Hello all. New to the forum and interested in buying my first Cherokee. Kids are all grown, (well out of the house) and selling the dirtbikes for something a little more safe. I know all of you have some sort of input to what years, what motor, and what mods will do for mild to moderate "4wheeling". I want something that I can pack full of camping stuff, load up the wife and dogs and be able to explore Colorado like its meant to be explored. (Oh and make it home) Just by looking around and doing some reading, the 4.0l inline six is the motor of choice, but what are the best years and ect. I can find good looking 88-99 for anywhere from 1500 to 7500. Do I want to find a low miles stocker or find someones lost interest project? Decisions, decisions. Any input would be appreciated. Oh and thanks.

 

Welcome, good to see you've come over to the dark side. If you'd want any specific kind of motor, you'd want the 4.0 HO engines found on the mid-nineties models, the Renix 4.0(used until 1991 I believe) is a very good motor, but the HO makes much more power and torque. Also, check the rear axle, you would want to steer away from the Dana 35 axles for 4 wheeling, because they are much weaker than the Chrysler 8.25 axle, or the Dana 44(if you look on the late 80s models). Find a good axle identification chart so you can tell. I'd also try to find a good stocker, Jeeps are always better built, not bought. Good luck, and happy hunting!

 

I'd avoid buying someone else's headache. Build it the way you want it.
Some people say to avoid the '00-'01 models because of the #0331 heads and the cracking issue. So IMO go with the '96-'99 models.

 

I myself would go for the lower miles stocker. Any mods., you can do yourself. And then you know what you have. And Dana 35's are fine until you get into real heavy rock climbing, or the larger tire sizes like 35" I have a '91 with 70,000 miles on it. (And still stock.) Which means it should be still on the road & trails long after I'm dead. I, (like you) use mine for hunting, fishing, ice fishing, camping, dog hauler, And in winter snowy conditions.

 

Welcome to the site

 

Hey Welcome To The Forum, You will learn and see alot here.