Maybe you didn't see my edit. At the end of my long post, I added a bit about transfer cases. The 231 and 242 both shift on the fly, but the 242 has an extra position. Details are above.

I see they have the 231 due to the number of positions on the transfer case shifter in the Jeep.

 

No i missed that edit but i went back up and tread it. does sound like the 242 would be the way to go... but as you also said not a big deal breaker.

So you could tell from those interior photos that it was the other case. i will have you look and become familiar.

If they are sounds runners think my offer is good or not?

 

As you saw earlier in the thread, prices vary bases on location. From what I've seen in Cleveland and in Maryland, the first two you listed have reasonable prices. The third with 200k+ miles is a little expensive for my taste. I think if you can get them cheaper than those prices, you're doing well. You aren't robbing anyone of their Jeep, but you aren't being robbed, either.

The 4.0L can last over 400k miles if maintained, but you don't know the previous owners or how well it's been taken care of.

 

Yes i remember about location affecting prices. I just was trying to get a consensus of whether or not it was fair without a rip off either way. From the sounds of it i found something to go after.

I do have a mechanic friend whom i will see if he will go along and take a look and give me his input and take the test drive so he would or should be able to feel if something is off or wrong immediately... basically deal breaker sort of input from him.

Would you personally keep the Lund visor on or take it off and sell it. I guess i would have to see what it is like to drive with it before i say anything...

 

I personally wouldn't use one. I'm one of those people who tailgates out of habit and pulls all the way up at red lights. Without a sunroof, I wouldn't be able to see the traffic lights around here if I had a Lund visor.

A lot of people have them and love them, and many others envy those people who have them.

The problem with removing it is that they're generally attached with screws into the roof.

 

Oh yeah very good points about screws.

Well i shared with the wife and she is okay with my going after one of those two. they are at the same place so my odds of getting one and it being decent is doubled.. at least i would hope so. I to like to see the stop lights so the Lund visor one would be the second choice.

 

I really hate those visors lol just my personal opinion. They look tacky lol

 

I wanted one until I really thought about the practicality. Now I have my T-top '91 Camaro back, and I get mad when I drive the Jeep cause I can't see through the roof. A visor would drive me nuts lol

 

Spoke to the mechanic friend and he started telling me what to stay away from and i mentioned the input from this forum and he said i have been doing my homework which is good.

He is on board for assisting and the test drive and inspection. Now to convince them to accept the 25 one hundred dollar bills for those listed at 2995... cold hard cash in hand i think speaks volumes...

So now to hear back from my reach out to those ads

 

Sounds like you're on a good path. Keep us informed.

 

I only have those who participated to thank. I appreciate all the input tips knowledge and so forth.

I most definitely will keep all informed.

 

Well that place that I linked the ads to earlier, the one with the 1996 and 1998, I have heard back on the mileage for the one that didn't have it in the ad.

a 1996 with 182k miles
a 1998 with 172k miles

Then it was mentioned that they also have a 2001 that isn't listed yet... but I am going to stay away I believe from the 01 model.. Isn't that the one with the head issues, from my reading earlier in this thread?

Plus no price was listed for the 01 but still I am eyeballing the 1998... to me it looks the best. But the two I know have the 231 transfer case so maybe the 01 has the 242? Who knows... Lets hope this week goes well and I get my start date for work so I can arrange to go check out these XJ's!

*NewKindOfClown* - I see in your signature that you have an 01 XJ... Survived a roll over I believe.. care to chime in on the 01 model year? Do I waste my time looking at it over the 98 or 96 that I have found?

Oh boy this just popped up on my phones craiglist app.. it lets me know when new ads are posted matching keywords.

*Peep* if you read this can you chime in on this one?
1998 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 4X4 4.0 6-CYL. HAS HIGHER MILES OF 190,000
It is listed at $2550...

Either way, I would actually prefer an XJ but I would only like to spend the $2500 I have in mind. The XJ has been a desire even when I got my YJ. Something about the simplistic style... But if a decent ZJ, WJ, or WK is out there and can be had within my price range and I can't get the XJ then I might be jumping ship.. But will keep the XJ desire alive!

 

that zj has 42re trans, its crap.....xj has aw4 trans, its not crap.

also 01 xj has lp30 front axle vs 98 xj with hp30 front axle...98>01.

are you going to drive on dry pavement in 4wd?...if so 242 will do that

but why would you use 4wd on dry pavement?

are you going to drive on slippery roads in 4wd?...if so 242 and 231 will do that...as long as there is slip, the 231 will work just fine.

but im talking low speeds...highway speeds in 4wd is retarded.....check all the 4wd's in the ditches.

 

Once again invaluable information!!! Thanks a million!

Drive on dry pavement with 4wd... not if I am behind the wheel... Lets keep others from behind the wheel... and I won't name my wife...

Slippery roads with 4wd, I live in snow country and we have had fresh snow for the past 7 days straight so the roads are atrocious and super slick unless your on a main highway... So the slow speeds would of course be on low speed streets and no highway speeds what so ever.

But with all this wonderful information, there are still forum members here who do have those models that many are saying to stay away. So I am sure that it is that personal opinion to some of the views given.

 

the 2001 0331 head is prone to failure buts its not guaranteed. i wouldnt completely write them off. the other down side for most people is the lpd30 front end. but for your application i wouldnt let that be an issue either. basically my point is, dont write off the 00-01 just bc of its flaws, just keep them in mind.