BajaNomad

Jeep Cherokee - Best year to buy??

steekers - 10-28-2020 at 07:34 PM

I am looking to buy a used Jeep Cherokee to use on some off road trips. Which years were the best for overall performance and maintenance? Which years to avoid? Auto vs manual transmission? The Wranglers and Rubicons don't have the room that Cherokees have and are selling at a premium. Perhaps a 4 Runner might be as good?

JZ - 10-28-2020 at 07:42 PM

Build one up like this:




Don Pisto - 10-28-2020 at 07:45 PM

99 XJ...... but I'd opt for the 4runner!;)

JZ - 10-28-2020 at 07:46 PM

Watch it in action:

https://youtu.be/dRmV6aQMbs4

Maderita - 10-28-2020 at 09:17 PM

When you wrote "Jeep Cherokee", were you specifically referring to the Cherokee XJ model (years 1984-2001)? Or, did you mean to include Grand Cherokee ZJ (1993-1998) and Grand Cherokee WJ (199-2004)? Or newer models of the Grand Cherokee? I'm assuming that you aren't inquiring about the old 1970s - early 1980s full-size beasts.

I've owned numerous 4x4 Cherokee XJ's, 4-door automatics, and a 2-door "Sport" w/ 5 spd manual. All with the 4.0L HO (high output, approx 195 HP, straight 6 cyl).

I'm on my third Grand Cherokee, a 2004 WJ model, the last year of the venerable 4.0L engine. Purposely sought a used 2004 to have that engine. Easy to work on and open access in the engine compartment. You can easily access the row of spark plugs. That's not something you can do with a modern V engine. My last Grand Cherokee had just shy of 300K miles when I sold it and didn't burn any oil between changes! I've had Wranglers with that engine as well, and one bored and stroked to a 4.7L / 260 HP for running sand dunes.

Stay away from the older Cherokees with the 4.0L Renix engine. You want the 1991 and newer HO version.

The 4 cyl is durable, but under powered. I don't have first-hand experience with the V8 engines in the Grand Cherokees. They're fine, but you can guess that I'm in love with the 4.0L HO.

If you are planning to build something for serious offroad and rockcrawling, be advised that the Dana 35C rear differential (ring and pinion gears) do not have the margin of strength to abuse with anything over 30" or 31" tires. Don't ask how I know... Some models of the Grand Cherokee were available with the significantly stronger Dana 44 rear axle. Look for a D44 if you are wanting to do a lift and run big tires.

I enjoy a manual transmission, and like that they can be bump started when the battery is weak or starter goes out. Automatics work well offroad too.

On the used private party market, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee prices tend to be remarkably low. Not because they are bad. It is because there were so many sold and everyone wants to buy a newer vehicle.

Toyota Forerunners are great vehicles. However, they command a high resale price. Probably double the price of a used Jeep.

bajatrailrider - 10-28-2020 at 09:44 PM

the 4.0 great jeep engine the v6 that replace it I think 3.6 crap engine .those early Cherokees the right year great rig

Ken Cooke - 10-28-2020 at 10:20 PM

Best to worst according to Jp Magazine:

98 - '991/2

'00 and '01 with a manual

'91-'94

'87-'90

'95-'96

https://forums.4wdmechanix.com/topic/102-ranking-used-jeep-x...

Marc - 10-29-2020 at 08:20 AM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
Build one up like this:





Love those Winder rescue videos.

defrag4 - 10-29-2020 at 08:23 AM

3rd gen 4runner > XJ

both are going up in value nowadays

steekers - 10-29-2020 at 09:02 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajatrailrider  
the 4.0 great jeep engine the v6 that replace it I think 3.6 crap engine .those early Cherokees the right year great rig


Exactly the feedback I was looking for. Thanks! I will consider all you said. To me, the engine and tranny are the most important, then the ability to get good coilover suspension. I am not into big time rock crawling as I mostly ride the baja canyons and washes.

So to convert a stock ideal model, it would cost for some King coilovers and perhaps some lift for rock clearance.

I was looking for some magazine articles on this subject so post if you know of some.

I heard some Chrysler trannys are crap.

