I've been fortunate with my 1991 base model Jeep Cherokee, 4dr 4x4, no bells or whistles. I bought it used 22 yrs ago. I've had it serviced every year and believe it or not, it has never needed a tune up. Excellent engine. Over time some parts have needed to be replaced due to age/wearing out, but this vehicle has never failed me, except for a couple of dead batteries and a flat tire. Interior and exterior are in excellent condition, though it is time for a new paint job. Friends/family used to ask: Why don't you get something newer? No. I love my Jeep!
Good overview of some of the things to look for. I have a couple XJs including my daily with over 200k. Still runs well, but crucial to keep an eye on things especially if like all mine they have lived in rust prone areas as that is a huge issue on these. Like she said check & change fluids as needed & keep all grease zerks greased & your Jeep will last & last if you can keep the rust at bay.
I have a 92 XJ Cherokee with 1.2 million miles… oil change every 5k miles. After I put more weight on the Jeep ( tire carrier, rock sliders etc) I put an LS in it. The more weight you put on it the more it will stress the engine. How you drive it will depend on how long it last.
Really helpful!! I drive a rural mail route in my 2 cherokees. Plan to make a check list and check them all. The young lady in the video explained perfectly. Have already replaced some of the issues described in the video, but see where I need to check further. Thanks Love the older Cherokees
only big mistake that i see in this video is at 13:58. this should NOT be "gear fluid" (or gear oil). this is NOT a gear driven transfer case, it is chain driven case there should be ATF+4 or Dexron/Mercon in a 231 transfer case NOT gear oil
Picked up an '01 XJ 2 years ago. Paid $300 for it. Crank sensor,fuel sock was all it needed to get it running. Very clean & strait body. 320,000 when I bought it. Put 30k on it. Knocks when cold but quiets down once warm. I know that it's only a matter of time before I'll need to rebuild the motor,but for now it runs strong. Might drop an LS in it😊
Fabulous video and information. You have tremendous knowledge of what to look for. i have an 88 Limited I bought new. Been sitting for 22 years in the garage, time to get it running again.
Love your content. Just curious if you worked at a Jeep dealership or just have owned Jeeps in the past? I am asking because you know an XJ inside out.
I wish, wish, wish I could find a mechanic this thorough and obviously honest. Yes! I would trust a female mechanic 100%. I wish there were more female mechanics.
Have a 92 4.0ho 4x4 bought in 2006 with 224k for 400$ for a cheap wheeler project, a week later and a 80mile drive for a 90 suspension and tire donor i haggled down to 700$, one weekend with a friend, we swapped in donors 1300$ RockKrawler 3 link long arm set up with drop out K member ,5.5" coils, 4.5 leaves with boomerang shackles, old school Warn prerunner bumper, sliders, and Og Enkie 15/8s with 90% BFG km's, swap meeted a Rubicon express big track bar and mount brace, then some Fox 2.0 remote res front shocks and rube exp. rears, made by fox, sye box from local junkyard, never had even 1% of deth wobble, will do 65mph, limited to stock 3.55 gear, daily drove 50miles round trip for work in Seattle traffic jams, 70 or so camping/wheeling trips up to a 120 miles away, it can sit for a year, put a battery in and go, any AutoZone has 94% of a part to get u going
If you plan on removing that tow hitch and it's really rusted like that. Be careful, if you have to use major force to loosen the bolts. There's welded nuts inside the frame. If you break them off,you'll have to grind or somehow cut the bolts off. And then....you won't have any easy way to bolt it or a new hitch back on. Rather than breaking the nuts off inside the frame, leaving you with stuck spinning bolts. Grinding the heads off the bolts removing the hitch, cutting off the rest of the bolts flush with the frame,drilling the bolts out and re tapping the nuts that are welded inside the frame is sometimes the better option. You're welcome in advance. 😆
If you smell gas/fuel by the injectors do not drive or run it. I had a 1990 blow an injector and 30 minutes later all that was left of my Cherokee were the two rear tires and the liftgate. Thankfully my 99 is in way better shape than that 2000.
