I'm looking to buy a Cherokee for my hunting and off-road rig. Which years do I want to stay away from and which years are prefered for reasons such as power plant, transmission and diffs? Any input would be helpful.

Robert

Absolutely do not get a 2.8L V6. I can't imagine there are any still running, but you never know. They were only available for the first few years (84-86). Other than that, the newer the better! Personally, I'd go 4.0L HO I6 auto-trans '91-'97.

Thanks for the info

Some came with a Pugeot 5 speed manual. I'd avoid them. My sisters XJ unfortunatly came with one, she's on her third transmission at 200K.

I have a 91 and a 98 with the HO 6 cyl and auto trans, never had any mechanical problems with either.

That sucks! Sounds like a ford. The diesels are ok, but the others suck.

Lots and lots of Stangs had the very same Pugeot tranny in them. Many of them get 200K without any problems.. They seem to be a bit weak for dome of the trails guys put em on.
Big Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

I have been looking at the newer (90's) models as well, can't find any bad comments about any of them. I have an '87 with the 4.0 and automatic, 165K on original drivetrain. Tranny shifts tight, no slip at all, and engine purs no problem, sometimes a little rough at idle, still pretty quick actually too. So it's made me a believer in these trucks.


Berkely....I actually have seen one 2.8 that is still running, I don't know how well it runs, but it moves everyday. I see it on my walk home everyday in a different spot on the street (Manhattan), it is beat to hell, doesn't even have a grill on it anymore, but that guy moves that thing to a different spot everyday.

nothing newer than 98,they had head problems. the castings was weaker and the don't flow as good.

I have heard a lot of comments on here about the 99+ 4.0 heads being bad, seeing that I have a 99 this has definitely grabbed my interest. What specifically are the differences, between the 99+ and the pre 99? And how do the problems with the 99+ manifest themselves? Are the 99+ really that bad that I should start looking for a replacement earlier unit for when mine fails? Also how do I identify the difference in the heads? I did some searching on the net and all I can find is the Part number for the head changed from 0630 to 0331 mid 1999, so I am thinking I could be OK, but I could have a problem, and I would just like to identify what I actually have. I havenÆt really found any good sites that detail out the issues.

Thanks,

Sean

http://www.opiebennett.com/tech.htm

This site has some useful information on Cherokees. Haven't heard much aboth the 99 up models having a weak engine.

As with any Jeep regular maintence and fluid changes are the best way to keep it running. My old beat up 91 XJ has over 300,000 miles on the origional motor and trans and still runs like a top. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />