Harry Huraira

Hey dudes!

Looking into buying an XJ, its an 00 with 107k. The owner hasn't had it reg in a year but its been upkept and built, no rust or rot besides one spot on the passenger floor panel. Let me know what you guys think! Its gonna be driven home 5hrs to upstate ny. Heres the pics...cheers

RocketMouse

with that year... first thing I would check other than what you already have...is see if it has the 0331 head on it or if it's been replaced? As the 0331 head is well known for warping / cracking and you end up with a milkshake... and if it doesn't now;.... it most likely would. That being said, if there are no issues and it DOES have that head, it's not a deal breaker if the price is right...there are a few companies that make quality replacement ones...and they really aren't that hard to replace.

Dave51

There is no evidence to say that it "most likely would". Informal polls I have seen put the failure rate at about 25% (certainly enough to closely monitor tho, and investigate before you buy).

See:

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/pol...der-did-crack/

Ralph77

I have always thought that the 0331 head thing might be a bit overplayed.
Great bargaining chip when buying an '00 or '01 though. LOL.
My '00 bought kinda of running and not really driveable with 147K.
It does not have a TUPY head on her. Is just a regular 0331 head.
Whether the head had been replaced by one of the 2 PO I don't know.
I don't think so though. Currently 167K on her now and so far so good.
Oil is always good. No unexplained coolant loss, good compression, and I did a block test.
On of these years I am going to get to doing the leak down test.
Still did not stop me from scoffing a couple TUPY heads, one for $50 and the other for free, when the opportunity
presented itself to have in "stock".
Just in case. LOL.

Gotyoulooking

I have an 01 w the 0331 heads that I purchased on 2015 w 140k. It’s been my daily since and not one single problem w 180k later. Just make sure sure check her over and don’t over pay for it. People here in NY think they selling gold when it comes to these trucks.

Dave51

Just don't let it overheat.

Kap

I thought the head issue was overrated too... until mine went. Naturally it was the 331 and expensive for me at least since too stiff to do it myself. On the other hand where was I going to find another solid 4WD with that design and capability for the amount I spent.
And I also got eight years from purchase date before I had to do it.
So yeah as everybody says do NOT let it overheat.
Second issue: why was it modified and for what? Mods indicate possible heavy usage and lots of wear on handling and suspension links. Also steering geometry.
Rule of thumb: you will spend 10% of the purchase price right off the bat fixing items you didn't see.
All that said if price is right, why not? Good luck and tell us all what you decide, final price, and what went wrong.

Spencer_P

Both floor pans look funny to me, some scatches on the unibody, and bent pinch welds.

Actually when I look closer looks like the pinch welds are rotty and I can't tell but have the rockers been bed lined? No telling what's under the bed liner.

BlueRidgeMark

Agreed Take a lot closer look for rust, and poke things with an awl or screwdriver.

Remember:

1. Rust is never lonely.
2. Rust never sleeps.

RocketMouse

Well whatever the official failure rate is....it's significant enough that it would certainly be a factor for me. Doesn't mean I wouldn't buy one with it...but with what I've learned of them, It's something I think is worth knowing to look at and consider to make sure there isn't prior evidence of an overheating issue before committing to a purchase. That's all.

WNC_XJ

what head are you guys replacing with? i just picked up a 2000 yesterday and the valve cover had been replaced recently, but i'm seeing oil down the block. granted, i haven't ran it but maybe a mile total since buying and trailering it back last night.

Ralph77

Most guys go with either the head from Clearwater from here:

https://www.cylinder-heads.com/

Or find a used TUPY head from a late '02 to '04 WJ or late '02 to '06 TJ.

RocketMouse

I've also heard good things with either of those two you mentioned.