Thanks Ken and others that have lots of Jeep experience.:light:

steekers - 10-29-2020 at 09:34 AM

Love this Winder Rescue one!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8IfXPm9zrU&list=PLEi6DF...

TMW - 10-29-2020 at 11:38 AM

Go to www.fourwheeler.com and search for lifts etc for the Jeep Cherokee there are several articles on the subject.

[Edited on 10-29-2020 by TMW]

JZ - 10-29-2020 at 04:06 PM

Quote: Originally posted by steekers  
Love this Winder Rescue one!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8IfXPm9zrU&list=PLEi6DF...


That was sketchy af. You couldn't pay me enough to do that!

steekers - 10-29-2020 at 09:25 PM

Looks like the straight six is a winner...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvnjtMIUtr0

steekers - 10-29-2020 at 09:28 PM

Then getting more serious with a straight six...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWcZMjA7ZgQ

mtgoat666 - 10-29-2020 at 09:51 PM

Quote: Originally posted by steekers  
Looks like the straight six is a winner...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvnjtMIUtr0


Get a 4runner. My 4runners were so dependable that I never once had to worry about the engine beyond doing regular maintenance.

I had a 94 Cherokee. It was reliable, drive train ever broke down, BUT the body had rust problems, the window motors failed, the trim fell off as it aged, the interior fittings in cab broke. Just really chitty compared to my 2 4runners (Gen 4 and gen 4).

Maderita - 10-29-2020 at 10:26 PM

steekers,
Are you looking for power? A Brit named Robert Bryce discovered that a 4.2L crankshaft will fit in a 4.0L block with very little modification (just 1/8" trim off the snout). Stroker kits are available to build your own; search eBay "Jeep stroker". Or you can by a built long block for $3,500 - $5,000.

I swapped out my Wrangler YJ's 4.0L for a HESCO built "stroker" engine, bored and stroked to a 4.7L. Installed bigger fuel injectors, a bored out throttle body, headers, adjustable MAP sensor, better air intake. Never had it on a dyno, but similar builds got 260+ HP. With a pair of paddle tires on the rear, it kept up with the sand rails on Glamis and Gordon's dune runs. I should note that it took a few other mods to do that: Ford 8.8" rear axle swap, slip yoke eliminator kit, shackle reverse kit, full roll cage, locking diffs, Fox shocks, custom clutch.

My first car was an AMC '66 Rambler, 232 CID straight 6. AMC stroked that to a 258 (4.2L), which I had in a number of AMC Hornets, a Gremlin X, and Jeep CJ's. The 4.0L is a more modern version of that old engine. Too bad it couldn't remain in production, due to increasingly restrictive smog rules.

Maderita - 10-29-2020 at 10:36 PM

mtgoat has a point. If you're not mechanically inclined, the Forerunner (or a Landcruiser) is probably a better option, though more expensive up front. They have body-on-frame construction.

The Cherokee and Grand Cherokee have unibody construction.

David K - 10-30-2020 at 07:45 AM

I think it is '4Runner' (Four-Runner)?

When talking to steekers (Michael), I suggested both the XJ Cherokee and the 4Runner as potential vehicles for his needs. Plenty of Cherokees out there and a popular rig to mod for serious off-road. They do break, yes, it's a "Jeep thing"...

The Toyota 4Runner is not as available because people keep them longer, plus the hold their value so the price is higher.
Then, I suggested keeping an eye open for Mitsubishi Monteros and Isuzu Troopers... Any opinions on those two or other SUV/ 4WD wagons?

TMW - 10-30-2020 at 10:26 AM

I love my 2006 4 Runner 4x4. Lot's of power just ask the Texas Highway Patrol. I only pulled over because I didn't want them to feel bad.

AKgringo - 10-30-2020 at 01:23 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
I think it is '4Runner' (Four-Runner)?

The Toyota 4Runner is not as available because people keep them longer, plus the hold their value so the price is higher.
Then, I suggested keeping an eye open for Mitsubishi Monteros and Isuzu Troopers... Any opinions on those two or other SUV/ 4WD wagons?


David, it is fore, as in before! I am sure that they came in both 2wd, and 4wd, and the name probably came from forerunning the Baja races.

