Greeting and some XJ questions

[Black Dog]

I have the Detours tailbone..... I highly recommend it. Sturdy, easy to install, cheaper to purchase than most, and it retains the factory look.

I'm thinking a tailbone is in my near future shopping list for my machine. Yesterday I ordered new brakes, so I'll get those next week and install them right away. Then I plan on going to the little mom & pop tire shop next door and seeing if they can hook me up with a wheel and tire for a full size spare because those are kind of nice to have some times, then I'll save my pennies and get a tailbone.

 

[BIGdaddy]

I'm thinking a tailbone is in my near future shopping list for my machine. Yesterday I ordered new brakes, so I'll get those next week and install them right away. Then I plan on going to the little mom & pop tire shop next door and seeing if they can hook me up with a wheel and tire for a full size spare because those are kind of nice to have some times, then I'll save my pennies and get a tailbone.

As much as I think I need an aftermarket bumper, I think I'm going to take the same route. I just don't want to add all the weight back there, and I really do like the way my jeep looks right now, and that the detours bumper preserves that look.

I'd say that I might add some JCR rear quarter/taillight armor just for good measure, but thats about it. (they're about 150.00/pair. not bad)

 

[Purzell]

Well, I went up and drove the 1997 XJ today. It seemed nice although the windshield was replaced recently and it was leaking and whistling. No problem as they would fix that. They rejected my offer, however, saying "supply and demand." That may well be so I will keep on looking. Too bad though, I liked it.

I have a question though: When you put the Jeep in 4WD HI on pavement and turn the wheel, should the front wheels bounce and grab? I assume the answer is yes since in normal conditions you would not use 4WD on dry pavement. But I didn't to test in in dirt so I would not know what it felt like there, and I only drove my previous Jeeps in the mud or soft soil when off road (I'm from Florida originally.)

Bummer though, I got a speeding ticket on the way home!

 

[Root Moose]

Depends on the transfer case. If the Jeep was Select-Trac (NV242) equipped it wouldn't crow hop in 4x4 on hard surfaces. At least not in full time mode.

 

[boellis87]

I haven't posted in the Jeep section yet I don't think, but I figured I'd chime in on this thread.

I own a 1994 xj with 213,000 miles on the clock. I love it. Only have about $3000 in it total. This is my trail/hunting/messing around rig. I've had to replace hubs and a leaky power steering hose since I bought it and that's it. Put decent 33" muds on it and a budget boost (already had a little bit of lift when I got it). This is a secondary vehicle for me and just sits while I'm off at college. Despite the battery getting low between startups, it never fails to fire up.

I hit some decent trails with some more hardcore friends of mine and they never fail to mention how well it goes. It's open front and rear, I run street pressure, and the sway bars are attached and I follow almost anywhere they go. On the muddiest, gnarliest hills I take a strap just to keep from busting stuff, but other than that it just plugs along.

It's got a little of the expo look (cheap roof rack that was on it when I bought it), but it's not the vehicle I'm building up for that purpose. I'd probably look for one with a little less mileage, but it has definitely never failed to impress. Can't say the motor feels like new as I didn't have it then, but if it was stronger then than now, I'd be amazed. The 4.0 is bulletproof. Hopefully this one will get a little more expo flavor once I'm done with my other rig. Great choice on a platform.

 

[DrMoab]

As much as I think I need an aftermarket bumper, I think I'm going to take the same route. I just don't want to add all the weight back there, and I really do like the way my jeep looks right now, and that the detours bumper preserves that look.

I just had a buddy build this for me. The bumper is made out of 3/16s steel and the swing out is out of thinner stuff yet. The whole thing weighs less than 100Lbs. I only paid 500 for it. I've found you can get a lot more for your money if you make friends with fabricator dudes.

