Hello All, I'm a Newbie so please excuse me if I am posting in the wrong forum. I am new to the Jeep Cherokee but I've decided I want one. I have up to this point been an 89 Isuzu Trooper owner but have come to the place where I am looking for something else as a daily driver that's a little newer but just as capable off road.

I am an animal cruelty investigator for the local humane society so I need something to traverse the back roads and hills of Tennessee where I live but will mostly be using the rig on the road. The extent of my modifications will probably be a lift kit and 35 inch tires, maybe a locker. I know the 4.0 inline six is reputed to be a very dependable engine but don't know anything about the auto trans in the vehicle or any of the other options for that matter. I'm pretty much a babe in the woods when it comes to a Cherokee.

My question is, to all you Cherokee lovers, is if you were able to get any Cherokee you could which would you search out and buy for dependability and capability. I am open to all input. I have been looking at a few 2001 Cherokees here locally in East Tennessee. My thinking is that since that is the last model year it was produced it will have the least wear and tear. Thanks in advance for the advice...

 

This should help for choosing a year:
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f177/...-year-1280980/

35's compared to 33's on stock axles:
http://www.xjtalk.com/showthread.php?t=7707

 

35s start requiring more parts replacement. Steering components age quicker or need instant replacement, and axles need to be significantly stronger. 31 or 33" tires don't push it nearly as hard. I am going 31" in the long run as they still are pretty good for normal offroad stuff, keep some road manners, and keep decent MPG. Also won't shatter my axle shafts as quickly

 

97-early 99 with HP d30, 8.25 rear.
I'd go with 32s or 33s unless you want to regear too which would run close to $1k.

 

Avoid 00s and 01s ... the heads are very prone to cracking.

97-99 seem to be the best.

Try for the 8.25 rear instead of the Dana 35.

Stick with 31s and only a few inches of lift .... it will be more than capable for what you'll be doing, and will avoid all the extra headaches of lifting it high enough for 35s. Put the money you saved into general maintenance to keep it running well.

 

I never comment on what year is the best but I love reading that the more experienced crowd agree that the '99 is a good one cause that's what I have