So..mingez posts of nice looking XJs has poisoned my mind and now it seems every corner is an XJ just taunting me. I think its about time i saved some loot and buy a cheap one. So that's my plan but my questions are...anything to look for? I'd like to go 6 cylinder auto with 4 doors. I don't feel like paying more than 1500-2000 on it. I'll end up driving it most of the time and have my TJ for those TJ days in the summer. so anything i should shoot for in an old XJ? any type of tcase or anything like that..i don't know anything about cherokees..axles? gearing? help out!
the hunt begins....
- Thread starter LGR
- Start date
I got a maroon 89 for sale it's got a bust rearend but its got the 4.0 H.O. auto body in good shape needs a splash of paint. I'll let it go for $1750 e-mail me and i'll send you some pictures. And no the one in the picture is not it Thats Mine all mine mine mine....LGR said:
mingez
New member
Hee hee hee. Luke, I am your father!! Darkside a cometh!! :lol: 8)
I'm happy that I could add to your bank account depletion and jeep addiction. I think you made a great choice in getting an XJ. I'll be getting a short wheelbase someday too!
You should be able to find a late 80's XJ, or if you're lucky something newer for that money. Check out autotrader.com too! I remember when I was looking for one, I saw a ton. You may have to travel though, but for a good deal it's worth it!
87 and 88, I believe they offered the dana 44 rear end on a few models. But I found that finding one of those is like stumbling on gold. I did find one in Mexico, but it was sooooo rusted and ruined. The 44 wasn't even worth it.
Three axels are available: the dana 35 and 44, and the Chryler 8.25. Beware the 8.25, good axel, but they don't make ALL of the gear ratios for them. Namely, 4.88 gears. (i found out the hard way)
Gears: pretty much the same rules apply to XJ's as YJ's and TJ's. 32 and 33" wheels, you might go with 4.56 gears. If you don't go that big, stock 3.55 works great, but you'll still want to go to atleast4.10.
lift: 4.5 for 32 or 33" tires. 3" lift for 31's.
I don't have to tell you to avoid the 2.5l, stick with the 4.0.
Check out these sites for Lifts, engine performance etc.
http://www.rustysoffroad.com/
http://www.rubiconexpress.com/
Welcome to the Cherokee part of the tech forums!!
I'm happy that I could add to your bank account depletion and jeep addiction. I think you made a great choice in getting an XJ. I'll be getting a short wheelbase someday too!
You should be able to find a late 80's XJ, or if you're lucky something newer for that money. Check out autotrader.com too! I remember when I was looking for one, I saw a ton. You may have to travel though, but for a good deal it's worth it!
87 and 88, I believe they offered the dana 44 rear end on a few models. But I found that finding one of those is like stumbling on gold. I did find one in Mexico, but it was sooooo rusted and ruined. The 44 wasn't even worth it.
Three axels are available: the dana 35 and 44, and the Chryler 8.25. Beware the 8.25, good axel, but they don't make ALL of the gear ratios for them. Namely, 4.88 gears. (i found out the hard way)
Gears: pretty much the same rules apply to XJ's as YJ's and TJ's. 32 and 33" wheels, you might go with 4.56 gears. If you don't go that big, stock 3.55 works great, but you'll still want to go to atleast4.10.
lift: 4.5 for 32 or 33" tires. 3" lift for 31's.
I don't have to tell you to avoid the 2.5l, stick with the 4.0.
Check out these sites for Lifts, engine performance etc.
http://www.rustysoffroad.com/
http://www.rubiconexpress.com/
Welcome to the Cherokee part of the tech forums!!
mingez
New member
Coil or Body
Hey LGR!! Allow me to make your new XJ fetish worse. Check this bad boy out. He's from Venezuela:
http://jugoxj.tripod.com/
Click on the links on the right. That's a nice rig!
I had to post the link cause Tripod won't allow you to remote.
Hey LGR!! Allow me to make your new XJ fetish worse. Check this bad boy out. He's from Venezuela:
http://jugoxj.tripod.com/
Click on the links on the right. That's a nice rig!
I had to post the link cause Tripod won't allow you to remote.
TwistedCU
New member
Axle shaft nut retainer
My neigbor has 240,000 miles on an XJ (not sure what year). It's a 2.5L and a 5 sp that has never been offroad except maybe some very light wheelin' @ the beach. She just bought a Liberty and she won't get rid of the Cherokee (I know 'cause I tried to buy it!).
Point is, miles aren't as important as how it has been treated. I'd take a 170K mi one over an 80K one that some lead footed school kid drove for the last 15K miles without an oil change. I know parts wear but sometimes you can find a high mileage vehicle in really good condition.
LGR said:
My neigbor has 240,000 miles on an XJ (not sure what year). It's a 2.5L and a 5 sp that has never been offroad except maybe some very light wheelin' @ the beach. She just bought a Liberty and she won't get rid of the Cherokee (I know 'cause I tried to buy it!).
Point is, miles aren't as important as how it has been treated. I'd take a 170K mi one over an 80K one that some lead footed school kid drove for the last 15K miles without an oil change. I know parts wear but sometimes you can find a high mileage vehicle in really good condition.
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