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Which year to get?

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Old Nov 2, 2014 | 06:56 PM
  #1  
TheMinnesnowtan's Avatar
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Default Which year to get?

Hey all, new to the forums.
Looking to buy a Cherokee soon, have been doing some research and have read that the 99 is probably the best year? I've also read that the 97 isn't a good year..
I will be looking for one to travel with, modify, and have fun with.
Looking to spend no more than $5k, would like to have less than 130k.


What are things to look into? What should I stay away from?
Like I said, I am looking to modify it, and maintain it very well.
Just researching a lot to know more about them.


Any information is greatly appreciated!
Thanks so much!
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Old Nov 2, 2014 | 07:41 PM
  #2  
GreenXJ98's Avatar
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From: St. Louis
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Liter I6 PowerTech
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98 or 99, and with a Chrysler 8.25 rear end.
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Old Nov 2, 2014 | 08:28 PM
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Year: 1996
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Engine: 4.0
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for 5+ you can buy a very nicely modified one or stocker and modify to what you want... unless you plan on doing alotta mudding or crawling it probably doesn't matter what year you choose just pick the body style you like the best (97+ or 96 and down) cuz they all pretty much do the same thing.
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Old Nov 2, 2014 | 10:51 PM
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From: Andover, VT
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 L
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99 is the best year on paper.

As long as it's 4.0l, 4wd, with the 8.25 rear end then you'll be alright.
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Old Nov 3, 2014 | 12:49 AM
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91-99 would be the ones to get.Look for rust in the floor pans and rocker panels.As far as mileage the 4.0 can run 300k no problem if taken care of.
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Old Nov 3, 2014 | 07:15 PM
  #6  
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How do you identify the 8.25 rear? (Also looking in to buy one for duty on the farm)
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Old Nov 3, 2014 | 07:27 PM
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From: St. Joseph, MO
Year: 1994
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Engine: 4.0
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Originally Posted by ElGuero73
How do you identify the 8.25 rear? (Also looking in to buy one for duty on the farm)


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Old Nov 3, 2014 | 07:59 PM
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Originally Posted by DenimDean
[emoji106] [emoji106] Excellent! Thank you sir!
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Old Nov 3, 2014 | 08:20 PM
  #9  
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From: St. Joseph, MO
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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Originally Posted by ElGuero73
[emoji106] [emoji106] Excellent! Thank you sir!
No problem
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Old Nov 4, 2014 | 12:40 AM
  #10  
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Or look under the hood for abs if it has abs its a dana 35 if it don't its a 8.25.
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Old Nov 4, 2014 | 11:37 AM
  #11  
Fred/N0AZZ's Avatar
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From: Monett, MO.
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
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I searched for 8 mo. before I found my 99 after I had all my research 4.0/AW4/NP231/Chy 8.25 29 spline
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