Chasing the impossible dream

"Just Jeepin'" (macintux) 08/03/2019 at 19:15 • Filed to: Jeep, Craigslist

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I have come to the conclusion that if I want to check all the boxes, I’m going to be waiting a long time.

Clean XJ

Straight 6

Manual

4x4

(It’s odd: I see manual TJs all the time. Why so few manual XJs?)

An hour ago, a very close match popped up.

It’s steeper than I can manage at the moment, although I could take out a small loan to cover it. It does look amazing.

So the question: any opinions on this Cherokee’s V6?

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Just Jeepin' > Just Jeepin' 08/03/2019 at 19:22

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Sounds like the GM engine is not particularly liked. Bummer.

DipodomysDeserti > Just Jeepin' 08/03/2019 at 19:23

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Searched my local CL and...you’re right. Look at this frickin’ tease:

Clean

Cheap

Manual

Two door

And a goddamn four banger!

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/cto/d/phoenix-2000-jeep-cherokee-xj/6934701121.html

Tristan > Just Jeepin' 08/03/2019 at 19:31

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Do not under any circumstances buy a 2.8 V6 XJ. The 2.5 4-cylinder is down about 5-10 horsepower from it and it's 10,000 times more durable.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Just Jeepin' 08/03/2019 at 19:31

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It was very small and underpowered, leading to abysmal mileage. I don’t think the reliability was great either. 

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > DipodomysDeserti 08/03/2019 at 19:32

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That’s better than the 2.8. 

MM54 > Just Jeepin' 08/03/2019 at 19:32

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I didn’t even know they put a V6 in these, which is probably an indication as to their popularity/durability.

Tristan > Just Jeepin' 08/03/2019 at 19:33

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I should also note that I have a clean 4.0, 4x4 5- speed XJ, but I bought it as a 2wd with an auto. The 4x4 swap is easy peasy, but the manual conversion isn't for the faint of heart.

Just Jeepin' > Tristan 08/03/2019 at 19:33

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Alas. Thanks.

I should buy this one instead, anyway.

https://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/d/harrison-1948-willys-jeep/6948508897.html

Just Jeepin' > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 08/03/2019 at 19:33

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Ah, well. The search continues.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Just Jeepin' 08/03/2019 at 19:34

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There are manual ones on Autotrader, but they all are stupid expensive. 

Just Jeepin' > DipodomysDeserti 08/03/2019 at 19:35

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I’m beginning to think that if I’m going to compromise on any of my criteria, it should be the engine. I would probably be just  fine with the 2.5.

Tristan > Just Jeepin' 08/03/2019 at 19:35

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A Flatfender is definitely on my bucket list of cars to own...

Just Jeepin' > Tristan 08/03/2019 at 19:36

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Every time a couple of cheap XJs show up at the same time which, when combined, would give me what I want, I definitely give that idea some thought.

Just Jeepin' > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 08/03/2019 at 19:40

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I haven’t looked recently since I have search results sent to me if any show up nearby. This one looks pretty good and reasonable price and 1000 miles away. Sigh.

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=523745770&zip=81004&makeCode1=JEEP&modelCode1=CHER&dealerId=72238751

Just Jeepin' > MM54 08/03/2019 at 19:41

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Yeah, the only information I can find is instructions on the painful swap to something better.

boredalways > Just Jeepin' 08/03/2019 at 19:46

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“Rebuilt engine and engine components”

Maybe it’s just me, but it pisses me off that someone would rebuild a GM 2.8l V6 when it shouldn’t be that hard to find a straight 6.

... I'm sure there's more to just swapping in a different motor like engine mount location....

Tristan > Just Jeepin' 08/03/2019 at 19:49

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They are pretty fun to work on. They're holdovers from the age when cars were simple and easy to tinker on.

Just Jeepin' > Tristan 08/03/2019 at 19:52

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Unfortunately I not only lack knowledge and tools (and a functional back) , I don’t even have a good place to work on them. My driveway is gravel and mosquito heaven. And fairly small.

Just Jeepin' > Tristan 08/03/2019 at 19:58

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I spotted this one nearby. The looming transmission rebuild plus the 4x4 conversion turned me off, but maybe I should buy it and deal with each problem over time.

https://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/d/overpeck-2001-jeep-cherokee-sport-2wd/6946252047.html

slipperysallylikespenguins > Just Jeepin' 08/03/2019 at 19:59

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My ideal XJ was 2wd, 2 door, I6, and 5 speed. Ended up finding a 4 door version and haven’t driven it in like 2 years.

Just Jeepin' > slipperysallylikespenguins 08/03/2019 at 20:02

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Why not?

I’ve gone back and forth in the number of doors. I prefer 2 aesthetically and 4 practically, so at this point I’ve decided not to be picky, given how hard it is to find anything at all.

DipodomysDeserti > Just Jeepin' 08/03/2019 at 20:05

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I agree

slipperysallylikespenguins > Just Jeepin' 08/03/2019 at 20:09

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It needed a clutch, windshield, and tires. So I parked it behind the garage. Then I just haven’t had the time. Whenever we go up trails we always take my roommate’s XJ. (4x4, I6, 2 door, auto)

The only non negotiable item on an XJ for me is the 4.0, and not a Renix 4.0 either.

slipperysallylikespenguins > Tristan 08/03/2019 at 20:16

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I have a 2wd and its hilarious how much room you have underneath without the 4x4 bits.

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Just Jeepin' 08/03/2019 at 20:42

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That's like a five minute drive from my house. Want me to check it out for you? To make up for not being able to make it out to Indy today...

Just Jeepin' > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker 08/03/2019 at 20:49

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I appreciate the offer, but that engine is clearly undesirable. If I wanted something to just show off, I could probably live with it, but I need a useful vehicle.

Or this flat fender. “Useful” is all relative. (Curious that every Jeep I’m looking at this weekend is in southwestern Ohio.)

https://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/d/harrison-1948-willys-jeep/6948508897.html

This is the other Ohio XJ I’m thinking about. Haven’t pulled the trigger o n scheduling a visit, but maybe.

https://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/d/overpeck-2001-jeep-cherokee-sport-2wd/6946252047.html

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Just Jeepin' 08/03/2019 at 22:06

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Ooh, I really like that XJ

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > DipodomysDeserti 08/03/2019 at 23:13

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Wow, dude. That was just mean.

This is the automotive equivalent of watching some perhaps adult content, everything is going well, and then suddenly something really disturbing happens and you bail.

Tristan > Just Jeepin' 08/03/2019 at 23:25

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I’m not certain what all is included in making the 2wd transmission bolt up to a transfer case... extension housing and output shaft, I think. You have the option of sourcing the parts and having it rebuilt as a 4wd unit, or just source a used 4wd transmission. Then it's just a matter of bolting up a transfer case and swapping in a front axle. There are other small things, but it's pretty basic.

Tristan > Just Jeepin' 08/03/2019 at 23:26

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Oof... That doesn't sound fun.

Tristan > slipperysallylikespenguins 08/03/2019 at 23:28

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Indeed! Though mine has tons of room from the stupid tall lift I have.  I’ve always wanted to get a 2wd and lower it and make it handle as well as something with a solid axle can.

MiniGTI - now with XJ6 > Just Jeepin' 08/16/2019 at 22:57

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Saw this DOTS in Chicago today. Didn’t get to check if it was Manuel, but it was properly  mint:

Just Jeepin' > MiniGTI - now with XJ6 08/16/2019 at 23:35

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Verra nice, and a proper color to boot.