1996-2001 XJ or 2001-???? WJ - Need Knowledgable Advice

[quietfighting]

Been around the forum for a while but haven't posted before. In the market for a lower cost AWD SUV.

I have been doing lots of research and being the internet have come across lots of different information, so I thought I could get some more reliable and specific information here.

Here are my needs:
1. AWD - (not just 4 hi) - want to use for road traction such as rain or slush
2. Ability to tow - 6x10 trailer, pop up trailer
3. Reliable with high miles (bullet proof Camry reliability)
4. Child care seat latches if possible

Why these needs?
1. Wife commutes farther than me to work. She drives our 2013 Outback due to AWD and gas mileage.
2. That leaves me with our 2008 Toyota Camry. Cant tow. 2wd. but bullet proof reliable.
3. Would like to sell Camry and get SUV w/ full-time AWD for no more than $7,000 which will mean higher mileage which means needs to be reliable.

That leads me to these particular Jeeps
1. 1996-2002 Jeep Cherokee XJ with Selec Trac for full-time AWD (selec trac is proving very hard to find in Texas)
2. 2001-2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7L High Output - Selec Trac is much more common on the Grand Cherokee apparently

I used to drive a 1996 Jeep Cherokee XJ Country that I bought with 84,000 miles and sold with 130,000 to a friend. Just hit 200,000. I loved that Jeep.

With this information in mind:
Thoughts on these 2 vehicles? Would they meet my needs?
Other suggested SUV's that would meet my above needs?

If this topic has been covered before please simply direct me to a link. I want to make an informed decision and that is why I am bringing my situation to you guys for some guidance. Thank you ahead of time for taking the time to lend your advice.

 

[wADVr]

IMO you can't beat the XJ reliability. The WJ has more issues and if it were me I'd be looking for a 4.0 WJ. The 4.7s are known to have issues. I personally see the XJ as Camry reliability not the WJ but that's just me, I know people have good luck with them.

 

[quietfighting]

T&A- XJ

I really like the XJ. Only concern is being able to find one with Selec Trac, instead of just 4hi and 4lo, and child safety clips for car seat.

Wish there were an easier way to search for used Jeeps specifically with SelecTrac.

I have read that driving in 4hi during heavy rain on pavement is not a good idea as the wheels are not slipping enough.

Please correct me if what I have read is wrong. Any suggestions on this are welcome.

 

[wADVr]

I've had both and ultimately prefer the np231/command track but do see where the np242/select track works well. In the XJ it's an easy swap if you're up for it. The WJ I hear is about the same but haven't done it so I can't say exactly. The WJ will definetly be better for kids and a car seat and a lot more comfortable. Really depends on what you're after ultimately.

 

[quietfighting]

I've had both and ultimately prefer the np231/command track but do see where the np242/select track works well. In the XJ it's an easy swap if you're up for it. The WJ I hear is about the same but haven't done it so I can't say exactly. The WJ will definetly be better for kids and a car seat and a lot more comfortable. Really depends on what you're after ultimately.

I talked to parts guy at Jeep dealership and he said that np242 was no longer available. How much does that part cost? Time to install? Do you have to get selector labels for the shifter?

Is the 4.0L underpowered on the WJ? Could that give me the reliability in the engine with the comfort of the WJ?

Thanks for helping me

 

[JeepN95YJ]

I own a 1999 WJ, 4.7 V8 with 245,000 miles. I bought it with 53,000 miles. It has been nothing BUT reliable! Normal, expected maintenance with the age and mileage, but the engine, transmission and transfercase have never been apart. A very good friend loaned me his 4.0 WJ for a few weeks and I would never have bought a WJ with that engine. It adaquately moved the Jeep down the road but compared to the 4.7 it is anemic.

I have never owned an XJ but have long-term experience with them when I built custom jeeps for a living from 1998-2001. I would actually compare them to my TJ Wrangler more than my WJ. Good vehicle but simply not in the same way as the Grand.

