Buying an 1989 XJ

[jeep4x4hunter]

Hey everyone ive been in the market for a jeep for awhile now and think i might have found one. Im going to look at it some time this week. It is an 1989 cherokee and was just wondering what i should look for so i dont get ripped off or even if i should get it please help me guys I really appreciate it.

http://images.craigslist.org/3na3od3l25Q05T65S5b59f5157220e96f14b1.jpg

1989 Jeep Cherokee xj 4x4
Auto tranny
4.0 liter straight 6 motor
NP231 xfer case
High pinion Dana 30 front axle
Dana 35 rear axle non C-clip

has about 4.5 inches of lift
33x12.50 mud terrain tires (plenty of tread but has rock rash and are starting to dry rot)
has drop brackets for front control arms but aren't installed
removable front doors
There is too much to list on here as far as mods go
Many many spare and extra parts to go with it.
extra doors to make half doors, spare axle and drive shafts, etc.
Also will come with haynes and chiltons manual and the Factory service manual

This Jeep will get you wherever you want to go no problems

Has not been driven on the street in a year. Tags are out but would easily pass inspection.
Clear blue title

Offers considered. Willing to trade for street legal dirtbike or motorcycle.

Here is the add: http://collegestation.craigslist.org/cto/2371089274.html

[LizardRunner]

Sounds like a pretty good deal, if it checks out. when you go look at it be sure to check for wear signs everywhere. Last one I looked at had bad front bearings, bad steering linkage and worn steering gear, slop in the drive shafts and lots of rot so I ended up passing on it since it was for my wife. I'd also pull the dip stick and all the other normal stuff to check when buying any used vehicle.

[BigJeepBigJeep]

Its priced about right, so I'd definitely check it out. Are you in Houston or College Station?

[XJ Rat]

Looks like a kid getting out of A&M. He probably belonged to Texas A&M off road club.

$2K is on the high end for an 89. It has to be cherry for that price.

Look at the front door hinges where they attach to the body. Are the hinges cracked? Have they been repaired? If repaired does the welding look like a butch job? How do the doors open and close? Are the retainers all working to keep the doors open? Do the interior lights turn on with the doors open? If the above does not pass, then 2K is too much.
Look underneath. Any oil drips? Drips are not necessarily a bad thing, but they can bring the price down.
The sensors are notorious for going out and then being hard to diagnose. Are any of the sensors new or are they all old?
Has the coolant system been converted to an open system? What does the coolant look like?
Has the crank pulley been replaced? If not, what condition is it in? Original pulley will need replacing soon.
Driving, how does it steer? Loose/sloppy, pull to one side?
Does the tranny shift good? Put it in reverse and check if the reverse lights are on. If not, NSS time.
Start up, I think the computer needs to see about 200RPM before it allows the engine to start. Does the motor turn over strong? If not, weak battery, corroded power leads/connections, future starter problems.
Look at the C101 plug, does it look like it has been messed with? These plugs are known for having problems.
Look at the fuse block by the drivers feet. Is it stock looking or are there many 'additions'. Are all the fuses still there?
Does it have the CAD disconnect? If so, when you shift into 4WD is it actually working?

As an example, my son bought an 89 Pioneer. 4.0 liter, AW4, NP231, Dana 35. Underneath was not one scratch. It had never been off road. All new sensors. The hinges on the front doors are cracked, but not repaired. Had an oil leak, we fixed it by tightening the valve cover bolts (they were loose). Overall the Jeep was in good shape. $1,850.00 bought it.

Just by the pics, 2 grand is too much. I am sure he will take less.

[msmoorenburg]

shoot i'd let my 87 go for 1kobo but she dose need some work

[bigjim350]

With something like that, that has been wheeled, I would look underneith for anything bent. Like sub-frame, mounts, steering, etc.

[cantab27]

looks like its been used ..as jim said check under it ,its been on rocks,,whats with the dry rot in the tires,,doesnt know the lift ...its not green....

[jeep4x4hunter]

Thanks everyone i really appreciate it im looking at it this thurs (tomorrow) and i will keep that in mind if anyone thinks of anything else just let me know thanks

[Mudderoy]

Thanks everyone i really appreciate it im looking at it this thurs (tomorrow) and i will keep that in mind if anyone thinks of anything else just let me know thanks

If msmoorenburg was serious about his, I'd recommend considering it. He'll treat you right.

[jccatt]

Be prepared to walk if its not right, there will always be another.

[jeep4x4hunter]

in houston right out side in magnolia actually

[jeep4x4hunter]

http://naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1062325
another add for the same jeep a little more things on it but he has replaced the spiders so they are now open

[Mudderoy]

http://naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1062325
another add for the same jeep a little more things on it but he has replaced the spiders so they are now open

So you're going to use it as an off road only vehicle?

[bigjim350]

Its a decent price i suppose. But if it were me I would buy a stock one for a cheaper price, and build it myself. That way you know how it was built. Not saying that one is not built well or anything. But on mine I know where I cheaped out and where the weak links are. With a pre-built ride, its all a guess.

[jeep4x4hunter]

true i understand were u come from if this isnt that nice i probably going to do that and im going to get it street legal just to get it to and from the trails but mainly just a rig haha, and tonight i will post pics of it to night when i get back from seeing it

[rguignard]

i raced it at ROM in 2010 its a pretty nice offroader btw he beat me

[jeep4x4hunter]

just got back not worth my time, wont even post pics so much was wrong the kid just wanted to make a quick buck before he was shipped over seas just wanted it off his hands thanks for the input everyone i really appreciate it

[jeep4x4hunter]

i raced it at ROM in 2010 its a pretty nice offroader btw he beat me

must of cared about it then it just has been left out and alot of things wrong now though thanks for the input though

[cantab27]

shoot i'd let my 87 go for 1kobo but she dose need some work

talk to matt,,good bloke and wont shit ya around.....;)

[jeep4x4hunter]

haha already did hopefully gonna see it soon we live close to each other and his 87 looked really good he sent me a pic seems like solid guy

[cantab27]

sweet,,,,,just gotta paint it green and ya got a deal,,,tell him i said...

[Mudderoy]

just got back not worth my time, wont even post pics so much was wrong the kid just wanted to make a quick buck before he was shipped over seas just wanted it off his hands thanks for the input everyone i really appreciate it

I guess there is a reason we don't have money when we are young. Sounds like that would be the only person he could sell it to.

I had two problems with it out of the gate. The price, and that it was raced (and won) at least once.

[cantab27]

think the tire rot would give it away as a heep that has not had much tlc.......

[jeep4x4hunter]

true true and again thanks everyone

[jccatt]

true true and again thanks everyone

Thats what the site is for Dan, you will find an XJ. Took me a while to sift through the crap.

[jeep4x4hunter]

here is another jeep i was planning on looking at some time this week when i got a chance

http://images.craigslist.org/3md3p63l35T45W45S6b6d624761ea850b11ee.jpg

http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/2439265573.html

[jccatt]

That sounds better Dan