Is a wrecked 1999 Jeep Cherokee of any use?

[clarkerussell]

A friend of mine just wrecked (totaled) his 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport (4.0L, 4x2, Auto, 56K miles) and can buy the salvaged car for $1200 from the insurance company. He doesn't want to buy it, but offered it to me.

 

As I have a 1988 Jeep Comanche (4.0, 4x2, Manual), I was wondering if any of the mechanical parts would be of any use. I've considered a 4X4 swap in the past, but his is an Auto and I have a manual. Regardless, before I let it slip away, I thought I'd run it by you guys first.

 

Oh, the damage is to the front of the car, but I don't know the full extent other than it was bad enough for the airbags to go off. Thanks.

 

Clarke

[hackedmj]

I think it would be an awesome swap to put the entire late model drivetrain into a Comanche, you'd have to swap everything, harness and all , it should be a pretty much bolt in deal. Then you'd be back to 56k miles 8)

[pingpong]

The front axle will be a HP 30, trans is an aw4 (indestructible)it should be a 23 spline np231 (stronger then the older ones) The 8.25 rear is just as strong as a d44. Interior will be nicer, and should fit.

 

For airbags to go off, isnot that big of a deal. They are also right pricey, and can quickly total out an older vehicle.

 

IMHO 1200 is a bit high, especailly considering the headache with a salvage titale you get. I have bought wholeunwrecked xj's in the 97 +98 vintages for less then 500 bucks before.

 

 

 

Patrick

[87manche]

will the newer style heat/ac controls in the 97+ dashes work with the renix era system? I'm curiois, couse I'd love to have dials and a real fan off switch.

[HatchetMJ]

I personally wouldn't pay that much for it....I bought one wrecked but a few years older than that for $150.

 

I wouldn't pay more the $500 for it.

[Pete M]

I agree. If it was 4wd, then that's something, but you can get a rebuilt non-H.O. block for less than that and then NOT have to completely gut your MJ.

Jeep on!

--Pete

[clarkerussell]

I don't know what I was thinking... it is a 4x4... Does that change the equation?

[Pete M]

How bad was the front end hit?

[clarkerussell]

How bad was the front end hit?

 

I don't know as I haven't seen any pictures yet. He T-Boned a Ford Explorer and both were totaled. I think I'll pass since the radiator is probably blow and who knows what else happened. If he were rear ended it might be a different story...

[Pete M]

I certainly wouldn't buy it sight unseen. It could be fine, but if the engine or front axle were impacted, that *could* spell disaster for other parts in the drivetrain.

Jeep on!

--Pete