Buying a Jeep Cherokee Need Help

[jharrison13]

I am buying a stock 1998 jeep cherokee SE with 167,000 miles on it what are the main trouble spots on stock jeeps to look out for?

[4x4Dalton]

Motor,tranny and if its 4wd make sure it engages right if not theres gonna be some $$$$ issues before ya know it.

[bigjim350]

While doing a test drive I would look for any hint of a wobble in the steering, especially over bumps. The common leak areas are the rear main seal, valve cover, and oil filter housing. The front seal on the transmission, and the gasket on the transfercase halves are prone to leaking too. Also look for any loose componants under the jeep. Alot of times the rear shock bolts get broke and never fixed. Also make sure the aux e-fan comes on when you turn on the A/C. But just about any problem on them can be fixed if the purchase price is cheap enough. Is it 4x4? If so there are a few other things, to check for.

[jharrison13]

yes it is 4x4 it is real clean all around just wasnt sure what the normal parts that wear out are, not had xj before, i usually do cj's i am very mechanically inclined i just wasnt sure if on these if certain parts of the tranny or transfer case have any certain issues, i usually have it all jacked up when i inspect a new rig, for bad joints etc... any help will be great.

[Mudderoy]

yes it is 4x4 it is real clean all around just wasnt sure what the normal parts that wear out are, not had xj before, i usually do cj's i am very mechanically inclined i just wasnt sure if on these if certain parts of the tranny or transfer case have any certain issues, i usually have it all jacked up when i inspect a new rig, for bad joints etc... any help will be great.

I think the wheel bearing assemblies are a 100k item as is the drive chain in the transfer case.

If it is a NP242J (Full time & Part Time 4x4) it is common for it not to want to release back to 2wd. Coast about 20 mph in neutral and press lever forward usually gets it (about 100% for me now). If the lever feels like it's not all the way down then you are in part time 4x4.

Anyway put it in full time and accelerate pretty hard. If the chain is stretched you'll hear popping like a chain is skipping over the teeth of gears.

[ironmanandy]

97 and later cherokees are notorious for over heating and warping/blowing head gaskets. check all symptoms thereof.
I also encourage guys to take a long 3/8 drive socket extension and move it along the valve cover while cupping their hand over the other end and hold it to your ear. it lets you hear excessive valve noise
Good luck

A

[jharrison13]

what is the reason for those years of overheating? how can you tell which one it is (NP242J (Full time & Part Time 4x4) is there a number on the case?

[xjpirate]

the t-case shifter reads from top to bottom; 2wd, 4part time, 4full time, n, 4lo

[jharrison13]

which transfer case is better the one with the part time or full time 4wd?

[Mudderoy]

what is the reason for those years of overheating? how can you tell which one it is (NP242J (Full time & Part Time 4x4) is there a number on the case?

The easiest way is to look at the shifter and see if it has Full time and Part Time settings. The other way would be to look on the case for NP242J.

[Mudderoy]

which transfer case is better the one with the part time or full time 4wd?

Some say the NP231 (No full time) is slightly stronger. I like my NP242J transfer case because if it's raining (or even if it's not) I can use 4x4 on the street. You can't do that with a 231, it's 4x4 on very slippery surfaces only.

[jharrison13]

so on a 231 it just has the 4wd hi 4wd lo and 2wd?

[bigjim350]

Correct. I prefer the 231 cause I hear it is a little stronger, and less complex. Plus there are more options when looking for a sye if you ever need one

[bigjim350]

Another thing to look for, is what kind of rearend it has in it. If it is an 8.25, its one of the best that come in a xj. The d35 is still good too, but not as strong. If it has ABS breaks it has a D35, if it doesnt it could be either.

[jharrison13]

well i got a real good look at this jeep and drove it around and did some playing, it is one of the cleanest and well maintained jeeps i have seen for that year, so i think i am just going to buy it next weekend and go through it and i will list what i have and then i will start researching which lift, tires, sye i want to start with, so hopefully everything goes smooth. but from the sounds of it, i can come here and get some good advice from other jeep lovers,once i get it i will put up some pics of it and my cj5.

[bigjim350]

OHHH cant wait. After you buy it is when all the fun stuff starts. And if you ever have ANY question please DO NOT hesitate to ask. And I am sure you will get great answers

[jharrison13]

this one is going to be a daily driver for awhile but after i get a better job to buy a new car for daily driving is when the real fun begins and i get to make it to the rig i want, but for now i can live only a 3.5-4.5 lift and 31-32 tires and a couple of extras.