XJ Reliability? Asking the pros!
 

Hi everybody--

I hate to post such an open-ended question, but I know there are a
bunch of knowledgable enthusiasts and professionals who watch these
newsgroups....so here goes:

I'm looking at purchasing a '97 Cherokee Sport (4x4, I-6, AT) for cheap
money. It's got 115K on it, and outside of the typical rattles you get
from this motor at idle, it's a fair sounding and running vehicle.
What I'd like to know is are there any particular points of failure
that I should carefully investigate prior to purchasing, or are there
good reasons why I should avoid this Jeep entirely? I'm a former
mechanic -- so the little stuff I'm not worried about, and I know this
engine has been around for ages, but (for instance) I'm not familiar
with the track record of the transmission.

If it matters, I'm really not intending to make it a dune runner or
rock crawler, just a daily driver with a 3-4" soft lift. I know the
axles aren't the strongest units, and I understand the exhaust
header/manifold has a propensity to crack, but that's about where my
vehicle-specific knowledge begins and ends.

Hey, thanks for all your input!

Jon

Re: XJ Reliability? Asking the pros!
 

Jon wrote:
> Hi everybody--
>
> I hate to post such an open-ended question, but I know there are a
> bunch of knowledgable enthusiasts and professionals who watch these
> newsgroups....so here goes:
>
> I'm looking at purchasing a '97 Cherokee Sport (4x4, I-6, AT) for
> cheap money. It's got 115K on it, and outside of the typical rattles
> you get from this motor at idle, it's a fair sounding and running
> vehicle. What I'd like to know is are there any particular points of
> failure that I should carefully investigate prior to purchasing, or
> are there good reasons why I should avoid this Jeep entirely? I'm a
> former mechanic -- so the little stuff I'm not worried about, and I
> know this engine has been around for ages, but (for instance) I'm not
> familiar with the track record of the transmission.
>
> If it matters, I'm really not intending to make it a dune runner or
> rock crawler, just a daily driver with a 3-4" soft lift. I know the
> axles aren't the strongest units, and I understand the exhaust
> header/manifold has a propensity to crack, but that's about where my
> vehicle-specific knowledge begins and ends.
>
> Hey, thanks for all your input!

FWIW, I've got a 93 ZJ with the I6 so just speaking to the engine
and transmision (which IIRC the models share in common)

115k isn't much for the I6. The timing chain has at leat 200k on
it. Apart from the belts/hoses/rubberfiddlybits there isn't much.

I'd bet that rattle is a cracked exhaust manifold. That's very common.
Mine cracked at about 100k and I stuck a Banks header on.

The transmission is also bulletproof (if the original owner actually
changed fluid) The most you have to do is do a filter and ATF change.
Possibly adjust the bands, and that's it.

Transfer case is another issue. I'd be checking the fluid level
to make sure it wasn't ran dry. The chain in there can stretch.

It's probably due for a check of the track arms, stablizer bushings,
steering joints and similar. I just finished replacing the inner
right drag link end. Steering stablizer as well...

You can see the repairs I've had to make on my site. Those are
about it.

--
-- DougW -- 93 ZJ 4.0 http://revbeergoggles.com
HESCO Supercharger - 300W IASCA Stereo - Edelbrock IAS Shocks
Gibson Exhaust - rear DCpower - custom gauge install - Stillen Rotors
Banks Header - and BEER, in the fridge!

Re: XJ Reliability? Asking the pros!
 

Jon wrote:
> Hi everybody--
>
> I hate to post such an open-ended question, but I know there are a
> bunch of knowledgable enthusiasts and professionals who watch these
> newsgroups....so here goes:
>
> I'm looking at purchasing a '97 Cherokee Sport (4x4, I-6, AT) for
> cheap money. It's got 115K on it, and outside of the typical rattles
> you get from this motor at idle, it's a fair sounding and running
> vehicle. What I'd like to know is are there any particular points of
> failure that I should carefully investigate prior to purchasing, or
> are there good reasons why I should avoid this Jeep entirely? I'm a
> former mechanic -- so the little stuff I'm not worried about, and I
> know this engine has been around for ages, but (for instance) I'm not
> familiar with the track record of the transmission.
>
> If it matters, I'm really not intending to make it a dune runner or
> rock crawler, just a daily driver with a 3-4" soft lift. I know the
> axles aren't the strongest units, and I understand the exhaust
> header/manifold has a propensity to crack, but that's about where my
> vehicle-specific knowledge begins and ends.
>
> Hey, thanks for all your input!

