might buy an Xj, need info please

[dmerc]

Im looking at a 1992 xj, Rubicon express lift, 33" muds, v6, auto trans, (not sure what which one, aw4?) I think the transfer case is np231? (not sure if thats right either, Id know the numbers if I heard them) Detroit in the rear, Tru lock in the front, 4.88 gears, custom bumpers, Dana 44 in rear, Dana 30 in front, and other stuff im sure im forgettig. 113000 miles.
Im a Toyota guy( hope thats not going to get me kick off) and this is the first Cherokee ive ever looked at. Ive got a new baby and need something with a little more room than my Land Cruiser. My questions are:

1. How reliable are these rigs.
2. how trailworthy are these rigs, the ground clearance doesnt look to be the best.
3. How do they do agaisnt short weelbase rig, im mostly doing rockcrawling.
I really apperciate any feedback you guys might have. By the way, nice write up in the offroad magazine, thats how I found your web site. Thanks again.

[red87cherokee]

These rigs are quite capable, and quite reliable - 113,000 miles is barely broken in, if it was well maintained. Many XJ's have over 200,000 without problem.

Incidently, it is probably an in-line 6 - the last V6 for a Cherokee was offered in 1986. Most Jeep people swear by this engine (the I-6).

As far as the tcase - two possibilities, if original:

NP231 - has 2Hi, 4Hi, Neutral, 4Lo

NP242 - has a full-time and part-time 4wd option (I've got the NP231, so I'm not sure of the exact terminology on the shifter).

[Kejtar]

Originally posted by dmerc
Im looking at a 1992 xj, Rubicon express lift, 33" muds, v6,

1992 should not be a v6 but an I6... if it's an I6, then you're good, if it's a V6 by some odd twist of faith, RUN LIKE YOU HAVE NEVER RAN BEFORE!!!!

The tranny aw4 is considered to be pretty reliable (hear say for me, as I'm swear by stick shifts).

I regards to reliability, you'd be surprised :) Last time I was on the trail the guy in a Rubi (slightly lifted) was surprised as to what we can do :) :) Also... well... AC... that says it all!

Btw, check for rust underneath, as that's never fun!

Kejtar

[dmerc]

You guys are right its a I-6, aw4, dana 44.

[dmerc]

Also the guy says the engine runs at 200-210 degrees, is that normal for these?

[88justin]

yep, but cooling problems are sometimes an issue. from what i hear, mine has never had any problems

gluck

[xj92]

Yep. 195 T-stat is the norm and it runs slightly over that.

[DeadEyeJ]

Dmerc, I would say that a Jeep Cherokee is one of the most capable production vehicles ever with some basic modifications. Great front suspension, good wheelbase, light weight, and good torquey power.

The axles are a bit wimpy, buy the D44 rear solves most of that problem. Rear flex is nothing to write home to Mom about, for sure. But, the rear leafs keep it stable, while the front coils crawl all freakin over the place.

Having a unit body construction instead of a ladder frame, hardcore mods can be difficult to build. If you are building a crazy custom crawler, I would probably suggest a different course than an XJ. If you want a rig that does almost everything out there offroad, and still drives great, get the XJ. You will love it.

Jared

[RTicUL8]

To service your XJ, you can go here to buy a Factory Service Manual: http://www.techauthority.daimlerchrysler.com/

Call the 1-800 # if you don't see the manual listed - they probably have it.

[FarmerMatt]

The XJ will surprise you in what it can do. I was a hard core CJ-7 guy than the wife & kids came along & my beloved CJ was kicked to the curb without out room for everyone. I was sure when I bought the XJ that it wouldn't wheel as well as my CJ did, but we're actually concuring harder trails with the XJ than I ever attemted with my CJ. Mine is also a 92. You should have the HO I6 motor either 231 or 242 T case & the dana 44 was swapped in from an older XJ most likely. The AW4 auto is an awesome tranny with very little problems. Most of us wheel this auto pretty hard. Put a good tranny cooler on it & forget about it. Some say there strength comparison falls somewhere in between chevy's 4L60E & the 4L80 which is what their using in 3/4-1 ton trucks. It's cool that you saw our article in the mag, hope you stick around & go on a ride with us.

Matt

[Kejtar]

Listen to Matt.... he's been featured more then once in a magazine (actually his rig with his wife behind the wheel :D) http://www.4wdandsportutility.com/events/03104wd_xj/

Kejtar