Cherokee Chat General non-tech Cherokee chat
XJ/MJ/ZJ/WJ

Tips for buying first jeep???

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 9, 2011 | 09:23 PM
  #1  
Drewjharper1900's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 3
From: Tampa Fl
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
Default Tips for buying first jeep???

So i am lookin to get my 1st jeep! very very excited! ive got a 2wd gmc jimmy now and its just not cuttin it.

Its gona be a DD/WW. I want between a 1998-2001. I think i want the np231? I live in Fl so i dont feel like i would ever need the full time 4wd.

Any tips or quirks i should look for when buying 1? Any opinions on diff trim levels or other options that came w/ the cherokee that i would like/dislike?
Reply
Old Mar 9, 2011 | 09:31 PM
  #2  
Irongrave's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,266
Likes: 9
From: Florence SC
Year: 1996
Engine: 4.0
Default

really i'd look for a 97-99 better heads the 00 and 01 have a few issues and a weaker front axle. Also get one with out ABS as you get a better rear axle the 231 is IMO the
best stock case in an XJ nice and durable. rest get what you like
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2011 | 12:17 PM
  #3  
Drewjharper1900's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 3
From: Tampa Fl
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
Default

Okay thanks. I herd that it took em 3 tries on the 97's to get the wiring harneses right. Do you know anything about that?
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2011 | 12:20 PM
  #4  
tommyxj2000's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 887
Likes: 0
From: dingmans Ferry, PA
Year: 99
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

with the 2000-2001 watch out for the 0331 head...casting flaw that cracks between cyl3-4
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2011 | 01:03 PM
  #5  
Drewjharper1900's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 3
From: Tampa Fl
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
Default

Also, do you think i would regret getting the np242? Like if i found a nice xj like this 1, should i pass it up and wait for 1 w/ the np231 or is it not a deal breaker?
http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/dd...er_id=56039929
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2011 | 06:17 PM
  #6  
Irongrave's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,266
Likes: 9
From: Florence SC
Year: 1996
Engine: 4.0
Default

if it dose have ABS thats the deal breaker for me. the none abs rigs have a much better rear axle
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2011 | 08:10 PM
  #7  
Rmart30's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 565
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham, Alabama
Model: Cherokee
Default

Originally Posted by Drewjharper1900
Also, do you think i would regret getting the np242? Like if i found a nice xj like this 1, should i pass it up and wait for 1 w/ the np231 or is it not a deal breaker?
242 wouldnt be a deal breaker for me.
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2011 | 09:03 PM
  #8  
Drewjharper1900's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 3
From: Tampa Fl
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
Default

Originally Posted by Rmart30
242 wouldnt be a deal breaker for me.
Alright thanks. Thats what i was thinkin but wasent quite shure.
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2011 | 09:04 PM
  #9  
Drewjharper1900's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 3
From: Tampa Fl
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
Default

Originally Posted by Irongrave
if it dose have ABS thats the deal breaker for me. the none abs rigs have a much better rear axle
The ABS means it has the d35 right? If so i deffently agree. The chrystler 8.25 is a MUST!
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2011 | 09:06 PM
  #10  
Drewjharper1900's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 3
From: Tampa Fl
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
Default

Originally Posted by tommyxj2000
with the 2000-2001 watch out for the 0331 head...casting flaw that cracks between cyl3-4
Have you had any problems with that?
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2011 | 09:12 PM
  #11  
Acesnines's Avatar
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, VT
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

Originally Posted by Drewjharper1900
Have you had any problems with that?
I haven't, and a lot of people in the forums haven't. I really need to save it, but there was a poll done of 00-01 owners and a large majority of people have NOT had a cracked head. It's something to watch for, but I feel its a much smaller issue than the axle in the long term. Short term, yeah, you want to make sure your oil and coolant aren't mixed. If you're getting an 01, maybe get the oil analyzed before you buy it. If it's fine, all systems go.
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2011 | 09:37 PM
  #12  
Drewjharper1900's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 3
From: Tampa Fl
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
Default

Originally Posted by Acesnines
I haven't, and a lot of people in the forums haven't. I really need to save it, but there was a poll done of 00-01 owners and a large majority of people have NOT had a cracked head. It's something to watch for, but I feel its a much smaller issue than the axle in the long term. Short term, yeah, you want to make sure your oil and coolant aren't mixed. If you're getting an 01, maybe get the oil analyzed before you buy it. If it's fine, all systems go.
Sweet thanks!

Now just to save some more money.....

Im hopeing after graduation ill have enough money to get it. Little graduation gift to myself!
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2011 | 09:39 PM
  #13  
xjmuddigger's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,038
Likes: 4
From: DIRTY SOUTH
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 ho
Default

i really love my 91 since its so durable so any xj u get will be good,but 97+ has 29spline rear axles and the np231 is strnger but i love my np242 because of the part time4x4
Reply
Old Mar 11, 2011 | 08:13 AM
  #14  
tommyxj2000's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 887
Likes: 0
From: dingmans Ferry, PA
Year: 99
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by Drewjharper1900
Have you had any problems with that?


not yet but been keeping an eye on it and probably end up replacing it before it does happen
Reply
Old Mar 11, 2011 | 09:49 PM
  #15  
Drewjharper1900's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 3
From: Tampa Fl
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
Default

Thanks for all the great info. Been very helpful!

So i think im set on a 98-01. Chrystler 8.25. np231. Preferbly a 5speed but wont be dissapointed with an automatic. Not gona be too pickey on the color. Not sure if i want that gold color though. any opinions on that?

Last edited by Drewjharper1900; Mar 11, 2011 at 10:00 PM. Reason: changed question
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
LiamLikeNeeson
Jeep Builds
18
Jan 1, 2024 02:25 AM
jwolfuo
Introductions
12
Mar 9, 2020 07:33 PM
Darkside96
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
17
Jan 10, 2019 10:52 AM
studmuffin
Cherokee Chat
16
Sep 16, 2015 07:52 PM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:53 AM.