I'm getting ready to build a Cherokee crawler. I plan to start off mild moving toward the wild down the road.
I've got my eye on two Cherokees. One is a 1997 model with an automatic transmission, and the other is a 1991 model standard shift.
The standard shift is in way better condition but I'm guessing it won't be as good for slow crawling.
I may buy one or the other today so I'd appreciate some advice!

 

Welcome to CF. I've never driven a rock crawler, so my opinion wouldn't mean very much. That being said, I'd think the auto would be more useful in the difficult spots, specially the ledges. Easier to apply torque without blowing off the tires IMO.

 

I second the auto for rock crawling simce while rock crawling well...... Your crawling and always goin slow so an automatoc would be more ideal however if you really like a challenge u could go for the standard

 

Go with the 97 Automatic. I have a 98 Automatic rock crawler and love it.

 

I have and prefer a manual for daily driving. However for offroad use, I prefer an auto. I would go with the 97 auto.