i did it... got the 98 cherokee sport
#1
i did it... got the 98 cherokee sport
Hey guys well, from past forms I decided to go with the 98 cherokee; i guess XJ model? not sure
anyhow, engine sounds very strong and seems healthy and so does the transmission. I would like to make this vehicle a rock crawler / daily driver. Is that possible? My budget on this build is about $8,000 So, what is it you guys recommend. I am a complete newbie when it comes to jeeps, so have some patience lol
However, the 4x4 high I hear some kind of clunking / grinding noise when turning or reversing and also seems a bit tough to reverse when 4 x 4 is engaged; seems like I have to hit the accelerator a bit more for it to move. again, not sure if this is normal for a 98; Hard to tell. But when I go on the high way on 4 x 4 around 30 + it drives fine and I hear nothing.
anyhow, engine sounds very strong and seems healthy and so does the transmission. I would like to make this vehicle a rock crawler / daily driver. Is that possible? My budget on this build is about $8,000 So, what is it you guys recommend. I am a complete newbie when it comes to jeeps, so have some patience lol
However, the 4x4 high I hear some kind of clunking / grinding noise when turning or reversing and also seems a bit tough to reverse when 4 x 4 is engaged; seems like I have to hit the accelerator a bit more for it to move. again, not sure if this is normal for a 98; Hard to tell. But when I go on the high way on 4 x 4 around 30 + it drives fine and I hear nothing.
#2
CF Veteran
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,466
Likes: 6
From: St. Joseph, MO
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
i did it... got the 98 cherokee sport
Every cherokee is an XJ. I'd check to see what transfer case you have before driving on dry pavement in 4x4 again. 242 can be engaged on the road and the 231 is meant for slick surfaces. There's threads on here that will show you how to figure out which one you have.
My best advice is to read as many threads on here as you possibly can. Start with the stickies. Before I got my cherokee I read thread after thread about them around an hour a day for a year or so (Crazy, I know haha... but there's a reason behind it)
Congrats on the new jeep! And addiction...
My best advice is to read as many threads on here as you possibly can. Start with the stickies. Before I got my cherokee I read thread after thread about them around an hour a day for a year or so (Crazy, I know haha... but there's a reason behind it)
Congrats on the new jeep! And addiction...
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 554
Likes: 7
From: Ohio
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
Congrats! 8k is a huge budget! Lucky. Start with lift, tires and lockers. Then go from there. I'm sure others will say different, but it's a good starting point.
#5
yeah I might take it to the mechanic first so they can check it out. I am just a little concern abotu that 4wd why i hear some grinding and/or clunking noise when reversing in 4wd or turning slow.
anyhow, if i were to get a 6.5 inch lift, would that be idea for my jeep for rock crawlimng? what other stuff should i get if iw ere to lift it that high and take it on the highway going 65 - 70mph
anyhow, if i were to get a 6.5 inch lift, would that be idea for my jeep for rock crawlimng? what other stuff should i get if iw ere to lift it that high and take it on the highway going 65 - 70mph
Last edited by willc86; 07-07-2015 at 12:42 PM.
#6
I'm sorry to invade on your post, but I can't make a thread :/
But I'm having the wobble (98 Cherokee sport) I just replaced the Track bar. I just noticed that when I turn my steering wheel from left to right I hear a good clunk noise. My asteeeing where is also off. Is this my steering box? Or ball joints? I lifted the jeep and wiggles both passenger and driver front wheels and only got a TINY bit of play. Please help. I've been dealing with this wobble for months!!!
But I'm having the wobble (98 Cherokee sport) I just replaced the Track bar. I just noticed that when I turn my steering wheel from left to right I hear a good clunk noise. My asteeeing where is also off. Is this my steering box? Or ball joints? I lifted the jeep and wiggles both passenger and driver front wheels and only got a TINY bit of play. Please help. I've been dealing with this wobble for months!!!
#7
CF Veteran
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 7,554
Likes: 15
From: Monett, MO.
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Yes for starters have the Jeep checked out first for problems that need to be addressed first.
Then don't rush but read here for a few weeks or a month or 2 on lifts in general and all that go with them. The cost of the lift alone is but a very small part of the overall cost to do one properly. That budget is very easy to go through quickly and not be done with a lot of things.
