What to look for when buying a Cherokee

**sebastian22** · 04-17-2008, 01:50 PM

My girlfriend wants a cherokee sport with the classic box body style. I believe they only made those up to 2001. What are some things to look for when buying one?

XtrailratedJ · 04-17-2008, 01:56 PM

At a minimum, look for:

C8.25 Rear Axle (or D44)
Non-Vac Disco D30 Front Axle
NP231 Transfer Case

Check for Rust as well

Texsun · 04-17-2008, 01:59 PM

look underneath see if its got mud all crummed up in places. Make sure the 4x4 works and your set haha

**mattman8706** · 04-17-2008, 02:08 PM

and make sure all the doors close good. I was looking at an xj the other day and the unibody was tweaked and 2 of the doors wouldnt shut right... even though he kept telling me the frame was straight

**1RustyXJ** · 04-17-2008, 02:35 PM

I would personally look for a '97-'01. They updated the bodies in '97 along with a better interior. Also, look for one WITHOUT ABS because if it has ABS, it's got the weaker dana 35 rear. The 29-spline 8.25 isn't a bad axle.

Lots of great info in here: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/cherokee-stock-specs-26256/

**sebastian22** · 04-17-2008, 02:52 PM

thanks for the info guys. is the Dana 35 really a big deal since its just going to be a daily driver (no lift or bigger tires)? i forgot to mention that sorry.

JeepTransformer · 04-17-2008, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sebastian22

thanks for the info guys. is the Dana 35 really a big deal since its just going to be a daily driver (no lift or bigger tires)? i forgot to mention that sorry.

the d35 should be ok. I run 32" and tow 3000lbs with mine, and wheel alot. It's holding up so far... But I don't expect too much more out of it.
Good luck.

SoloCamo · 04-17-2008, 03:01 PM

A D35 will be perfectly fine under DD use

nexus42i · 04-17-2008, 04:59 PM

Having just purchased my first Cherokee, you might also want to look for:

Rust on the roof, underbody, door sills, etc.
Leaking rear main seal
Leaking valve cover gasket
Worn battery
Non-working front speakers
Non-working passenger door power window switches
Non-working gas gauge

Also check the usual stuff, does the A/C work, does the engine sound good, fluid levels good, does the transfer case engage smoothly, how does the clutch feel, how does the transmission (synchros) feel, etc.

I used a number of the aforementioned things I found wrong with the Cherokee I just bought to knock $500 off the price. IMO, these cars are an excellent deal for even the most amateur shadetree mechanic.

conrasm · 04-18-2008, 04:39 AM

Rust is a big issue if you live in the salt belt. Check the rocker panels and try to climb under with a flashlight to check above the gas tank. Look for leaks around the tranny and oil pan.

Highway 4x4 · 04-19-2008, 01:05 AM

Rust should be a deal killer.

4.0H.O.XJ · 04-19-2008, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1RustyXJ

I would personally look for a '97-'01. They updated the bodies in '97 along with a better interior.

I PERSONALLY would AVOID the 97-01 for many of the reasons stated in post #9.
(84+) 92-96 (H.O.) are more basic with less crap to break on them, yet are still "modern". (Emphasis on 1996, due to having airbag, OBD II, HP D30, and Chrco 8.25 29 spline on later build dates.).......Lots of whizbang electrical gizmos and doodads to wear out on the later models, and though the interiors LOOK more wonderful, they just arent as comfortable, at least to me. ( though the cupholders sure are nicer.)The updated bodies consist merely of a slightly taller, more efficient tailight, (admittedly, the back ends DO look better than earlier models) and a minivan lookin front end. My chick had a 99 limited (loaded) (98? I ferget.) and it was nice, but I found myself liking my 96 better. She had lots of stupid little electrical gremlins, I do not. Hers was more Grand-ish, and mine is more Jeep-like. Mine is easier to work on, and seemed to be broken a whole lot less than hers. Dont take my word for it, Check posts for different years and common problems and see for yourself. Thats how I chose what year and model cherokee to buy for myself.

Oh yeah. And rust. Floorpans, and especially around the rear spring pockets and under the cargo area. Every last one of them. Check it out.

madrosie9898 · 04-19-2008, 10:15 AM

First cherokee. Power windows work from drver`s door but not at each door. Should i replace main control. is this a common . Any ideas would be great,dont want to start replace parts...

norsky · 04-19-2008, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madrosie9898

First cherokee. Power windows work from drver`s door but not at each door. Should i replace main control. is this a common . Any ideas would be great,dont want to start replace parts...

Here ya go madrosie9898... It took me about 15-20 minutes to fix.

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/fixing-97-window-lock-switch-dummies-459934/

yurbrotha · 04-19-2008, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madrosie9898

First cherokee. Power windows work from drver`s door but not at each door. Should i replace main control. is this a common . Any ideas would be great,dont want to start replace parts...

Wow. This may be common because I just bought a 2000 sport and the front passenger works when it wants to and the rear drivers side passenger does not work at all not even from the drivers door.