FWIW, I've got a 93 ZJ with the I6 so just speaking to the engine
and transmision (which IIRC the models share in common)

115k isn't much for the I6. The timing chain has at leat 200k on
it. Apart from the belts/hoses/rubberfiddlybits there isn't much.

I'd bet that rattle is a cracked exhaust manifold. That's very common.
Mine cracked at about 100k and I stuck a Banks header on.

The transmission is also bulletproof (if the original owner actually
changed fluid) The most you have to do is do a filter and ATF change.
Possibly adjust the bands, and that's it.

Transfer case is another issue. I'd be checking the fluid level
to make sure it wasn't ran dry. The chain in there can stretch.

It's probably due for a check of the track arms, stablizer bushings,
steering joints and similar. I just finished replacing the inner
right drag link end. Steering stablizer as well...

You can see the repairs I've had to make on my site. Those are
about it.

--
-- DougW -- 93 ZJ 4.0 http://revbeergoggles.com
HESCO Supercharger - 300W IASCA Stereo - Edelbrock IAS Shocks
Gibson Exhaust - rear DCpower - custom gauge install - Stillen Rotors
Banks Header - and BEER, in the fridge!

Re: XJ Reliability? Asking the pros!
 

Jon wrote:
> Hi everybody--
>
> I hate to post such an open-ended question, but I know there are a
> bunch of knowledgable enthusiasts and professionals who watch these
> newsgroups....so here goes:
>
> I'm looking at purchasing a '97 Cherokee Sport (4x4, I-6, AT) for
> cheap money. It's got 115K on it, and outside of the typical rattles
> you get from this motor at idle, it's a fair sounding and running
> vehicle. What I'd like to know is are there any particular points of
> failure that I should carefully investigate prior to purchasing, or
> are there good reasons why I should avoid this Jeep entirely? I'm a
> former mechanic -- so the little stuff I'm not worried about, and I
> know this engine has been around for ages, but (for instance) I'm not
> familiar with the track record of the transmission.
>
> If it matters, I'm really not intending to make it a dune runner or
> rock crawler, just a daily driver with a 3-4" soft lift. I know the
> axles aren't the strongest units, and I understand the exhaust
> header/manifold has a propensity to crack, but that's about where my
> vehicle-specific knowledge begins and ends.
>
> Hey, thanks for all your input!

FWIW, I've got a 93 ZJ with the I6 so just speaking to the engine
and transmision (which IIRC the models share in common)

115k isn't much for the I6. The timing chain has at leat 200k on
it. Apart from the belts/hoses/rubberfiddlybits there isn't much.

I'd bet that rattle is a cracked exhaust manifold. That's very common.
Mine cracked at about 100k and I stuck a Banks header on.

The transmission is also bulletproof (if the original owner actually
changed fluid) The most you have to do is do a filter and ATF change.
Possibly adjust the bands, and that's it.

Transfer case is another issue. I'd be checking the fluid level
to make sure it wasn't ran dry. The chain in there can stretch.

It's probably due for a check of the track arms, stablizer bushings,
steering joints and similar. I just finished replacing the inner
right drag link end. Steering stablizer as well...

You can see the repairs I've had to make on my site. Those are
about it.

--
-- DougW -- 93 ZJ 4.0 http://revbeergoggles.com
HESCO Supercharger - 300W IASCA Stereo - Edelbrock IAS Shocks
Gibson Exhaust - rear DCpower - custom gauge install - Stillen Rotors
Banks Header - and BEER, in the fridge!

Re: XJ Reliability? Asking the pros!
 

