Buying Cherokee - what to look for?

Scott atah · 12-03-2003, 01:09 PM

Hey there ladies n gentlement. I'm wanting to get rid of my car ('90 ford thunderbird supercoupe) as i believe it's on a downward spiral yet again and i'm not up for fixing it yet again.

So i'm lookin into different vehicle...and i'm thinkin i could handle a jeep. Only problem is i don't know a whole lot about them and i don't have a ton of time to hang around the board and just read bout what issues and stuff they have. So i'm hoping you can give me some quick hints as maybe what to look for on a used Jeep.

Lookin around the 1991 (under $4000 cdn) most of which have 200,000+ kms. Is there any known issues with the jeeps that i should check for? I know my car head gaskets at about 160km and tranny a lil after (both of which i had to do lol); anything similar with the jeeps?

But yeah just in general some pointers of what to look for or what to stay away from...or a heads up on anything you can think of.

**balloo93** · 12-03-2003, 05:28 PM

In general, go 92+. Sounds like you're on a budget, so I'd say look for a 92-95. These units have the High pinion D30 axles, Non-vacuum disconnect engagement, better cooling systems, and better wiring (than the 90 below).

Do a serch for pics of the Chysler 8.25 rear ends and make sure that is the rear end you get. You don't want the D35 unless you have to have ABS. I know I'm forgetting some things, but I'm sure the others will add some stuff. Hope you find a good one.

Islandroaddie96 · 12-03-2003, 08:04 PM

Definately get the 4.0L engine. You'll be glad you did. And, obviously, get one with 4wd. If you drive a lot in winter type weather, (snow, ice etc.) you can find one with the Selec-Trac transfer case (NP242) which will give you a Full-Time option. Other than that, all XJ's between 92 - 95 were basically built the same. 96's are slightly different and '97 and up are the ones with the "new body style".

Good Luck and Welcome to the world of Jeeps (hopefully),

Peter

Maybe · 12-03-2003, 09:27 PM

If you going to wheel it you will want to go with the 4.0 and a automatic tranny. Going with the NP-242 is always a good idea also. The way to tell if its a NP-242 the transfer case shifter inside will read--- 2wd, part time 4wd, full time 4wd, 4wd low...

Easy to lift and wheel really good.

Check out ebay there are a bunch on there fairly cheap if you wanna drive alittle.

CLASH · 12-03-2003, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by balloo93

Do a serch for pics of the Chysler 8.25 rear ends and make sure that is the rear end you get.

I am going to be buying my own XJ soon and want a 8.25 in my XJ does anybody have a good pic of one they could post please?

**thephantum** · 12-04-2003, 12:04 AM

This should give you somewhat of an idea...http://www.quadratec.com/cgi-bin/sgdynamo.exe?HTNAME=jeep/differentials/pic.html

I'll see if I can find an actual photo and post it here as well.

Rock On!

Steve

Scott atah · 12-04-2003, 12:33 AM

alrighty yeah...i'd like to get a 4.0 HO...i'm definitely on a budget as i just got outta school and already have an $18,000 debt to work with....and yes winter conditions in edmonton, alberta canada, can get pretty hurrendous!

4x4 is a necessity...i'll keep in mind the other things you've mentioned.

Are there any things that pretty well break around the 200k km mark on all jeeps? Or nothing really?

**balloo93** · 12-04-2003, 12:36 AM

Water pump, maybe fuel pump.

Islandroaddie96 · 12-04-2003, 01:00 AM

Also, the computer sensors on these things (particularly the CPS and TPS) are prone to failure after awhile. They can cause the truck to run erratically or in extreme cases, not at all. Not a big deal though. . . They are easy to change out and are not very expensive. Other than that, just normal wear and other things that you'd expect on a car of this age would need.

Good Luck,

Peter

tekeum · 12-04-2003, 11:34 PM

I just bought my first XJ this week. I got A 94 sport with140,000 for $2,400 on ebay. mabey you should try ebay? This left me with about $6,000 to do some mods.

**balloo93** · 12-05-2003, 12:36 AM

My wife is gonna kill me, but I noticed a 91-95 XJ at the local auction place down the street from my house. Still haven't gotten a good look at the front, I may be a 3 XJ household soon!!!!!!!

I bought my 93 Sport with 108XXX on the odo for $3500 (with TTL).

Sykes · 12-06-2003, 01:22 PM

At 197.000 miles, replaced water-pump, power-steering, and timing-chain. The water-pump
started sounding like gravel with bearing squeal
and finally dumped anti-freeze through blown bearing.

The fuel-pump hums in the back tank like
a loud aquarium air-pump from the 70's. Is this
normal? People point it out like its an air-leak.