About the Trooper....I bought one last year, and I like it a lot! I found a 1999 Trooper with a 108 thousand miles on, and everything worked! It was about half the price of some of the 4runners on the market, and most of them had twice the mileage.

It is stock configuration, very capable in 2wd, and quite a crawler when I put it in 4 low. It is also an excellent vehicle in snow country.

The 3.5l v6 is strong enough for moderate towing with a GM auto transmission. Gas mileage has not been that great though. 16 to 17 on all highway, 12 to 14 around town, less with a lot of backroad driving.

I like the double back doors with a full size spare mounted on them. There are many design features that I am discovering, that I can't help but think "That was a good idea!"

One consideration is parts and service. I am sure that Jeep, or Toyota would be much easier to find than Isuzu, but they share a lot of parts with GM and Honda.

David K - 10-30-2020 at 01:42 PM

Hmmm, when I Google Toyota Forerunner, it brings up links to 4Runner? When I come upon one on the highway, the badge on back reads 4Runner. Maybe check www.toyota.com for the answer?
Thanks for playing the name game with me!

steekers - 10-30-2020 at 07:38 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Maderita  
steekers,
Are you looking for power? A Brit named Robert Bryce discovered that a 4.2L crankshaft will fit in a 4.0L block with very little modification (just 1/8" trim off the snout). Stroker kits are available to build your own; search eBay "Jeep stroker". Or you can by a built long block for $3,500 - $5,000.

I swapped out my Wrangler YJ's 4.0L for a HESCO built "stroker" engine, bored and stroked to a 4.7L. Installed bigger fuel injectors, a bored out throttle body, headers, adjustable MAP sensor, better air intake. Never had it on a dyno, but similar builds got 260+ HP. With a pair of paddle tires on the rear, it kept up with the sand rails on Glamis and Gordon's dune runs. I should note that it took a few other mods to do that: Ford 8.8" rear axle swap, slip yoke eliminator kit, shackle reverse kit, full roll cage, locking diffs, Fox shocks, custom clutch.

My first car was an AMC '66 Rambler, 232 CID straight 6. AMC stroked that to a 258 (4.2L), which I had in a number of AMC Hornets, a Gremlin X, and Jeep CJ's. The 4.0L is a more modern version of that old engine. Too bad it couldn't remain in production, due to increasingly restrictive smog rules.



Yes, looking for power and mechanically inclined. Built 2 off-road race cars (1600 and 12 car) and raced SCORE. Not building another race car, rather a pre-runner. I am impressed with the track record of the 4.0 strokers and like the reliability. Looking for a killer deal on a stock vehicle having an I6 in it. I have rebuilt all kinds of motors. I see deals out there for cheap, not in CA.

Hook - 10-31-2020 at 06:27 AM

Come on, man, it's a Chrysler product. Things are gonna fail. Spend the price premium and get a 4Runner. You will make up the price difference in repairs and parts on a Cherokee, anyway. And you still wont have the reliability.

I have an 05 Wrangler with the in-line six HO engine. It's a reliable engine, but not a very efficient engine. I own the next to last year of the two door Unlimited Wrangler. Even with driving it conservatively with an eye towards fuel economy, the best I can get is around 17 mpg. And that's keeping it at 65 mph or below. Worse mileage in the city, of course; around 15 mpg.

A Cherokee is probably heavier, but it probably has better gearing for the highway.

For me, Chrysler is a company that has built some good drivetrain combinations over the years. But in nearly every model I can think of that friends and I have owned (over the last 40 years or so) it's the nagging failure of little things that gets so exasperating.

mtgoat666 - 10-31-2020 at 06:41 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Hook  
Come on, man, it's a Chrysler product. Things are gonna fail. Spend the price premium and get a 4Runner. You will make up the price difference in repairs and parts on a Cherokee, anyway. And you still wont have the reliability.

I have an 05 Wrangler with the in-line six HO engine. It's a reliable engine, but not a very efficient engine. I own the next to last year of the two door Unlimited Wrangler. Even with driving it conservatively with an eye towards fuel economy, the best I can get is around 17 mpg. And that's keeping it at 65 mph or below. Worse mileage in the city, of course; around 15 mpg.