I also own a 2003 4x4 Ram 1500 with 6 inches of lift, 35 inch tires and stock gearing. The 4.7 currently has about 150,000 on it and is reliable as ever. I out nearly 30,000 per year on this truck as I travel around the city daily in my sales job. I love that engine and transmission combination. It is always in the right gear for the situation.

Personally I wouldn't hesitate to purchase a WJ. Towing will be effortless, especially with a brake controller. I tow a 12x6 utility trailer without brakes at least once per week in the summer. Your 7k budget will buy a very nice, low mileage (under 60k) vehicle. Don't focus only on the 242 case. The 247 AWD case with 4lo has been perfectly reliable as well. My wife loves the traction afforded with zero input from her to decide which transfercase setting is appropriate.

 

[reece146]

As always, buy the newest, best condition vehicle you can afford.

Equating the XJ with a TJ is a really straightforward way to think of the XJ. I think it is bang on.

The Jeeps are reliable. You hear horror stories about the engines and the transmissions in the WJ. From what I've read I think the V8 is very sensitive to oil changes - which basically devolves to prior maintenance being done properly. Buy something low mileage if you go this route.

The thing with Chryslers in general is that they can't seem to make a decent automatic transmission, or at least couldn't at this vintage point. For the XJ this is covered because it doesn't use a ChryCo automatic transmission. It uses a Aisin-Warner AW4.

The 4.0 powered WJ uses a four speed auto ChryCo transmission that doesn't have a great reputation. IIRC 42RFE, look it up if you care. The V8 also uses a ChryCo transmission but it is a larger, 5 speed unit that generally has good reputation although not the reputation of the AW4.

The 4.0 engines in the 2000+ WJ and XJ have a reputation for cracking cylinder heads between cylinders 3 and 4. This is cylinder head casting 0331. One of my XJs had this problem and I replaced the head with an Alabama Cylinder Head replacement head. Works great and now I believe this engine to be bulletproof. I also pro-actively replaced the head on my overlanding Jeep in order to avoid being down with a big issue when thousands of miles away from home.

The earlier cylinder head castings (7120, 0630) have no such issues.

The 2000 - 2001 XJs use a low pinion front axle. This is really not a big deal but some people like to make a big deal out of it. In my case I bench built a high pinion front axle to replace the low pinion when I did the lift.

The WJs always used low pinion front axles.

The 1999 XJ is a sweet spot of sorts. It has the new, better intake manifold of the later Jeeps but still has a high pinion front axle. It's minor detail stuff though (See first sentence of this post).

WJs have an issue with the automatic HVAC blend doors breaking. There is a kit out there to fix/upgrade this and it is affordable but it is a big job to install as you have to take the dash apart to get to the unit to perform the upgrade.

The WJ uses a Dana 44A rear axle. This axle has an aluminum center section which is weaker than the normal, cast steel center differential housing used in most axles. As long as you don't jack the Jeep up from the differential (i.e. flex the housing) the axle should have a decent service life.

The XJ uses a Chrysler 8.25" rear axle or a Dana 35. The Dana 35 is combined with ABS on the XJ... but verify. The 8,25" was never offered with ABS on the XJ. The 8.25" is the axle you want. Don't choose a XJ based upon having to get ABS. It's better to have the stronger axle. I've seen ABS retained with a Dana 44 swap but it is not a simple bolt on modification and there is no kit. If you build an XJ you will likely remove the ABS system so don't make ABS a bullet point for purchasing an XJ. IIRC all WJs had ABS.

For transfer cases, find a XJ with SelectTrac (NV242). Buying one from a wrecker and retrofitting into your Jeep is not something you want to do at your stage it sounds. It's an easy swap but... if you've never done any wrenching before there are better projects to start with.

WJ will tow better, has better brakes, has more power, is more comfortable. XJ is simpler, bit of a mechano set in the types of modifications you can do. For example, my overlanding Jeep has WJ front brakes and knuckles, CJ7 brake rotors, WJ steering, Scout rear axle, Suzuki Sidekick rear brakes and a bunch of other stuff.

