BlackHart

Hi, I'm new to the site and looking to drop my tax refund on a jeep, it will be used as a toy first and foremost, mostly trail rides with the occasional trip to the dunes thrown in, my question is should I go with the v8, or the i6? Pros and cons for each and any advice would be appreciated, I'm fairly new to the wheeling game and looking to learn, thank you for your time

Bustedback

You're only gonna get a V8 in a Grand Cherokee unless an XJ had a swap done. The I6 is a great engine, it's almost bullet proof. If you're wanting a toy then go for an XJ. More stuff is available for the XJ and they're pretty damn affordable.

BlackHart

I guess my question should have been should I get a Cherokee or a grand Cherokee lol, but you answered that, thanks, what are some problems I should watch for in the cherokees?

Turbo X_J

Either, but don't skimp on the rubber.

BlackHart

Haha 10-4

Ianf406

In a XJ, you want a 1997-1999. You get the new interior, more efficient 4.0 than previous years, a High Pinion Dana 30 and possible an 8.25 (I would look for one with the 8.25). In 2000, the came with a crack-prone 0331 head and a low pinion Dana 30 in the front (weaker) so I would avoid a 2000-2001 unless it is immaculate condition with low miles.

Things to look out for: rusty floorboards(especially under driver/passenger feet) and rusty rockers. If modified, you know it has more than likely been beat so if anything looks questionable, post up on here and ask about it.

Welcome to cherokeeForum! Good luck in your search. Once you get one, you will probably have 1000?s about mods and this forum has a wealth of knowledge.

BlackHart

Ok, thanks, I'm looking into this one, any thing stand out yes or no towards it? On a side note, what exactly is sye?http://kalamazoo.craigslist.org/cto/4899863712.html

extrashaky

It's a slip yoke eliminator. Long story short, when you install a lift, the steeper drive shaft angle can cause binding and vibrations. The SYE helps with that. There's a whole world of info on SYEs if you want to dig further.

andrewmp6

That link you posted i would stay away from that jeep.The rockers are rusted out bad it has a short arm lift the whole front end is beat up looking.It has 33s but don't say anything about re gearing it to match the tires.Your best bet is find a virgin xj that is clean no rust and has been taken care.Mileage is nothing the 4.0 inline 6 can run 300k no problem if taken care of.Its cheaper to build your own jeep then buy one thats been lifted used and abused,Those you can spend another 3 grand plus to fix all the problems you find and still not have as good of a jeep if you started fresh with one.

Bustedback

X2! That jeep is beat to hell.

andrewmp6

Thats the only bad thing about the xj too many get used abused and thrown away pretty much because they are cheap.Around me the xjs for sale are beat bad or one own low miles high price type.I could get two zjs or a really nice wj for what a good xj goes for here lately.

BlackHart

Ok noted, trying to find a relatively rust free one might be a bit od a struggle as I live in the mitten state, our official state color is a mixture of rust and salt

Turbo X_J

With the possible exception of the Dodge Neon, Jeep Cherokee is the #1 most abused & negelected vehicle on the planet.

BlackHart

I'm seeing that, very few stock ones for sale :/

BlackHart

So I found one that recently had a head gasket done, but has slight tick while running, iv been reading around and I see many different answers to the issue, the gentleman with the jeep says it is a rocker that is loose, I'm moderately mechanically inclined, but not looking to buy something I need to tear apart completely lol, should I pass on this one? The price is looooooow so I would have more to put into it off the bat, any opinions?