Jump to content

97 - 2001 Cherokee


airspeed
 Share

Recommended Posts

My son wants to buy a newer model Cherokee 97-2001.  Are there any years to avoid in this span?  In the reading I have done it seems there was a problem with the 0331 heads on the 2000 - 2001?  Not sure what the failure rate was...

 

I also noticed that the 2001 I looked at had (3) catalytic converters!  And I believe there were (4) o2 sensors, the engine must run real clean. There are several on Craigslist with low mileage, just have to find the right price.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would say avoid the '00 and '01 cherokees. These often times had the 0331 head which, although they flow well, are prone to cracking. Not every single one cracks, but its still a threat. I have a 98 with one catalytic converter and I believe one upstream and one downstream o2 sensor. It runs extraordinarily clean and smooth even with 178,000 miles. I would aim to purchase either a 97 or 98 model year. If you buy one without ABS, you'll most likely have a Chrysler 8.25 axle underneath, which is beefier than the Dana 35 :thumbsup:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I prefer the 00 to 01s, but the 99s are good too, I avoid the 97s like the plague, and 98's have that yucky two tone interior.

 

If and when you ever have problems with the head a new one comes in at around $500 for a brand new updated 0331 casting, and takes a saturday afternoon to swap out. I've never had a problem with the 0331 on a bunch of XJs and I think its way overblown.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Id buy anyone you can get a good deal on. Pretty good chance that today, most issues have been taken care of, from any of the years. 99 is the arguably the best year.... I have owned 3 00-01 XJs and never had issues with the heads. My current 01 has 263k....

 

I agree with SirSam about it being overblown on the internet... I have only seen one in my life that was bad.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you find a clean 00 or 01 and think you can get it at the price you want, just check it out under the hood. Cracked head warning signs would be new water pump, thermostat, valve cover gasket or generally some recent work. Just want to avoid buying it and finding out later theres a problem.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I prefer the 00 to 01s, but the 99s are good too, I avoid the 97s like the plague, and 98's have that yucky two tone interior.

 

If and when you ever have problems with the head a new one comes in at around $500 for a brand new updated 0331 casting, and takes a saturday afternoon to swap out. I've never had a problem with the 0331 on a bunch of XJs and I think its way overblown.

Yes, the 0331 head casting issue is way overblown, but it does exist.  I have had two 0331 castings that cracked in the exact same spot.  One XJ overheated and dunno what happened to the other.  The 0331 problem is real, but like you said, it's extremely easy to swap heads.  I think the hardest part may be getting to the one head bolt on the rear of the engine that is right under the firewall seam.  I wouldn't let it deter you from getting an '00 or '01.  I still think '99 is the best all-around XJ to get.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

it's extremely easy to swap heads.

Not sure I'd say extremely easy, but definitely doable with minimal knowledge and tools. The trick with that last head bolt, for me at least, was you have to leave it through the head when you are removing it and make sure you lay it in the hole when putting the head back on, or you will get started tightening all the bolts then realize you have to take the head back out slightly to get that last one in. Ive removed 3 in the past year, and it problably averages 8 hrs for removal and install.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...