A Cherokee is probably heavier, but it probably has better gearing for the highway.

For me, Chrysler is a company that has built some good drivetrain combinations over the years. But in nearly every model I can think of that friends and I have owned (over the last 40 years or so) it's the nagging failure of little things that gets so exasperating.


The OP says he likes rebuilding broken engines and fixing failed mechanicals, so the Fiat product will be perfect for him.
Maybe someday he will realize that the jeep costs 3,000 less than the toyota, but the Jeep required 3,000 in parts and 400 labor hours to fix, and it still has problems...
He doesn’t want a vehicle for traveling in baja, he wants a broken down car to work on in his driveway, he is just looking for a hobby project to pass the spare time. Fiat products are great project cars for tinkerers, they require lots of tinkering :lol:

David K - 10-31-2020 at 08:29 AM

Before Fiat, Daimler, and Chrysler owned it (1987+), the Jeep Cherokee was an American Motors creation... That kind of says it all! LOL

Some history:

The (SJ) Cherokee was introduced in late 1973 as a 1974 model... essentially a 2-door Wagoneer meant to appeal to the younger buyer. [I owned a 1975.5 Cherokee Chief (had the J10 truck axles, wider wheel opening, etc.]

In 1984, the smaller, unibody (XJ) Cherokee replaced the SJ. That model was made to 2001.

Before AMC (1970-1986), Jeep was owned by Kaiser (1953-1969) and before that, Willys-Overland, which made the first Civilian Jeeps (CJ) when the war was about to end.

So hard to want to love a brand that you know is a poorly made product! Yes, there are exceptions... and congratulations to the Nomads who have one of the good Jeeps!

bajatrailrider - 10-31-2020 at 08:39 AM

Your funny mt666 you show all here. You have zero knowledge about cars jeeps motos. of course not much else either have .any idea how many recalls . Are on that mall shopping cart Ford you drive. :bounce::bounce:. The Jeep the op wants will be running long after your mall getter is in the junk yard

Fatboy - 10-31-2020 at 12:24 PM

Not sure how many dissing on the Cherokees have actually owned them... I have owned many jeeps (6) and have driven about a million miles in them.

Million miles literally, current jeep is at 396,000 miles. I have averaged a little over 200,000 miles on my last 3 jeeps.

Currently driving a 2001 XJ that has been very reliable for me. Nothing "falling off", only routine maintenance, oil changes, brakes, ujoints, tires.

I have replaced 1 alternator, still original starter.

I did have a head gasket failure at 200,000 miles though, but it was a straight forward fix for a shade tree mechanic such as me.

I would buy another 2001 based on my experience with this one.

And a fair amount of those miles are on dirt roads in Utah, Nevada, Arizona and in Baja.

steekers - 10-31-2020 at 05:21 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Fatboy  
Not sure how many dissing on the Cherokees have actually owned them... I have owned many jeeps (6) and have driven about a million miles in them.

Million miles literally, current jeep is at 396,000 miles. I have averaged a little over 200,000 miles on my last 3 jeeps.

Currently driving a 2001 XJ that has been very reliable for me. Nothing "falling off", only routine maintenance, oil changes, brakes, ujoints, tires.

I have replaced 1 alternator, still original starter.

I did have a head gasket failure at 200,000 miles though, but it was a straight forward fix for a shade tree mechanic such as me.

I would buy another 2001 based on my experience with this one.

And a fair amount of those miles are on dirt roads in Utah, Nevada, Arizona and in Baja.


No worries guys. I have long since ignored the mtgoat.

No, I am not into continuously fixing broken vehicles in the field and why I solicit feedback.

Thanks to those Nomads with real world Jeep experience. There are dozens of YouTube videos of Jeep mods, especially the I6 engine.

But to satisfy those Toyota freaks, I may just compare a similar 4-Runner mod.