Now that's how u inspect a car....I do this everyday in the shop👍funny thing is some customers don't know how an inspection works so I have to explain to them what im doing when I'm doing their state inspection😏
My coworker is selling a ‘98 (4.0/automatic) for $600, a heck of a deal if it’s not rusted out. Only issues he said it has is the exhaust manifold and some oil leaks, I think he said power steering too. Also, another coworker said his son beat it up a lot and mentioned something about tranny lines. For $600 those things can be overlooked if it checks out. I’m doing an engine on my 99 Cutlass and it needs to be taken to a machine shop to be bored, closest real one is pretty far away. Also, the Jeep will be easy to get parts for. So I’m considering spending how much I would at the machine shop money on a whole vehicle instead, then putting the Cutlass on hold.
How did I not find this video sooner? I found your alternator/serp belt vid a good while ago and that got me through that work. This is a great video as well, thank you so much!!!!
Great video of what to look for. That 2000 Jeep is really a rust bucket, seems like it would be endless spending to bring it up to shape. I have a 2000-WJ that has barely any rust.
Nice video, i have an 01 in Australia and the belt configuration for RHD is a tad different, we have the AC where your power steering is and the power steering where your ac is, also i think we got cross flow headers on the 01 cause mines over 240k and i have never had an exhaust leak, we definitely dont get rot either but thats because it never snows!
Im considering a transmission rebuild on my 97 with a 5 speed but this is a daily driver and im not all that confident in my ability to do that... Ive been able to manage all the work so far but thats a serious one lol
All that rust.... I'd spend as little as possible & drive it till it died. Then watch Southern C. list for a clean 1!! South of Nashville a rust free cherokee is under $8k that runs great!
That was a great video! I've owned my 1998 XJ , for about 18 years,, it keeps dying and I keep bringing back ,as of late ,it's been laid up a few years now,lent it to a friend ,and she did something to it ,I have been so busy with life and other projects, haven't had time to diagnose,but watching this video, lights me a fire! For that and all the extra info, I appreciate it,thank you very much,also do you do a similar video for 2004 GMC SIERRA, I have 4wd issues,and have heard that the ground may be the issue,but I can't find ALL of the grounding points,to clean up, please help if you can , keep up the outstanding work, major fan here in California
+@joegodoy9233 Thank you! We love empowering our customers and showing how to perform DIY auto repairs with our high-quality auto parts. 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c
Let me tell u it's main issues the real main issues people don't ever mention on high mileage 4.0 until it goes boom.. the rod bearings/sleaves especially number 6cyl and the rear and front mains biggest issues
Probably original fluids. I used to keep a paper log of work and miles on my 96 Jeep now I just enter it on my computer. I try to use Mopar fluids when I change the fluids except oil, brake and coolant.
I would not be worried about spilling battery acid because of a missing battery hold down. I would be worried about the positive terminal grounding out on the hood and causing a fire. I’ve seen it happened a bunch of times. and some of them who’s cars burned didn’t even get into an accident. Once the positive terminal makes contact with the ground it gets stuck and welds itself
Same. My jeep is minty. Still has the OG jack and instructions under the seat. Spare tire cover is still there. Factory floor mats. Zero rust. Starter is on its way out though lol
I just got a 2000 xj a few months ago. Just finished installing an advanced adapters sye kit and Tom woods driveshafts front and rear. A Rubicon express 4.5in lift and still have an aluminum radiator, high flow water pump and thermostat housing plus fix all the leaks lol. I never get time to fix my own stuff so it's taking forever
I remember being 17, bough a Pontiac Bonneville, loved the car, was driving on the highway one night (about a week after I got it) in winter and it seemed like my dash cluster blinked for a second. I told my friends I thought it lost power but it was still running and everything, no one else said they noticed it so I thought it was just me. About a min later the vehicle loses all power, just nothing pitch black inside the vehicle and out doing 70 on a dark highway in the middle of no where ... That was kinda scary, even lost power brakes and all. Battery terminal was loose, always look over a vehicle when you buy it, don't just assume since it runs well it's road safe. that could have easily resulted in a accident.
