Hello all! I haven't bought my Cherokee yet but I'm looking at another one tomorrow. The first couple I've looked at were kind of beat up. I've been browsing these forums and have gained a lot of information and would like your guys n gals opinions on this Jeep and also what I should look AND look out for. In the pics there seems to be some sag in the rear driver side...I'm hoping due to the ground it's sitting on.

Here's what I'm looking at...
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national


I'm extremely excited to become a member of the Jeep club and decided on the XJ over the Wrangler for many reasons. I don't even have the vehicle yet but let me tell you it will feel great to trade my Exploder in for one.

Thanks in advance for your opinions!

 

welcome... try to talkk him down on the price ... thats a little high for a 01 cherokee.. they seem to have head cracking problems as well so make sure you take a look under the hood

 

Is the head cracking problem only on the 2001's?

 

00 and 01

 

Thanks! Maybe I should get a '99

 

well its still a capable machine just know that they did have some problems

 

nope, 00-01 cherokee, 99-04 wrangler and i think on some grands have head cracking problem. it's the casting nmber 0331. also 99-01 have a bit of a rear sagging issue. i think they changed to a different leaf spring supplier after 98. but it's not a big deal. if you can see in the picture, the vehicle is parked on a bit of an angle, so that the passenger side rear flexes out a bit more making it look higher.
the price is just a little steep, but not that bad. i'd say that XJ is worth between 4500-6000. at least that's what it would cost around here.
that vehicle is not even 10 years old, so you're getting a decent vehicle.
the head cracking is not as big of an issue as you think. junkyards are full of 0631 heads from (i think) 96-99 cherokees and 7120 from 91-95. just check under ANY jeep made from 91-98. the casting number is on the manifold side right beside the valvecover, and i think between cylinders 3-4.
lift it, or keep it stock or maybe even lower it, if that's what you're into... they are great vehicles. you might stay greasy on regular basis, but it's easier on the wallet than most anything else on the road. and offroad, you'll be laughing at most other 4wd's when you go through the spots that they get stuck in.

 

Thanks Tural! Very informative post. I plan on lifting it and I also do all my own work on my vehicles. From the pictures this was the cleanest one within 75 miles of me. I'm hoping I'm not disappointed when I get there to check it out.

I definitely feel much better about the head cracking issue and the rear sag. The sagging was bugging me but since I planned on lifting it next spring summer I started to over look it.

Thanks Again!

If anyone else has any info on what I should look for please fire away!

 

ANY XJ you get you will fall in love with. I buoght mine with a cracked cylinderand the piston all smashed on the valve. lol I just spent a little time and money and she is running stong again. They will require some loving but they will love you back. Good Luck and Let us know what you get!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Oh I plan to post may pics and update on all mods! If I get the one I listed I plan to add another 150k to that odometer. (she's at 103k).

 

The 90s 4.0 heads shouldnt be used on 2000 or 2001 motors unless you want to ziptie the coil pack to the head, cause there arent any bolt bosses on the earlier, distributor motor heads. Alabama Cylinder Head has the ultimate 4.0 head replacement for $539.00 to your door.

 

welcome!