Monte Castleman

In article <oaKdnbsB5Z12K7Pd4p2dnA@comcast.com>, askme@nospam.com says...
>
>
>Been looking into picking up a used Cherokee and I was wondering if anyone
>knew of any wwwsites that give some specs (Select-Trac vs Command-Trac, etc)
>on the various years. Here in the Denver area, there's a lot of them out
>there, but I want to have a good grasp on what's *really* out there. I've
>heard of exhaust manifold issues, just how prevalent are they?
>
>Any advice what to look out for; years/engines/t-cases to avoid or search
>for is greatly appreciated.

My thoughts:

*Cherokees with lots of options on aren't much more expensive than those that
aren't, but aren't as common since people that wanted/could afford that type
of stuff tended to by Grands.

*Likewise, the AWD "Select Trac" would be desirable if you could find it, but
was also more common on Grands.

*Depending on how you want to use it, skid plates and the limited slip
"Trac-Loc" rear differential could be nice.

*Newer Cherokees (After 97?) have a much more refined interior, but seem to
be built a little cheaper.

*Avoid the base model, because many of these came without things you really
want, like the extra gauges and the inline six engine.

*Stock cooling ain't that great. If you want to tow, definately find one with
the towing package.

*Fluid leaks are endemic to this vehicle, and you probably won't find an
older one without a few unless the owner has been meticulous. Some (oil
filter adapter, valve cover gasket) are a snap to fix. Others (transfer case
seals, rear main seal), are a lot harder.

*Another trouble spot on older ones is the cruise control switch. The wires
are exposed and are worn by turn signal action, and tend to break internally.
The shop had to dismantle my steering wheel to replace the stalk.

*There's no glaring weaknesses that has shown up over time like the Ford
Explorer trannies. Like any other vehicle, there's things that are close to
perfection (engine and tranny), and things that could be better, or that you
personally don't like. A good vehicle is one where you complain that the
window switches aren't lighted, not that the engine is a piece of junk.
--

Monte Castleman, <<Spamfilter in Use>>
Bloomington, MN to email, remove the "q" from my address

Monte Castleman

In article <oaKdnbsB5Z12K7Pd4p2dnA@comcast.com>, askme@nospam.com says...
>
>
>Been looking into picking up a used Cherokee and I was wondering if anyone
>knew of any wwwsites that give some specs (Select-Trac vs Command-Trac, etc)
>on the various years. Here in the Denver area, there's a lot of them out
>there, but I want to have a good grasp on what's *really* out there. I've
>heard of exhaust manifold issues, just how prevalent are they?
>
>Any advice what to look out for; years/engines/t-cases to avoid or search
>for is greatly appreciated.

My thoughts:

*Cherokees with lots of options on aren't much more expensive than those that
aren't, but aren't as common since people that wanted/could afford that type
of stuff tended to by Grands.

*Likewise, the AWD "Select Trac" would be desirable if you could find it, but
was also more common on Grands.

*Depending on how you want to use it, skid plates and the limited slip
"Trac-Loc" rear differential could be nice.

*Newer Cherokees (After 97?) have a much more refined interior, but seem to
be built a little cheaper.

*Avoid the base model, because many of these came without things you really
want, like the extra gauges and the inline six engine.

*Stock cooling ain't that great. If you want to tow, definately find one with
the towing package.

*Fluid leaks are endemic to this vehicle, and you probably won't find an
older one without a few unless the owner has been meticulous. Some (oil
filter adapter, valve cover gasket) are a snap to fix. Others (transfer case
seals, rear main seal), are a lot harder.

*Another trouble spot on older ones is the cruise control switch. The wires
are exposed and are worn by turn signal action, and tend to break internally.
The shop had to dismantle my steering wheel to replace the stalk.

*There's no glaring weaknesses that has shown up over time like the Ford
Explorer trannies. Like any other vehicle, there's things that are close to
perfection (engine and tranny), and things that could be better, or that you
personally don't like. A good vehicle is one where you complain that the
window switches aren't lighted, not that the engine is a piece of junk.
--

Monte Castleman, <<Spamfilter in Use>>
Bloomington, MN to email, remove the "q" from my address

Monte Castleman

In article <oaKdnbsB5Z12K7Pd4p2dnA@comcast.com>, askme@nospam.com says...
>
>
>Been looking into picking up a used Cherokee and I was wondering if anyone
>knew of any wwwsites that give some specs (Select-Trac vs Command-Trac, etc)
>on the various years. Here in the Denver area, there's a lot of them out
>there, but I want to have a good grasp on what's *really* out there. I've
>heard of exhaust manifold issues, just how prevalent are they?
>
>Any advice what to look out for; years/engines/t-cases to avoid or search
>for is greatly appreciated.

My thoughts:

*Cherokees with lots of options on aren't much more expensive than those that
aren't, but aren't as common since people that wanted/could afford that type
of stuff tended to by Grands.

*Likewise, the AWD "Select Trac" would be desirable if you could find it, but
was also more common on Grands.

*Depending on how you want to use it, skid plates and the limited slip
"Trac-Loc" rear differential could be nice.

*Newer Cherokees (After 97?) have a much more refined interior, but seem to
be built a little cheaper.

*Avoid the base model, because many of these came without things you really
want, like the extra gauges and the inline six engine.

*Stock cooling ain't that great. If you want to tow, definately find one with
the towing package.

*Fluid leaks are endemic to this vehicle, and you probably won't find an
older one without a few unless the owner has been meticulous. Some (oil
filter adapter, valve cover gasket) are a snap to fix. Others (transfer case
seals, rear main seal), are a lot harder.

*Another trouble spot on older ones is the cruise control switch. The wires
are exposed and are worn by turn signal action, and tend to break internally.
The shop had to dismantle my steering wheel to replace the stalk.

*There's no glaring weaknesses that has shown up over time like the Ford
Explorer trannies. Like any other vehicle, there's things that are close to
perfection (engine and tranny), and things that could be better, or that you
personally don't like. A good vehicle is one where you complain that the
window switches aren't lighted, not that the engine is a piece of junk.
--

Monte Castleman, <<Spamfilter in Use>>
Bloomington, MN to email, remove the "q" from my address