I'm currently in the market for a used Jeep Cherokee (1997-2001) and could use some expert advice. When considering the purchase of a used Jeep Cherokee, at what mileage threshold should I start to be concerned? In other words, what is considered too high mileage for a used Jeep Cherokee, indicating that I might want to pass on that particular vehicle? I'm looking for insights into reliability, maintenance expectations, and overall value as the mileage increases. Thanks in advance for your guidance!"
hello! I have an XJ 4.0 sport with 186 thousand km...what is the ideal oil model to use? At the moment I use 20w50 valvoline...I'm from RJ Brazil. Thank you in advance for the information
My jeep has all the normal engine and transmission leaks but the frame is stout no surface rust at all being form alabama. Suspension is all new and steering and everything else. But i am sure missing some parts under my engine bag and i evap lines
Great Info.. Would you have any advice to fix Death Wooble.. Everything on the front end is new and tight but still have DW at highway speed.. Thanks..
I've got 2 xjs love um like any car you will spend some money keeping them up, but fun to drive l love he smart ,great personality , I wished she was my mechanic even though I love mine too
By the way my 2000 Jeep Cherokee has Break the shields and it came with some fact three stock whatever you wanna call but just wanted to throw that out there ‘ cause you said that they didn’t and you’re wrong lol have a good day
I bought my 98 cheroke with 175,000 kms on it. Im pushing 198000 kms now. So far I have done battery, alternator, water pump, catalytic convert delete and now my starter is giving me grief. Thoughts ?
√ *Watch the Video*
√ *Buy The Part at 1A Auto* 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto
√ *Do it Yourself*
√ *Save Money*
I bought my '88 Cherokee brand new and it still gets me around. Over a million miles and counting - I kid you not!
You should post a video of it it would get a ton if views
That's a fairly common occurrence with these straight 6 jeeps.
I have a 95 with 340022 as of Sunday. Still runs like a scalded dog.
@@Walter26walter That's awesome. My 95 just passed 310,000 still strong.
You should make a TH-cam video on it!
This lady is a legend in my book. Daily drive an XJ.
Do most of the repairs myself. This channel has got me through some tough stuff.
Replaced my '90 with a two door '94. Thank you for the clearest inspection video on Cherokees I've seen. My list of maintenance just grew.
I've been fortunate with my 1991 base model Jeep Cherokee, 4dr 4x4, no bells or whistles. I bought it used 22 yrs ago. I've had it serviced every year and believe it or not, it has never needed a tune up. Excellent engine. Over time some parts have needed to be replaced due to age/wearing out, but this vehicle has never failed me, except for a couple of dead batteries and a flat tire. Interior and exterior are in excellent condition, though it is time for a new paint job. Friends/family used to ask: Why don't you get something newer? No. I love my Jeep!
she is awesome. i am loving this series where she talks a lot about my favourite car. thanks a lot
Great video and very thorough for such a short time. She is an amazing mechanic. Thank you for doing this!
My 99 Jeep Cherokee xj has almost 400,000 miles and it's just like new..... 😆 XJ BEAST
Good overview of some of the things to look for. I have a couple XJs including my daily with over 200k. Still runs well, but crucial to keep an eye on things especially if like all mine they have lived in rust prone areas as that is a huge issue on these. Like she said check & change fluids as needed & keep all grease zerks greased & your Jeep will last & last if you can keep the rust at bay.
I have a 92 XJ Cherokee with 1.2 million miles… oil change every 5k miles.
After I put more weight on the Jeep ( tire carrier, rock sliders etc) I put an LS in it. The more weight you put on it the more it will stress the engine.
How you drive it will depend on how long it last.
I just bought the same Jeep and appreciate all her videos. 1A auto has a jem in her.
Really helpful!! I drive a rural mail route in my 2 cherokees. Plan to make a check list and check them all. The young lady in the video explained perfectly. Have already replaced some of the issues described in the video, but see where I need to check further. Thanks Love the older Cherokees
only big mistake that i see in this video is at 13:58.
this should NOT be "gear fluid" (or gear oil). this is NOT a gear driven transfer case, it is chain driven case
there should be ATF+4 or Dexron/Mercon in a 231 transfer case NOT gear oil
She’s right in my case I’m running an Atlas 4sp.
