WolfmanXJ

Hello, All, I am seeking to return to the XJ ranks. My first Jeep was an awesome 1992 Cherokee Laredo, and I followed that up with a CJ7, a YJ, and 3 TJs. My wife's back and knees have gotten so bad that it is painful for her to climb in and ride in my lifted TJ, so I am looking to replace it with another Cherokee. This one will remain mostly stock, with limited off-road use, just a little camping. I prefer to find a 97 to 99 model, but since my priorities include well-maintained, rust-free, and reasonable miles, I will consider the 00 and 01 models also. This is my dilemma: I have found a 2000 Classic that is a well-maintained one-owner with 90k miles, but it is almost "too fancy" for lack of a better term. First, it has ABS (and the accompanying Dana 35) which I don't want. Second, it has Selec-Trac, and I have only had the 231 transfer case in all of my other Jeeps besides the CJ. If you just pull the ABS fuses, do the brakes work just like the regular ones? I have looked at several Cherokees that have been abused or poorly-maintained, so I am wondering if I should hold out for a 97-99 model equipped like I prefer, or accept a later model with "extra" features that is in prime condition. Do those of you with ABS and Selec-Trac have any regrets? I am asking because these Cherokees seem quite a bit different than the 92 XJ that I had. Thanks in advance for any replies!

GreenXJ98

I have 4 wheel ABS and the np242 TC, but I use my XJ mainly as a daily driver. I don't have any regrets buying a Jeep with those components. The brakes are weird to get used to, but after getting mine serviced, it stops on a dime. I also plan on using the 4 wheel full time a lot in the winter, and I have limited slip in the rear, so I like that. If I was building a trail only rig, I wouldn't want ABS or the np242, so it's all about what your intended use is.

JeepMN

I'm not gonna say anything about the ABS but the 242 Tcase is nothing to be worried about. Seriously, without my 242 in the MN winters I would be royally screwed so I personally would never want a 231. They are just as strong and reliable and can take just as much abuse as a 231. Really just depends on where you live and the conditions you drive in.

WolfmanXJ

Thanks for the replies, GreenXJ98 and JeepMN. I will go and look at the Jeep in the next couple of days if it hasn't sold. I mistakenly said earlier that it was a Classic, but I see that it is a Sport instead. It also looks like in one of the pics that the headliner is coming loose, which I understand is common. How much does it usually run to fix the headliner?

Fred/N0AZZ

I had a new one put in mine for just over a $120 last year at a local shop.

That XJ would not be that bad a deal for you and a DD I would think the 242 trans in fine for a DD and highway use as well as the ABS. With only 90k the mileage is quite low for sure and an add in any book.