Between the two you can't really go wrong, just buy one that fits what you want the vehicle to do. To drive stock and use like a Subaru I'd be inclined to go with the WJ. For something to build for more than moderate off-roading I'd be inclined to go with an XJ.

Go drive a few examples of each. When I was looking for a WJ a several years ago it seemed every one I test drove was different in how it drove/felt... maintenance levels I guess at the price point of the time. I haven't bought anything but "cherry" XJs and parts XJs so they have always been either excellent or non-drivable regardless.

Your price point will also get you into a Toyota Land Cruiser FZJ80 or Lexus LX450 and some other vehicles.

HTH

 

[Chi-Town]

XJ- 4.0 is bulletproof, non Chrysler built trans (aw4).

I prefer the selec-trac 242 over the 231 for the full-time also. And you can lift them to 4" with out a slip yoke eliminator.

Stay away from the 00-01 due to head cracking issues and the dual cats under the intake manifold.


Btw I have a 98' w/ the 242 for sale

 

[BigRedXJ]

Definitely an XJ! The auto transmission is far better than the WJ ones. As for transfer cases, most Jeep off roaders prefer the 231. But as you stated you want the 242. Try to find a local wheeler with a 242 and trade with them if you buy an XJ with a 231. The 98 that Chi-Town has is an excellent year for the XJ. Newer body style, better flowing intake, and has a good head on it. That year also only came with a high pinion Dana 30 and a 8.25. Certainly a great base to start with, depending on the condition of the vehicle.

 

[quietfighting]

As always, buy the newest, best condition vehicle you can afford.

Equating the XJ with a TJ is a really straightforward way to think of the XJ. I think it is bang on.

The Jeeps are reliable. You hear horror stories about the engines and the transmissions in the WJ. From what I've read I think the V8 is very sensitive to oil changes - which basically devolves to prior maintenance being done properly. Buy something low mileage if you go this route.

The thing with Chryslers in general is that they can't seem to make a decent automatic transmission, or at least couldn't at this vintage point. For the XJ this is covered because it doesn't use a ChryCo automatic transmission. It uses a Aisin-Warner AW4.

The 4.0 powered WJ uses a four speed auto ChryCo transmission that doesn't have a great reputation. IIRC 42RFE, look it up if you care. The V8 also uses a ChryCo transmission but it is a larger, 5 speed unit that generally has good reputation although not the reputation of the AW4.

The 4.0 engines in the 2000+ WJ and XJ have a reputation for cracking cylinder heads between cylinders 3 and 4. This is cylinder head casting 0331. One of my XJs had this problem and I replaced the head with an Alabama Cylinder Head replacement head. Works great and now I believe this engine to be bulletproof. I also pro-actively replaced the head on my overlanding Jeep in order to avoid being down with a big issue when thousands of miles away from home.

The earlier cylinder head castings (7120, 0630) have no such issues.

The 2000 - 2001 XJs use a low pinion front axle. This is really not a big deal but some people like to make a big deal out of it. In my case I bench built a high pinion front axle to replace the low pinion when I did the lift.

The WJs always used low pinion front axles.

The 1999 XJ is a sweet spot of sorts. It has the new, better intake manifold of the later Jeeps but still has a high pinion front axle. It's minor detail stuff though (See first sentence of this post).

WJs have an issue with the automatic HVAC blend doors breaking. There is a kit out there to fix/upgrade this and it is affordable but it is a big job to install as you have to take the dash apart to get to the unit to perform the upgrade.

The WJ uses a Dana 44A rear axle. This axle has an aluminum center section which is weaker than the normal, cast steel center differential housing used in most axles. As long as you don't jack the Jeep up from the differential (i.e. flex the housing) the axle should have a decent service life.