Don Pisto - 10-31-2020 at 06:53 PM

https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/3rd-gen-4runner-v...

mtgoat666 - 10-31-2020 at 07:11 PM

Get a 1970s 40 series LC or 3 series LR. Best offroad tinkerer vehicles out there. Best of all They are carbureted engines, no computers or fuel injection, easy to work on. And way More stylish than jeeps.

bajatrailrider - 10-31-2020 at 07:31 PM

haha no nuts has spoken clueless. Could not even remove the air cleaner. The more you post the more you show you know nothing. :light::light:

steekers - 10-31-2020 at 09:00 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Don Pisto  
https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/3rd-gen-4runner-v...


Good review! Thanks for the link. Looks like the 4Runner has quite a few strong points. When looking for vehicles, what website is the best to use?

I assume the 3rd gen T4R (years covered?) is the way to go.

David K - 11-1-2020 at 06:58 AM

Yes, I agree, that is a good comparison of the Cherokee to the 4Runner.

PaulW - 11-1-2020 at 08:38 AM

Cherokee Xj has solid front axle with coils and leaf springs in the rear. 4Runner has IFS and a pretty soft rear.
BTW, the XJ for of road requires the add-on frame.

So What? For off road or driving or highways for comfort.

The major issue is the XJs are getting pretty old and a 4Runners are still available as new

[Edited on 11-1-2020 by PaulW]

TMW - 11-1-2020 at 04:49 PM

If you get a 4Runner don't get the 3L engine or you'll be replacing the head gasket on a regular basis. The 3.4 L gas is a good engine. The 4L has a lot more power. I had a 3L in my 93 truck and had the head gasket replaced 3 times. The transfer case was basically a combination of a manual and automatic system, not good. To me the drawback of the Toyota electronic transfer case is no neutral so you can't flat tow it. My 04 Tacoma has a neutral but my 06 4Runner does not. Not a big deal since they are so reliable.

I should say you can flat tow em if you drop the drive shaft.

[Edited on 11-1-2020 by TMW]

bajatrailrider - 11-1-2020 at 07:24 PM

Tmw you where close on Toyota junk 3.0 engine . The problem yes Toyota not smart enough to make a head gasket. They where factory recall problem. When the customer brought it back. We where only allowed to put another toyota head gasket. Witch was junk so we had the customer but the fel pro head gasket. Not one come back my own off road ,. Toyota has junk engine , 3.0 . large fi hot cams headers fel pro . 13 years of abuse . No blown h gasket.

PaulW - 11-2-2020 at 06:38 AM

Yes, At the end of the 3.0 recall campaign they came up with the thicker head gasket that improved the issue. The result of the thicker head gasket was a significant decrease in engine power. I was greatly relieved to dump that rig. And that rig had plenty of issues with the transfer and had to go to the dealer several times. They changed that design in later years to finally solve the bad design. My biggest gripe was I had to go to corporate to get the necessary fixes because the dealer did not have the detail or training on the proper repair.
That was my last Toyota.

bajatrailrider - 11-2-2020 at 02:47 PM

I think the general problem we have there are . Many non gear heads on this forum. Yes you know who you are and so do the ones that really know. To make statement all chevys bad or Toyota's ect . All truck car brands have problem child's all have made junk. So call all what every brand no good is telling all . You have no knowledge you bet we know number 1

PaulW - 11-2-2020 at 04:49 PM

The thick gasket lowers the compression ratio and the peak cylinder pressures to hopefully prevent the leak. The lower the compression ratio the lower the horsepower and torque. There are aftermarket gaskets that do not lower the CR, but the problem still persists after more miles.
It was amazing what the difference was after that gasket change.

bajatrailrider - 11-2-2020 at 06:13 PM

That is true Paul amazing fel pro . Made a gasket that Toyota factory could not. The 13 years on my built junk 3.0 prerunner are dirt miles. 35in all dirt tires long travel deep sand running wide open with ac on. Hi compression Engine 5:40 locker. Does not even get med hot.In this case fail Toyota.

apple - 11-3-2020 at 10:51 AM

The auto is a solid trans, but the manual should get better MPG's. They all leak oil at basically every seal. Not enough to notice between oil changes, but enough to leave stains in your driveway.

TMW - 11-3-2020 at 08:05 PM

In the 80s and early 90s we had a couple of Jeep Cherokee's at my work. One for the Transmitter and one for the studio. As I recall they both had the 4L straight 6 engine. They both ran good no unusual problems. We had them for several years.