I vote that you buy it!
Just make sure you have no overheating problems and that the 4x4 works well.
Of course make sure that it has been in no major accidents. ;-)

JMHO
later,
dave AKA vwdoc1
'88 XJ 4.0 auto 4x4

Jon wrote:
> Hi everybody--
>
> I hate to post such an open-ended question, but I know there are a
> bunch of knowledgable enthusiasts and professionals who watch these
> newsgroups....so here goes:
>
> I'm looking at purchasing a '97 Cherokee Sport (4x4, I-6, AT) for cheap
> money. It's got 115K on it, and outside of the typical rattles you get
> from this motor at idle, it's a fair sounding and running vehicle.
> What I'd like to know is are there any particular points of failure
> that I should carefully investigate prior to purchasing, or are there
> good reasons why I should avoid this Jeep entirely? I'm a former
> mechanic -- so the little stuff I'm not worried about, and I know this
> engine has been around for ages, but (for instance) I'm not familiar
> with the track record of the transmission.
>
> If it matters, I'm really not intending to make it a dune runner or
> rock crawler, just a daily driver with a 3-4" soft lift. I know the
> axles aren't the strongest units, and I understand the exhaust
> header/manifold has a propensity to crack, but that's about where my
> vehicle-specific knowledge begins and ends.
>
> Hey, thanks for all your input!
>
> Jon
>

Re: XJ Reliability? Asking the pros!
 

I vote that you buy it!
Just make sure you have no overheating problems and that the 4x4 works well.
Of course make sure that it has been in no major accidents. ;-)

JMHO
later,
dave AKA vwdoc1
'88 XJ 4.0 auto 4x4

Jon wrote:
> Hi everybody--
>
> I hate to post such an open-ended question, but I know there are a
> bunch of knowledgable enthusiasts and professionals who watch these
> newsgroups....so here goes:
>
> I'm looking at purchasing a '97 Cherokee Sport (4x4, I-6, AT) for cheap
> money. It's got 115K on it, and outside of the typical rattles you get
> from this motor at idle, it's a fair sounding and running vehicle.
> What I'd like to know is are there any particular points of failure
> that I should carefully investigate prior to purchasing, or are there
> good reasons why I should avoid this Jeep entirely? I'm a former
> mechanic -- so the little stuff I'm not worried about, and I know this
> engine has been around for ages, but (for instance) I'm not familiar
> with the track record of the transmission.
>
> If it matters, I'm really not intending to make it a dune runner or
> rock crawler, just a daily driver with a 3-4" soft lift. I know the
> axles aren't the strongest units, and I understand the exhaust
> header/manifold has a propensity to crack, but that's about where my
> vehicle-specific knowledge begins and ends.
>
> Hey, thanks for all your input!
>
> Jon
>

Re: XJ Reliability? Asking the pros!
 

I vote that you buy it!
Just make sure you have no overheating problems and that the 4x4 works well.
Of course make sure that it has been in no major accidents. ;-)

JMHO
later,
dave AKA vwdoc1
'88 XJ 4.0 auto 4x4

Jon wrote:
> Hi everybody--
>
> I hate to post such an open-ended question, but I know there are a
> bunch of knowledgable enthusiasts and professionals who watch these
> newsgroups....so here goes:
>
> I'm looking at purchasing a '97 Cherokee Sport (4x4, I-6, AT) for cheap
> money. It's got 115K on it, and outside of the typical rattles you get
> from this motor at idle, it's a fair sounding and running vehicle.
> What I'd like to know is are there any particular points of failure
> that I should carefully investigate prior to purchasing, or are there
> good reasons why I should avoid this Jeep entirely? I'm a former
> mechanic -- so the little stuff I'm not worried about, and I know this
> engine has been around for ages, but (for instance) I'm not familiar
> with the track record of the transmission.
>
> If it matters, I'm really not intending to make it a dune runner or
> rock crawler, just a daily driver with a 3-4" soft lift. I know the
> axles aren't the strongest units, and I understand the exhaust
> header/manifold has a propensity to crack, but that's about where my
> vehicle-specific knowledge begins and ends.
>
> Hey, thanks for all your input!
>
> Jon
>

Re: XJ Reliability? Asking the pros!
 

I have 2, and 88 and an 87 one with 315K km and the other with 285K km.
The second one's engine runs well but is tired, the 1st ones is strong
still and only uses one liter of oil between changes.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

Jon wrote:
>
> Hi everybody--
>
> I hate to post such an open-ended question, but I know there are a
> bunch of knowledgable enthusiasts and professionals who watch these
> newsgroups....so here goes:
>
> I'm looking at purchasing a '97 Cherokee Sport (4x4, I-6, AT) for cheap
> money. It's got 115K on it, and outside of the typical rattles you get
> from this motor at idle, it's a fair sounding and running vehicle.
> What I'd like to know is are there any particular points of failure
> that I should carefully investigate prior to purchasing, or are there
> good reasons why I should avoid this Jeep entirely? I'm a former
> mechanic -- so the little stuff I'm not worried about, and I know this
> engine has been around for ages, but (for instance) I'm not familiar
> with the track record of the transmission.
>
> If it matters, I'm really not intending to make it a dune runner or
> rock crawler, just a daily driver with a 3-4" soft lift. I know the
> axles aren't the strongest units, and I understand the exhaust
> header/manifold has a propensity to crack, but that's about where my
> vehicle-specific knowledge begins and ends.
>
> Hey, thanks for all your input!
>
> Jon

Re: XJ Reliability? Asking the pros!
 

