Does one exist? I did a search and found some data but I was looking for something comprehensive indicating best engine, tranny, xcase, diff combo to buy if building it for the trail.

Also, what do I look out for if I'll be using it as a DD at first.

Obviously I'm a Mitsu Montero owner and I can tell you that if you want to buy a 1st gen then look for either a 3.0L v6 (90/91) or a 2.6 (but look for a properly functioning carb or look at doing a starion turbo swap.

I saw that with the Cherokee's you want to try to get one with the 4.OL Auto and factory tow package which could net you a D44 but apparently that's no guaranty. How can you be sure? A tag on the Diff? A specific axle housing dimension?

Any other things to look for/avoid? Primarily, I want something that I can drive for now while I do some work (both corrective, & mods) to my Montero and also possibly build up once I get 35's, gears, lift, and a front locker for the Monty.

I know a former next door neighbor of mine had one but he had a rear main seal leak that was gonna be $$$ to fix. That's the kind if issue I want to definitely avoid if possible.

Thanks!

Here is a good link on XJ specs. Here


Your looking for everything you should want to. A dana 44 will of course have a different tag on it, but you will also be able to identify it by sight here. It was used on the XJ from 87-89. If you can't find one with a dana 44, look for one with a chrysler 8.25. It's not as strong as a dana 44 but if you get one with the 29 (97-01) spline shafts, it will withstand 33-35's nicely. I'm running an earlier 27 (91-96) spline 8.25 out of a cherokee in my wrangler and I'm very happy with it so far.

Look for a command trac (np231) or or selec trac (np242) T-case. The all wheel drive (249) T-cases SUCK, they ware out quickly.

If I were buying, I would look for a 97-00 with an auto and the 8.25 with the 231 T-case.

Montero guy,

It appears you're pretty well set on getting a cherokee. Where we're all buddies here, I would advise you to reconsider, and purchase a TJ wrangler! I have a 91 Cherokee with almost 190,000 miles on it. It's been a good car for my wife. We've replaced it with a 02 Liberty Limited. In my opinion, the cherokee is 1970's technology and is a poor choice for offroad use!
Why would you want to buy a unibodied station wagon, anyway? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Name's Ray.

Yes I am sort of decided on the Cherokee. Cost, space & ride are my primary considerations.

The Grand Cherokee's are simply too expensive and I've seen what they look like after 4-5 years of use and IMHO it aint pretty especially for what they cost (a fluke couple of rigs maybe)??

Also, I want to be able to drive 1800 miles to the trail head then drive back at the end of the run w/out towing the rig. When I rode in my friends 97 TJ, w/ 33's just around town, I felt like I was in a massage chair on steroids gone awry! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> I don't recall which suspension lift kit he got but I can ask him if you want. I do know he paid $$$$ for a 4-5" suspension lift w/ new coils & new arms all around. Maybe I've been spoiled by my monties ride.

Also, for now, I'm really just looking for a decent daily driver that I can decide to build up later. So far I'm considering the Cherokee, Toy Pickup or Taco. Heck, I'm even considering a VW Jetta, Golf, or GTI but not for a build up unless it becomes a pocket rocket <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" />.

Budget's of course another factor and with my Monty needing an engine rebuild then build up (dif gears, xcase gears, body lift, 35's) that limited to $1-2k max for something that will be a basic daily driver that's reliable and if it breaks down, easy to fix.

Hmmm maybe I need a bicycle. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Agreed, the highway ride is not that great on any Wrangler. Sunder wrote "If I were buying, I would look for a 97-00 with an auto and the 8.25 with the 231 T-case." I think Sunder's recommendation is what you really need for purchasing a XJ Cherokee. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Thanks. That will probably take it out of the immediate running as I think anything that new will be more than $1k (locally on craigslist they're running 4-7k) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" />

A Cherokee for less than 1K$? It's gunnu be an older beater with some less desirable options. It'll more than likely be an old tired 4.0 Cherokee, or a 2.8 or 2.5 Cherokee. Either one will let you down and be lacking on power. The 2.5 4cyl's are just low on power until they went to MPI post 91. The 2.8 V6's were always junk and the 87-90 4.0's have a different lower net HP injection system. The early 4.0's are still vastly better than a 2.8 or 2.5, but for less than 1000? Probably going to have ALOT of miles on it.


I just looked at kbb.com, and the only XJ you are going to find for less than 1000 in cali is going to be a pre91 with a 2.5 and 200+ K miles. I don't know about other places... but I bet it won't be too far off.

Yup. Thanks for the advice anyways. I figured this might be a good opportunity to find something but perhaps not.

I guess I'll be looking at an older VW Jetta/GTI/Golf for now then. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

that was an interesting twist you went from 4x4 to rice...... well i hope you find what you need ....not to knock on the rice i have a accord for a DD but its not as fun ... but then again i have a toy to play with on the off time.... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/nana.gif" alt="" />

LOL, that's kinda like the pot calling the kettle black don't you think? About the only thing I don't like are "stupid" non-functional poseur mods.

Oh, and why I want a VW? Gas prices. They've been fluctuating anywhere between $2.00-$2.30/gal. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Oh, and they are fast and that's always fun... sometimes too fun. Maybe that's why I have a ticket for doing 90 in my Monty. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" />