Also, is a delayed start with about a 10-sec lag
normal? Seems like this would put stress on the
starter, which I also repalced (looked like
the original).

Desert Rat Cherokee Laredo
'87 4.0L 6Cyl AT.

Islandroaddie96 · 12-07-2003, 09:38 PM

The fuel pump is definately audible, however without hearing it in person, it's hard to determine if it's "too loud". If you have a long cranking period, it may actually be related to the fuel pump not pressurizing the system well. If that's not it, check your CPS.

Good Luck,

Peter

cadmobile500 · 12-07-2003, 11:10 PM

also, if buying one with a manual trans, make sure it will downshift smoothly while coasting. if not you will need syncro's and thats big bucks!!!
make sure the heat works. heater cores clog on these things and are a real pita to replace.
i paid $100 for my wifes 90' larado(230k, automatic trans) and put a $52 tie rod in and a $155 windsheild. we still need to have the heater core replaced wich is going to cost us $240 since we already bought the h/c for $29.
paid $450 for my 92 sport(174k, bad manual trans, 5-1/2" lift, tubular lca's) and just put a $40 battery.
both vehicals were bought at an auction with no warenty, but for a cheap *** like myself with some mechanical skills we couls spend more on repairs and still be ahead. these are just our winter beaters, though we are growing to love our jeeps.---tom

jeepcherokee · 12-10-2003, 04:12 PM

Stay away from a 1991 with the Bendix ABS-10 system: it is prone to cause you trouble (speaking from my own experience).

Furthermore, check if all recalls have been done (if applicable) by entering the VIN-code on the Chrysler website. Or, alternatively, call Chrysler and they should be able to tell you.

12-03-2003, 09:27 PM	#4
Maybe Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 62 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	If you going to wheel it you will want to go with the 4.0 and a automatic tranny. Going with the NP-242 is always a good idea also. The way to tell if its a NP-242 the transfer case shifter inside will read--- 2wd, part time 4wd, full time 4wd, 4wd low... Easy to lift and wheel really good. Check out ebay there are a bunch on there fairly cheap if you wanna drive alittle. __________________ 90' XJ 4.0, Auto, np242 t-case, RE 3.5" lift, D44 rear, (locked) 2 1/4" tube from the header to the muffler.

12-06-2003, 01:22 PM	#12
Sykes Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: MILAGRO Posts: 182 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Fuel Pump Noise At 197.000 miles, replaced water-pump, power-steering, and timing-chain. The water-pump started sounding like gravel with bearing squeal and finally dumped anti-freeze through blown bearing. The fuel-pump hums in the back tank like a loud aquarium air-pump from the 70's. Is this normal? People point it out like its an air-leak. Also, is a delayed start with about a 10-sec lag normal? Seems like this would put stress on the starter, which I also repalced (looked like the original). Desert Rat Cherokee Laredo '87 4.0L 6Cyl AT.

12-07-2003, 11:10 PM	#14
cadmobile500 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 21 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	also, if buying one with a manual trans, make sure it will downshift smoothly while coasting. if not you will need syncro's and thats big bucks!!! make sure the heat works. heater cores clog on these things and are a real pita to replace. i paid $100 for my wifes 90' larado(230k, automatic trans) and put a $52 tie rod in and a $155 windsheild. we still need to have the heater core replaced wich is going to cost us $240 since we already bought the h/c for $29. paid $450 for my 92 sport(174k, bad manual trans, 5-1/2" lift, tubular lca's) and just put a $40 battery. both vehicals were bought at an auction with no warenty, but for a cheap *** like myself with some mechanical skills we couls spend more on repairs and still be ahead. these are just our winter beaters, though we are growing to love our jeeps.---tom __________________ CURRENT; 92 cherokee larado 4.0l DESEASED; 92 cherokee sport; 5-1/2"? syjacker lift, 31"(lost 1st and 2nd gear) 90 larado 4.0l(snaped timming chain) 91 limited 4.0l($1000 brake part???)

12-04-2003, 12:33 AM	#7
Scott atah Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 16 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	alrighty yeah...i'd like to get a 4.0 HO...i'm definitely on a budget as i just got outta school and already have an $18,000 debt to work with....and yes winter conditions in edmonton, alberta canada, can get pretty hurrendous! 4x4 is a necessity...i'll keep in mind the other things you've mentioned. Are there any things that pretty well break around the 200k km mark on all jeeps? Or nothing really?

12-10-2003, 04:12 PM	#15
jeepcherokee Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 23 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Stay away from a 1991 with the Bendix ABS-10 system: it is prone to cause you trouble (speaking from my own experience). Furthermore, check if all recalls have been done (if applicable) by entering the VIN-code on the Chrysler website. Or, alternatively, call Chrysler and they should be able to tell you.