Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Hi Everyone,

I am looking for my first four wheel drive and will probably steer clear of the land rovers but have also been told that Jeeps are expensive to maintain and get parts for.

I have seen a Cherokee Sports Model 1994, 155,000k's, dual fuel-$8,400.

Could anyone help me with their experiences of getting them serviced, buying parts and paying for fuel with these cars.

I like the look of them but have not heard much of their capability off road or if they would still cost a fortune to run even if they are dual fuel.

All help appreciated.

thanks


Brett

Well, I don't know what "dual fuel" is, or what the costs usualy are in your part of the world.

But, all my Cherokee's have been very reliable, and cheap, both part-, and fuelwise. A 4.0 litre is a great engine with decent performance and milage, the HO-versions (1991 +) produces around 190 HP. I can't complain about the 2.5 litre either.

Regarding the off-road performance - that is what matter most, of course. Loose your sway-bars, put on a set of 31's, a mild lift, sliders, and a pair of lockers - and it'll crawl wherever you'd point it.

Seriously, a XJ is a great daily driver/weekend warrior. Peroid.

Hi Brett - are you sure it's a '94? If so, it woiuld be one of the first XJ's in the country, and sounds a bit dear to me, although it has fairly low kays for its age. I don't know of anyone who owns one on LPG, but being the old pushrod 4litre which has been around forever (and goes forever if its maintained properly!) it should be fine, as long as it's a good quality conversion.
Good oil and coolant are very important in these engines. A lot of Jeep owners will only use Mopar fluids, although I use Magnatec in my TJ and haven't had any worries. Auto's require Mopar fluid, and you should use Mopar in the rear diff, being tracloc differential. Unless it's a 95 Classic (with chrome grill) which was the only Jeep imported without a LSD!
XJ's are solid old trucks, Dana diffs front and rear, and the drivetrain shouldn't be a problem. Check the diff for noises tho, especially if it has been used for heavy towing (and they have a great tow capacity).

Overheating can be a problem in hot weather or on a long steep hill, so getting a reco'd radiator can be an advantage, otherwise it's all good!

Off road they are surprisingly capable. And if you buy a reasonably priced one, there a HEAPS of parts and accessories available either in OZ or from the US. Spend 4 -5 K on suspension, tyres, snorkel and you will have a real weapon which is still comfortable to drive on the road every day.

I am Pres of the Melbourne Jeep Owners Club, so I might be biased!

TLCOR, Dual fuel = runs on either petrol or LPG (propane).

Brett,
One of my best mates has a Dual fuel XJ and he's been really happy with it.
although tank placment can be an issue - so check where it's mounts and that it's not robbing you of internal room.
The XJ is pretty capable out of the box, and there's a HUGE range of aftermarket goodies availabl for them. Add some mods and they are bloody awesome.

Mind you I;m biased too - 7Jeeps including 1 XJ, and a Jeep Business to fill in those quiet hours

PK wrote:Dana diffs front and rear, and the drivetrain shouldn't be a problem.

Don't be to certain on that, I sheared my Dana 35 carrier in two. The D35 (rear axle in most XJ's) doesn't have a reputation to brag about, but it'll stand mostly whatever you throw at it with stockish tires.

I have a 96 XJ sport. Generally genuine parts are expensive in Australia, but there are aftermarket parts that are considerably cheaper. I wouldn't recomend dealerships for servicing due to cost, just make sure your mechanic is a good one. Aftermarket mods can be expensive depending on what you want to do, but this is not typical to Jeep. As for fuel, as far as I know all 6 (or 8) cylinders guzzle fuel more than a 4 obviously. I dont think it is excessively more than other car with a big engine. They are a very capable machine on 31s, but dont over estimate its capabilities (and trac loc LSD)...they are not indestrucable and I have been stuck in many places that any 4by on 35s would get through or at least lockers anyway. 35s on an XJ in Oz is very expensive! +5g's for a proper job!

i had a 95 with lpg was good arond town not so good towing in the bush
was cheap to run
now to the ks 380.000 still going