Yeah by now I'm leaning really hard on the xj. I really like the wagonner but they don't come up for sale as the Xj's do. The only flaw I can see on the xj is the crash rating and no head rests in the back seat. I have read the early xj's are good because AMC had a play in the trans. Allison or aisin.... I know I'm not spelling it right... I know crystler loves to save a buck so I don't trust their trans but I need a lot more reading for me to pull the trigger on one. I passed on 64 GMC truck and a 57 olds 4 door both non running to keep the money for the 4x4. I already got 3 non runing projects and 2 boats so adding another one is what they call backward hustling lol. Ill check that website. And if you can let me know more why you said that year was the best.
'87-90 used the old Renix fuel injection system, '91-up used the Chrysler system along with a better intake manifold. '96-up had a beefier block with stud girdle to stiffen the bottom end. As mentioned 2000-2001 used the new '331' head that was prone to cracking between #3 and #4. They fixed that in late 2001 with the 'Tupy' head. You can swap a later 2002-up head onto the 00-01 for a permanent fix. 2000 Calif and 2001 used dual cat converters which make it difficult to add headers. 2001 was the last year for the XJ Cherokee. A 1996-1999 would be my choice, but the older ones are fine too. The 4x4 was avail with different transfer cases. The 'part-time' is likely more HD for off-road use. It locks the front/rear. It might bind up a little if used on hard pavement. There's a 'full-time' case that used a clutch between front/rear that would slip a little. This allowed the use of 4wd on hard pavement and is great if your driving on wet roads or light snow.... neither of which are likely in your location!
Not much love for the Exploder on here, I got your back Tim. Im on my fourth. They have been very reliable and very nice to drive on road, and capable off road. my 01 was unbelievable off road with just all season Michelin tires. had an 08, and a 2010, still have the 10, all were well above 100K miles with no real issues. plus we added a 18 sport with the ecoboost in Febuary. Man that thing runs! holy crap, I really like it but I agree its not an off road vehicle, but then again neither is the Lincoln MKZ that you traded it for right?
I couldn't look my wife in the face if I bought a Ford. Or in the mirror. If the explorer was so good why are you on your forth one haha. Not to be a jerk and you can call me what you want but I've been ragging on Ford so long I just can't see myself in one. I used to own one when I was 21 from a auction and was so happy when I sold it.
lol, no offense taken buddy. I cant be mad at you after seeing your X-ray, you cant help it, the position of that foreign object in you brain definitely effects your normal thinking ability..... On my fourth because we liked them, traded in the 01 on the 2010 for my wife, then bought the 08 for my daughter which she totaled and walked away without a scratch, so gave her the 10 and bought the wife the 18. my son drives my old 2002 F-150 that I bought new. over 200,00 miles now on the original drivetrain although the body is showing its age.
