Looking in to buying a Cherokee, What to look for What to stay away from?

Polaris Junkie · 08-09-2006, 09:43 AM

I am thinking about buying an XJ and keeping it to play with and drive in bad weather. I am planning on doing some off roading with it, probably 60% off road and 40% on road (mainly highway). I was hoping to get a 2 door, I dont know anything about the options from different years, what years should I look for, what running gear, I would like to (eventually) run 35's. Help me out what should I stay away from? What should i be looking at?

Atari.fan3000 · 08-09-2006, 09:45 AM

First you have to decide what body styling you want Pre 96' or 97'+

Polaris Junkie · 08-09-2006, 10:10 AM

I am thinking that I will be aiming for 99 or newer.

norcal420 · 08-09-2006, 11:20 AM

Read through the stickies here and on JU/NAXJA. There are very minor differences in trim, so I wouldn't be concerned with "Sport vs Classic" decisions. '99 is considered by many to be the best year (myself included). 2 doors / 5-speeds seem particularly difficult to find - especially for '97+, but they are out there.

If you're going to wheel 40% of the time, I'd look for the Command-Trac TC (NP231) which offers part-time 4wd. It'll be fine for slippery conditions on the road (up to 55 mph) and better off-road.

35s will probably require new axles. The 8.25, 29 spline can handle it but yer starting to push the envelope depending on your wheelin' (especially w/ the D30 up front). Gearing would be 4.88s minimum IMO. The 8.25 can only handle 4.56, and I think the D30 maxes out at 4.88.

I'd stay away from the '00-'01 because of the LP D30 and distributor-less ignition system. Look for a '97 - '99.

DR

Polaris Junkie · 08-09-2006, 11:32 AM

Well, I would like to weld in my own roll cage, change the bumpers out and run a winch up front. I would like to have front and rear tow points, and be able to carry a full size spare. I was thinking that I would upgrade the axles and DS before I went up to 35's. Auto or manual isn't important I can drive either (as long as I don't have a trailer)

Thanks for your input!

Atari.fan3000 · 08-09-2006, 12:16 PM

An Auto is rated to tow 5000 Lbs and manual is around 2500 Lbs i think. You are also going to want to stay away from ABS if you are going to be wheeling it alot, also when you lift it you are going to need an SYE

08-09-2006, 11:20 AM	#4
norcal420 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 140 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps iTrader Rating	Read through the stickies here and on JU/NAXJA. There are very minor differences in trim, so I wouldn't be concerned with "Sport vs Classic" decisions. '99 is considered by many to be the best year (myself included). 2 doors / 5-speeds seem particularly difficult to find - especially for '97+, but they are out there. If you're going to wheel 40% of the time, I'd look for the Command-Trac TC (NP231) which offers part-time 4wd. It'll be fine for slippery conditions on the road (up to 55 mph) and better off-road. 35s will probably require new axles. The 8.25, 29 spline can handle it but yer starting to push the envelope depending on your wheelin' (especially w/ the D30 up front). Gearing would be 4.88s minimum IMO. The 8.25 can only handle 4.56, and I think the D30 maxes out at 4.88. I'd stay away from the '00-'01 because of the LP D30 and distributor-less ignition system. Look for a '97 - '99. DR __________________ Everytime you kiss her you taste a little bit of me.

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08-09-2006, 10:10 AM	#3
Polaris Junkie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: United States Posts: 155 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps iTrader Rating	I am thinking that I will be aiming for 99 or newer.

08-09-2006, 11:32 AM	#5
Polaris Junkie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: United States Posts: 155 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps iTrader Rating	Well, I would like to weld in my own roll cage, change the bumpers out and run a winch up front. I would like to have front and rear tow points, and be able to carry a full size spare. I was thinking that I would upgrade the axles and DS before I went up to 35's. Auto or manual isn't important I can drive either (as long as I don't have a trailer) Thanks for your input!