[blasterman]

I and the wife have decided to buy a 2000 or 2001 Cherokee, either a Classic or Limited. The wife goes skiing quite a bit in the winter time and we get off the beaten track now and then for recreation. Think this would suit our purposes quit well. Have talked to numerous Jeep owners and have never found one that didn't think their jeep was the best vehicle they ever owned. Some have had several. I know jeep has had some problems, brakes in particular, but what vehicle hasn't had problems. I do all my own repairs so not worried about having it in the shop all the time.
The Classic and Limited both have the 4 spd trans. The Classic has Command-Trac, Limited has Selec-Trac.
Which 4 wheel drive system is better? I am retired military and have many years experience driving part time 4x4's, the Selec-Trac would primarily be for the wifes benefit, although in reading the literature and tech spec's it appears the Selec-Trac would in some instances provide better traction. Yes or No?Any problems running the Selec-Trac in 2 wheel drive?
Was primarily looking for a Classic, but the market in this area is loaded with Limited's and only a few Classic's.Is the features of the Limited really worth the extra for the bell's and whistles?
Anything I should be looking out for? I think I read someplace the 2001's have some updated features in the ignition dept. Any comments?
Would appreciate comments and/or advise.

[madrabbitt]

i'm all for selec-trac. In fact, i'm probably the most outspoken person on it, around here.

I've had it on both the cherokee's i've had, specifically looking for models with it (and in the case of the first one, overlooking other issues in favor of the selec-trac)

I like it primarily because when it rains here... like maybe 10 days a year total, the rain wets down the roadway and all the oil and crap on it, and the conditions get really slick, really fast. I can just yoink it back into full time and not really care about how fast i'm going or if the conditions are too dry for part time or whatever.

When I go 4 wheeling, alot of it in my area is desert sand and rocks. I keep it in 4 fulltime for the sandy high speed stuff.

From your description of what you're going to use it for, i'd expect you to keep it totally stock, even with all purpose/all weather tires instead of all terrains. The selec-trac would do pretty good in that circumstance. Its not the ideal transfer case for hard-core buildups and major lift kits, but stock, it probably does a better job then the command trac.

As for the trim level, its probably going to come down to how many options/luxuries your wife actually wants. A good alternative if you can find it, is an 00 with the "Freedom" package. Its probably between the sport and the classic, but has upgraded seat cloth, tinted windows, the power package, chrome accents on the grille, and i've seen quite a few Freedom's with the selec-trac instead of command trac.

[blasterman]

Thanks for your input. Yes, I plan to keep it completely stock.Will probably put on a good set of M&S tires, but nothing else. We will primarily use the 4x4 at the beach and out in the back country where we do a little prospecting and checking out old ghost towns, stuff like that.When she goes skiing she won't have to stop and put on chains.
From reading the spec's on the Selec-Trac, the only difference I can see between it and Command Trac is an additional differential to feed the front and rear drives so each end can run at different speeds without tearing up the transfer case.
Haven't seen any of the Freedom models. I am not sure I really want the leather seats, although the wife will be driving it 95% of the time and she says leather is okay with her.
We usually keep a vehicle 15 to 20 years, so do a lot of looking and ask a lot of questions before we buy to make sure we get something that we really want.
Will take a closer look at some Limited's this week.
Again, thanks for the feedback.
John

[madrabbitt]

the freedom packages were sold only in 00. i've seen like 5 total. I wouldnt at all mind a yellow one with the selectrac.

Good M+S tires are essential... however if you're going to see some mountain areas, i'd seriously consider ones with the severe weather rating... it has a little mountain and snowflake.

Hands down the best one i've seen and personally used were the pro-comp all terrains.
Quiet on the road, good tread life, M+S rated, and SW rated.

[blasterman]

Will get the severe rated M&S. They are required here in Oregon for use in place of chains.Will keep and eye out for a Freedom.

[NotMatt]

Definately Selec-Trac for snowy/icy roads. I have Command-Trac and I don't use the 4hi option as often as I thought I would in the snow because it makes my jeep want to slide through corners when there's any snow packed on the road. Selec-Trac doesn't lock the front and rear driveshafts together and will be prime for driving on icy/snowy roads.

[blasterman]

A lot of guys don't reallly understand how differentials work and don't realize that the front and rear axels turn at different speeds. Thats the reason for the warning not to use part time 4 whl drive on dry surfaces. They don't have any way of compensating for the difference in speeds between frt and rear. The selec-trac adds a 3rd differential between the frt and rear drives.It basically does the same thing the frt and rear differentials do.
I just have never had any experience with the selec-trac . It looks and sound good in the sales lit, but until you try it you don't really know. When AMC first used this system in the Hornets, they had some problems with drive chain but haven't heard anything about that problem for several years so assume they got the problem solved.The feedback I've received makes me feel more confident that the Selec-Trac is what I should go for.
Thanks, John

[kirbWJ]

for a daily driver i would go with selec-trac, I have an 01 WJ selec-trac for my DD and its the easiest, most trouble free, durable 4x4 system ive had for the kind of daily driving i do. i know that in full-time i can do 70 down I-5 with out even worrying. however i have noticed that with prolonged use of the full-time system (2-3 days of operation constantly) it seems to have some wear and tear my ABS system. just yesterday i had it in full time for a couple of hours on rainy roads. i was sitting at a stop light for about 3 mins with my brakes deppressed and my ABS light came on. turned it off and on to reset... nothing, still on. put it into 2WD let it sit for a minute and it was just fine.

I guess i just love doing 70mph in 4x4, not only that but in full-time i can turn hairpin corners on concrete and get no crows hop. LOVE IT!!!!!

however i feel command-trac is a lot better for everyday off road use. easier to work on, and tough as nails.