There is a website with the potential to let you plug the VIN# in and get those results but I don't have it. I have always refered on my own wits to figure out what I was looking at. That being said, Someone will chime in with the link you need I'm pretty sure. Good Luck and welcome to the Jeep Cherokee lifestyle.

 

http://www.lunghd.com/Tech_Articles/..._Codes_AMC.htm


that site has a vin breakdown, hope it helps.

 

See I knew someone would have a link. Thanks jebusama

 

Wow, you guys are great. And, isn't the internet a beautiful thing. Anyway, how about for all the other years XJ's were built? This link is for 81-90. Just wondering, I haven't bought anything yet. I'm still doing my research.

On a side note to anyone, please continue to recommend a model year XJ with a great stock configuration for me to buy that might be "good bang for the buck." And by the same token, any to shy away from. I have read all the replies and very much appreciate them all, but I'd like to keep this topic going of finding a good XJ with a great stock configuration to buy. Any do's and don'ts tips on buying used?

Sincerely,
Rich

 

I had no JEEP experience 3 months ago when i bought my first. I went older and was forced to learn Quick i bought an 87 FULL OF RUST. But it has trned out to be a great vehicle so far. I liked it sooo much i bought a second 87.

Craigslist is where i bought both my Jeeps.

Key things to look for

Leaks. Most or an easy fix but you still want as few as possible

RUST. Rust can be a PIA. I would check where the driver's and passenger place there feet. Bring a hammer with you and bang a lil underneath if your Hammer goes through then it is rusted pretty bad and move on to the next XJ. Check the rockers also.

Electrical. Verify everything works like it is supposed too. Weak grounds can cause alot of problems. Although also easisly fixable.

There is not a whole lot of HARD stuff to do on the JEEP except from what i hear about changing/upgrading shocks.

I pd 1000 on my 1st 87 and 700 on my sec 87. Shop around and Don't Buy fast. Wait for the jeep that you see that you fall in love with.

You can go to www.jeep.com and input the VIN# there and you can request a build sheet from them also.

Have fun with it. You can call me too if you have any more questions

1-253-212-5643 I am Rob

 

The first guy that gave you the lunghd.com site. The lunghd guy is very helpful with the
renix years that is the reason that his info stops at '90. The jeep.com site will mail you a copy of any build sheet that they still have in their system. In other words don't ask them for a 1946 CJ2A build sheet, it won't be in their system.

 

Anybody else have any input? All opinions are welcome.

 

Just get some info together of what you are looking at links and what not if using craigslist. That way we can see mileage, and everything. Every jeep is different I have seen some great older jeeps that are worth more than late 90's models. Post them on here and we will tell you Deal or No Deal

 

Another thing where are you from and what big city are you close too

 

One thing here. Don't walk away from a good xj that has an oil leak. 75% of the xj's out there are leaking oil. It's most likely the valve cover or rear main seal leaking. This is one of the small issues that xj's have. The valve cover seal is very easy to replace but the rear main takes some time and is a little messy but do-able with basic tools.

When i was cherokee hunting for my gf (which ended up in my hands anyways) , all of the cherokees i inspected were leaking oil. Not a single one was dry. The one i got is leaking from the valve cover......i think.


Figured i'd throw that one out there....

 

mudd is correct. Oil leaks aside have you narrowed the field down? When you do shoot us some pics and descriptions and we will all chime in and finish confusing the heck out of you.

 

Also just a small point if you look at a Renix Jeep up though 1990 avoid the ABS systems. Unless you are willing to keep some changed forked out to keep it going. My 89 had one of those lovely Benix ABS systems from hell. Didnt take me long to figure out the pump was gone and after pricing it, didnt take me any longer to take the power brake system from a buddys 88 XJ and swap it over to mine.

 

My 87 is full of leaks and after reading the numerous threads about replacing the seals nothing really seems very hard. I have done both my valve covers on both jeeps. Both were very easy. That definitly should not be a deterrent but it is more less a bargaining tool to get a better price Rust now that is a different issue. It can be fixed but it takes alot of work and a lot of cutting and piecing I would stay away from rust buckets at all cost.

 

I am in a similar situation. I have a kid on the way and will be selling my 97 TJ to get into an XJ. I am willing to crawl under vehicles to identify parts and can visually identify 8.25 diffs. My question is this... If i get a 1999 model am I guaranteed to get a HP 30 in the front? My idea is to look for 99 XJ with 4.0 automatics and NO ABS system. Then go look under it for the 8.25 rear (as well as all the other inspection items.)

Am I on the right track here?

 

Something else that maybe a benefit to you is Carfax. I am looking for an XJ for my wife and 3 of the ones I looked at had been in an accident or had a salvaged title. For a dedicated trail rig that would be fine, but for my wife's DD I will stay away from those.