CADWELL

What's up everybody! The reason for the title is that after just doing a little bit of research around here, I think this XJ will end up being a bit more than just a dialy driver LOL. I'm also glad I signed up because it helped me decide that I want to start from a bone stock platform and build it with the components I want.

I'm in the market for an XJ so I had a couple questions. First off I know what basics to look for when buying a used car like fluids and leaks. What I want to know is what to look for as far as suspension and drive train goes.

1) Do the names "Sport" or "Classic" mean the difference in suspension components or just asthetics of the vehicle?

2) I'm looking for '99-'01 and it seems like these years have a Chryler 8.25 rear stock?? What about the transfer case, do some models have more desirable TC's?

3) What other known XJ factors should I look for?

Right now I'm looking at a '99 w/ 125k miles and comes with a WARN 8K Winch and bumper for $4500.

Thanks. Look foward to posting pics of my purchase and being a contributing member.

ol"blue

1. I believe it's just a trim level package.
2. Correct.
NP231 - "Command-Trac" part-time only - 2.72:1 ratio low range - shift pattern 2H - 4H - N - 4L - used 87-01
NP242 - "Selec-Trac" part-time OR full-time - 2.72:1 ratio low range - shift pattern 2wd - 4part-time - 4full-time - N - 4LO - used 87-01
3. Look for rust and electrical problems. Make sure everything works as intended.
Here's some useful info. >https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f59/helpful-links-10052/

Xj88

Id say go with a 97-99 not 00 or 01...these last 2 production years use the 0331 head which is more prone to cracking. 97+ have 29 spline 8.25s unless equipped with ABS in which case it will have a dana 35

bullettooth2008

Hi and welcome along.

1ATony

Welcome to the site

CADWELL

Thanks for the welcoming guys. I will be picking up my XJ this coming week, but the Craigslist searching is proving to be over whelming....

I'm shopping in the PHX market and there are quite a bit of options. At this point I'm searching for low miles, but as always the asthetics of a car can always seduce you.

I kinda torn between these two factors. On one hand I want the lowest miles possible, but I also want dark int. and decent paint...grey perferably.

kennzz05

mileage on these vehicles isnt all that important if its been maintained

ol"blue

You might also find one with high mileage that's been towed behind a motor home. The miles don't mean anything in that case.

CADWELL

Valid points!

These are just three options that I'm looking at...

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/3352523060.html

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/cto/3351687518.html

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/3351111321.html

DieselD

I like #3

Its a little high in price, but it is (almost) winter, but you are in phionex. Don't know the market but I'd get him down lower.

CADWELL

I went to go look at #3 and it turned out to be a questionable purchase. The top end had just been rebuilt and the cosmetics of the vehicle were in really bad shape which isn't a bad deal but it lead me to believe that perhaps the vehicle hadn't been taken care of.

CADWELL

Well here is my purchase...

'99 Sport 4wd 124k 231 C8.25

Has home fabbed roof rack, rock sliders, front winch bumper. 8K Warn winch, Lock Rite front and rear lockers. Looks like it has 2 in Teraflex front spring spacers and some kind of shackles that I can't tell of the brand.

I will add the the winding and every now and then clicking sound upon stopping or accelerating in a straight line are begining to irritate me. I believe it's the lockers because it only happans upon accelerating.

Over all the Jeep hs been well kept and maintained pretty well.

bullettooth2008

Nice purchase, you must be well pleased with it.
Looks good and fitted out for all terrain and weather conditions.