[jeepsurfgirls]

Hey
I am pretty much set on buying another cherokee.
It will be a 2000 I6 4x4 silver sport power everything.

What should i look for in problems possibly? When i look at the car
What are advantages to going with a 2000 over a 91?

Thanks for the input and time
Ian

[balloo93]

A 0331 head is the #1 concern with the 00-01 XJ. Just make REAL sure it's not over heating and that the oil dipstick comes up with clean oil and not a milkshake looking gunk on it.

edit** The Low Pinion D30 can be a bear with tall lifts and front DS.

[mg2000xj]

2000 and 2001 have low pinion dana 30's = ( I have a 2000 too.

[jeepsurfgirls]

I plan on this one being my DD jeep and other one be trail. So i don't plan on lifting it so shouldn't be a problem

About the head # how you find out the # and what are the problems with these heads?

Thanks

Edit: What should I with a jeep that has 160k on it?

[curtjames37]

All 2000s were the 0331, if I remember correctly. I wouldn't worry about it. Just make sure the cooling system is in good shape and you should be good.

About the specific problem they supposedly have a tendency to crack. I have never seen this outside of an internet forum and I really think that it isn't a big thing to worry about if the cooling system is in adequate shape.

[BIGNUTT]

Get a 99, mine was built 5/99 and I got the 0639 head or whatever.

[XJride231]

Just check it for rust and test drive it on several different visits to make sure things are smooth. Also, even on a newer XJ, especially if your getting it from a dealer, check all the switches and the AC, makes sure it blows cold the whole time. Check tire wear and pay accordingly, check T-case make sure PO didn't use it like a fool. Check your fluids, should be OK if its low miles (around 80 90 K).

I wonder, If in the TJ or WJ forums, when someone is debating the purchase, everyone chimes in on the 0331. "Tendency to crack?" That doesn't even make sense, they "tend" to crack. Huh, I see. Truth is, some have cracked, and was likely do to major abuse, and neglect of the cooling system. People who watch and take care have few worries.

Overall tho, A 99 is the best year, with the HP front end.

[PANTERA1973]

I've got a 2000 Sport & I love it. I bought a 1988 brand new & it stayed in the family for over 15 years. The 2000 has had all the years of refining & evolution & for a daily driver it's great. I put over 70 miles per day going back & forth to work on mine.

My brother-in-law has worked as a service manager for a couple of large Jeep dealers for the last 12 years and he has NEVER seen a cracked 0331 head so the reports of frequent cracking is HIGHLY exaggerated. Remember, we are talking about someone who has seen literally hundreds if not thousands of Jeeps come thru the shop 5 days a week, 8-10 hours a day & NEVER seen even one! He has however seen a high instance of 1995 and back 4.0's with more than their fair share of blown head gaskets for some reason.

I think ultimately boils down to doing good maintenance & taking care of your Jeep. It would be interesting to see just how many of these "Cracked 0331 heads" can really be attributed to overheating & abusing the engine. I bet you'd see a pretty clear trend.