I'm currently looking for a 2 door Cherokee mild project (2 or 3 inhes) that can be used as a dependable daily driver I was interested if there was a more desirible year or more desirible options I should be looking for. I've been a Chevy guy mostly and want to try a Jeep and get off on the right foot.

I'm currently looking at a sweet unmolested 2000 model. What are your thoughts on that model?

 

well some say that the 1997+ looks the best...

but 1995 and older has a better transfer case imo

however 1997+ has the better c8.25 rear end (29 spline vs 27)

but the newer XJs have a low pinion d30 front end... junk if you ask me

 

This could be a potentially dangerous thread. But, here are my two cents... From what I've read, the 2000s have a potential head cracking issue that simply bleeds coolant into the engine. Search "0331 head" on the forum for more info. Also, I've heard the front diff has a pinion angle change that mostly affects lifted vehicles. That being said, I just bought my 01 with all these "concerns," but I'm not going to let it bother me. Every vehicle has problems and has people who over exaggerate and form strong opinions for and against them. I'm new to Jeep as well, and I really, REALLY like mine. It gets good
fuel mileage (20-ish), and is a great platform for a serious off road rig when money becomes available to me. If you like it and can afford it, buy it. It's as simple as that.

 

IMo, there is really no best year. They are all the best. Yes the later 00-01 have the weak 0331 head. But if you keep the cooling system up and nevre Overheat it thats won't be anissue, the 99+ models are also low pinion front diff. Again this is only an issue if you are doing a lot of rock crawling, with 2-3" lift I doubt that will be the case. Someone said before the TC are weaker in the late models, NOT TRUE, the Tranfer cases are the same all years, to are available the 231 and the 242. Yes the 97+ have a better C8.25 rear available, but this isn't a real issue for most. Evben the wimpy D35 will last most people the life of their Jeep. It all comes down to intended and actual usage.

It comes down to Planned usage, Condition and maintenance.....

 

I was not saying it was weaker, most people tend to like the 1995 and older T cases because they have the shorter tail shaft and tend to have less issues when lifted

strength wise they are the same

they each have some advantages over the other but they are minor

 

1996 is the best hands down =)

 

pre 96 has better TC has a c8.25 easier to find parts for cheap and no issues with the engine like the post 96

 

So it sounds like they are fundimentaly good trucks and If I decide to I can always bolt a older high pinion axle under it. Thanks for the input!

 

my 1996 has a c8.25... and I have no problem finding parts... what engine issues are you talking about?

 

I say 97-99. You can get the 8.25 29 spline, good head (haha), and the better looks!

 

Only a small percentages of 00-01 heads actually fail. My girl's 00 has 210K and runs strong.

The best XJ would be the one you find thats rust free, low miles, unabused and somewhat cheap. Stay away from ones that are 1990 and older, they have crazy renix systems that requires someone who knows what they are doing to diagnosis and fix.

 

Debatable

 

It's obviously my opinion, as are all.

 

96 was a crossover year, some have the 8.25 with a 27 spline and some later ones got the 29 spline. Some 96's also have the larger front U-joints. I would shy away from 97 since they have several differant ways they were wired throughout the year. If you look some 87 to 89's with the tow package had a Dana 44 rear. All are good trucks, it's all in what you want to do with it, happy hunting

 

Get either a '94 or a '99. That's it.