Post by: aaronp13 on May 26, 2016, 09:28:39 PM
Also, lots of automatic transmissions in these things. Any opinions on those? Thanks in advance!
Aaron
Post by: High Climber on May 26, 2016, 09:36:40 PM
Post by: papisjeep on May 27, 2016, 06:58:02 AM
91^ good rigs 4.0 motors and the aw4 trans are great and have great longevity when serviced
some inherent issues but none that bad(cracked exhaust manifold, leaky rear main seal)
these rigs are good to 300k with decent service
Post by: jackelope on May 27, 2016, 08:35:56 AM
The exhaust manifolds pretty much will all break at one point or another. Plan on it. You can weld the cracks but they'll break again eventually. The earliest of the 4.0L's will have a little more issue than the later ones. I'd look for a 97-01 or so if it were me.
They're pretty trouble free really. Probably one of the best Jeeps every from a mechanical standpoint. I worked for Jeep for ~10 years.
Post by: Yondering on May 27, 2016, 02:34:09 PM
The AW4 transmissions are bomb proof, and the 4.0 motors run forever. I rebuilt mine at 230,000 miles, but once I took it apart I realized I should've left it alone, it wasn't worn very much.
A couple issues as mentioned above:
- rear main seals leak; just the way they are
- exhaust manifolds crack. Minor annoyance, replacing with a header is about a 2 hour job.
- electrical systems on the older ones can have issues; it's a Chrysler product.
- 2000-2001 models sometimes suffer cracked heads.
- The Dana 35 rear axle is a little weak for serious offroad, but is easily replaced with the later Chrysler 8.25" or others.
Other than that they are pretty much good to go. The prices seem to be really climbing on them in this area. The 97-99 version would be my first choice, with the better Chrysler 8.25 rear axle but before the head-crack years.
One option that's worth looking for (but hard to find) is the 5-position NP243 transfer case, which mine has. These vehicles have all the standard 2hi-N-4hi-4lo settings, but also a "Full Time 4wd" position, which is nice on snowy roads. They also have larger U-joints in the front axles, and the one-piece pass side front axle (no vaccum disconnect like the other models). I tend to leave mine in "full time" always for normal driving.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi24.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc26%2Fzthang43%2FImg_3819.jpg&hash=837f80cc7eb82393441c3249dd6246a8250365b1)
Post by: D-Rock425 on May 27, 2016, 02:46:21 PM
Post by: jackelope on May 27, 2016, 05:05:34 PM
Post by: KFhunter on May 27, 2016, 05:13:29 PM
Post by: Special T on May 27, 2016, 05:37:08 PM
I have a 94xj. There are a lot of stupid simple improvements you can do to make them a light wheeler/awesome hunting rig. 2" lift and fender flairs can clear 33" tires
Post by: Special T on May 27, 2016, 08:29:04 PM
I know because I melted mine and now in the process of rewiring and it sucks
Post by: 92xj on May 27, 2016, 08:40:21 PM
Stick to an auto, you gain a few more splines for the case. Anything particular you want know or are interested in?
Plan to build it?
Keep it stock?
Desired tire you want to run?
Post by: aaronp13 on May 28, 2016, 02:25:47 PM
I might just go with the automatic too. Always had a 5 speed, but an auto might be nice too.
I haven't gone to see any of the Craigslist Jeeps in person, so what you actually get for $3,000 I don't know, but the pictures of a $3,000 XJ make them look pretty nice.
Thanks again for all the info!
Post by: Thehowler on May 28, 2016, 03:32:48 PM
Post by: Special T on May 28, 2016, 05:46:06 PM
Post by: Yondering on May 31, 2016, 10:05:25 AM
Wow thanks for all the info guys. My plan is to put a mild lift on it, run 33's and maybe build a custom bumper for the front and rear.
Some guidelines for lift vs tire size on these:
- 3" lift will fit 31x10.5" tires, or with careful fender trimming and wheel spacing 33x10.5.
- 4.5" lift will fit 33x12.5, may still need some trimming depending on your wheel spacing.
3" lift and 31's is a really good combo on these if you're not going too crazy with wheeling. I noticed a significant difference in handling going from this to 4.5" and 33's; it's better offroad now of course but gave up a lot on the pavement.
Post by: Thehowler on May 31, 2016, 09:08:11 PM
It will make all the difference in the world as far as engine power is concerned.
Post by: Alchase on June 01, 2016, 06:48:27 PM
Wow thanks for all the info guys. My plan is to put a mild lift on it, run 33's and maybe build a custom bumper for the front and rear.
Some guidelines for lift vs tire size on these:
- 3" lift will fit 31x10.5" tires, or with careful fender trimming and wheel spacing 33x10.5.
- 4.5" lift will fit 33x12.5, may still need some trimming depending on your wheel spacing.
3" lift and 31's is a really good combo on these if you're not going too crazy with wheeling. I noticed a significant difference in handling going from this to 4.5" and 33's; it's better offroad now of course but gave up a lot on the pavement.
When you take a XJ above 4 ", you better be prepared for some serious drive train realignment. If not engineered correctly, death wobble and alignment are the least of your worries, lol
Personally I think a 3" lift with good articulation and 31" inch tires, is the holy grail for XJs.
Has great clearance while still keeping good on road ability. Throw a couple lockers front and back and you have a fantastic 4x4 that can drive from Washington to Moab Utah, spend a week crawling Moab, then drive back home in comfort.
Post by: BNAElkhntr on June 01, 2016, 07:14:34 PM
Post by: Parkern on June 02, 2016, 04:30:41 PM
Post by: Alchase on June 02, 2016, 06:50:16 PM