97 - 2001 Cherokee

[airspeed]

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.

[comanche1989]

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:

[Sir Sam]

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.

[xjrev10]

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.

[Geonovast]

The other considerations with the 00-01 are the coil pack ignition and LP Dana 30.

 

If you find one that's a 4.0 and 5 speed though, they'll have the NV3550 trans.  Last year for the AX-15 was 99.

[Sir Sam]

coil pack ignition = pro in my mind

 

 

I can safely say that in the past 12 years or so of 00+ ownership the LP D30 has never been an issue.

[Bornindesert]

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.

[terrawombat]

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.

[86customanche]

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.