The XJ uses a Chrysler 8.25" rear axle or a Dana 35. The Dana 35 is combined with ABS on the XJ... but verify. The 8,25" was never offered with ABS on the XJ. The 8.25" is the axle you want. Don't choose a XJ based upon having to get ABS. It's better to have the stronger axle. I've seen ABS retained with a Dana 44 swap but it is not a simple bolt on modification and there is no kit. If you build an XJ you will likely remove the ABS system so don't make ABS a bullet point for purchasing an XJ. IIRC all WJs had ABS.

For transfer cases, find a XJ with SelectTrac (NV242). Buying one from a wrecker and retrofitting into your Jeep is not something you want to do at your stage it sounds. It's an easy swap but... if you've never done any wrenching before there are better projects to start with.

WJ will tow better, has better brakes, has more power, is more comfortable. XJ is simpler, bit of a mechano set in the types of modifications you can do. For example, my overlanding Jeep has WJ front brakes and knuckles, CJ7 brake rotors, WJ steering, Scout rear axle, Suzuki Sidekick rear brakes and a bunch of other stuff.

Between the two you can't really go wrong, just buy one that fits what you want the vehicle to do. To drive stock and use like a Subaru I'd be inclined to go with the WJ. For something to build for more than moderate off-roading I'd be inclined to go with an XJ.

Go drive a few examples of each. When I was looking for a WJ a several years ago it seemed every one I test drove was different in how it drove/felt... maintenance levels I guess at the price point of the time. I haven't bought anything but "cherry" XJs and parts XJs so they have always been either excellent or non-drivable regardless.

Your price point will also get you into a Toyota Land Cruiser FZJ80 or Lexus LX450 and some other vehicles.

HTH

Thank you for taking the time to give such a thorough and detailed response. Definitely helps in narrowing down the search by knowing what to avoid.

Couple of questions:
If the '99 is the sweet spot for the XJ, what is the sweetspot for the WJ?

How would you compare the FZJ80 and LX450 to the WJ?
Am I going to have to get them with 175,000 to be at the same price point as the WJ at 100,000?
Fulltime AWD available on both of those?

 

[TexasGuidedExpeditions]

Get a 03' Overland WJ with QT2/V8 and be happy for the rest of your time..

Sent from my lifted UFO!

 

[TexasGuidedExpeditions]

Get a 03' Overland WJ with QT2/V8 and be happy for the rest of your days....

Sent from my lifted UFO!

Sent from my lifted UFO!

 

[madmax718]

the wJ's also went by "quadra drive" for the varilok full time 4wd. So if your looking for them, the quadra drive branded ones are the same full time transfer case, with limited slip units in both the front and rear.

Blend door issues suck, but only made more superior by the recirc door problem. No easy fix on this one.

 

[reece146]

No problem. Those are the major highlights.

There is still much more detail stuff out there.

There is not really a sweet spot for the WJ per se; there were detail changes over the years but the main thing is to make sure you get the RFE545 with the V8 if you go the V8 route. IIRC the first year for that transmission was 2001.

If you do some research at wjjeeps.com you should figure out which year had LATCH for your car seats, IIRC 2002. 2004 had a mildly restyled front grille but otherwise every year looks the same.

Listen to these guys on the WJ QT2 system - it is excellent. It'll go pretty much anywhere an overlanding rig needs to go within reason.

The Land Cruisers are different scale/quality of machine. They are built much more robust and if in good condition they should go much farther than a Jeep without issue. That said, they are very heavy and suck back the gas, even compared to a Jeep. I looked at a LX450 to replace my XJ but ended up staying with the Jeep just because it was really no bigger inside and at that point I had too much into my Jeep in aftermarket parts and blood sweat and tears in order for it to make sense.

Also, Jeep parts are everywhere so they are convenient that way. The Land Cruisers have their own issues (head gaskets, leaky birfs, general lack of power). They are permanent AWD in high range and have decent aftermarket support though.

HTH

 

[Chi-Town]

There really was no sweet spot for the WJ, I worked for jeep during their run and they were nothing but problems.

I would take a fzj80/lx450 over a WJ any day. I'm actually after an 80 series myself.