What Jeep Cherokee???

[THEPATRIOT]

I'm considering a Cherokee for DD/expedition duty.It'll be an older one(1990's)with an I6.What years are better,and what to avoid?Cherokee/Grand Cherokee???Any help/advice would be great.Thanks

[AFSOC]

Here's my opinion on the subject, get a late model Cherokee, 1997-2001. They can be had very inexpensively. The late models have a more modern appearing interior, steel hatch, 29 spline Chryco 8.25 dif and better (I use the term loosely) brakes. The 97-99s had a high pinion axle up front. The 99s are said to have the best flowing manifolds. Classic styling, long living 4.0l, adequate road performance, excellent off-road performance, unmatched aftermarket support, very inexpensive parts and accessories, all kinds of them in any auto recycler for parts picking, short comings are well documented and aftermarket solutions are well developed. Arguably the best of breed is the 1999. There is one mans opinion, good luck with your decision.

[Backwoods Rambler]

But I got a '98 because of the ones I test drove, this one was far and away the best. I guess what I'm saying is that; Yes, the '99 is probably the best, but in my opinion, any '97 - '99 is a winner and the '00 & '01 are good runner-ups (runner-up due to the low pinion front axle)

[bat]

x2 on the years and 8.25 29 spline is plenty strong this is a great and cheap platform to build on.

[T&A-XJ]

1999 is the best year IMO. you get a high pinion front axle as stated above, is the 1st year of the higher flowing intake and the last year of the higher flowing not prone to cracking head. As also stated above you get the better 29 spline cryc 8.25 rear end if ABS is NOT an option, otherwise you get the same old weak D35. Also in comparison to the older XJs I have owned 1990, 1994, 1996 the 1999 has far less crap under the hood and under the dash as far as wiring, vacuum lines etc.

I am not a fan of the Grand Cherokee due to their reliability issues. but they are more comfortable and a bit more roomy.

[LostSoul]

i vote 99

[BKCowGod]

First choice would be '80, 'cause then you're a real MAN!


Then I concur with everybody else in the known universe. The price difference between early and late Jeeps is so small that there's no strong reason to stay early (unless you hate OBD2).

On the Cherk vs. Grand Cherk - both are reliable and comfortable. The Cherokee will be squeaky and more utilitarian, but the Grand will have many more things to break. I got sick of having to readjust my mirrors every time I unlocked the doors (common electrical glitch) that I eventually sold my Grand. It's also really rare to find a 4.0 GC.

[zjsheller]

I am not a fan of the Grand Cherokee due to their reliability issues. but they are more comfortable and a bit more roomy.

Reliability issues? My ZJ has 265,000 original miles on the original 4.0l, original tranny, etc. Ive had to replace the rear end (my fault) but nothing else even leaks fluid. If you go for a Grand, avoid the V8's. They are all full time 4x4 and have problems with trannys.

Good luck.

[4Rescue]

Of all my Cherokee's, the 99 Was flat out awesome... None of the regualr issues I had with all the others, newer gen interior, good multi-mode T-cases, Hi-Pinion axles... Best of the breed right there IMO...

But honestly??? I'd look for the one that Says "Toyota 4Runner" on it You'll thank me if you do. It's just a whole different, whole lot more reliable beast. a 97 4Runner 3.4v6 5spd will transform into one HELL of a trail rig should you want that, and will certainly go down the road with better milage and ride. Sure it doesn't have a SFA, but the Jeep has a D30 so it's not much better in terms of strength over the Toyota IFS... YOu have to lift Lift LIFT the Jeep to get 33's underneath her, not so much with the Yota, something to consider.

That's my .02 and I'm sticking to it.

Cheers

Dave

Cheers

Dave

[OverlandZJ]

I see your from CT, buy something from a non salt state..XJ's are notorious for floor/rocker rust.