I have been looking for a secondary vehicle, primarily for back and forth to work, the occasial camping trip, and to haul my dirt bike during the summer months. I have been looking a 1996 Cherokee. It has the 4.0 auto trans and 4wd works. To my understanding it has not been modified and has lived its life as a daily driver/ garage queen. I have been told to check for "death wobble" on suspension parts and leaky valve cover gasket. Is there anything else to look for besides the obvious leaks, ticks, noises.
-
Be sure to read this post! Beware of scammers. https://www.indianagunowners.com/threads/classifieds-new-online-payment-guidelines-rules-paypal-venmo-zelle-etc.511734/
Classic Jeep Cherokee Owners
- Thread starter meyer4589
- Start date
The #1 community for Gun Owners in Indiana
Member Benefits:
Fewer Ads! Discuss all aspects of firearm ownership Discuss anti-gun legislation Buy, sell, and trade in the classified section Chat with Local gun shops, ranges, trainers & other businesses Discover free outdoor shooting areas View up to date on firearm-related events Share photos & video with other members ...and so much more!
Member Benefits:
halfmileharry
Grandmaster
Make sure the gas gauge works. It's built onto the elec pump in the tank. I've replaced a couple of them on my Grand Cherokees. I use the imported pumps from Genesis auto parts. One is 4 years old now. It cost me 59.00 to my door. The last one was 1 1/2 yrs ago. It was $62.62 to my door. Made for the Jeeps. Identical in every way.
Rust, "SECURITY SYSTEM", AC compressors don't last long in them. Heater fan speed control sensor under the dash board in heater box, Door hinges rust out bad and then the harnesses from the dash to the door mess up.
Full time 4 transfer shifter on the floor can get hard to move into low. The shafts from transfer case rust up. Lube the heck out of them.
Differential housings are notorious for leaking grease.
CV joints on the front axles
Drive shaft U-joints
Radiators
Cam bearings on the 4.0 if the vehicle hasn't been serviced. Oh, I've seen a couple of cracked heads on those as well.
Just my experiences on my 95 and 97s.
I love the darn things. Once you learn them they're easy to work on. If that's your thing.
Rust, "SECURITY SYSTEM", AC compressors don't last long in them. Heater fan speed control sensor under the dash board in heater box, Door hinges rust out bad and then the harnesses from the dash to the door mess up.
Full time 4 transfer shifter on the floor can get hard to move into low. The shafts from transfer case rust up. Lube the heck out of them.
Differential housings are notorious for leaking grease.
CV joints on the front axles
Drive shaft U-joints
Radiators
Cam bearings on the 4.0 if the vehicle hasn't been serviced. Oh, I've seen a couple of cracked heads on those as well.
Just my experiences on my 95 and 97s.
I love the darn things. Once you learn them they're easy to work on. If that's your thing.
I have a 93 Sport without all of the gadgets that came later. I bought it at 193K and drove it to 262K and only had the usual things that go out, starter, heater fan, heater resistor a couple of times, brake pads and rotors (they are cheap so I just replace the rotors). Had trouble with the transmission safety switch (electrical) but by wiggling the shift I could usually get it started. Windshield cracked and is still cracked.
The 4.0 is a tank. I think there were problems with certain 4.0's but I think that was 95. Not sure.
Finally had to park it because the brakes went out (brake leak) and the mechanic crashed it driving it into the bay to fix. I had planned to drive it to at least 300K.
I still have it parked in back and plan on working on it this summer. I hate to give it up.
The 4.0 is a tank. I think there were problems with certain 4.0's but I think that was 95. Not sure.
Finally had to park it because the brakes went out (brake leak) and the mechanic crashed it driving it into the bay to fix. I had planned to drive it to at least 300K.
I still have it parked in back and plan on working on it this summer. I hate to give it up.
halfmileharry
Grandmaster
Yea, I forgot about the rusty brake lines. Add that on while we're at it.