I have 2, and 88 and an 87 one with 315K km and the other with 285K km.
The second one's engine runs well but is tired, the 1st ones is strong
still and only uses one liter of oil between changes.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

Jon wrote:
>
> Hi everybody--
>
> I hate to post such an open-ended question, but I know there are a
> bunch of knowledgable enthusiasts and professionals who watch these
> newsgroups....so here goes:
>
> I'm looking at purchasing a '97 Cherokee Sport (4x4, I-6, AT) for cheap
> money. It's got 115K on it, and outside of the typical rattles you get
> from this motor at idle, it's a fair sounding and running vehicle.
> What I'd like to know is are there any particular points of failure
> that I should carefully investigate prior to purchasing, or are there
> good reasons why I should avoid this Jeep entirely? I'm a former
> mechanic -- so the little stuff I'm not worried about, and I know this
> engine has been around for ages, but (for instance) I'm not familiar
> with the track record of the transmission.
>
> If it matters, I'm really not intending to make it a dune runner or
> rock crawler, just a daily driver with a 3-4" soft lift. I know the
> axles aren't the strongest units, and I understand the exhaust
> header/manifold has a propensity to crack, but that's about where my
> vehicle-specific knowledge begins and ends.
>
> Hey, thanks for all your input!
>
> Jon

Re: XJ Reliability? Asking the pros!
 

I have 2, and 88 and an 87 one with 315K km and the other with 285K km.
The second one's engine runs well but is tired, the 1st ones is strong
still and only uses one liter of oil between changes.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

Jon wrote:
>
> Hi everybody--
>
> I hate to post such an open-ended question, but I know there are a
> bunch of knowledgable enthusiasts and professionals who watch these
> newsgroups....so here goes:
>
> I'm looking at purchasing a '97 Cherokee Sport (4x4, I-6, AT) for cheap
> money. It's got 115K on it, and outside of the typical rattles you get
> from this motor at idle, it's a fair sounding and running vehicle.
> What I'd like to know is are there any particular points of failure
> that I should carefully investigate prior to purchasing, or are there
> good reasons why I should avoid this Jeep entirely? I'm a former
> mechanic -- so the little stuff I'm not worried about, and I know this
> engine has been around for ages, but (for instance) I'm not familiar
> with the track record of the transmission.
>
> If it matters, I'm really not intending to make it a dune runner or
> rock crawler, just a daily driver with a 3-4" soft lift. I know the
> axles aren't the strongest units, and I understand the exhaust
> header/manifold has a propensity to crack, but that's about where my
> vehicle-specific knowledge begins and ends.
>
> Hey, thanks for all your input!
>
> Jon

Re: XJ Reliability? Asking the pros!
 

Thanks for your reviews and advice, fellas -- we'll see how far he
bends on the price! MN vehicle transplanted to CA....

Jon


Mike Romain wrote:
> I have 2, and 88 and an 87 one with 315K km and the other with 285K km.
> The second one's engine runs well but is tired, the 1st ones is strong
> still and only uses one liter of oil between changes.
>
> Mike
> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
>
> Jon wrote:
> >
> > Hi everybody--
> >
> > I hate to post such an open-ended question, but I know there are a
> > bunch of knowledgable enthusiasts and professionals who watch these
> > newsgroups....so here goes:
> >
> > I'm looking at purchasing a '97 Cherokee Sport (4x4, I-6, AT) for cheap
> > money. It's got 115K on it, and outside of the typical rattles you get
> > from this motor at idle, it's a fair sounding and running vehicle.
> > What I'd like to know is are there any particular points of failure
> > that I should carefully investigate prior to purchasing, or are there
> > good reasons why I should avoid this Jeep entirely? I'm a former
> > mechanic -- so the little stuff I'm not worried about, and I know this
> > engine has been around for ages, but (for instance) I'm not familiar
> > with the track record of the transmission.
> >
> > If it matters, I'm really not intending to make it a dune runner or
> > rock crawler, just a daily driver with a 3-4" soft lift. I know the
> > axles aren't the strongest units, and I understand the exhaust
> > header/manifold has a propensity to crack, but that's about where my
> > vehicle-specific knowledge begins and ends.
> >
> > Hey, thanks for all your input!
> >
> > Jon

Re: XJ Reliability? Asking the pros!
 