The higher you go in lift the more it costs and anything from 4 1/2" up really should be a long arm setup and use quality parts so you don't to do it twice or more times. Lots to consider tire size, gears, lockers, differentials, shocks, frame strengtheners and the list goes on just read a LOT and then ask questions.
Then don't rush but read here for a few weeks or a month or 2 on lifts in general and all that go with them. The cost of the lift alone is but a very small part of the overall cost to do one properly. That budget is very easy to go through quickly and not be done with a lot of things.
The higher you go in lift the more it costs and anything from 4 1/2" up really should be a long arm setup and use quality parts so you don't to do it twice or more times. Lots to consider tire size, gears, lockers, differentials, shocks, frame strengtheners and the list goes on just read a LOT and then ask questions.
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#8
I'm sorry to invade on your post, but I can't make a thread :/
But I'm having the wobble (98 Cherokee sport) I just replaced the Track bar. I just noticed that when I turn my steering wheel from left to right I hear a good clunk noise. My asteeeing where is also off. Is this my steering box? Or ball joints? I lifted the jeep and wiggles both passenger and driver front wheels and only got a TINY bit of play. Please help. I've been dealing with this wobble for months!!!
But I'm having the wobble (98 Cherokee sport) I just replaced the Track bar. I just noticed that when I turn my steering wheel from left to right I hear a good clunk noise. My asteeeing where is also off. Is this my steering box? Or ball joints? I lifted the jeep and wiggles both passenger and driver front wheels and only got a TINY bit of play. Please help. I've been dealing with this wobble for months!!!
#10
sounds like a steering linkage problem. i could be the gear bax, but whaat you said about the wheel being off and a little bit of wiggle. my guess is very bad alignment. take it to get align i pretty sure it will solve most your wiggle problems and the crooked wheel. first place to start go from there
#12
thanks for all of your input guys! I am definitely going to research before I even start buying the lifts; well, because safety. I definitely do not want my ride to split in half while riding on the freeway, lol!
Anyhow, I was wondering if headers would be worth it on a jeep as well? And down the road, is it possible to have an engine swap to a small block or something? or these jeeps dont do very well with engine swaps?
Anyhow, I was wondering if headers would be worth it on a jeep as well? And down the road, is it possible to have an engine swap to a small block or something? or these jeeps dont do very well with engine swaps?
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 979
Likes: 0
From: Tucson, AZ
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
thanks for all of your input guys! I am definitely going to research before I even start buying the lifts; well, because safety. I definitely do not want my ride to split in half while riding on the freeway, lol!
Anyhow, I was wondering if headers would be worth it on a jeep as well? And down the road, is it possible to have an engine swap to a small block or something? or these jeeps dont do very well with engine swaps?
Anyhow, I was wondering if headers would be worth it on a jeep as well? And down the road, is it possible to have an engine swap to a small block or something? or these jeeps dont do very well with engine swaps?
#14
Read read read then read again. If you have questions, Dont be afraid to start a new thread and ask. $8k is a huge budget and I could do a lot with that budget. 6.5 inches of lift, you will need a sye, longer brake lines and more. Like stated above. The higher you go, the more expensive it gets. If I were you I would go with a 4.5 inch lift and 33s. In my opinion that's a good height for offroading as well as a daily driver. Then I would do an sye and a locker. Maybe front/rear bumpers and lights.
#15
Read read read then read again. If you have questions, Dont be afraid to start a new thread and ask. $8k is a huge budget and I could do a lot with that budget. 6.5 inches of lift, you will need a sye, longer brake lines and more. Like stated above. The higher you go, the more expensive it gets. If I were you I would go with a 4.5 inch lift and 33s. In my opinion that's a good height for offroading as well as a daily driver. Then I would do an sye and a locker. Maybe front/rear bumpers and lights.
I am pretty sure I will want a 6 inch lift. I know myself ;P. Regardless, I am definitely researhcing. Someone even told me I should get a performance tuner if I were to start rock crawling; some headers, a better 4x4 and u-joint. As far as 4x4, what is it that I should upgrade about it? Or should I just leave it as is and fix it up.
But yeah, I am going to ride stock for a bit, get familiar with the trails and see what I really need. They told me at least 6 inch if I go to moab Utah