Looked at an XJ,need advice!

[THEPATRIOT]

1997-It's a project truck,but cheap!($600-)4.0,AT.Needs a water pump,and rocker panels.No other rust,just the rockers.It has 160K,but runs good.Front left fender is a little dented but not bad.I don't have a fortune to spend at this time,what do you guys think??? UPDATE ON PAGE 2!

 

[Purple People Eater]

Don't do it, man. Save your money, and then, keep saving. $600 is a lot of money when it buys something you won't be happy with. XJ's are pretty inexpensive as they are, you can get one in good/fair condition for around $3k.

Would this be your only vehicle?

 

[BIGdaddy]

x2

I bought my 92 for $2000 with 150,000, smogged, reg'd, rust and dent free, ready to rock. I DD it 45 miles a day with nary a worry. A $600 dollar truck that needs 2000.00 worth of work sounds like a waste of time and money to me. Though, I view cars like more like appliances and less like a hobby every day... Haha... So if you looooove to wrench more than travel or free time, go right ahead.

My .03 worth

 

[THEPATRIOT]

Most XJ's around here have soft rockers.They cost $99- each and aren't hard to do.I can get a water pump for about $30-.This Jeep has a nice interior and CLEAN underside(main priority).Not worth it???

 

[Root Moose]

You say the rockers aren't hard to do. Are you doing the work? Have you done them or this type of work before? Internet lore vs reality can be a ********** some times.

Personally, I'd pass unless you are comfortable doing the work.

Are you building an expedition rig or a wheeling rig? That makes a difference to how you are going to build the rig, expectation levels, and how it is going to be used. If the former start with a good Jeep, not someone else's used up POS.

$0.02

 

[Xjaddiction]

I would buy it if the compression is good, and all the needs are what you've mentioned. Is the rear main leaking? How many miles? Why do you think it needs a water pump? Over heating? HG ok? Brakes, tranny, etc.

If it's just a project expedition rig, go for it. If your going to dd it, make sure nothing major. These things run great if they've had any care at all. I would cut the rockers out, and replace them with box steel rockers since your already there...

Like this

here's the thread, search on this forum for all the answers you'll ever need...

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=63677&highlight=replaced+rockers

 

[THEPATRIOT]

Yes,i do most work myself.As for the rockers,i have friends who are profesionals in that field.After looking at the steel rockers,i LIKE that idea!Do they make a kit or do you have to make your own?This was a clean good running Jeep,the people have money and just don't "need' it.I'm still looking at others also.I may look at few GC's for sale also?

 

[Xjaddiction]

I don't think there are any pre-cut kits out there. I've been into the GC's for the last couple of years. The GC is a great vehicle if you can live without the open top, although I do have a sunroof.

Here are two that I've had, have. The 5.9L is my settling point, with my family size, and towing needs...

the 5.3L '96... SOLD 6"es of lift and 35's

the 5.9L keeper... 2 " lift, 231 t-case, TW shafts, ARB with 8000lb MM winch, eventually 33's, and 3 more inches of lift... soon The 360 is just fantastic for this light weight SUV... actually, just plain rediculous... about 16-17 MPG's

 

[THEPATRIOT]

Any major pros/cons between Cherokee/Grand Cherokee???(lots of GC's for sale)Whatever i get i plan on a mild lift/tires ARB bumper and snorkel at a minimum.:smiley_drive:

 

[Xjaddiction]

Pro's for the GC over the little cherokee

-the rear seat is actually usable, and a split config.
-creture comforts in the GC rule, sunroof, leather seating
-avail 5.9L V-8, even just the 5.2L V-8 . The 360 is just rediculous, I love it
-still small enough to run the trails
-much more comfortable for the long travel. Really no comparison in comfort. The GC wins that hands down.

The little cherokee;

-Comes with the 231 t-case. All V-8 ZJ grands came with the 249 t-case with the viscous coupling and no part-time arrangement. the viscous coupling is good to about 100,000 miles. 231 easy swap for the grand though.
-smaller, fits on tight trails.
-generally cheaper, but not by much. You get a lot more for the money with the GC.
-the AW-4 tranny is excellent in the XJ little cherokee. The 5.9L GC has an excellent 4 speed HD OD tranny, over the 3 speed OD of the 5.2L GC's.
-HP front dana 30 up to year 1999. Again, a direct bolt in swap for the LP 30 in the GC.

 

[THEPATRIOT]

A friend just called me with a "94 GC six cylinder with 244K!!!Runs real good and he just rebuilt the rear end.He wants $800- firm.I'm gonna go check it out,but i'm a little worried about the miles/reliability.

 

[THEPATRIOT]

Got the "97!

I went back to look at the "97 again today,and here it run.It was sitting for a few weeks and fired right up with NO-knocks,tics,smoke or exhaust leaks!It goes into gear forward/reverse with no delays,runs REAL good.Overall it's in pretty good shape,and everything works.I'll have some pics up here tomorrow when i get her home.I ended up getting it for $450- :victory:

 

[Xjaddiction]

Much better than the GC with a i-6. You would be unhappy with that motor in the GC. In the XJ, you'll love it...

Here is some inspiration... a '98 I built and sold a year ago, also on 35's...

 

[THEPATRIOT]

Thanks for the pics,mine's white too! :smiley_drive: