Picked up a cheap jeep Cherokee
Printed From: Rocket City Rock Crawlers
Category: General
Forum Name: General 4x4 Discussion
Forum Description: Tech Talk
URL: http://www.rocketcityrockcrawlers.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=13074
Printed Date: 27 March 2026 at 12:19am
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Topic: Picked up a cheap jeep Cherokee
Posted By: VXDan
Subject: Picked up a cheap jeep Cherokee
Date Posted: 15 March 2022 at 9:51pm
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Hey all, I'm not officially a member, but I went on the cleanup ride last year and had a blast. I was the offroading first timer in that funny looking Isuzu. The vehicross handled the "easy" trail better than I had hoped, but even that was a little too much abuse to put my baby through, being as rare as they are parts are expensive and hard to come by. But a buddy of mine has let his 1999 XJ sit for a couple years and needed it out of the yard as he has no time or money to get it running again. He offered it to me for 500, I countered with 300 and he accepted. My father is a retired expert mechanic and will help me get it roadworthy asap. Here are the details on it. It is bone stock completely unmodified, and was running and driving when parked 2 or 3 years ago. 1999 limited 4 door, 4.0, auto, 225k miles. Has what he claimed was a desirable transfer case with a full time 4wd option. Was in a minor accident and the front bumper is bent on the drivers side, drivers fender is also damaged. Paint is peeling is spots and has minimal surface rust in those spots. No rot or through-rust. I still dont know whether I want to build it into a trail rig and get serious with the club, or perhaps sell it to a more serious offroader as a very good base for a sweet custom build. Would love some advice from the good folks here.  |
Replies:
Posted By: 83K10
Date Posted: 16 March 2022 at 5:43am
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Build it! A locked cherokee on 35s will go on pretty much any of the trails the club rides. 33s work to but you drag more. Cherokees and 1st gen 4runners are about as cheap as it gets for a good capable trail rig. Theres tons of aftermarket stuff out there including a lot of build it yourself kits. I have a parts xj if you need anything. I think I also have a set of 15x8 and 15x10 wheels that'll fit. Just black steel wheels.
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Posted By: Ace
Date Posted: 16 March 2022 at 6:46am
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I agree with John. Looks like a good platform to start building a good offroad toy. ------------- 03 Rubicon,6.1 Hemi,37" BFG Krawlers, custom suspension by Griffin Specialty Industries |
Posted By: Ace
Date Posted: 16 March 2022 at 6:47am
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I have to admit, I would prefer to see the Vehicross on 40"s. ------------- 03 Rubicon,6.1 Hemi,37" BFG Krawlers, custom suspension by Griffin Specialty Industries |
Posted By: Recon
Date Posted: 17 March 2022 at 8:59am
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All you need is a cheap lift. Longarm is better but the drop brackets for the front end works well. A few companies make them. Don't use blocks on the rear, find a kit that uses replacement full leaf packs. Forget drop brackets for the transfer case. Just go ahead and get a SYE. I have used both 33s and 35s on them. Either works fine but 35s look better and perform a bit better. Look at your rear end. If you have a Chrysler 8.25 you are fine. A dana 35 will work but it somewhat sucks but will get you by for the meantime. It looks pretty nice. I still love the XJ. reliable 6 cylinder, jap transmission and lots of cargo space. ------------- 1992 YJ 35s 1990 4runner 33s 2005 6.0 F250 35s |
Posted By: 50Willys
Date Posted: 17 March 2022 at 9:19am
What John said. Here's my Cherokee with a Rusty's 4.5 inch longarm lift.  ------------- Bob S. '96 Cherokee, 4.0L w/Auto Trans & locked D44s '99 Dodge 2500 CTD Tow Rig |
Recon wrote:Posted By: VXDan
Date Posted: 17 March 2022 at 10:47pm
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Thanks for the input so far. Attempted to start it up today. While it did start, it was evident that either the head is cracked or the gasket is blown. Immediately upon starting, the cooling system pressurized and fluid was being forced out of the radiator fill. Going to pull the head this weekend and go from there. The good news is that she cleaned up easy, and looks better than expected other than peeling paint in a few spots, mostly on the roof.  |
Posted By: VXDan
Date Posted: 17 March 2022 at 10:48pm
Before pic: |
Posted By: 83K10
Date Posted: 18 March 2022 at 5:47am
| My money is on a blown head gasket but it could have a cracked head. Make sure you have some help lifting that had off. A 4.0 head is pretty heavy. |
Posted By: Recon
Date Posted: 18 March 2022 at 6:21am
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The stock head bolts can be reused once. That will save some money. Guaranteed that the stock manifold is cracked in several places so count on buying a new one. The only slightly less common tools I can think you need are a 13mm deep well 12 point socket. A large 1/2 inch torque wrench and a 1/4 inch torque wrench. Fuel line disconnect tool. 83K10, John G, is correct. the head sucks to remove and set yourself so a friend will be helpful. I have had good luck with felpro head gaskets holding well. You said 99 model. Does it has a coil pack or a distributor? I think it cleaned up great! ------------- 1992 YJ 35s 1990 4runner 33s 2005 6.0 F250 35s |
Posted By: Recon
Date Posted: 18 March 2022 at 6:23am
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I am stuck on constant overtime lately but if you need help let me know and I can help in the evenings some. ------------- 1992 YJ 35s 1990 4runner 33s 2005 6.0 F250 35s |
Posted By: VXDan
Date Posted: 18 March 2022 at 11:47am
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It has a distributor. Luckily my father is an ex mechanic and has pretty much every tool under the sun. I've also planned on using an engine hoist to lift the head out, I figured it would be pretty dang heavy. I'll update this weekend when I get it pulled off. Thanks for the input, it's definitely a huge help
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Posted By: VXDan
Date Posted: 19 March 2022 at 6:56pm
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Head is off. Does not appear to be cracked, head gasket is blown out in a couple places, mostly between #3 and #4. Going to have the head cleaned up and more thoroughly checked for cracks, and then resurfaced this week. Bad news, pictured below are the pushrods for the #4 cylinder. I am assuming that cylinder was full of coolant and the valves couldn't open. Will have to check to make sure the camshaft isn't damaged.  |
Posted By: Recon
Date Posted: 21 March 2022 at 8:43am
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Hopefully the rod is alright. Do the bores visually look ok like not pitted or scored? Glad you got the project started. ------------- 1992 YJ 35s 1990 4runner 33s 2005 6.0 F250 35s |
Posted By: VXDan
Date Posted: 21 March 2022 at 8:45pm
The bores look good, but the exhaust lobe on that cylinder is compromised so a new cam is in order. My dad convinced me to just pull the whole short block and have the cylinders honed, possibly turn the crank, and install new rings and bearings, and main seals. Also going to mill the head to make sure it's flat. Pretty much going to be a fresh engine, it's torn down so much already that it's really not much more effort to go all the way. With 230k miles, probably the smartest decision. Luckily we have access to a machine shop and can do all the necessary machine work at no labor cost. Only the cost of parts. I should still be all in on this thing for less than a grand. |