luckyAD80

Hey everyone. So my family has a 4 cylinder 2000 Wrangler TJ, but I'm looking to buy a Cherokee XJ around the same year for myself. I want to be able to do all the same things as an TJ and be able to mod it out like a TJ, but I need to extra space (although I'll miss the topless aspect of Wranglers). I don't have a lot of cash as a high schooler but I really like the look and offroadability of Jeeps. Anyhow, I found this XJ for sale...
(http://richmond.craigslist.org/cto/2770845331.html)

I talked to the guy selling and I'm going to look at it tomorrow. I have some questions I'm going to ask but I was wondering if you could help me find some more to ask so I know EXACTLY what I'm getting. Also, is $3600 a good price? I'm going to tell him tomorrow that I'll have to get back to him, so I can post back here and give yall some more info. I know a lot more about Wranglers than Cherokees so if yall wunna chime in at any time, PLEASE DO.

So far I have the following questions (some of which I forgot to ask on the phone...)

1. What number owner are you? 3rd owner, 2nd owner was a guy that worked at Haley Motors, 1st owner was the 2nd owners grandma

2. What brand liftkit? Rusty's 6 inch - is this good?

3. What tires? BFG 33s on 15 inch stock wheels painted black - claims only 800 miles left on the tires... no spare included

4. Axels? He's pretty sure they are stock but how can I tell?

5. He said there was a leak of some kind that he's patchin up tomorrow.. I'll get details tomorrow.. Also rebuilt the motor... what should I look for for any bad signs? Also what about the gear ratios and all that.. shouldn't they have been changed for 33s.. and the axels too?


Thanks a bunch.. If you have any suggestions for more questions to ask him or any advice for me, I'd appreciate it VERY much.

luckyAD80

Anybody?

Jeepxj1234

How many miles? See if it has long arms (not necissary but definite plus), uh know exactly what he has done to the engine, ask if he has a slip yoke eliminator and cv driveshaft installed, look up pictures of axles and you will be able to tell what axles it has (d30 front ok, d35 rear bad, c8.25 rear ok, d44 rear good!) uh idk what else. Double check for rust.

luckyAD80

How do I check the miles if the motor was rebuilt? And thanks a ton, awesome help.

Jeepxj1234

If it isn't on the odometer then get the vin and look up the car fax I guess.

Red82

Test drive it and check for rubbing. Without the e tea backspacing of aftermarket rims you may end up rubbing. Easy to fix but a good bargaining tool. Test drivenitat speed and go over bumps. Check for deathwobble. If you're not sure what that is you will know after you drive it if its got it. Check for rust. The 4.0 engine is known to leak around the valve cover just nke sure its not like pouring out. A little oozing is understandable. Make sure 4wd engages well and the tranny shifts smoothly.

I'm sure there are other things but that's what I can think of. Good luck!

luckyAD80

Thanks guys. It was a piece of junk to be completely honest. The lift felt really stiff and wobbly, which I know is somewhat normal. But on top of that, there was some rust even though he claimed there wasn't, and you could tell it wasn't maintained well. Oh well. Glad I went and found out it wasn't the one. Thanks everyone.