Greetings...

I think I've decided my next 'new' car will be a 2000-2001 XJ.

Okay, I'm sure this question has popped here before, but I didn't have much luck in the search function.

Quick back story. My 1991 Exploder (320k miles) is towards the end of it's life and will cost me more to get to pass inspection (body rot and exhaust rot) then it's worth. Granted, it's been a great truck that I've owned since 1995 and have done a lot of offroading with it.

Additionally, my 98 volvo (190k miles) is starting to get to the point it needs a lot of new parts to keep in tip top shape. So, instead of having 2 cars to keep one running in the winter I thought about replacing both at the same time.

While I love the old Explorer body style, I can't get one with the options I now wish to have. 4 wheel ABS, Airbags, etc. My wife and I recently had a newborn and safety has become more of an issue for me. I looked at the 2nd gen explorers and I hate that style. Additionally, as much as I like the old body style, I hate the engine and transmission. Underpowered and the automatic tranny is garbage.

The other day I was driving down the road and I saw a 2001 'classic' and it got me thinking. My mother has had a Cherokee since 1985 so I grew up around them. I know the 4.0L is a dynamite engine. From what I remember, the 4WD system is still one of the best. Plus, I've always loved that old box body style for the same reasons I like the old explorer boxy body style.

I'm not afraid of doing work on cars. I do 90% of all my work. The only thing I don't do is automatic tranny rebuilds and differential rebuilds. Everything else I've done and is fair game.

I'm looking for a good daily driver that is still fun to hit some light to moderate trails on the weekends. No rock crawling for me anymore.

Slade

 

Welcome to CF from COS!!

 

Welcome

 

welcome from the UK

 

Hi from Colorado and welcome!

 

Welcome to CF! Dan from Tenn. here.

 

i would go with a 98-99 due to the high pinion axle, the different head, and better transmission.

So i've read....

find one with a 29spline 8.25 rear, aw4 with the 231 case.

 

Welcome from Texas. I think the above is pretty much what you are looking for. The 00-01s are the coil packs and they have a few problems as far as expensive repairs go.
The only exception I might have to the above is that the 242J Transfercase gives you the fulltime option if you are in a location that may require it.

 

welcome from socal and i would go 1997 to 1999 to avoid the low pinion and the coil pack plus the head gasket are known to be week in the 2000 to 2001 years

 

Welcome from KY