Hi everyone - I’m looking into possibly buying this 2000 Cherokee XJ sport. It appears to have 31in tires and a 3in lift but the seller said the rear suspension is squeaking. After reviewing some threads on CF I’m hoping it could be an easy/cheap fix, but I asked for pictures of the undercarriage to see the what level of rust is under there. I know most XJ’s have rust but is there anything shown in these pics I should really be concerned about and walk away from the deal? I’m not really mechanically savy and would appreciate any help/advice/opinions. Buy or run away? Thanks!

 

Doesn't look too rusty. The brake lines have been replaced which is good. They tend to be the first to blow when the rust gets bad. It's a 2000 so be mindful of the potential head crack associated with 2000 & 2001 cylinder heads. You'd be smart to test the cooling system for exhaust gasses and take a good look through the oil fill cap. Take a good look at the oil itself too. That suspension looks to be aligned poorly and has a cheapo transfer case drop. I would get a transfer case drop from Iron Rock Offroad for that Jeep. The springs are hitting the shocks which tells me that it doesn't have adjustable control arms. You'll want an adjustable trackbar as well. The swaybar links look to be shot, they need to be replaced. Exhaust should be replaced front to back as well. Is that exhaust tip just smashed onto the end of the tailpipe? lol. If I was buying it, I would spend a good amount of time grinding and sanding away a lot of that rust, treat it with Krud Kutter and then paint everything real nice. I do that with all my Jeeps, especially TJs & LJs with the solid frame.

This Jeep was in worse shape than the one you're looking at....

 

I think its lifted more than 3"
it has a 8.25 rear. its nothing to walk away from but be ready to replace control arms to gain caster so jeep drives straight down the road. In its current state i bet it stnds out like its driver is a car of beer in and headed to the store for another case.

The rear is kind the only good thing I see i think I'd talk price down a grand or so because its poorly lifted.

 

It will take some work but shouldn't be too expensive to fix. That jeep definitely doesn't need that transfer case drop at a 3 inch lift. If you plan on lifting it further then I would actually say this is a great rig. The rust is not that bad and the Chrysler 8.25 is a decent axle. Overall don't run away from it - looks like it has potential if your willing to work on it. Although if your not willing to work on cars then you don't need a jeep.

 

Thanks for the advice Randy! I’ll be sure to check these out next week when I take a look at it. From what you’re saying these all seem fixable and (hopefully) won’t lead me to a huge money pit. I’m willing to spend a little time and money but not make this a complete restoration. The pics you shared of your Jeep gives me hope! We’ll see how it goes

 

Lol! Thanks Evan. I haven’t checked it out in person yet and the dealer basically knows nothing about Jeeps or the work that was done to it previously, including the lift. It was my guess seeing some of the jeeps on CF. Any idea on what a shop would charge to replace the control arms? Or is it not extremely involved that a novice like myself with basic tools could possibly do? I know that’s a tough question to answer not knowing me haha. Thanks again for your response.

 

Thanks for the response. Potential is definitely what I’m looking for at the right price. And I’m interested in doing some work on it myself but just trying not to get over my head and bank account lol. If I end up buying it I’ll def be looking at CF for help on troubleshooting.