I had a 96 CSport got it with 64000 and really couldnt tell looked and drove like new drove it til 260000 replaced your normal stuff tires brakes shocks bushings exhaust did tune ups every 5000 changed oil maybe a thermostat and a O2 sensor - 4x worked great - sold it to a buddy of mine - he drove it til 370000 and the tranny went out - he replaced it and his daughter is still driving it - the body is rusty now but pretty sure there hasnt been any real engine issues -but it hadnt been seriously wheeled tho to - I picked up a 99 with 112000 and at 150000 ive had to replace every suspension part on it but the motor runs great 4x works great - the less ticks pings knocks and leaks the better but they are pretty reliable and easy to fix if needed - will tell you if you get a good one you will get the sickness 
You get rusty brake lines if you don't replace the brake fluid regularly. Brake fluid retains moisture.
I had a 96 CSport got it with 64000 and really couldnt tell looked and drove like new drove it til 260000 replaced your normal stuff tires brakes shocks bushings exhaust did tune ups every 5000 changed oil maybe a thermostat and a O2 sensor - 4x worked great - sold it to a buddy of mine - he drove it til 370000 and the tranny went out - he replaced it and his daughter is still driving it - the body is rusty now but pretty sure there hasnt been any real engine issues -but it hadnt been seriously wheeled tho to - I picked up a 99 with 112000 and at 150000 ive had to replace every suspension part on it but the motor runs great 4x works great - the less ticks pings knocks and leaks the better but they are pretty reliable and easy to fix if needed - will tell you if you get a good one you will get the sickness
So true. My engine had knocked (lifter) the whole time I have had it. Still runs like a top.
terrehautian
Master
I have a 99 Cherokee Classic, 200k miles and got it with 148k. Replaced the alternator but that has been the only engine issue. It became an issue because it is on the bottom of the motor and when I go through mud holes, water gets in it. It is making a sound now, but I will just carry tools and spare one just in case.
This is my heep.
No longer stock, not much (if any) death wobble.
This is my heep.
No longer stock, not much (if any) death wobble.
Grogmister
Sharpshooter
- Sep 13, 2012
- 419
- 43
My son has a 97 zj with 217k miles on it. Thing just keeps on going. It leaks oil , steering is loose and has a helluva lifter knock when cold but he loves the damn thing. I get tired of fixing all the little stuff each weekend but is just that, little stuff we can handle. A couple of weeks ago we had the door off and welded the hinge back on. All we were expecting to do is change the door hinge pin and bushings. They are a hard to kill vehicle that is for sure.
halfmileharry
Grandmaster
I put that upper/driver's door hinge on a '96 Limited last year. Chrysler has discontinued the hinge. New was $64 and I found one at O'Brien
Gadgetmonster
Expert
Friggin tail lights... drove me crazy.
I've owned a 98 Cherokee with the 4.0 liter since 1999. It goes through water pumps for some reason (they are 20-30 bucks and fairly easy to change). Also, check your exhaust manifold. They tend to crack and suck in air which messes with the fuel mixture (causes it to run really rich because of the O2 sensors getting incorrect readings). The replacement manifolds are made to expand without cracking but they are a little pricey.
Love the Cherokees.
Love the Cherokees.
still have a 93 grand, biggest issue, RUST!! good lord these things like to rust, other than that, unfreakinstoppable! brake lines rust out, the wiring at the drivers door jamb likes to break and wreak havoc on the power windows/locks, but it's repairable yourself with any mechanical knowledge. i have the early np249 transfer case (full time 4wd) that has the viscous coupler that goes bad, doesn't really hurt anything but it makes parking lot turning maneuvers a pain in the .................
wanna buy it?
lol!
wanna buy it?
lol!
halfmileharry
Grandmaster
Rear springs have a tendency to sag. I had one break at 245K so I can't complain about it. Not a pricey fix considering.
Waveraider
Sharpshooter
Had a '98 Cherokee Sport. Friggin' bullet proof! I read somewhere that the Cherokee (not Grand Cherokee) drivetrain was one of the most durable ever built. Also, what's nice about them, is they're pretty easy to work on. Did replace the water pump and radiator, but what do you expect for a car with 260,000 miles.
