1992 Jeep Cherokee Project

[BC_Explorer]

Hi, I am a long time lurker to these forums and I now have the "Expedition" bug thanks to all the great info here.

I don't currently have an off-road vehicle however have owned many in the past and plan to rectify this very soon, hence my joining of this forum and now my first of probable many future questions.

My first question here is that I have my eye on a 1992 Jeep Cherokee as seen below. It has the 4.0 L engine, manual transmission and 186,000 KM. I am not all that worried about the mileage as the plan is to make this a restoration project over the fall and winter in preparation for next spring.

In general, do these older Cherokees make for good expedition type vehicles in terms of money spent on the restore of the drive-train etc? I don't plan on any hardcore mods as it would only used for moderate off-road use which also includes pulling a trailer which when loaded weighs around 2300 lb.

When looking at this Cherokee, is there any areas of concern (besides drive-train which will be completely rebuilt) such as hidden rust spots or any other problems on these particular vehicles that should tell me to look at some other vehicle instead.

Thanks.

 

[BIGdaddy]

Hi, welcome. I have the exact same jeep with the AW4 automatic. Both the AX15(manual) and auto tranny's are pretty bulletproof.

If it's in good shape, and drives well, you really have nothing to worry about. I've replaced these things on my jeep.

-front brakes
-tires/wheels
-front and rear driveshaft u-joint (including front CV joint) replaced
-cap/rotor
-serpentine belt
-plugs/plug wires
-valve cover gasket
-fuel filter
-air filter
-front bumper
-rear springs
-inserted front spring spacer
-radiator
-thermostat
-alternator
-battery
-installed blue sea fuse block
-installed hella lights
-refreshed fluid in front diff, and tcase

All these repairs ranged from "a baby could do it" to "with a good set of instructions I'm good-to-go". Nothing other than a stuck spring bolt during the leaf spring swap has ever given me any trouble.

All repairs have been done in my driveway, with simple hand tools, a set of jack stands and a good harbor frieght floor jack.

I'm currently building an 8.25 rear axle to replace the Dana 35, but the d35 is only now (after 2 years) giving me wear and tear issues:

-pinion bearing
-leaky diff cover
-brakes going south

And these will all be remedies and or refreshed with the new axle.

 

[BC_Explorer]

Thanks BIGdaddy. Hopefully I will be going to look at this truck Monday after work and see what transpires!

 

[BIGdaddy]

Thanks BIGdaddy. Hopefully I will be going to look at this truck Monday after work and see what transpires!

Looking forward to a full report, buddy!

Ask away with any specific questions.

 

[BC_Explorer]

Just an update. I am now the owner of this 1992 Jeep Cherokee as seen in the above images I posted a couple of weeks ago, The final total cost (with included taxes etc) came in about $500.00 below the original asking price...and there would of been taxes on top of that. Also the dealer installed a new radiator once we discovered a leak last week before I purchased (today) and this was also included in the final cost factor.

The Cherokee drives good on the highway and I am amazed at the low end torque of the inline 6 on the steep hills at speed and also a standing start. The engine is in great condition and passed the AirCare (smog test) with flying colors.

Brakes, both front and back are at 90% and should be good for a few years.

All electrical and charging system is working although it will need a new battery in the next year or so but that is minor in the big scheme of things.

No problems with the 5 speed manual, all gears shift smoothly. Transfer case works great in all ranges.

Tires are brand new all season Michelin's and will be sufficient for my needs.

No rust on the body surface or underside. There are a few small, slight scratches but nothing that cannot be easily fixed. Interior is immaculate with no stains, tears, rips etc.

All in all, very pleased with the purchase of the Cherokee. Next weekend is a shakedown cruise both on and off road over a period of 5 days.

 

[mudbutt]

That XJ looks very clean for 91... Good job.

Although the 4.0 is a good motor with a healthy amount of torque, I would imagine it would get tiring lugging a 2300# trailer around for any length of time.

 

[BC_Explorer]

That XJ looks very clean for 91... Good job.

Although the 4.0 is a good motor with a healthy amount of torque, I would imagine it would get tiring lugging a 2300# trailer around for any length of time.

Thanks for the feedback.

To clarify on the towing. It would only be 2-3 times per year over a distance of 300 miles per round trip, so 3 x 300= 900 miles max. As for the trailer weight of 2300 lbs, I went on the very max of the weight. A more conservative and probable typical weight would be in the 1800 to 2000 lb range.