What's happening guys and girls? I'm new to this site and currently do not have a cherokee. I'm in the process of selling my truck and looking for a cherokee to pay for with the extra money. I've done some research and already knew how dependable the XJ's are so I'm in search of one. I plan on doing a lift of some type around 4.5 with 32's and it will be mostly for mild off roading while hunting but mostly a DD. I've come across a few that I like and wanted some advise on which one. All appear to be in great shape but I've found a 2001 with 100,000 miles with the 242 transfer case which I prefer for $5500, a 1999 with 102,000 with the 231 for $5500, a 1998 with 84,000 with the 231 for unknown price, and a 2001 with 77,000 with the 231 for $8200. It seems that most have the 231 for some reason. I think the 242 would benefit me more with having some snow where I live but can you use the 231 with snow without fear of damage? I also worry about the head cracking issue in the 2000-2001 models but am willing to chance it if it's over rated. Thanks for any help you can give me and of course I'll be looking to pay less than asking price.

 

Get the 98 if the price is around the 99 price.

 

99 is arguably the best year ever for a the XJ. search for details.

Also search about 2000-01 XJs. Those are fine unless they been overheated.

search, the info is here.

 

Bump

 

I've got a few calls about my truck so hopefully it will be sold soon. I should have about $8000 in cash after so I'm hunting hard for a good XJ. What size lift and tires am I better off with for mostly a DD but will still do good for mild off roading? Also I'm alittle nervous about gettng one with the 231 TC cause from what I've researched says it isn't good to use in snow so I feel like I'm basically getting a 4x4 that can't be used unless I'm off roading but all I can find in good shape has the 231. Like I said before I'm new to XJ's and would like opinions from you guys that have been around them for awhile. Thanks

 

4.5"? I guess your mild offroading is a bit tougher than mine

I bought the Jeep to be a DD during snow and the 242 is ideal for that purpose, especially when you're driving on a road which is basically OK but with icy patches. I guess it depends on what weather you're expecting...

 

231 TC not good in snow? I wish I had known that 160K miles ago! LOL!

With a little common sense the 231 will last. Keep in mind that the front wheels will need the ability to slip a bit in tight turns, so don't use 4wd hi or low on dry or even wet pavement.

 

Yeah I think the 4.5 lift will be over kill if it's gonna be 90% DD. I'm probably gonna go with a 3.5 lift with 31's cause I don't want to trim for 32's. What lift is the best and most complete? What I mean is, is there a kit that has everything I need or are there seperate parts I should buy with it so that I can have it done right the first time. I don't want to keep having to add to it if I can do it all at once. So do I need to order a seperate drive shaft, Control arms. trac bar, SYE, TC drop etc etc? The RE 3.5 looks popular and has good reviews but what else needs to be ordered with it? Thanks

 

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No need to put words in my mouth!
I'm sure the 231 is great in full snow, where the the 242 scores is driving on roads that are patchy. You just leave it in 4FT and keep going.

 

get a 4.5" and 32s! why go smaller??

 

I'm still debating on the lift size. I have kids and definately would want it to ride good on the road. I'm gonna go with A/T tires cause I have Toyo M/T's on my truck now and I don't care for the loud road noise they make but they actually ride good other than that. What size lift and tires would I have to start thinking about re-gearing? Like I said, I want to do it all at once and make it right the first time. Thanks guys

 

Or you could get two
One built up and one grocery getter?

 

HAHA....Yeah. I don't think the wife would like that too much. I still need some advise on whether or not I would need to re-gear if I went with 32's and if I would need to trim with a 4.5 inch lift cause I would rather not trim if possible. I 'm still waiting on photos for a 99 XJ that has 83,000 mile but they want $8800 for it at a stealership but I'm not paying that unless you guys think that's a fair price.