School me on Jeeps

[PureStang]

I'm wanting to get something to toy with for some wheeling and have been looking at some Jeep Cherokees, from 1999-2001. I know that I want the inline 6 automatic, but other than the drivetrain, I am pretty clueless on these vehicles

Any issues I should look out for? I know this is SVTP and not JeepForum, but I may be able to get a little less biased answers here.

Thanks!

 

[ModularFan]

Go on jeep forums, the 4.0L motors are pretty stout.
http://www.jeepforum.com/
http://www.cherokeeforum.com/
http://www.jeepgarage.org/
http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/

Just a few forums, to lurk on to check out.

 

[thepizz]

Buy a MT and it will never die.

 

[ModularFan]

Buy a MT and it will never die.

AX-15 stout tranny.

 

[thomas91169]

Rhymes with "Cheap".

'nuff said.

 

[thepizz]

Rhymes with "Cheap".

'nuff said.

1995 Wrangler....$10900 new. Only 3 batteries, 2 sets of tires, oil changes, and maybe $1000 in misc expenses since then. Yea, it's been a cheap 1 to own.

 

[Tractorman]

Just
Empty
Every
Pocket

 

[Broke]

Those are uni body's , so check for rust everywhere. Lift the carpets and look around the shackle points.

 

[RedRocketMike]

I see Cherokees on craigslist all the time for $1000-1500. I recall 96 being the "best" year for off roading, strongest diff or something. I'm sure it will serve that purpose well. Don't buy a Wrangler, it's a waste of money in comparison to the Cherokee (which is lighter too).

Don't buy it assuming it won't give you any trouble. Every time I hear someone recommend a Jeep as a daily because the 4.0 is dead reliable I want to wrap my hands around their neck. The engine may run for a long time(most engines do last a long time) but the power for it's size is weak, the economy is poor, manifolds cracking, and everything else under the hood is sub par Chrysler.

 

[corey d]

I dont now much about cherokees, but i have some knowledge of the wrangler JK's (2007 +). Jeepforum.com or pirate4x4.com would be good places to find info.

Well, i may as well post a pic or two of my 2008 wrangler with one or two mods.....

 

[ModularFan]

I see Cherokees on craigslist all the time for $1000-1500. I recall 96 being the "best" year for off roading, strongest diff or something. I'm sure it will serve that purpose well. Don't buy a Wrangler, it's a waste of money in comparison to the Cherokee (which is lighter too).

Don't buy it assuming it won't give you any trouble. Every time I hear someone recommend a Jeep as a daily because the 4.0 is dead reliable I want to wrap my hands around their neck. The engine may run for a long time(most engines do last a long time) but the power for it's size is weak, the economy is poor, manifolds cracking, and everything else under the hood is sub par Chrysler.

Thats why you need to find one in the AMC Era 84-96.

 

[zak88lx]

OP - Those are definitely great jeeps.
If I was doing a fun off-road project I would try and find a Jeep Comanche.
I have always wanted one, but they are hard to come by.

 

[RedRocketMike]

Thats why you need to find one in the AMC Era 84-96.

My friend has a 96 Cherokee, fairly low miles but it has been a electrical nightmare. He's an electrical engineer and he can't sort the problems out. Neither could a Chrysler dealership where a very bright tech I know works.

My girlfriend has a 97 wrangler with the AMC 2.5 with 80,000 miles on it, no broken piston skirts knock on wood. It's good for one thing, short trips in snow. Since I met her almost 4 years ago the (auto)trans went at 65,000 when the torque converter self destructed despite proper maintenance and female ownership from day 1, left her stranded. Alternator locked up randomly, stranded. Rotten brake line, stranded. Radiator went at 50k. CEL is always on an off usually for some sensor in the power steering pump. Occasional turn signal gremlin. Minus the trans no big deal, but the worst part about it is the fuel economy. EPA 15 city 18 highway, and that's with dinky 215/75/15 stock tires.

 

[Broke]

I dont now much about cherokees, but i have some knowledge of the wrangler JK's (2007 +). Jeepforum.com or pirate4x4.com would be good places to find info.

Well, i may as well post a pic or two of my 2008 wrangler with one or two mods.....

I was on Jeep Forum when I had my YJ. I had an 92 Wrangler YJ 4 1/2 lift, 1" boomerang shackles, 15x8 steel Black D window wheels, 35s, olive drab with a 4cly!

 

[Blackness03]

tons of fun, but it's just like a mustang. once you build it, it will break

 

[thepizz]

I dont now much about cherokees, but i have some knowledge of the wrangler JK's (2007 +). Jeepforum.com or pirate4x4.com would be good places to find info.

Well, i may as well post a pic or two of my 2008 wrangler with one or two mods.....

Wrong forum for the pics champ.

 

[black92]

Wrong forum for the pics champ.

Explain please.

 

[Outlaw99]

i picked up an 02 red wrangler, excellent condish for 3500.

i am now a jeep guy. love it.

 

[Dirks9901]

i picked up an 02 red wrangler, excellent condish for 3500.

i am now a jeep guy. love it.

Congrats. Is it a 4.0?

 

[thepizz]

Explain please.

The OP asked for advice on Jeeps, not pic whoring of a rock crawler that has already been posted in Pics/Vids.