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V

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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
I posted in General but I thought I might get more response in this section.

I'm thinking of getting a cherokee what are some of the pro's and con's? What kind of stuff should I look for (ie:engine,trannie,axles etc.)? Any info appreciated.


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76 Jimmy 4" lift,3" body lift, 37" tires,lights and other great stuff.
www.teamrush.web.com
 
C

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#2 ·
I'll asume you are asking about the XJ (downsize) Cherokee.

-91 & newer has the best fuel injection system
-90 & older have a slight bit more room in the fenders for large tires
-88 & 89 sometimes had the D44 rear
-get the 4.0 stright six
-DO NOT get the V6 - it's junk
-look for cracks at the top of the window pillars and around the control arm mounts.
-the rear springs should not be negative arch. They are nearly flat, but not negative.
-the Auto is a great tranny
-the early 5 speed (pre 91?) is weak and expensive to work on. Dodge Nv4500 is the best swap.



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Chris S.
2002 KJ - staying stock (almost)
2000 TJ - 2" suspension lift, 1/2" body lift, assorted skids, hooks, rock rails, rock lights, 33" BFG MTs, custom bumper, Warn 8274
Mud Puppy's Jeep site
 
R

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#3 ·
Chris covered most of the major points but a couple of things to add when you are looking:
- air conditioning does not always indicate that a 2 core radiator was factory installed. The tow package or 'Up Country' package gets the larger radiator along with the transmission cooler for an auto
- 2 transfer cases to consider the np231 &
np242, ignoring early Cherokees. The 231 is a standard oferring with 2H, 4H, N, 4L and can be with the manual or auto transmissions. The 242 provides the above selections plus a 'full time' selection which can be driven on dry pavement. This extra transfer case selection is not much use off road but on pavement it works great in the slushy snow with patches of clear pavement. There are less 'shaft' eliminator kits available foir the 242 than the 231.
- Brakes, in my opinion, have been a weakness of the XJs. Avoid the early ABS systems, my '90 has been through 3 pumps, acutators, and associated hardware in it's 192K kms. Later model Cherokees, mid & up '90s I believe, upgraded their braking systems for both ABS & non ABS.


Hope that helps, good luck Cherokee hunting!

Rob Hogg
'90 XJ / '01 TJ
 
D

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#4 ·
Check to make sure that the front vaccume locks the axle. Had one with problem and ended up just putting in a spacer to lock it all the time. With it being a uni-body make sure it has not been crashed or thrashed.

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86 CJ7 4" lift 33" tires, rear powlock
and much more to come
 
C

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#5 ·
should get one, so much fun
have a 98 cherokee sport and the only thing
i am pissed about is that i didn't get
one sooner.
4.0L is excellent and fairly good on fuel.
it goes anywhere i can walk.

cheers: eric


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when i die ,the jeep goes with me!
 
C

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#7 ·
The Xj is a heavy vehicle,and the 4 cyl is just not enough to move it. IMHO get teh 4.0 or you will just be wishing for an engine swap later.

Of course, if the price is cheap enough and you can find an older Xj with a mint body and a blown engine you could just go straight to a Chevy engine and Nv4500 tranny.


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Chris S.
2002 KJ - staying stock (almost)
2000 TJ - 2" suspension lift, 1/2" body lift, assorted skids, hooks, rock rails, rock lights, 33" BFG MTs, custom bumper, Warn 8274
Mud Puppy's Jeep site
 
M

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#11 ·
Would a 360 fit into my Cherokee? Anyone out there done this swap?

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80 Cj5, 360amc, Swampers, Custom 5in. lift, Off Road only
92 XJ 6" Rubicon, 32s, strictly street
 
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