'96 XJ w/ a few extras.. -Opinions anyone?

grnjp88 · 06-28-2009, 08:20 PM

Just did a sweep of all the local used car lots in the area tonite, and found this guy: http://www.beachautova.com/11978/199..._Cherokee.html Looks great in person, I plan on going in tomorrow during business hours to talk business. Hoping to trade my '05 Hyundai (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v4...dai%20Elantra/) for it. The price seems right.

Considering all the extras, brush guard, lights, rock sliders, bumper, etc.. Is this XJ worth the asking price?
Also, in the pictures (and in person) it seems to have a few inches of lift.. Does it look that way to anyone else? I'm not too familiar with stock height.

Thanks for the help!

grnjp88 · 06-28-2009, 08:21 PM

Also, in the VEHICLE OVERVIEW it lists: PS,PB as options...

What does that stand for??

sbrunner · 06-28-2009, 08:24 PM

PS=power steering PB=power brakes

grnjp88 · 06-28-2009, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbrunner

PS=power steering PB=power brakes

A ha! Many thanks. This is the first new(er) vehicle I've shopped for used and some of those abbreviations can get kinda confusing..

rugsucka · 07-01-2009, 08:43 AM

Seems like a good price given the condition and mileage, take a close look at the rockers in front of the rear tires, floor above the cat, drivers side floor if any winter history.

I'd say it's probably got around a 3" lift - but check to see it's not just lift blocks in the rear - that's not a good way to lift a cherokee.

JPSR5 · 07-08-2009, 10:02 AM

Hey. This must be VA beach area. Watch out for the roadside dealers. $3,495 is too much. You will have to spend money to change fluids, tune up and any suspension issues. Just bought a 1996 2 door SE 4.0 4wd auto from a PRIVATE person for $1,300. It needs basic tune up fluid change headliner and had steering damper replaced. My truck has 120K and AC works. Look around some more since any older Jeep will need some work. Good luck

grnjp88 · 07-19-2009, 12:09 AM

Well, the Hyundai was totalled this week

so I'm definately going to be looking at getting a Cherokee (possibly this one) very soon with the insurance money.

Good news is, the dealer has lowered the asking price to $2,995.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rugsucka

I'd say it's probably got around a 3" lift - but check to see it's not just lift blocks in the rear - that's not a good way to lift a cherokee.

What do lift blocks look like? I'm not too savvy when it comes to lifts..

Thanks

FISTFULL · 07-19-2009, 06:18 AM

A thick block at the middle of the leaf spring bow. In between where the leaf spring mounts to the axle.

XJ's leafs are really weak. A lift block will cause premature sagging and may even cause the leafs to start bending the other way.

The price seems to be decent due to the aftermarket parts. If it has ABS, then it comes with the weaker Dana 35 axle. Something to think about if you plan on going to 32" tires or larger.

grnjp88 · 07-19-2009, 07:54 PM

Took some pics of the truck tonite, hopefully these can answer some questions:

Quote:

Originally Posted by FISTFULL

A thick block at the middle of the leaf spring bow. In between where the leaf spring mounts to the axle.

I don't see anything resembling what you described above.. Guess I'm in the clear?

Quote:

Originally Posted by FISTFULL

If it has ABS, then it comes with the weaker Dana 35 axle. Something to think about if you plan on going to 32" tires or larger.

Not sure which axle looks like what, but these are the pics of the front and rear. Maybe y'all can enlighten me:

Front:

Rear:

1996BlackXJ · 07-19-2009, 09:17 PM

Looks pretty clean and a decent price.

The rear axle is a Chrysler 8.25 axle which is stronger than the Dana 35. It also means the Jeep does not have ABS. I could explain the intricacies of the axle but if you search the forums you will find enough info to give a headache.

I'd buy that Jeep!

grnjp88 · 07-19-2009, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1996BlackXJ

I could explain the intricacies of the axle but if you search the forums you will find enough info to give a headache.

Haha, I was just researching that topic and I know what you mean!

I read the late '96 models may have the 29 spline as opposed to 27 on the earlier models. Guess I'll find out when I pick up the Jeep. (Hopefully)

Just gotta wait on the final word from the insurance company..

grnjp88 · 07-24-2009, 01:17 PM

Well, I ended up getting $6,300 from insurance.

I got the dealer down to $2,700 for the Cherokee, and if all goes according to plan, I should pick it up Monday or Tuesday. Nothing set in stone yet, though.

With the leftover insurance money, I figure I can get this XJ looking pretty nice!