Thanks for your reviews and advice, fellas -- we'll see how far he
bends on the price! MN vehicle transplanted to CA....

Jon


Mike Romain wrote:
> I have 2, and 88 and an 87 one with 315K km and the other with 285K km.
> The second one's engine runs well but is tired, the 1st ones is strong
> still and only uses one liter of oil between changes.
>
> Mike
> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
>
> Jon wrote:
> >
> > Hi everybody--
> >
> > I hate to post such an open-ended question, but I know there are a
> > bunch of knowledgable enthusiasts and professionals who watch these
> > newsgroups....so here goes:
> >
> > I'm looking at purchasing a '97 Cherokee Sport (4x4, I-6, AT) for cheap
> > money. It's got 115K on it, and outside of the typical rattles you get
> > from this motor at idle, it's a fair sounding and running vehicle.
> > What I'd like to know is are there any particular points of failure
> > that I should carefully investigate prior to purchasing, or are there
> > good reasons why I should avoid this Jeep entirely? I'm a former
> > mechanic -- so the little stuff I'm not worried about, and I know this
> > engine has been around for ages, but (for instance) I'm not familiar
> > with the track record of the transmission.
> >
> > If it matters, I'm really not intending to make it a dune runner or
> > rock crawler, just a daily driver with a 3-4" soft lift. I know the
> > axles aren't the strongest units, and I understand the exhaust
> > header/manifold has a propensity to crack, but that's about where my
> > vehicle-specific knowledge begins and ends.
> >
> > Hey, thanks for all your input!
> >
> > Jon

Re: XJ Reliability? Asking the pros!
 

Thanks for your reviews and advice, fellas -- we'll see how far he
bends on the price! MN vehicle transplanted to CA....

Jon


Mike Romain wrote:
> I have 2, and 88 and an 87 one with 315K km and the other with 285K km.
> The second one's engine runs well but is tired, the 1st ones is strong
> still and only uses one liter of oil between changes.
>
> Mike
> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
>
> Jon wrote:
> >
> > Hi everybody--
> >
> > I hate to post such an open-ended question, but I know there are a
> > bunch of knowledgable enthusiasts and professionals who watch these
> > newsgroups....so here goes:
> >
> > I'm looking at purchasing a '97 Cherokee Sport (4x4, I-6, AT) for cheap
> > money. It's got 115K on it, and outside of the typical rattles you get
> > from this motor at idle, it's a fair sounding and running vehicle.
> > What I'd like to know is are there any particular points of failure
> > that I should carefully investigate prior to purchasing, or are there
> > good reasons why I should avoid this Jeep entirely? I'm a former
> > mechanic -- so the little stuff I'm not worried about, and I know this
> > engine has been around for ages, but (for instance) I'm not familiar
> > with the track record of the transmission.
> >
> > If it matters, I'm really not intending to make it a dune runner or
> > rock crawler, just a daily driver with a 3-4" soft lift. I know the
> > axles aren't the strongest units, and I understand the exhaust
> > header/manifold has a propensity to crack, but that's about where my
> > vehicle-specific knowledge begins and ends.
> >
> > Hey, thanks for all your input!
> >
> > Jon

Re: XJ Reliability? Asking the pros!
 

Jon wrote:
> Thanks for your reviews and advice, fellas -- we'll see how far he
> bends on the price! MN vehicle transplanted to CA....

Hold on, up north they use lots of salt Cherokee's do rust easier than a
lot of cars. check up undernieth for rust... if there's none look
harder, if you still don't see any check up INSIDE the rear most leaf
spring "bucket" above the spring shackle, and then check (with
flashlight) behind the rear bumper between the gas tank and look at the
floor sheet metal above the tank and the gas tank's metal retaining
straps. A Canadian or Northern US Cherokee should be immediately suspect
no matter what age... even a 2001.

