tribalturtle2

Just checking things out right now. Don't have a XJ yet, checking prices and saving up. Currently have a 94 ford ranger V4 5spd manual and a 91 Toyota MR2 NA. Figure the Jeep will replace the ranger since it has 214xxx miles on it.

Any recommendations on what to look for when purchasing an XJ besides the usual rust underneath, frame and body?

Found this on doing a search..
Quote:
Originally Posted by ToledoXJ
Here is my cynical take from 3 years of reading about XJs and owning and modding mine.

They are maintenance ****** that have 17,000 U joints and a billion steering parts.
if any more than 3 are out of spec you get vibes, sloppy steering or death wobble. (Google death wobble videos.)

97s have 3 variations of wiring harnesses, avoid them.

Door switches. The power locks screw up. There is a jumper wire fix

Door window regulators. These break. They made a billion Cherokees.
There is no reason for this part to be $200. It just is.
There is a kit-fix out there online. Google around for it.
Its iffy and not super cheap either.

2000-2001s have a poor head casting #0331 stamped that will crack if you overheat it slightly. Or look at it funny.
They also have a 2 year only head that features a coilpack so finding new heads is fun.
If you buy a 2K or 01 watch the coolant jug like a hawk hungry for bunnies.

If you lift a 99-2001 they vibrate. A tCase drop fixes 50% of them. An SYE fixes 99% of them.
Then there is my "the 1%" XJ with vibes that nothing will fix. I just take all the loose stuff out of it or wrap it in a towel.

Rust: If you live near a salt shaker they rust.
Pull back carpet where you can and check the floors.
If the roof has rust at all walk away. Same with the rockers.
They rust from the inside out like that scene in Alien.

Clocksprings, if your horn/cruise/airbag is dead that part is $200 from a dealer.
$20 from a junk yard.

Rear hatch latches. They like to fail and not open the hatch.
A swift bang just to the right of the handle will usually open it. When it does open fix it on the spot.

Console latches. Yours is broke. You haven't bought a Jeep yet but trust me. Its broke.

Ignition switch. They can wear out and not allow you to start the Jeep.
It won't turn.
You're usually OK until you go camping or get to the top of the mountain.

AC evaporators. Oh dear God. Just plan on sweating. Hell Job to fix.
You cannot afford to pay a shop to do it.

Crank position sensor.
Its on top of the bell.When they fail you stop and the zombies get you.
Jeeps should come OEM with 48" of extensions and a swivel for this job.

Wheel hubs. You can get them for $59 each.
If you do, plan on changing them frequently.
Buy Timken for $99 each or plan your weekends accordingly.

Fluid leaks? Yes.
Luckily I have Fords so the driveway is already a lost cause.

Engine clatter. Lifters or rodknock? You'll never know. It'll start after an oilchange and never stop until it grenades or rusts away. According to a few things I have read the 4.0 has a poor fitting wristpin. They eventually all clatter. Mine sounded like a diesel at 140k.
I drove it from Toledo to Traverse City 10 times like this and never worried about it. The only time its a issue is when you go to sell it.
Then the only guy who will buy it will be a Jeep-guy.

Never use an Orange Can of Death (OCOD) aka Fram oil filter.


4.0s last 300,000miles or they last 150k No real in-between

15-17mpg average as they get older and you ignore codes.
PS 96 and up have no key on-off provision for codes. Reader-only to get em.

If you are a DIY guy they are great.
If you need to take it to a shop for everything, I'd suggest an Accord.


It all sounds super negative but just wait until it snows.
Then the Cherokee shines. It kills the little white fractals with glee.

Hope this helps. I hope no one gets pissed but this has been my experience, personal and anecdotal.

On the other end of this scale my wife's 81k mile XJ is a champ.

wiggles

That whole think may make you not want one but completely honest. I have NEVER heard of someone that has absolutely disliked an xj. They may have their little quarks but at the end of the day you will always love it and it will always be there for you

odgreen

^^^ what wiggles said

tribalturtle2

I used to own a 68' plymouth valiant w/ slant v6 225 in it. Bought it with 127xxx original miles. drove it back from Long Beach CA to IL in 1.5 days with no sleep. When i got back my Dad and I looked it over, rear u joint shot/ one of the bearings had a quarter size chunk taken out of it, differential was bone dry and the radiator barely had any fluid in it either. lol! Glad the drive shaft didn't shoot out the back of it. I've been reading that the 99 and older Xj's are better than the 2000-2001 due to a header busting.

My sisters old bf had a two door. Don't remember the year it was but he used to drive around corners on two wheels. Also did the family a favor and took out my mom's dog(llaso opso) that bit everyone in my family except myself and my grandpa. He ended up backing over the dogs head in the driveway. Think at the time that happened I may have been living in CA.

1ATony

Welcome to the site. I got a good laugh out of you post.....lol

tribalturtle2

Right on! The Valiant was totalled by a Honda civic back in Jan 08'. A girl turned in front of me at the last second to get into a gas station. Ended up totaling her car too! Was going about 50mph when I hit her with only a lap belt on and my Valiant had the original all metal steering wheel, bounced my face on that, knocked myself out. Came to with a nasty bloody nose was leaking like the kitchen faucet on full force. My Valiant had the drivers side front end pushed in all the way to the front tire. Cop gave her a ticket for failure to yeild. He was pissed bc she totaled my car. I installed a leopard print interior in it: dash, headliner and rear speaker tray. I was kind of pissed bc it was an awesome CougarMobile! lol! Oh well...

Found this on youtube. 4x4tv project jeep cherokee

Gave me some ideas on what to look for when I go out to buy one when I have the cash for it.

tribalturtle2

Getting bored at work. Nothing goes on overnights unless there are storms. Working for a cable company can be fun with all the premium channels and internet free. Think i'll take a break and relax some more with a good cup of coffee. lol!

I'm also debating if I want to put my 91 MR2 NA up for sale or not... hmm 172k miles... Needs some body work and paint job needs a going over. Installed the leopard print myself, just a old schooler and a Cougar Hunter at heart. lol!