Picked up a 97' Cherokee sport for $950 so ya know it ain't perfect. Been looking for an SUV for a while and the Cherokee seemed to be the best choice.
It's got a few of the common problems associated with the 4.0, manifold crack, stuck rear hatch, bad wheel bearing(s). All stuff I've learned how to fix, but I have one little issue that is a tad annoying. Of all the buttons on the door to stop working it had to be the LOCK button. UNLOCK works though, is this another common issue?
Overall I'd say I got a fair deal, clutch is strong and so is the engine.

 

I wish I could find a manual. One for that cheap better gas mileage. In my opinion. And more torque. And easier. To fix lol

 

Pull of the door and see what's up. (I don't know too much about newer XJ doors, but check for shorts)

 

Has 184k on it now, hope it will reach 250-300k. Would be 184k be too high to switch it to fully synthetic oil?

This was the only 5spd I could find in my area, wasn't about to let it get away. I agree with all that but mainly I just enjoy driving a manual.

 

if locks working sounds like could just be switch pull the switch bezel and test connections on back with test light for current when switch is toggled....

 

never too late to switch to syn.

but if it has any leaks they may get slightly worse

 

Most importantly, use a good quality oil filter like Napa, Wix, or Mopar which is available at Walmart. No orange filters with bedliner sprayed on the outside of them.

 

It does have a ticking noise. It sounds to me like exhaust ticking, since it has the cracked manifold. When I give it gas the tick sounds separate from the engine revving. It fades when I let off and is quieter at highway speeds. 184k on the stock manifold its gotta be that ticking.

 

2 common problems:
oxidation inside switch and broken wires between door and door jam.
Keep in mind that lock unlock go through body control module, so if BCM doesn't want you to lock your car for whatever reason, it won't let you. Let us say it "thinks" you left key in ignition or left window open or hood.

 

You might try this header. It's probably a Chinese knock off but I've been running it for close to a decade with no problems.
APN Jeep Exhaust Manifold

 

Now the front passenger side window stopped working and it's down. Neither its own or driver switch will work it. All the others work still, is this a case for bypassing?

 

I'd give the bypass a shot and see if it works.

 

Get a can of electronics cleaner and go to town on the back side of those switches.

 

My locks got ghost in it work only sometimes

 

It seems to be working alright now.

Are there any valvetrain problems common to the 97' 4.0? Upon further thought I'm starting to think the ticking I have going on may be valve train related.