Rust shouldn't be a deal breaker especially on a truck that probably
doesn't cost more than a grand or three but you should know what you're
getting. I've seen relatively new XJ's that had rust through in these areas.

--
Simon
"I may be wrong, but I'm not uncertain." -- Robert A. Heinlein

Re: XJ Reliability? Asking the pros!
 

Jon wrote:
> Thanks for your reviews and advice, fellas -- we'll see how far he
> bends on the price! MN vehicle transplanted to CA....

Hold on, up north they use lots of salt Cherokee's do rust easier than a
lot of cars. check up undernieth for rust... if there's none look
harder, if you still don't see any check up INSIDE the rear most leaf
spring "bucket" above the spring shackle, and then check (with
flashlight) behind the rear bumper between the gas tank and look at the
floor sheet metal above the tank and the gas tank's metal retaining
straps. A Canadian or Northern US Cherokee should be immediately suspect
no matter what age... even a 2001.

Rust shouldn't be a deal breaker especially on a truck that probably
doesn't cost more than a grand or three but you should know what you're
getting. I've seen relatively new XJ's that had rust through in these areas.

--
Simon
"I may be wrong, but I'm not uncertain." -- Robert A. Heinlein

Re: XJ Reliability? Asking the pros!
 

Jon wrote:
> Thanks for your reviews and advice, fellas -- we'll see how far he
> bends on the price! MN vehicle transplanted to CA....

Hold on, up north they use lots of salt Cherokee's do rust easier than a
lot of cars. check up undernieth for rust... if there's none look
harder, if you still don't see any check up INSIDE the rear most leaf
spring "bucket" above the spring shackle, and then check (with
flashlight) behind the rear bumper between the gas tank and look at the
floor sheet metal above the tank and the gas tank's metal retaining
straps. A Canadian or Northern US Cherokee should be immediately suspect
no matter what age... even a 2001.

Rust shouldn't be a deal breaker especially on a truck that probably
doesn't cost more than a grand or three but you should know what you're
getting. I've seen relatively new XJ's that had rust through in these areas.

--
Simon
"I may be wrong, but I'm not uncertain." -- Robert A. Heinlein

Re: XJ Reliability? Asking the pros!
 

Also check under the driver's side floormat.

"Simon Juncal" <SPAMERSSUCK@usefirstinitialandlastnameATerols.com > wrote in
message news:-uSdnbRHYquDsLPYnZ2dnUVZ_tGdnZ2d@rcn.net...
> Jon wrote:
>> Thanks for your reviews and advice, fellas -- we'll see how far he
>> bends on the price! MN vehicle transplanted to CA....
>
> Hold on, up north they use lots of salt Cherokee's do rust easier than a
> lot of cars. check up undernieth for rust... if there's none look harder,
> if you still don't see any check up INSIDE the rear most leaf spring
> "bucket" above the spring shackle, and then check (with flashlight) behind
> the rear bumper between the gas tank and look at the floor sheet metal
> above the tank and the gas tank's metal retaining straps. A Canadian or
> Northern US Cherokee should be immediately suspect no matter what age...
> even a 2001.
>
> Rust shouldn't be a deal breaker especially on a truck that probably
> doesn't cost more than a grand or three but you should know what you're
> getting. I've seen relatively new XJ's that had rust through in these
> areas.
>
> --
> Simon
> "I may be wrong, but I'm not uncertain." -- Robert A. Heinlein

Re: XJ Reliability? Asking the pros!
 

Also check under the driver's side floormat.

"Simon Juncal" <SPAMERSSUCK@usefirstinitialandlastnameATerols.com > wrote in
message news:-uSdnbRHYquDsLPYnZ2dnUVZ_tGdnZ2d@rcn.net...
> Jon wrote:
>> Thanks for your reviews and advice, fellas -- we'll see how far he
>> bends on the price! MN vehicle transplanted to CA....
>
> Hold on, up north they use lots of salt Cherokee's do rust easier than a
> lot of cars. check up undernieth for rust... if there's none look harder,
> if you still don't see any check up INSIDE the rear most leaf spring
> "bucket" above the spring shackle, and then check (with flashlight) behind
> the rear bumper between the gas tank and look at the floor sheet metal
> above the tank and the gas tank's metal retaining straps. A Canadian or
> Northern US Cherokee should be immediately suspect no matter what age...
> even a 2001.
>
> Rust shouldn't be a deal breaker especially on a truck that probably
> doesn't cost more than a grand or three but you should know what you're
> getting. I've seen relatively new XJ's that had rust through in these
> areas.
>
> --
> Simon
> "I may be wrong, but I'm not uncertain." -- Robert A. Heinlein

Re: XJ Reliability? Asking the pros!
 

Also check under the driver's side floormat.

"Simon Juncal" <SPAMERSSUCK@usefirstinitialandlastnameATerols.com > wrote in
message news:-uSdnbRHYquDsLPYnZ2dnUVZ_tGdnZ2d@rcn.net...
> Jon wrote:
>> Thanks for your reviews and advice, fellas -- we'll see how far he
>> bends on the price! MN vehicle transplanted to CA....
>
> Hold on, up north they use lots of salt Cherokee's do rust easier than a
> lot of cars. check up undernieth for rust... if there's none look harder,
> if you still don't see any check up INSIDE the rear most leaf spring
> "bucket" above the spring shackle, and then check (with flashlight) behind
> the rear bumper between the gas tank and look at the floor sheet metal
> above the tank and the gas tank's metal retaining straps. A Canadian or
> Northern US Cherokee should be immediately suspect no matter what age...
> even a 2001.
>
> Rust shouldn't be a deal breaker especially on a truck that probably
> doesn't cost more than a grand or three but you should know what you're
> getting. I've seen relatively new XJ's that had rust through in these
> areas.
>
> --
> Simon
> "I may be wrong, but I'm not uncertain." -- Robert A. Heinlein

Re: XJ Reliability? Asking the pros!
 

Matt Macchiarolo wrote:
> Also check under the driver's side floormat.

yeah if possible. The rubber backed carpet is a great sound deadener and
moisture trapper.

--
Simon
"I may be wrong, but I'm not uncertain." -- Robert A. Heinlein

Re: XJ Reliability? Asking the pros!
 

Matt Macchiarolo wrote:
> Also check under the driver's side floormat.

yeah if possible. The rubber backed carpet is a great sound deadener and
moisture trapper.

--
Simon
"I may be wrong, but I'm not uncertain." -- Robert A. Heinlein

Re: XJ Reliability? Asking the pros!
 

Matt Macchiarolo wrote:
> Also check under the driver's side floormat.

yeah if possible. The rubber backed carpet is a great sound deadener and
moisture trapper.

--
Simon
"I may be wrong, but I'm not uncertain." -- Robert A. Heinlein

Re: XJ Reliability? Asking the pros!
 

On Oct 6, 1:45 pm, "Jon" <jongodd...@gmail.com> wrote:

> I hate to post such an open-ended question, but I know there are a
> bunch of knowledgable enthusiasts and professionals who watch these
> newsgroups....so here goes:

I'll follow up with another one. :-)

I just bought a '99 XJ with 142k miles on it. I think it's pretty
solid mechanically, and there's minimal rust (although more than I'd
initially thought...). I'm not going to be going crazy off-road with
it; it's for getting to the slopes, camping, and hauling the dogs (all
things my MINI's not necessarily the best choice for).

The clutch, throw-out bearing, master and slave cylinders, front brakes
and rear drums are all new. I'm pretty sure it needs shocks. What
other components should I start getting ready to replace? Suspension
bushings, steering stabilizer, that kind of thing?

This is my 6th Cherokee since '92, or so (and I've gone about 3 years
without one). I'm comfortable with them, but I've never been much for
changing things *before* they become a problem... ;-)

Re: XJ Reliability? Asking the pros!
 

On Oct 6, 1:45 pm, "Jon" <jongodd...@gmail.com> wrote:

> I hate to post such an open-ended question, but I know there are a
> bunch of knowledgable enthusiasts and professionals who watch these
> newsgroups....so here goes:

I'll follow up with another one. :-)

I just bought a '99 XJ with 142k miles on it. I think it's pretty
solid mechanically, and there's minimal rust (although more than I'd
initially thought...). I'm not going to be going crazy off-road with
it; it's for getting to the slopes, camping, and hauling the dogs (all
things my MINI's not necessarily the best choice for).

The clutch, throw-out bearing, master and slave cylinders, front brakes
and rear drums are all new. I'm pretty sure it needs shocks. What
other components should I start getting ready to replace? Suspension
bushings, steering stabilizer, that kind of thing?

