothing difficult. I drove it twice before everything went to hell. I dunno, I've had issues with every auto I've ever had except one, no matter what brand. They can't take what a manual can handle.

 

Hmm bad luck for you, never had an issue with an auto, even had a auto jetta that are notorious for blowing the **** up with no warning.

 

Maybe it's you and not the transmissions that is the problem.