Hello, all first post here an I got some questions and need some advice.
So here's my dilemma I have a 1998 Jeep Cherokee sport with 180,000,cherry condition never gave me a problem, It's only flaws are that it needs a rear end re-build sometime in the near future(lots of slack) and it's Cat rattles a bit. Well those were it's only flaws. About last month it got broadsided at a stoplight. Insurance totaled it, but I think I can fix it for about a grand. It needs to have it's front end fixed(something is popped out of place) and it needs a new A-pillar, door, rocker panel, fender, and windshield. And then of course there is the $200 to get a salvage title. But here's where I need some advice, I found a really straight body'd 253,000mi 1998 Jeep Cherokee Classic for $500 with a blown motor, and I was planning on just using it as a donor car for the panels and what not, but now I'm thinking maybe it would be a better idea to pull the engine and tranny out of mine and stick it in the Classic then just change the styling so it looks more like a sport. The only thing that puts me off that Idea is the rather high miles on the other body. What do you guys think?


and here is some pics of the damage to my rig, also if this is posted in the wrong are please move it.

 

wayyy too much body work. i also have a sweet running 98/130000 and a "noisy" 2000" . but mine is a lot different.

id do the motor if u can.

 

Do you have some pics of the other Jeep? What's the mileage on it? Why is the motor blown? Was somebody beating it to death with crazy driving? Or did it overheat?

 

Here is some pics of the other Jeep







It's Top end was rebuilt but the crankshaft bearing spun. It's millage is 253,000(thought I put that in the post) Don't really know why it blew but the seller does not seem like the type to have thrashed it.

 

Looks like a no-brainer to me. Swap your engine into the good body.

 

I agree!
Way too much damage, let it get totaled and swap out the goodies to the donor.
But make sure everything other than the engine is ok with the donor considering it does have some miles on it.

Far as the engine, 180K ain't nothing if it was well maintained and in good condition.
If it was 280k miles, then it might depend.

 

I say get your *** off the internet and go grab the other Jeep!!!!

 

$500 for that, what do I think?
CG scam baby...

 

Tough call. Could be a scam, but maybe its not. That XJ looks way too nice for only $500, even with a blown engine. BUT, i have seen plenty of vehicles before with blown engines listed for a couple hundred with a good body, very little rust, clean interior, etc., just because the seller wanted it gone for whatever reason. A blown engine can be a tough sell. Did you find it on Craigslist? Take someone with you should you decide to make the trip.

 

Yes, a scam is a strong possibility. But with a blown engine, well, many people don't know any better and will sell a good car for a few hundred bucks if it has a blown engine.

 

Swap the engine and trans over. If you have the space for a junker sitting around, tuck yours in the back corner of the yard for spare parts. Should be able to make the swap in a weekend with minimal cost.