 

[Purzell]

1997 XJ redux

The dealership has begun trying to negotiate with me on the 1997 that I drove this week. It actually only took one day for me to get an e-mail and a phone call. I am standing firm at my offer of $5500. They claim to have paid $4000 for the Jeep and did a lot of work. I saw the list of repairs including front axle, oil pan gasket, 4 new tires (street tires, Kumhos but brand new) and regular service items, fluid change etc., and that windshield that they have to replace again. It's very clean in and out.
Except for the fact that I am not sure about the transfer case, I liked the Jeep. So my question is, they are not sure which transfer case is in the Jeep. Based on the "crow hopping" as someone called it, should I avoid this Jeep. I'm just not sure what it is supposed to feel like both when you activate the four wheel drive, and when it is in. I felt that the lever you maneuver felt very mechanical, you had to push it over to the right then pull it firmly into 4WD. I guess I don't know what's normal and whether, if they'll meet my price OTD I should proceed based on everything else.

Oh, ramblings, sorry guys...

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

If the wheels hopped when you put it in 4wd on dry pavement & turned the wheels, that probably means it has a part time transfercase. IE: NP231, which is fine. As long as it DOESN'T do that while in a "full time or AWD" mode (NP242, etc..), this info should be accurate.

The method you described is how I test 4wd systems on vehicles I'm considering purchasing. Also, I make sure to put it in 4lo, which pretty much tells me that the 4wd system is fully functional.

If they will come down to your price and you like the vehicle, you should aboslutely buy it.

As far as the service history, they could have made that all up and it should have no bearing on your decision to purchase or not.

Good luck :victory:

 

[Root Moose]

The easiest way to to tell what transfer case is in the Jeep by looking at the bezel beside the shifter. If it has two positions marked full-time and part-time then it is a NV242.

There is also a tag on the transfer case near the rear rear output on the back that has the model number stamped into it.

Don't feel pressured into buying this particular Jeep. There's lots of them out there.

Doesn't hurt to go for another test drive.

 

[Purzell]

When you put this Jeep into 4H a light comes on on the dash that reads "Part Time"

Does that help?

 

[BIGdaddy]

I'd say if you're good with 5500, stick with it.

sounds like a good jeep.

everyone's covered the tcase question.

if its clean inside and out, drives well, and you like it, it is very likely a good one to buy.

Cherokee's tend to be pretty transparent. They either work or they don't ..haha...

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

Don't feel pressured into buying this particular Jeep. There's lots of them out there.

Doesn't hurt to go for another test drive.

So true, I test drove 5 of them spanning a 100 mile radius around me. The first 4 I thought were "just fine" until I drove the 5th one and then all the others seemed to fall into the "glad I didn't buy that" category. :ylsmoke:


Obviously I bought the 5th one. And for only $4,700, 3 years ago :wings:

 

[Purzell]

Well we reached a good deal (my deal) on that 1997 XJ so I should be getting it tomorrow. It had a new windshield installed but there was a leak in the seal so they are replacing that again.
Even thought they told me it was all serviced up, and the fluids I could check or see looked clean and clear, I'd like to do the baseline service when I get it home.
Can you guys recommend the best fluids and parts to run in this rig? I'd like to do the T-case for sure since I can't say if it was ever shifted into 4WD...
Thanks again for all the help and advice, I am looking forward to my first XJ!

 

[Root Moose]

You know, for the cost of changing the fluids could buy you a hack and tap SYE or some similar aftermarket part.

By all means, inspect the fluids. If they look fine leave them. The money can be better used elsewhere and these trucks aren't made of sugar.

As for fluids, just normal brand name stuff. I run Mobil Super 2000 in the engine. Similarly for the diffs. I don't bother with synthetic for the Jeeps.

 

[Purzell]

I got my XJ! :wings: I can't believe how nice and solid it seems considering the year and mileage (1997 with 103K) and that it was a government truck. It's in great shape and very clean.
So much for being patient and waiting until spring.

Anyhoo, I am looking for a couple of things:
-a 1997 Owners Manual for the glovebox
-the strap that pulls the tailgate shut, in tan

PM me if you have any of those things, thanks!