Jeep Cherokee best years / problem areas

Y

yellojacket19

NAXJA Forum User
Location
Kansas
I am wanting to get a 2001 or before Jeep cherokee for my job. Could any post what to look out for / problem areas per model year / weak spots . So that I can narrow down my search. I am certain it would be a 1996 to 2001, and a 4.0 liter after that I would like some suggestion. I would keep it basically stock. thanx -- Last jeep I had was a willys (1948) ...
 
Id personally look for a 97-99 with a 4.0, aw4/np231. Still has a distributor and a hp30 in the front. Great vechicle to start with. Just my $0.02
 
I'd have to agree with Racer, however I've never had any issues with my 2000's distributorless ignition. Pre- '96-1/2 D30 have weak 260X u-joints. Pre- '97 Chryco 8.25 has smaller 27 spline axle shafts, '97-01 has 29 spline. Avoid ABS equipped if possible. Look for factory tow hooks (Up-country package - also includes skid plates and fact. off road susp.) My .02
 
Blaine B. said:
Nothing wrong with a distributorless ignition.

Get a 99, seems to be the best through long debades.

2000 and 2001 had an issue with the heads cracking.
Click to expand...

What if you have a 2000 built in 7/99? Just wondering...If the head goes I will fix it.

Upcountry skids available at the stealership?
 
i've got a 99 and i love it, i used to have a 1988, and the new interior they put in in 1997 is much nicer and easier to take apart, look for a 1997+ if you want the exterior and interior redesign.
 
miwico said:
What if you have a 2000 built in 7/99? Just wondering...If the head goes I will fix it.

Upcountry skids available at the stealership?
Click to expand...

Should be but you can probably find equal or better skids elsewhere for cheaper.

And about your 7/99 Cherokee. You'd have to look at the number on the head I guess. They might use both heads during transitions, I'll let someone else chime in on this.
 
Blaine B. said:
Should be but you can probably find equal or better skids elsewhere for cheaper.

And about your 7/99 Cherokee. You'd have to look at the number on the head I guess. They might use both heads during transitions, I'll let someone else chime in on this.
Click to expand...

I have that heat shield in the way. I will try to look again and see if I can spot it again. 7/99 is kind of early to be calling it a 2000 don't ya think?
 
I heard of some cam timing sensor that would stall out your Jeep- does this apply to those model years?/ was it recalled? or is there away of fixing this with some update?/ Apreciate all the advice!!
 
Probably, yeah. Mine was made December of 1994 and is considered a 1995.

So you're probably right. Well, I'm like 99% sure you are. I'd guess November-December vehicles might qualify for the next year. Anybody know?
 
For what it's worth....

The latest JP magazine (may not be at newstands yet, it just came in the mail a couple days ago) has a decent write-up regarding the pros/cons of different year XJ's.

If I were to buy another XJ, I would stick close to what I have now (1994). Yeah, it had the smaller 260x u-joints, but not a huge deal to upgrade those. I have ABS, but I don't do much rock crawling, and it hasn't had much impact on the trails. I'll most likely be swapping in a Ford 8.8 with discs, too, so ABS will go away then.

Personally, I like the NP242 over the 231 TC. But I actually use 4wd on the street during winter, so that's obviously why. The 231 unit is definitely preferred, though, in most cases.

IMO, as long as it has the 4.0, and doesn't have a carb or Renix injection, then it's all good. :-)
 
ya i bought one with a 242. i used the control trac(fulltime) in my explorer a bunch especially with a little snow on the road and for really rainy day tryin to dart across traffic etc.. nice to know that there wont be wheels spin..
the 242 has a little less torque handling capabilities but i havent heard of anyone that broke one yet(that was caused by its torque limits.)
fulltime(242) means you can have it in 4wd all the time
part time (231)means you can only have it in 4wd when there is snow on the ground or your in mud. the axles are locked together. run it like that on the street and youll break something.
the fulltime will run down the street all day long.
 
If your considering a 97-99 then the 99 hands down. Last year for the distributor, last year for the hp30 although, I heard they weren't completely phased out until 2001.

The 99 has a different intake as well. Stay with the 4.0, aw4 and nv231.

My next stocker will be a 2000-2001. The 2001 is getting 22mpg, and has the most refined engine.
 
miwico said:
Not knew to 4 wheelin' but I am one of the guys who loves sports but cannot remember anybody's name. What is the difference here?
Click to expand...
The 242 (Selec-Trac) is an optional full-time 4wd. Basically all-wheel-drive. Can use it year round. The 231 (Command-Trac) is part-time only (gravel, snow, mud, etc.) Can't use it on the street. Well, I guess you could if you like the see-saw motion while turning. I think the Selec-Trac was only available on Limited models. Most XJ's have the 231.
 
miwico said:
What if you have a 2000 built in 7/99? Just wondering...If the head goes I will fix it.

Upcountry skids available at the stealership?
Click to expand...
Good luck finding anything at your local 5 star. Mine says pretty much anything I ask about isn't available anymore (brush guard, skids, rocker skids, tire carrier) You name it, they ain't got it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

J
Jeep Renegade Years to Avoid?
Replies
1
Views
200
jameswilliam
J
G
1996 Cherokee XJ Stock For Sale
Replies
0
Views
207
gundog
G
Bilskirnir3124
1997 Cherokee 4.0L O2 sensor replacements.
Replies
3
Views
362
phydeaux33
phydeaux33
A
96 Jeep XJ crank no start
Replies
11
Views
746
Anak
Anak
M
1987 Jeep Cherokee XJ for sale
Replies
8
Views
524
benr0
B
Back
Top