This is my 6th Cherokee since '92, or so (and I've gone about 3 years
without one). I'm comfortable with them, but I've never been much for
changing things *before* they become a problem... ;-)

Re: XJ Reliability? Asking the pros!
 

On Oct 6, 1:45 pm, "Jon" <jongodd...@gmail.com> wrote:

> I hate to post such an open-ended question, but I know there are a
> bunch of knowledgable enthusiasts and professionals who watch these
> newsgroups....so here goes:

I'll follow up with another one. :-)

I just bought a '99 XJ with 142k miles on it. I think it's pretty
solid mechanically, and there's minimal rust (although more than I'd
initially thought...). I'm not going to be going crazy off-road with
it; it's for getting to the slopes, camping, and hauling the dogs (all
things my MINI's not necessarily the best choice for).

The clutch, throw-out bearing, master and slave cylinders, front brakes
and rear drums are all new. I'm pretty sure it needs shocks. What
other components should I start getting ready to replace? Suspension
bushings, steering stabilizer, that kind of thing?

This is my 6th Cherokee since '92, or so (and I've gone about 3 years
without one). I'm comfortable with them, but I've never been much for
changing things *before* they become a problem... ;-)

Re: XJ Reliability? Asking the pros!
 

I assume it's the same as the TJs in one regard: crappy plastic
radiator. That's one more thing I think you unfortunately should plan
on if it hasn't been replaced (probably has in one of that vintage). Of
course if you're a mechanic that may fall under "minor things"-not for
me, who took all weekend to do it :)

Matt

Re: XJ Reliability? Asking the pros!
 

I assume it's the same as the TJs in one regard: crappy plastic
radiator. That's one more thing I think you unfortunately should plan
on if it hasn't been replaced (probably has in one of that vintage). Of
course if you're a mechanic that may fall under "minor things"-not for
me, who took all weekend to do it :)

Matt

Re: XJ Reliability? Asking the pros!
 

I assume it's the same as the TJs in one regard: crappy plastic
radiator. That's one more thing I think you unfortunately should plan
on if it hasn't been replaced (probably has in one of that vintage). Of
course if you're a mechanic that may fall under "minor things"-not for
me, who took all weekend to do it :)

Matt

Re: XJ Reliability? Asking the pros!
 

On Oct 17, 3:24 pm, "mhamm...@nospamyahoo.com" <mhamm...@yahoo.com>
wrote:

> I assume it's the same as the TJs in one regard: crappy plastic
> radiator. That's one more thing I think you unfortunately should plan
> on if it hasn't been replaced (probably has in one of that vintage). Of
> course if you're a mechanic that may fall under "minor things"-not for
> me, who took all weekend to do it :)

It's not (yet) leaking, so I'll probably leave it unless I have some
overheating issues. Both my '90 and '93 XJs had problems with
overheating. I put a 3-core radiator in the '93 and it never ran hot
again. I'll definitely keep that in mind for this one, tho! :-)

Re: XJ Reliability? Asking the pros!
 

On Oct 17, 3:24 pm, "mhamm...@nospamyahoo.com" <mhamm...@yahoo.com>
wrote:

> I assume it's the same as the TJs in one regard: crappy plastic
> radiator. That's one more thing I think you unfortunately should plan
> on if it hasn't been replaced (probably has in one of that vintage). Of
> course if you're a mechanic that may fall under "minor things"-not for
> me, who took all weekend to do it :)

It's not (yet) leaking, so I'll probably leave it unless I have some
overheating issues. Both my '90 and '93 XJs had problems with
overheating. I put a 3-core radiator in the '93 and it never ran hot
again. I'll definitely keep that in mind for this one, tho! :-)

Re: XJ Reliability? Asking the pros!
 

On Oct 17, 3:24 pm, "mhamm...@nospamyahoo.com" <mhamm...@yahoo.com>
wrote:

> I assume it's the same as the TJs in one regard: crappy plastic
> radiator. That's one more thing I think you unfortunately should plan
> on if it hasn't been replaced (probably has in one of that vintage). Of
> course if you're a mechanic that may fall under "minor things"-not for
> me, who took all weekend to do it :)

It's not (yet) leaking, so I'll probably leave it unless I have some
overheating issues. Both my '90 and '93 XJs had problems with
overheating. I put a 3-core radiator in the '93 and it never ran hot
again. I'll definitely keep that in mind for this one, tho! :-)