Picked up an '01 XJ 2 years ago. Paid $300 for it. Crank sensor,fuel sock was all it needed to get it running. Very clean & strait body. 320,000 when I bought it. Put 30k on it. Knocks when cold but quiets down once warm. I know that it's only a matter of time before I'll need to rebuild the motor,but for now it runs strong. Might drop an LS in it😊
Fabulous video and information. You have tremendous knowledge of what to look for. i have an 88 Limited I bought new. Been sitting for 22 years in the garage, time to get it running again.
Love your content. Just curious if you worked at a Jeep dealership or just have owned Jeeps in the past? I am asking because you know an XJ inside out.
I wish, wish, wish I could find a mechanic this thorough and obviously honest. Yes! I would trust a female mechanic 100%. I wish there were more female mechanics.
why does female or male matter?
@@matthewzombies1458 because there aren't many female mechanics, it'd be cool if more people are into cars :)
Have a 92 4.0ho 4x4 bought in 2006 with 224k for 400$ for a cheap wheeler project, a week later and a 80mile drive for a 90 suspension and tire donor i haggled down to 700$, one weekend with a friend, we swapped in donors 1300$ RockKrawler 3 link long arm set up with drop out K member ,5.5" coils, 4.5 leaves with boomerang shackles, old school Warn prerunner bumper, sliders, and Og Enkie 15/8s with 90% BFG km's, swap meeted a Rubicon express big track bar and mount brace, then some Fox 2.0 remote res front shocks and rube exp. rears, made by fox, sye box from local junkyard, never had even 1% of deth wobble, will do 65mph, limited to stock 3.55 gear, daily drove 50miles round trip for work in Seattle traffic jams, 70 or so camping/wheeling trips up to a 120 miles away, it can sit for a year, put a battery in and go, any AutoZone has 94% of a part to get u going
If you plan on removing that tow hitch and it's really rusted like that. Be careful, if you have to use major force to loosen the bolts. There's welded nuts inside the frame. If you break them off,you'll have to grind or somehow cut the bolts off. And then....you won't have any easy way to bolt it or a new hitch back on. Rather than breaking the nuts off inside the frame, leaving you with stuck spinning bolts. Grinding the heads off the bolts removing the hitch, cutting off the rest of the bolts flush with the frame,drilling the bolts out and re tapping the nuts that are welded inside the frame is sometimes the better option. You're welcome in advance. 😆
I bought a 99 XJ and it looks muuuch better. barely any rust. This video made me so happy haha
If you smell gas/fuel by the injectors do not drive or run it. I had a 1990 blow an injector and 30 minutes later all that was left of my Cherokee were the two rear tires and the liftgate.
Thankfully my 99 is in way better shape than that 2000.
Mine caught on fire too lol
"Pick that up at your jeep dealer"
SIKE
Now that's how u inspect a car....I do this everyday in the shop👍funny thing is some customers don't know how an inspection works so I have to explain to them what im doing when I'm doing their state inspection😏
I just picked up a 1996 XJ SPORT with 388k on the odo., runs great.
Great video! Just bought a 2000 XJ to slowly fix up and your videos help!!
jeep Cherokee are easy to work on
My coworker is selling a ‘98 (4.0/automatic) for $600, a heck of a deal if it’s not rusted out. Only issues he said it has is the exhaust manifold and some oil leaks, I think he said power steering too. Also, another coworker said his son beat it up a lot and mentioned something about tranny lines. For $600 those things can be overlooked if it checks out.
I’m doing an engine on my 99 Cutlass and it needs to be taken to a machine shop to be bored, closest real one is pretty far away. Also, the Jeep will be easy to get parts for. So I’m considering spending how much I would at the machine shop money on a whole vehicle instead, then putting the Cutlass on hold.
01 xj i love it. 290,000. And still truckin
I get the no bus every now and then. A pop on the dash and its all back to normal. 😊
How did I not find this video sooner? I found your alternator/serp belt vid a good while ago and that got me through that work. This is a great video as well, thank you so much!!!!
