jscribn1

I'm new into the market and I'm looking at an older Cherokee 4x4. Main use will to be towed behind my motor home when on family vacations. Also as a hunting vehicle, It won't be a daily driver. I'd like it to be in the best shape possible given my budget of $2-4K. Anything I should look for, certain year etc. I've never owned a Jeep so any and all comments appreciated.

Justin

Atmos

year 1991 and up have high output inline 6 engines. thats the best one
1997 was when they changed the body style. discontinued after 2001
for hunting and towing only, the year doesnt really matter just find the one that suits you best and post it here. we'll tell ya what we think its worth
under 150,000 miles is good. under 100,000 is rare. good luck and welcome to the forum

jscribn1

What about any other years? I would like to do a little wheeling an also have it be a capable hunting vehicle for fire roads etc. I like the look of the original body but they are rare to find at good price. The 96-98's seem much more prevalent. Also V6 or V8 if I go with a Grand Cherokee? I like the 2000-2001 Grand Cherokees too any input on those? Thanks for your help and suggestions.
Justin

Jmb94

All Grands until 04 got the 4.0 straight six... but whether you want the 4.0 or the 5.2 is entirely personal preference. I would go for the 4.0 because it is a bit more reliable and have the possibility of getting better mileage, while putting out comparable hp and torque. The 99-04 WJ Grand Cherokee is a pretty good platform and got the same running gear as older ones (Save for the 4.7 V8 which isn't as well loved as the 4.0 or 5.2) but if you want "Capable" you should go with either a Grand made before 99 or a Cherokee made before 2000. Don't forget while you're looking that the 4.0 is a high-mileage motor and anything with under 220k shouldn't turn you off too much. Good Luck!

Atmos

I die inside every time I see a grand cherokee
the grand cherokee is too beefy for forest or rock terrain. also very hard to find aftermarket parts for
the only plus to the grand cherokee is more cargo space/comfort. I dont hunt but I'm sure cargo space is important

jeep xj
1991-1996 is when jeep introduced the high output engine
1997-1999 was when they changed the body style, upgraded u-joints and a couple other things
2000-2001 the head is more likely to crack on these body styles. they changed the front axle to a low-pinion dana 30 (you will never notice the difference unless you wheel it hard)
its just weaker. and they changed the rear axle to a c-clip chrysler 8.25. which is good. much better than the old dana 35 which was useless

but like I said, unless you end up doing any hardcore wheeling, the year doesnt matter
the only thing that matters with the old xj's is the engine and transmission. you want the 4.0 liter inline 6 high output

jscribn1

So anything 91 or newer will get me the HO motor then? Since you really seem to know your stuff and are willing to help me out I'll ask another question... Probably more but one more for now. Is there a certain 4 Wheel drive system that I should stay away from? I've read about several and I need to make sure that it can be flat towed behind a motor home. This will be the most important aspect for me. I really appreciate you taking the time to help educate a rookie such as myself.
Justin

Atmos

not a problem. I'll answer what I can
there isnt really a bad transmission from 91 and up. except the 2wd of course
89 and older have a bad 5 speed transmission.
you'll want the AW4 auto transmission paired with the I6 motor (all 87-00 automatic transmissions are the AW4)
but the transfer case is what counts. NP242 is full time. other option is NP231 part time
the way to tell the difference is when you shift into 4wd, the 'part time' light should pop on I believe

so year 1991-00
inline 6 cylinder high output
AW4 auto trans
NP242 tcase
you'll get the most power, performance, and reliability with that setup IMO
unless youre into stick shift. the motor does tend to last longer with the 5 speed

jscribn1

Ok I found one that looks pretty good, here is a link to it. Please let me know what you think. I spoke to the dealer and he said the just replaced some of the steering linkages, did an alignment and that everything is in great shape, no rips in the upolstrey etc. What do you think of the price? He seems to be firm on the price though. I have the VIN how do I run it to see the build specs on it?

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...aptcha=success

ck1

since u are in Cali I went and saw this one today and IT IS CLEAN...a little boobo on the rear bumper but owned by an old man (grandson is selling it for him)...My buddy wants a Grand and passed on it...if mine wasent so clean and low miles I would have come home with it..he is a tad high but $6 k would be a great deal on such a clean low mileage specimen

click here
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/2844756432.html

Jmb94

Seems a bit pricy to me, but I don't know what you would pay out there...

Jmb94

http://www.jeep.com/wccsapp/universa...ull&category=U
I don't know that Chrysler will give you the sheet though, since you're not the current owner.

Atmos

I wouldnt pay that much for over 200,000. its not the end of the world but that price is high
and it looks like its got some sort of lift on it. which I would never trust
people cut corners and dont build properly. I would look for an all stock one

XJeep98Classic

The np231 is stronger

Jmb94

Show me a failed 242 on a stock XJ that's being towed behind a camper...

Atmos

I'm inclined to disagree with you. but I'm not sure...
I just know that the selec trac is full time
the command track is only part time
I prefer full time 4