So I’m going overseas for a year and when i get back ill have about 12,000 saved up and I’ve always wanted a Cherokee and I figure that when i get back it will be the time to build my XJ. So I don’t really know to much about them and want to know what years would be the best to buy. If there is even a bad year? What size lift/tires I should run. and pretty much what things i should do to build a pretty cool crawler/mudder/ daily driver in that price range. And if that is even a good amount of money to start out with... I’m gunna have a year to think of things to do lol but any help would be much appreciated!!!

 

Here's some helpful info: Helpful Links!!!

 

Thanks man it looks like there is alot of good info in there...

 

Stay away from 1984 to 1986 they had a 2.8 v6 horrible motor 87-90 is renix with closed coolant system 91-96 is the H.O. with open coolant system 97-99 switched the head on the motor and is a good head. 99 has the better intake and 2000 and 2001 heads which is the 0331 which is notorious for cracking when over heated between the 3rd and 4th cyl. In my opinion any thing from 87-99 are all good but they switched half way between 99 to the infamous 0331. Do a search on the head you'll find a good amount of info on it

 

thanks man much appreciated. do you think my budget is big enough to build something pretty good?

 

That kind of budget is twice the amount for a decent rig. So you'll be able to buy a cheap four banger with it. Because XJ's are not real good on gas.

 

welcome to the site

 

thanks man...

 

So been thinking about lifts and its a toss up btween iron rock 6.5" Critical Path Long Arm Lift Kit or rubicon express 5.5" EXTREME-DUTY LONG ARM and im prolly gunna be running 33s. Wich would be better?

 

Welcome from WA.

 

thanks man.