I need a new jeep/truck, recomendations?

[Recurve-Elk]

Hey guys!  I need to get myself a 4x4.  My budget is unfortunately pretty low, Ive got about 3500 for a rig.  That leaves me with a little over 1000 for a small lift (3inches), and some cheaper all terrains.  I am not scared of getting a ride that has up to 180 thousand miles on it.  I have access to a shop and can swap engines and do mechanical work if the ride has issues down the line.  However, I would like to get a rig that can take at least another 20-30k miles before any major work needs to be done (I realize this may be a gamble), I hate frame and body rust, and the interior needs to be in relatively good shape. 

Any ideas of relatively capable 4x4's that would fit my needs?  What should I steer clear of? 

I want the rig to be pretty capable off the beaten path, but it doesn't need to be a crawler by any means.  Just a solid hunting rig that can get me where I need to go up in the hills. 

Right now I am leaning towards a Jeep cherokee (XJ).  They look tough, are tough, and are easy to work on and mod.  Anyone got one for sale?

[Yankee]

Meh, if you want reliable, pick up an old toyota, early 90's with the 4 cylinder 22RE engine.  Will be IFS, but unless you're planning on a lot of hardcore wheeling should be fine, decent gas mileage as well.

[high country]

Just can't beat a 4 runner. I have had two and together they have accounted for 700,000 trouble free miles. At least 250,000 miles were off pavement and some of them were down right mean to the rigs....but they took it like a champ. My current 91' has 320k on the clock.

[jackelope]

Stay away from the late 80's early 90's XJ's due to problematic fuel injection. I don't remember the specifics as far as what years but '89 and 90 are definitely a couple of them.

[Recurve-Elk]

Stay away from the late 80's early 90's XJ's due to problematic fuel injection. I don't remember the specifics as far as what years but '89 and 90 are definitely a couple of them.

Good call, I'm trying to find a 95 or newer.  Got a few bookmarked so far!  Do you know anything on the grand Cherokees?

Been looking at the Toyotas too! 

[Thehowler]

No complaints at all with the Cherokee's. 4.0's are bullet proof as long as you change the oil.

[Wazukie]

Stay away from the late 80's early 90's XJ's due to problematic fuel injection. I don't remember the specifics as far as what years but '89 and 90 are definitely a couple of them.

 

Owned a lot of early XJ's and own a 90 now with 276000 miles on it and never have I had a problem with FI systems.  Now the newer ones, think it was 92, when Chrysler took them over, I've had problem with those 

[coachcw]

a 4.0 cherokee is the best bet for the buget you in , freash clucth and service the diffs and you will be solid. toyotas are spendy .stay away from the 4.7s

[bobcat]

I did a little research a while back. Get a Cherokee made in the last three years that they made them. I think that would be 1999-2001. Or is it 1998-2000? Can't remember for sure but the last three years are suppose to have the best of everything- good motor, good transmission, good 4x4 system, etc.

[Wazukie]

The only advantage the newer XJ had was the chrysler 8.25 rear end and that is only if you didn't have the dana 44.  The new 2000-2001 had a low pinion dana 30 front axel.  84-99 had high pinion dana 30

If an XJ is what you want, look for one that has a factory tow package.  It will more than likely have the Dana 44 rear(87-90) and have 4.56 gears in it.

[Alchase]

The only advantage the newer XJ had was the chrysler 8.25 rear end and that is only if you didn't have the dana 44.  The new 2000-2001 had a low pinion dana 30 front axel.  84-99 had high pinion dana 30

If an XJ is what you want, look for one that has a factory tow package.  It will more than likely have the Dana 44 rear(87-90) and have 4.56 gears in it.

I never saw a XJ with stock 4.56 gears, stock they came with 3.55s.
If you got an early (87 - 89) and got lucky with a Dana 44, they had 4.10s.
You can tell by the tag on the front diff, it will say 355 somewhere in the number sequence.

I ran 4.10 in all mine, running 4.56s you would have a top speed of about 50 mph, but you could climb a verticle wall, LOL.

I had a few XJs and a 87 MJ (Comanche)


The post 92 Xjs had allot of the minor problems fixed:
Blowing oil out the vacumn
wiper linkage
Cooling system
window motors
fan clutch assembly
5 speed manual, (very hard to find with the 4.0) throwout bearing seals failing inside the bell housing.
etc...

I would look for 2003 or 2004 Limited, already had the towing package they will have the NP 242 transfer (Select Trac) case. The NP 242 gives you the "AWD/full time" option along with "Part Time" that the Command trac NP231 has.

Though you can't go wrong with the NP231 (Command Trac) either.
Get a lift kit that articulates well (no blocks) and add some lockers.

[THINK_N_ELK]

There is a 93 Toyota PU on the state auction web site listed at $1270 right now.  In the description it states this truck was WDFW seized - runs okay. Needs clutch work. Comes with tool box and winch

Auction ends on the 23rd of this month.


http://www.publicsurplus.com/sms/all,wa/auction/view?auc=896350

[Thehowler]

I have never heard of  or seen an 87-89 Dana 44 for a Cherokee or Comanche, that came stock with 4:10 gears. 3:07 for a manual and 3:54 for auto.

[Southpole]

1999-2001 Jeep Cherokee xj. They are also in your price range for a fairly decent one. Great engines. Stay away from the Grand Cherokees, they have a laundry list of issues.

[Thehowler]

Many problems with the heads on the 2000's. They had cracking issues between the 2'nd and 3'd cylinder. Some sort of casting flaw.