I just agreed to purchase a 1990 Jeep Cherokee 4.0l I6. It has 160,000 miles and had quite a few things replaced, like tires, map, spyder gears, some other things. I'm paying $1600 for it. Its a Limited with all the leather and power goodies.

What do I need to look out for as possible problems?

What are some great things about em?

Thanks!

 

The Jeep Cherokee XJ was an amazing vehicle- I have owned 5 of them over the years! I know of several in my area that have 200,000-300,000 miles on them and they just keep on going! to learn more about the XJ check out the jeepsunlimited forum:
http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums...000&forumid=48

http://www.jeepsunlimited.com

 

Congratulations on choosing an excellent 4x4 to compliment your excellent cars! Cherokees and their close cousin the Commanche are, in my opinion, the best small utility vehicles ever built. I used to own a Commanche and we currently own two Cherokees ('89 Limited, '91 Laredo). The 4.0 and AW4 automatic are both nearly indestructible needing only routine maintenance. The 242 has a bit of a reputation as being the weaker of the two available t-cases, but under normal use will live a long happy life. It is however very sensitive to differences in tire size and even tire pressure, any variation can cause it to be difficult to shift to and from 4wd. The most expensive problem you are likely to encounter is cracking of the exhaust manifold, especially on the pre '91 engines but the later ones aren't much better. The throttle position sensor and crank position sensor can be problematic but are easy fixes. Coming from turbo cars as you are, if you haven't driven it yet be prepared. While your Renix (pre '91) 4.0 isn't tremendously overpowered (173hp) you will probably be amazed by the low end torque, there's 235ft-lbs and it's all there before 2000rpm. It's no screamer though and is pretty much finished by 4000 but the low end is so strong you just don't feel the need to rev it. The '91-up engines made more hp (190) and the same torque but had a much higher powerband (5500+). In most driving situations the Renix actually seems to have more power because it rarely breaks 2000rpm. You'll understand when you're chugging up hills in O.D. at like 1200rpms without dropping a rev. I'm betting your car doesn't have a whole lot of pull down that low, I know mine doesn't. Anyway enjoy the fine 4x4. It won't do the things your cars do, but it'll do all the things they won't very well.

For more info check out http://www.naxja.org/forum/index.php?

later
Tony

'97 DOHC 5spd Neon
'91 Cherokee Laredo
'89 Cherokee Limited

 

Hey Tony, thanks for the excellent post. She actually has 130,000 miles, and I found out first hand about the 242 being low on the Xfer case food chain. I drove it 200 miles before it went out. [:@] I've replaced it with another 242 vs. a 231 or an atlas becuase I will use this more in the winter on snow covered roads then I will on dunes or anything like that.

Indeed this is much different than my cars, but I think it is the best SUV I've driven in terms of handling, and thats really important to me. Ride and noise are insane, but thats what you get with A/T tires and two live axles. Power is adequate, though I'm spoiled with the turbo cars. The GTC, in the one winter I had it out, wouldn't get stuck easily, but I'm sure the Jeep will only raise my confidence in the snow.

I need to fix the O.D. I guess a selinoid went out and then he disconnected something behind the glove box!?? I'll have to go on the Jeep forums again to figure out how to fix that one. I drive it 130 miles one way every 2 weeks, and while 18mpg is respectable with no OD, I think I can do better.

Pics to follow when I have time to do a cardomain or something.