I'm looking into getting a early 90's or so Jeep cherokee for a cheap 4x4. I remember some discussion on here about the best chereokee to get as in year and what transmission. If not, are there any years to stay away from?
What's the best Cherokee?
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I found this... "The AW4 four speed automatic transmission was used in 1987 to 1990 Jeep Cherokee (XJ), & Jeep Comanche with 2.5L & 4.0L engines. The AW4 was also used in 1991 through 1992 Jeep Comanche & 1991 through 1998 Jeep Cherokee & 1993 through 1993.5 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 4.0L engines."
So did it come in all 1991-1998 cherokees with the 4.0?
So did it come in all 1991-1998 cherokees with the 4.0?
I'd stay away from the ones that use the plastic overflow bottle mounted near the windshield..Nuthin but trouble from those.
Are you talking about the SUV's with the headlight covers that keep the light from escaping as the vehicle ages. Sequoyah would have gotton lost while driving around the hills in Georgia.
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The AW4, AFAIK, was in all the XJ's as an automatic behind the 4.0 (dunno about the 4 banger) ..it's in my son's 2000 XJ ...at least the trans filter and gasket say that it is
A good one may not necessarily be cheap. Watch out for water leaks from plastic rear hatch on some models.
Why the Piper Cherokee of course...
Seriously, I owned a few 90's Cherokees & Grand Cherokees and as a general rule, stay with the least amount of optional electronics as possible (auto lights, etc). Mine all started to have irritating little glitches as they aged. I agree on recommendations for the 4.0 L6, a great engine. I would also avoid the full time AWD systems unless you really want it. The part time (Select Trac?) gives batter mileage, is simpler and I found it to be much easier on tires for on-road driving. Good luck.
Seriously, I owned a few 90's Cherokees & Grand Cherokees and as a general rule, stay with the least amount of optional electronics as possible (auto lights, etc). Mine all started to have irritating little glitches as they aged. I agree on recommendations for the 4.0 L6, a great engine. I would also avoid the full time AWD systems unless you really want it. The part time (Select Trac?) gives batter mileage, is simpler and I found it to be much easier on tires for on-road driving. Good luck.
Thanks, I feel dumber now for reading your post... Thanks for the informative posts guys.
97-98's get my recommendation.
All Cherokee's with the 4.0 and an automatic get the AW-4. A pretty bulletproof unit for the application. Not sure what is behind the 4 cylinder.
The '87-90 units with the 4.0 have a different cooling system than the '91 models and up as Chris referred to. Some find it problematic, I've had no issues with my '88, but I replace the coolant pressure bottle (plastic)and cap every three years as part of routine maintenance. If it does become an issue, a conversion is possible (and easy).
Otherwise, just look for one that has been well maintained and not thrashed and you should be fine.
The '87-90 units with the 4.0 have a different cooling system than the '91 models and up as Chris referred to. Some find it problematic, I've had no issues with my '88, but I replace the coolant pressure bottle (plastic)and cap every three years as part of routine maintenance. If it does become an issue, a conversion is possible (and easy).
Otherwise, just look for one that has been well maintained and not thrashed and you should be fine.
No doubt the 97 to 99. If you are getting it to 4 wheel then its a no brainer. Those years are available with the Chrysler 8.25 rear end which is 90% of what a dana 44 is and came with the high spline dana 30 up front. The years after that used a low spine dana 30 and is much weaker. Try to find one with the towing package and you are pretty much guaranteed a 8.25 rear end. I will try to find a link to the exact spot but this is a great website for jeeps http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/index.php if you go to the site there is plenty of information on the frequently asked question section. Now there are better years for manuals also the nv 3550 is available and is an awesome manual trans. I forgot which years though and then there was 2 other manuals that were offered, one was really good and one completely sucked. Sorry I don't remember the years off the top of my head but all that info is available on that website. hope that helps.
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Just to add one bonus feature of a pre-2000 unit...
You don't get the distributorless ignition ..not that this is a "feature" ..but if you get a misfire code that isn't solved by plugs ..it's $200 to replace the coil rail (can allegedly be had for less). You also don't get the two pre-cats and have been problematic. This is about $600+ in parts alone. Lots of them passing through the parts counter at the local dealer. The guy didn't even have to look it up to give me a price.
You don't get the distributorless ignition ..not that this is a "feature" ..but if you get a misfire code that isn't solved by plugs ..it's $200 to replace the coil rail (can allegedly be had for less). You also don't get the two pre-cats and have been problematic. This is about $600+ in parts alone. Lots of them passing through the parts counter at the local dealer. The guy didn't even have to look it up to give me a price.
thanks that's some good info to have.
the best cherokee is one thats paid for, you can put plpd insurance on it, still runs and drives, and is not a total rust bucket.
Any cherokee with the 4.0L. Forget the 2.8V6 and 2.5L I4.
I have a 2000 Limited with the AW4 and selec-trac transfer case - can run fulltime 4WD, leather, etc. Nice little truck and in 80,000 miles has never been back to the dealer! Only major repair I had to do (myself) was change the evap core due to a leak, which is common on these. I wish I could say my 06 Sierra Denali was as trouble free...another topic though!
I have a 2000 Limited with the AW4 and selec-trac transfer case - can run fulltime 4WD, leather, etc. Nice little truck and in 80,000 miles has never been back to the dealer! Only major repair I had to do (myself) was change the evap core due to a leak, which is common on these. I wish I could say my 06 Sierra Denali was as trouble free...another topic though!
My 99 has the 4.0L/AW4 combo and has had nothing but brakes,battery,tires,shocks,fluid changes with 140,000 miles on the clock.
If you go Grand Cherokee step-up and find a 5.2l V8, not that the 4.0l isn't reliable because it certainly is but the transmission behind it in the Grand Cherokee is a little flimsy. The V8 gets a nicer, more durable auto with the '98 Limited 5.9l getting the best tranny but then you have fulltime 4WD as well.
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