hey i am looking to buy a cherokee for a daily driver/trail rig. for now it will be for both but eventually ill have it strictly for offroad... so whats the best one to look into getting????

 

look for one with a Chrysler 8.25 rear dif if youre picking up a stock xj. Theyre beefier and a lot sturdier for off roading than the Dana 35. Though you might end up switching it out for something even bigger anyway, depending on what you want to do.

 

91-95 with 4.0 HO motor.

 

93-98 with a 4.0, 5spd and Chrysler 8.25 rear end. something that is stock and hasn't been offroad before(look underneath and you'll instantly be able to tell if its been offroad in any kind of mud as mud is next to impossible to get all of it off) Don't get dead set on one Jeep, shop around, be patient and be smart. Hold out for one in good condition that fits into your budget and what you're looking for.

 

I've heard 97's were a little quirky and not dependable compared to the other years. Opinions?

 

I haven't heard that about them but I suppose anythings possible. I know 97 was the year that the facelift started so I supposed they could be quirky.

 

Not true at all. Why would a 97 be any different than a 96 or a 98? Someone is pulling your chain.

 

something about it being the first year the major changes started to show up, i guess. But thanks for debunking this!

 

What major changes other some body restyling. Same reliable 4.0 engine, same reliable AW4 automatic or AX15 manual transmissions, same reliable NP231 or NP242 transfer cases, same axle options, same engine control system. Just a few new body panels and an interior redesign.

Every year model has it's pros and cons. Asking what year is the best is like starting a political or religious arguement. Everyone thinks their opinion is right.

 

I was under the impression there were changes to the engine block, but I may be mistaking that with 96.

Either way, foot in mouth.

I definitely agree that its not worth arguing one year is better than another. Too many imbalances in an argument.

Thanks for setting me straight!

 

i have a 97 and never had problems that i didnt self inflict lol

 

haha, right on. what part of south jersey are you in? I'm from Tabernacle, do you know it?

 

yea , im right outside of atco in lindenwold , we were out your way last night back wharton

 

awesome! I havent had the chance to offroad there, any good trails?

 

damn you pretty much live in wharton lol all the trails are good if you dont know the trails dont go alone , and with all this rain the water is really high , last night i hit a hole that was over my tail lights when 2 weeks ago it was only just a little bit past my rockers