Author Topic: Picking the collective brain. (Read 2366 times)

Waytec · « **on:** October 11, 2007, 06:50:04 PM »

As some may know I’m looking for a XJ to become a project. I had the money and it had to be diverted to something else but I gust about have the funds agene. What I’m looking to due is pick the collective brain of the experienced. I would like to know what years of Cherokee I should be looking at, I know different years have different drive lines but that’s about it on the differences. I am also looking to see what opinions are out their on the auto verses manual. I’m not a big muddier (don’t go looking for the biggest and deepest mud hole I can find) I prefer trails and rocks. Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated.
Thank You
Aaron

calltrex · « **Reply #1 on:** October 11, 2007, 08:13:19 PM »

I know i would never give up my Auto in my ruby

But i dont know how autos in a XJ are reliable wise..

dunl · « **Reply #2 on:** October 11, 2007, 08:52:02 PM »

Check out the " Cablesmurf Guide to Purchasing an XJ"....

http://www.calgaryjeep.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=28334&highlight=#28334

yjcanibul · « **Reply #3 on:** October 11, 2007, 09:01:57 PM »

two minute overview of major changes over its production run ...

http://www.jpmagazine.com/featuredvehicles/154_0609_1984_to_1988_jeep_cherokee_and_wagoner/index.html

hps4evr · « **Reply #4 on:** October 12, 2007, 12:05:02 AM »

id say look for a later year with the front hi-pinion dana 30, 8.25 chrysler rear end, 4.0L with 5 speed manual of the nv3550 type and a good ol np231. can someone calaberate that this exists. the older XJ's had a dana 44 but you were stuc kwith a renix fuel injection and possibly a CAD front axle.

NUXJR · « **Reply #5 on:** October 12, 2007, 09:22:41 AM »

If I was to do another XJ I'd prolly do 93 or newer, auto, 242 t-case, 4dr as loaded as I could find, only lift to about 4" & run 31x10.5 rubber

.

Loved wheeling with the auto for many reasons...especially when dealing with hills. Just make sure you maximize tranny cooling. The 242 t-case I believe to be stronger than the 231 & also allows a lift to 5-6" without SYE(would suggest the rear drive shaft from a mid 90s ZJ with 242 as this drive shaft is a little longer) :wink: .

Just my $0.02 for what it's worth :roll: .

cLAY · « **Reply #6 on:** October 12, 2007, 10:37:38 AM »

EArly 90's to keep the cost down but still get the HO motor. The more money saved on purchase can be used to lift/upgrade. Auto is a must as the sticks offered in the XJs were junk but the AW4 automatic was almost bullet proof. I had to convert my '89 from stick to auto, not fun.

NP242 is nice to have the AWD option but really only usefull if you use it as a Daily driver.

Of cusrse there is nothing wrong with the older renix FI system either and there are some good deals on built up XJs right now.

BlackYJ · « **Reply #7 on:** October 12, 2007, 10:41:29 AM »

Quote from: "cLAY"

EArly 90's to keep the cost down but still get the HO motor. The more money saved on purchase can be used to lift/upgrade. Auto is a must as the sticks offered in the XJs were junk but the AW4 automatic was almost bullet proof. I had to convert my '89 from stick to auto, not fun.

The 90s and newer XJs came with the AX-15 manual tranny behind the 4.0L. It is a good tranny.

cLAY · « **Reply #8 on:** October 12, 2007, 12:54:47 PM »

I beg to differ, at the very least the clutch setup is enough to want people to convert. I've heard of lots of people ditching the AX15 for better tranny's. Not worth rebuilding were the comments.

AX15 vs AW4--> AW4 hands down.

BlackYJ · « **Reply #9 on:** October 12, 2007, 03:01:29 PM »

Quote from: "cLAY"

I beg to differ, at the very least the clutch setup is enough to want people to convert. I've heard of lots of people ditching the AX15 for better tranny's. Not worth rebuilding were the comments.

AX15 vs AW4--> AW4 hands down.

But the AX-15 is a heck of a lot better than the BA-10 that was there. Auto vs Manual is always a huge debate. I am a manual guy and would never switch for teh wheeling i do, but that is just me

cLAY · « **Reply #10 on:** October 12, 2007, 03:11:05 PM »

Yes its better than a BA10 and I too like sticks but I know of more people that have chosen to ditch the AX15 vs rebuilding it. Either they go for a NV3500, 4500 or go to auto(aw4) and while the AX15 has a so/so rep the AW4 is pretty much bulletproof.

If you really prefer stick then get what you like(ie 5spd) as you won't be happy otherwise. However at some point you'll be screwing with that stupid clutch setup. However if you don't have a strong stick/auto preference you'll be happier with an AW4 in the long run.

Waytec · « **Reply #11 on:** October 12, 2007, 06:58:01 PM »

I guess I kicked a bee’s nest with this one, thanks for the advice and options. If you have any more please keep them coming

hps4evr · « **Reply #12 on:** October 12, 2007, 07:14:00 PM »

the earlier ax-15 trans did have a interesting clutch set-up. but ovetrall the trans isnt that bad. the main problem is the syncros wear out. and they arent that bad to take appart and replace. but, i will admit. when i have the opportunity i will be changing mine out for an nv3500. it has a lower first gear then the ax-15 and is stronger. but i beat the crap out of my ax-15 and it lasted a few good hard years.

trackerthrasher · « **Reply #13 on:** October 12, 2007, 07:33:43 PM »

I have owned many jeeps (and own one now).I think that your money would be best spent on -"the do it yourself frontal lobotomy kit"- As you can see we all argue as to which pile of junk you should wade through....get the kit....it will hurt less.

Waytec · « **Reply #14 on:** October 14, 2007, 09:49:34 PM »

Thanks for the hep everyone.

Author Topic: Picking the collective brain. (Read 2366 times)

yjcanibul