Great video of what to look for. That 2000 Jeep is really a rust bucket, seems like it would be endless spending to bring it up to shape. I have a 2000-WJ that has barely any rust.
Nice video, i have an 01 in Australia and the belt configuration for RHD is a tad different, we have the AC where your power steering is and the power steering where your ac is, also i think we got cross flow headers on the 01 cause mines over 240k and i have never had an exhaust leak, we definitely dont get rot either but thats because it never snows!
Im considering a transmission rebuild on my 97 with a 5 speed but this is a daily driver and im not all that confident in my ability to do that... Ive been able to manage all the work so far but thats a serious one lol
All that rust.... I'd spend as little as possible & drive it till it died. Then watch Southern C. list for a clean 1!! South of Nashville a rust free cherokee is under $8k that runs great!
That was a great video! I've owned my 1998 XJ , for about 18 years,, it keeps dying and I keep bringing back ,as of late ,it's been laid up a few years now,lent it to a friend ,and she did something to it ,I have been so busy with life and other projects, haven't had time to diagnose,but watching this video, lights me a fire! For that and all the extra info, I appreciate it,thank you very much,also do you do a similar video for 2004 GMC SIERRA, I have 4wd issues,and have heard that the ground may be the issue,but I can't find ALL of the grounding points,to clean up, please help if you can , keep up the outstanding work, major fan here in California
+@joegodoy9233 Thank you! We love empowering our customers and showing how to perform DIY auto repairs with our high-quality auto parts. 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c
Let me tell u it's main issues the real main issues people don't ever mention on high mileage 4.0 until it goes boom.. the rod bearings/sleaves especially number 6cyl and the rear and front mains biggest issues
Great job describing each component! Thank you!
love the XJ’s i would buy one, but theyre all extremely rusted out here in northeast
Yeah and the ones that ain't cost a fortune
I’m in the NE. Mines clean
in Pa and mines still got the factory undercoating on it
So if u get a used jeep replace just about everything within 6months 😅 jk I appreciate your video it’s really helpful. Thank you 🙏🏻
Interesting how Rusty they get in NE as Im Australia based and I never see this bad
Probably original fluids. I used to keep a paper log of work and miles on my 96 Jeep now I just enter it on my computer. I try to use Mopar fluids when I change the fluids except oil, brake and coolant.
Very thorough video, thanks!
I would not be worried about spilling battery acid because of a missing battery hold down. I would be worried about the positive terminal grounding out on the hood and causing a fire. I’ve seen it happened a bunch of times. and some of them who’s cars burned didn’t even get into an accident. Once the positive terminal makes contact with the ground it gets stuck and welds itself
With a 2000 I'm surprised that the 0331 cylinder head wasn't mentioned.
How do they get so rusted, mines a 98 and has none of these rot issues
Same. My jeep is minty. Still has the OG jack and instructions under the seat. Spare tire cover is still there. Factory floor mats. Zero rust. Starter is on its way out though lol
Great video. Wish I could find a Cherokee in any condition!
I have one! Might be for sale also.
Good luck.
I've got a 1989 and I'm never getting rid of it!
I just got a 2000 xj a few months ago. Just finished installing an advanced adapters sye kit and Tom woods driveshafts front and rear. A Rubicon express 4.5in lift and still have an aluminum radiator, high flow water pump and thermostat housing plus fix all the leaks lol. I never get time to fix my own stuff so it's taking forever
Every now and then I get someone asking me if I'd sell my 99 and of course, I say sorry but no, it's a keeper.
325k on my 97
No rust since I'm in GA
I remember being 17, bough a Pontiac Bonneville, loved the car, was driving on the highway one night (about a week after I got it) in winter and it seemed like my dash cluster blinked for a second. I told my friends I thought it lost power but it was still running and everything, no one else said they noticed it so I thought it was just me.
About a min later the vehicle loses all power, just nothing pitch black inside the vehicle and out doing 70 on a dark highway in the middle of no where ... That was kinda scary, even lost power brakes and all.
Battery terminal was loose, always look over a vehicle when you buy it, don't just assume since it runs well it's road safe. that could have easily resulted in a accident.
