New Cherokee Owner in Seattle
 

Hey all,
I found this forum via google of course. I JUST bought a 1993 Jeep Cherokee 2 door. It's got the 4 cylinder engine (2,5L right?), and a 5 speed manual. 138,000 miles or so on the clock. I got it at a little mom and pop bargain car lot for $750 with a little talking down (ugly exterior, micky mouse passenger mirror, and cracked windshield). It didn't make any strange noises when I tested it out the other day, and all the minor things can be corrected. I have a paint gun if I wanted to take that route, a new mirror can be had from a scrapyard, or just get something aftermarket that is better than what is on there. Interior is ok, though a little worn. I've owned worse looking machines.

I would have loved an I6 with a 5 speed, but none were available in my area under $1000, except for one, which was a total heap (naturally I passed). I've been fancying the idea of getting myself a Jeep for a while, and since I got into a pretty bad car wreck with my Saturn, I found an opportunity to get one. Unfortunately, I was limited by budget, but I think I made an alright choice.

I must say that I am pretty surprised by how light this thing steers. It handles pretty well overall, but the steering is really light. I had a Ford van some years back (E150 Econoline with a 351 Windsor) that had a lighter steering wheel, so I am sure I can adjust. I was also surprised at how low first gear felt. Pretty torquey even with a 4 banger in there.

I like how basic the interior is. I've never been a fan of having too many frills on a car. This seems to fit my tastes well.

There are some questions that I have though, just out of general curiosity. CAN you bolt the inline 4.0 to the 2.5L tranny? I know the 6 makes more power, and would probably be a bit more fun in the car. Not necessary, but would be cool. How large of a tire can you run on the 4 cylinders without stressing them too much? I know this is going to have very limited options as far as upping the tire size due to engine size limitations, but I figured it was worth asking. Provided that the car proves it worth to me, I'll probably get a new set of rubber at the start of next year.

Also, my jeep is only a 2WD model, though I am not letting that discourage me too much. I needed a car, and decided to fill 2 desires at once. I used to own Volkswagens, and they would drawl around the mild terrain that I come across just fine (without any true mods). I don't see a lot of offroad use, but having at least some capacity there is a fun thought.

welcome dude!!!

Welcome to CF from Buck in Oak Harbor up on Whidbey Island. Post some pics of your new XJ as soon as you can.

It's totally not pretty on the outside. Not too bad inside, and from what I can tell from a brief inspection, not too shabby under the hood as well. Clear coat is peeling, and the paint is faded, with a couple scratches, but no real dents of any kind. I can work at getting a couple pics.

Silly question, is XJ another model designation for the Cherokee? Total Jeep n00b here.

Yep, the Jeep Cherokee 1984-2001 is the XJ.

Welcome, from Wisconsin

Cool, I did not know that model designation. It helps at least, when looking for parts... won't have to be confused when someone refers to a Cherokee as an XJ now.

It did well for its first real day out today. Even for a 4 cylinder, it keeps up well enough on the highway. Handles much better than one would imagine without having been behind the wheel of one before.

Thanks for the warm reception. I find that most enthusiast driven communities tend to be really fun and informative.

Welcome, Im a bit new to this forum as well, however not new to the jeep thing in the Seattle area!! Feel free to contact me if you need anything:guns:

welcome to CF! enjoy your new rig.

Welcome to CF! and yes first gear is VERY low. I almost bought a 4 banger 2wd, the guy I was going to buy it from said he drove it on the beach with no problems at all. I waited a bit longer and found the I6 though.

Oh, and to top things off, I don't appear to have the stock rear end in my jeep, and it also appears to be a locking, or limited slip differential. It is larger than the stock units listed for my model. I got two wrong gaskets at the parts store the other day because I thought I was dealing with an original part. It is larger, has a rounder cover, has a plastic fill plug, and holds way more oil than the owner's manual states. Surprise, I have a better rear end than what the car apparently originally came with! Win.

WELCOME

You would be better keeping that as a DD and buying a 4wd 4.0L, money wise that is