today, i picked up an 88 cherokee for a good price. seems to be in pretty good condition, aside from needing a drive side window, rust on the driver side doors (looks like something was splashed on them and caused corrosion, but fixable), and it doesn't crank right now. it ran up until it wouldn't start, and it turns with a socket on the crank. since it has a new starter and starter relay, it must be either wiring, neutral safty switch, or most likely the ignition switch, since it binds and won't turn far enough to pull out the key. i still have all the parts i could need from 89 parts xj, so shouldn't take much :cheers:
it's fully stock with 4.0, auto, np242, d30 non-disco, and d35. now for a few pics: