Why a late model? The xj platform never really changed from 84 to 2001

Ok... the ABS thing. FALSE! Not all late models have abs... as a matter of fact, none of the xj's with the chrysler 8.25" rear end have abs... if you have abs, you have a Dana turdy five. Besides, ABS is for people who don't know how to use their own brakes... personally, I don't want any vehicle deciding when to let up on the brakes for me... I'll drive it myself thank you. And the turdy five got that nick name for a reason...

Factory tow package is definately a plus if you never plan on regearing (which you will be doing if you go much over 31" tires), because factory tow packages usually came with 3.73 gears. But if you plan on running 33's or 35's on an automatic, then you need more like 4.10 or 4.56 gears, so you'll be regearing anyway and factory tow package isn't doing anything for you.

Limited slip? NOT a locker... not even close... really is only slightly better than an open diff... if you plan on building a wheeling rig, you'll be ditching it for a real locker anyway.

 

No ABS on my 01 with Chrysler 8.25 rear end. I thought I'd miss it, but I really don't.

 

If you see one you like, get the vin and email Chrysler support and they'll send back the build sheet in a day or so. I've heard that these might not be available for older (80's?) models. Then you'll know exactly what is in it.

Also, Carfax and to your local mechanic for a basic look over is a good idea, at least for a mechanical incompetent like myself.

 

A couple questions, from what I have read a 3" lift should give me the clearance I need to fit 31's correct? Next question will 3 inches cause any issues with drive shaft angle on a low pinion front axle? I also intend to install the 1" drop for the transfer case as recommended by most, so that should help some.

Any one have any experience with Zone lift kits? Read about them in an article a while back in "Four Wheeler" and looked at them on line. I looked at their 4.5" add-a-leaf and shackle kit but I didn't what to go too much and start running into other issues, so the 3" kit with front springs and add-a-leafs it what I was looking at. This the kit reviewed by "Four Wheeler" and it looked simple enough.
http://zoneoffroad.com/product?ki=34&gr=-1

 

ok, First of all, you want to avoid add a leaf like the plague unless your current leaf springs are in mint, like new condition. unfortunately almost all of the original leafs on cherokees are shot and why they sag. adding a single good leaf to a pack of bad ones just isn't going to hold up for long.

As far as the driveshaft angles on a low pinion at 3", I don't think it'll be a problem, however a while a transfer case drop reduces the angle on the rear tolk, it increases the angle on the front, since your transfer case doesn't come straight down. Your transfer case is also held up by the transmission which is held up by the motor which is held up by the motor mounts. When you lower the crossmember for a transfer case drop, really what you're doing is tipping the whole motor/transmission/transfer case assembly back, Pointing the rear yoke more down, and the front yoke more up.

At 3", you will also have to either get an adjustable track bar that will adjust down far enough for such a small lift, or relocate the mounting point on the current track bar. If you relocate it, you'll need to go with a drop pitman arm or find some other option to ensure the drag link stays parallel to the track bar. Really, a 4.5 isn't that much more work, but with a low pinion front axle, it may be starting to near the limits for your front driveshaft angle. If you insist on going with an 00-01 despite it's disadvantages for lifting, it isn't that difficult to swap out the front axle with one from an earlier model. The crack prone head can also be swapped out for an older one, but that would leave you without mounting bosses for the coil packs on the 00-01. Like I've said, honestly to me if I have to have the newer body style, it'll be the 97, otherwise I'm going for the old renix and slapping an HO head on it, then doing basically the same changes on it I've done to my current 97.

 

I hope this helps, I live in Seattle area and spent about 8 months checking Craigslist for a Jeep Cherokee. I really wanted a 5 speed preferably an AX-15 tranny. I found that there are ALOT of 90-96 cherokees that have been BEAT and then young folks with no money try to weld up the rig for resale. I came across my 1997 Jeep Cherokee with the AX-15 Tranny for $1,000. Now when I bought it I knew that 1st gear did not work at all.(bad syncro) I IMMEDIATELY call the guy and told him $1,000 cash and Im on my way up to get it. I knew well before buying it that at WORST case I would have to drop another 2 grand to rebuild a tranny professionally at a shop. Long story short is, don't jump on the first thing you find!!!! I got screwed bad on a 94 Xj with a dying transmission. I also found, avoid buying a Xj with 200,000+ miles that looks like it has been used hard and put away wet.

 

I recently got a 2000 sport and, after a months long search, feel I got a nice one (120k with a strong motor, trans and drivetrain). From my brief experience, I would say keep an eye out for these things on a 2000-2001

1 Head crack (often in tandem with some kind of cooling issues (clogged or leaking radiator)

2 Neglected auto trans, transfer case and differentials.

3 AC system leak (often occurs in part of system that is buried within the dash (a major hassle to repair)

4 Front suspension wear/damage

I'm sure others here can offer much more in depth comments but this is what I've stumbled on.

 

The 2000-2001 has 6-11 more lb ft and 3-20 more hp than any other year Cherokee 4.0, all at a lower rpm(peaks hp @ 4600 and torque @ 2700 rpm). Only upside IMO. The earlier 4.0s and HO's didn't have the low end torque of the 97-01 PowerTechs. I have driven both.

 

until you put a 99-01 intake on an older jeep... the 99-01 don't have any upgrade options to catch back up.

 

Thank you for all your input. I am taking my time looking. The wife's vehicle will be paid off this month, so it is my turn. I ether need to find me a Cherokee as a dd, or put a $1000 into a new set of tires on the old truck. I would rather get the Cherokee and not have to worry about tires at this time and save on gas while I am at it.

Thanks,
TC