Hello all! New here abouts!

[Dr. Righteous]

I was very glad to find this board because even though I only have a 2WD XJ (work beater) w/ 4.0 engine, I LOVE IT!

I plan to purchase a 4WD XJ Cherokee probably next year and retire (sell) my 2WD Jeep. Currently it has 200K miles on the clock and still runs and drives great with 20+ MPG around town.

My BIG 4x4 is a Dodge Ramcharger (love it too) but gas prices keep it grounded most of the time.
Anyway, looking forward to some lively discussion!

OH, BTW.
I cannot afford anything real new. My budget will probably be around $4000 to purchase a 4WD XJ.
Do you guys have any suggestions on what I should look for??

 

[FitchVA]

welcome. i just bought an xj a month or two ago. the guys on this board are great.

as for what to look for, i'd look for something '91 or newer with the HO 4L. And getting a 8.25" rear end is better than the dana 35.

 

[Georgia Mike]

Hit the auto auctions! That's where I bought my '94 almost 2 years ago. Total out-the-door price was $1488. It's got all the goodies I wanted,and none of the bling-bling options except an auto tranny and A/C. I won't tell you how much it's cost so far to build it,but I'll tell you that it's WAY under $4,000 (including the $1488) :thumbup: Welcome to the forums,BTW!

 

[2offroad]

welcome from rowan co.

 

[Kudzu]

Welcome from AL and even though you don't have your 4x4 yet come on to one of chapter rides I am sure you could find a seat with someone and thenyou can check out what evryones got...

BTW some time in the late spring we will have a 4x4 show in Atlanta...

 

[2offroad]

come to tellico this weekend i'll have a seat open.

 

[Gecko]

Hey man, welcome to the boards. Ive got a similar problem too you, soon as i get out of school in the summer I'm going to be buying an XJ. Looking around 91-93 are reasonable 2 grand then you have money left to lift it. Thats my plan at least.

 

[Dr. Righteous]

Thanks guys!

Doh! Tellico is this weekend huH?
Darn it! My wife has me booked!
Oh, and she doesn't quite understand why I would want a XJ Cherokee 4WD when I have a full size Dodge 4WD.
(I hate having to justify everything) But I really don't want to subject my Ramcharger to narrow trails. It is a big beast and I don't want to beat it up in the woods. BUT a Cherokee XJ with its narrow footprint won't have much problem in that department. Also, a XJ is a relatively light weight vehicle. Very good for staying on top of loose dirt and not getting bogged down.

 

[roXJeepr]

Your RC isn't white is it? Where abouts in Ktown do you live?

Dale

PS- If I don't reply for awhile it's bcuz I went to Tellico!

 

[ScottyDog]

Oh, and she doesn't quite understand why I would want a XJ Cherokee 4WD when I have a full size Dodge 4WD.

To get the XJ unstuck or towed home if something breaks down!

 

[Dr. Righteous]

My RC?

My Ramcharger is red and white. Kind of a burgandy red with white down the side. It is a Royal SE, so it has lots of chrome trim and shiny stuff on it.
I live in south Knox County off of John Seiver Hwy near the Alcoa Hwy side.
It is a '85 but it has a '88 front grill. Don't ask me why it was on it when I bought it. It looks like crap in my opinion. I plan to swap it out to the correct one because I just think they look better. Anyway, I have done a lot of work to it (new paint, ect) and it is shaping up to be a really sharp truck. Am thinking of just using it as a trailer hauling beast and getting a XJ for trail duties. Even though a Ramcharger looks darn good with 35s and about 6" of lift, they are expensive beasts to maintain.

 

[Danno]

last July

when went to Tellico I had to use my winch to pull a Dodge full size plus trailer out of a ditch and then earlier had pulled a full size Chevy up out of the trail where he had broken. So, unless the XJ breaks...they do the pulling not the other way around!

 

[roXJeepr]

Okay, so yours is not the one I was thinking about. You're just down/up the road from me though. I live right near the intersection of John Sevier and Martin Mill. I'm wondering though, if you love your MJ so much, why not just convert it to 4WD?

Dale

 

[Dr. Righteous]

Convert my XJ?

I have heard of people doing that but the expense and trouble to go that route is prohibitive.
Actually 4x4 XJ are plentyful. Most car lots have 2 or 3 to choose from under $5000.
I am kind of holding out for a 2 door XJ with 4.0L, 4x4, power options and a factory tow package so it will have the Dana 44 rear end.
Looks like next year will be my oportunity.

OH,
And I attend Sevier Heights Baptist Chruch around the corner on Alcoa Hwy. If you are not a member of a local church anywhere, please visit us.

 

[roXJeepr]

OOps! Don't know why I was thinking you had an MJ. Maybe 'cuz I do?? LoL Anyway, personally I don't think it would be all that hard to convert it. The things to consider are: yours is paid for ( I assume), if you convert you get what you want i.e xfer case, front axle. If your body and frame are solid I would definately consider the convert. To each his own though, just giving my opinion. I may be interested in yours if you decide to get rid of it. Mine has quite a bit of cancer. The factory D44 is not very common. '87 was the most common year to have the 44. I've heard of a handful of 8's and 9's having them. Although the 44 is a good rear it's not necessarily(sp?) THE rear end. There are a few alternatives. We could get together some time and talk shop if ya wanna. Far as the church offer, I'm not really a "churchy" type person, but when I do go I go with my wife to hers, but thanks anyway!

Dale

 

[Dr. Righteous]

Will keep you in mind!~

Yeah, if you are interested in my 2WD XJ, I will sell it outright when it comes time to buy a 4x4 XJ.

As far as church goes, I agree with you. I am not the "Churchy" type either. I am not interested in joining a group of religious people. BUT, being a Christian has NOTHING to do with Religion. It has everything to do with a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Enough for now.

We can discuss more via Email if you like.
[email protected]