[fixeruppr]

I am currently in the market for a cherokee.


Just wanted to know the common problems with these machines.

Common rust spots.
Common wear and tear.


any info would be GREAT.

Thanks op:

 

[Kyle]

Always check the floorboards for rust, its a killer to our vehicles.

Also just make sure the vehicle was well maintained prior to your ownership, these Jeeps will last forever provided that they are properly maintained.

Let us know if you have anymore questions.

 

[xj&tj4me]

like stated above, check the floor boards for rust, especially under the rear seat where the jack is mounted. It is a very common place that gets the condensation and moisture build up from the exhaust. It seems to be more of a problem on the 96-down models. The 97-up models seem to get rust on the A-pillar at the top of the windshield. Check all years for rust in the rockers, particuarilly in the 96-down models. You also may want to check the "y" in the header, they have a tendency to crack out there and that is not a big thing to get replaced, but you really dont want to run it for a prolonged period of time like that. Check the airfilter to see if it has any blow by in it of oil. Other then that the rest would be just regular items that you would check at any time you purchase a vehicle, ya know, like muffler bearings and the high speed canuter valve.

 

[lornix]

Don't forget to make sure it is not leaking blinker fluid

Seriously ... check the tranny and motor mounts as they have a tendency to wear and get a little sloppy. Also, if you plan on doing the maintenance yourself / repairs / mods etc, make sure you have a good supply of hand tools such as torx, reverse torx, and odd-sized sockets, because more than any other vehicle I have worked on, an XJ has some "surprises" for routine repairs such as one bolt being a different size or type than the other 6 on the same part.

Also water leaks around the firewall. Being uni-body, they can leak easily if the uni-body is tweaked at all.

BUT ... if you find a good one, they are tough as heck and will go darn near anywhere stock.

Good luck with your hunt.

 

[BlueXJ]

These above suggestions about cover the areas that need to be checked. Keep us informed about your search and purchase. We welcome any questions about your potential Jeeps as you look for just the right one for you.

 

[Bluto]

also make sure to check to make sure the steering box isn't tearing away from the unibody

 

[JeepGodXJ]

I've heard of problems with the power windows and front door speakers. Mine had problems with both when I got it. Fixed the speaker, just a bad ground wire from the harness to the door, ran a new one and worked great. As for my front passenger window, it's slow, and reeeally slow when it's cold. but as long as it works I don't really care.

 

[jfxj67]

Mainly rust under the carpet, on the roof at the seam of the rear hatch and down the side, to the rear quarter panels!

Other common problems with XJ's may include; Broken or separated Door Hinges, cracked Exhaust Manifolds when the drivers side Motor Mount wears out, and problems with the Neutral Safety Switch.

 

[jeepgod]

Also check the muffler bearings and the fluid levels in the driveshafts

 

[jfxj67]

Also check the muffler bearings and the fluid levels in the driveshafts

:rofl:

 

[mcatald]

Well.....99 percent of the items listed are for sure stuff to look for. This one here really drives me nuts. Its right in the middle of my hood where it is oh so visible.

Can we dredge up a few more REALLY old threads?

 

[lifted1994xj]

I wonder if he bought one? This threads just a little old

 

[jeepgod]

old

I wonder if he bought one? This threads just a little old

Yep but I couldn't resist Dunno but I wish I had belonged to a forum or had some people to let me in on the things to watch out for before buying one.....it would have saved me a lot of sweat, emotions, and blood :brickwall: I now try to help everyone I can that is a jeep enthusiast. I noticed that Michigan sells theirs for a lot more than other states but it may be more equal now. I saw a 2000 cherokee with almost 170,000 miles for around $6,500

 

[lifted1994xj]

Yep but I couldn't resist Dunno but I wish I had belonged to a forum or had some people to let me in on the things to watch out for before buying one.....it would have saved me a lot of sweat, emotions, and blood :brickwall: I now try to help everyone I can that is a jeep enthusiast. I noticed that Michigan sells theirs for a lot more than other states but it may be more equal now. I saw a 2000 cherokee with almost 170,000 miles for around $6,500

Yup couldn't agree more i think i got lucky on mine i had no idea what i was looking at when i got mine just the normal stuff look at the oil, trans, etc. basic stuff like that.

Same thing out here in colorado the newer ones are going for a lot of money like a 2000 with 160,000 will easily go for 5,000

 

[jfxj67]

Well.....99 percent of the items listed are for sure stuff to look for. This one here really drives me nuts. Its right in the middle of my hood where it is oh so visible.

Can we dredge up a few more REALLY old threads?

Like this, ya mean?

:rofl:

 

[HillBilly]

:rofl:

.... ya know, like muffler bearings and the high speed canuter valve.

 

[JOSEPHHENDRIX]

like stated above, check the floor boards for rust, especially under the rear seat where the jack is mounted. It is a very common place that gets the condensation and moisture build up from the exhaust. It seems to be more of a problem on the 96-down models. The 97-up models seem to get rust on the A-pillar at the top of the windshield. Check all years for rust in the rockers, particuarilly in the 96-down models. You also may want to check the "y" in the header, they have a tendency to crack out there and that is not a big thing to get replaced, but you really dont want to run it for a prolonged period of time like that. Check the airfilter to see if it has any blow by in it of oil. Other then that the rest would be just regular items that you would check at any time you purchase a vehicle, ya know, like muffler bearings and the high speed canuter valve.

Also check the blinker fluid...

 

[11btim]

I just bought a 97 Cherokee with 173000 miles for 2600 smackers. 4.0 liter, command trac and it drives great. Steering is tight with no apparent issues. I think I got a good one. Great paint and everything works. Only had to replace the hatch struts. 20 bucks apiece at Autozone with a lifetime warranty. Sweet!

 

[lorendad]

Let me tell ya'all a story 'bout muffler bearings. I'm pretty sure I invented them or made their existence a reality back in the early 60's. My brother and a friend where working on the exhaust of a snowmobile they wanted to race the next day. The header pipe was just a little smaller than the tuned exhaust chamber they wanted to run. Our antique welder was "on vacation" so they were trying to improvise. Looking over their shoulders, but trying to stay out of the way I could see the gap they were talking about. I had just "helped" my dad rebuild a 283 out of an old truck and the rod bearings were still laying around on the work bench. I picked up a couple of them and handed them to my brother and he stuck them in the gap between the two pipes and they fit just perfectly! So there you have it, the "birth" of muffler bearings! :beerchug:

 

[JOSEPHHENDRIX]

That is a classic story