Hello everyone,

My first car was a 1985 Cherokee Cheif, and i loved it. I now live in arizona and like to camp and trail ride. I am looking to build a budget XJ trail runner, and something i can also take the family on camping trips in, so it needs to be able to handle the highway as well as the trail.

Not looking to go crazy with lifts at all, just a couple inches, and some 35" tires or so.

I know that the best engine to look for will be the I6, but thats about all i know. The 85 i once owned had a 2.8 GM motor, and that thing was junk.

Im planning on buying a 80s or early 90s xj, but am wondering what year range i should be looking for. And what transmissions and axles i should be looking for.

Thanx in advance for any answeres.


Adam

 

Welcome to the site Adam

 

well if you were lookin to run 35s you better be thinkin about regearing.... id try to find an xj with a 8.25 when it comes to axles they hold up better then the d35s....if its only gonna be a weekend warrior maybe think about a 3 inch or 3.5 inch with 31s or 32s...that just my .02 but let keep us posted on what you decide! good luck and welcome to CF

 

My personal preference is atleast a 92 or nwer cherokee. They changed from 91 to 92 to a high output motor and few extra goodies. Good luck with what you find and welcome!

 

Thanx guys! I was hoping to find one with a h.o. engine.

After reading some build threads on here, it looks like i want to do some oversized coils in the front, and a bastard leaf in the rear and do some 31s or 32s


How can i tell what Diff the vehicle has, i want to get a 8.25 if its stronger, but how do i know thats what im looking at?

 

http://rustysoffroad.com/mm5/merchan...egory_Code=faq


this has all your axle types on it hope that helps!

 

'91 was the first 4.0 H.O. And my favorite yr. Becomes a collectors Jan. 1 st.

 

Thanx for the info guys!

 

Welcome, from Maryland.

 

Welcome to CF.