I'm currently in the market for a used Jeep Cherokee (1997-2001) and could use some expert advice. When considering the purchase of a used Jeep Cherokee, at what mileage threshold should I start to be concerned? In other words, what is considered too high mileage for a used Jeep Cherokee, indicating that I might want to pass on that particular vehicle? I'm looking for insights into reliability, maintenance expectations, and overall value as the mileage increases. Thanks in advance for your guidance!"
That transfer case uses ATF
hello! I have an XJ 4.0 sport with 186 thousand km...what is the ideal oil model to use? At the moment I use 20w50 valvoline...I'm from RJ Brazil. Thank you in advance for the information
Very well done! Great job. Helpful and informative. God bless and stay well.
this lady is the best ever!
Please make your own jeep channel
Is it OK to mix a synthetic PAG oil with a regular PAG oil ?
Thank you for the great information. I own a 2000 XJ
Wow makes my Canadian jeep with 180 thousand miles look like a pavement princess. That jeep had some serious rot.
Great info and well presented.
That xj must be in the rust belt my 88 has very light surface rust
I was thinking NY.
That's nothing for an xj
NP231 t-case uses AFT. Do not put gear oil in it.
A new Fan clutch will do wonders. Easy and cheap.
My jeep has all the normal engine and transmission leaks but the frame is stout no surface rust at all being form alabama. Suspension is all new and steering and everything else. But i am sure missing some parts under my engine bag and i evap lines
Great Info.. Would you have any advice to fix Death Wooble.. Everything on the front end is new and tight but still have DW at highway speed.. Thanks..
My ball joints were all out of grease, used a grease gun and filled them all up, mine stopped.
Check your track bar, & steering linkages, try prying on all ball joints also, but the major cause is usually play in the track bar.
Stabilizer bar
Great video!
Thanks.
+Valentin Matei Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c
What a great video! Thanks.
You are a stone-cold badass.
Solid information.
2001 with 253K. Just broken in and according to the driveway it's not yet potty trained. 😂
+@redtango75 Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c
I learned so much!
+skippygirl959 Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c
IOD fuse blows constantly. This has to be in the top 3.
wont be taking my XJ to you for an inspection any time soon, haha it would never be on the road again ! good video though 👌
I've got 2 xjs love um like any car you will spend some money keeping them up, but fun to drive l love he smart ,great personality , I wished she was my mechanic even though I love mine too
What causes problems with TPS going out?
This madam is awesome
The amounts of rott on this would be a final death sentence here in Europe.
That car would never see a road again
Good job !!
1A EXCELLENT!!
New sub💪🏻🇺🇸
9, 45 rust ,, lots rust .. trans leak , you can always add oil ,, but you cant weld on the side of the road ,,
She’s awesome! ❤
Good job 👍👍
I have a 1989 jeep Cherokee and my brake lights and blinkers and heater don't work
By the way my 2000 Jeep Cherokee has Break the shields and it came with some fact three stock whatever you wanna call but just wanted to throw that out there ‘ cause you said that they didn’t and you’re wrong lol have a good day
What is high mileage for this car?
Great video
thanks
@246K that all looks familiar… my transfer juice is fresh though!
Great video thanks
Good job
Awesome video...
"Gear fluid" in the transfer case? Lol, she needs to read up on that!
Looks just like my Jeep : everything’s leaking!
So great car....
I bought my 98 cheroke with 175,000 kms on it. Im pushing 198000 kms now. So far I have done battery, alternator, water pump, catalytic convert delete and now my starter is giving me grief. Thoughts ?
guess im saying ,, i would be more worried about the rust ,, than oil leaks ,, but yes get leaks fixt ,,
I still have my 1991 cheerokee sport it runs , shut off a few times on my son ,starts then do the same
I'm open for suggestions jeep family.
i just bought a 98 with 290,000 with less rust and i live in canada where everythings got rust lol
EVAP tube
Uni boby I don't think there is a frame
Nice job god bless
Would hate to see you get a peice of rust in your eye, you should wear safety glasses always under a vehicle. Especially a rusty old jeep!
+Alex Trelka Thanks for the tip!
She acts though an old jeep isn't a fantastic vehicle.