K1500 or XJ?

"Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage" (Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage)
07/06/2016 at 21:44 • Filed to: Still Looking

These two are my personal most frequently searched 4x4s in my price range. An XJ Cherokee, and an ‘88-’98 K1500. As I continue to struggle to find a decent example of either, I’m wondering which one Oppo would rather have. Keep in mind, both must be 4wd.

Above is the 1st candidate. The XJ Cherokee (with the 4.0), a 4x4 that is loved and cherished by many Oppos. I have personally never had any experience with one, but everyone who has one loves theirs. And it seems like a vehicle that would be perfectly suited to my wants for a DD (reliable, entertaining, cheap to maintain, and versatile). However, this is my issue. The XJ above is my optimal XJ. I think the 2 door XJs are WAY cooler than the 4 doors. Don’t get me wrong, if I can find a mint 4 door, I’d be interested. But a 2 doir would be fantastic. Problem is, everybody who has one keeps theirs.

Above is the 2nd candidate. A K1500, shown here in my favorite configuration (Single cab, short bed). Unlike the XJ, I have looked at a few and driven them. While the ones I looked at wwere too rough dor my liking, I really liked the way they drove. Like the Jeep, they also fit within all of my criteria for a DD. I also prefer the looks to the Jeep, personally. Yet, my issue seems to be that it is nearly impossible to find a clean K1500 in my region, which is why I haven’t bought one yet.

So, which one would you have?

DISCUSSION (57)

yamahog > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
07/06/2016 at 21:47

I’ve had both (K1500 in Blazer form). AMA.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
07/06/2016 at 21:49

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > yamahog
07/06/2016 at 21:53

Was the Jeep gutless or did it have some power? I’ve heard that it kind of sucks on power, though most of those complaints were from guys with lifted XJs. Mine wouldn’t be.

Which would you have again as a DD?

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
07/06/2016 at 21:54

Knew that would be your answer. Never had any experience with an XJ before. How are they to drive?

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
07/06/2016 at 22:06

Never driven one, but from everything I’ve seen they are quite fun stock.

yamahog > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
07/06/2016 at 22:07

Gutless sounds accurate, though mine did have a 3" lift. The 4.0 in mine had about 250k miles on it and was adequate for driving around town and on slow trails. It sucked for a highway commute since Michigan speed limits are 70 and my XJ was basically confined to the right lanes. Driving back east on I80 to places with actual hills was rough.

The XJ was a far better offroader for me, and technically my most reliable car because it only broke down in my driveway as opposed to on the road, but I can’t say I’d want to DD one again. Also, while I was working at Chrysler I was tempted to look up if there was anyone left who’d worked on the thing. It seems easy and spacious in that engine bay until you’re elbow deep in impossible ergonomics. Crowfoot wrenches became my friend. I’m looking to replace the Blazer with another C/K1500 or 2500 for winter DD and towing duties.

Hi there > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
07/06/2016 at 22:16

K1500 with a 350 and a 400x

Monkey B > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
07/06/2016 at 22:26

Without question, unless your budget is low, it’s the Cherokee. One of the main reasons I say this is you can own it for a number of years and probably sell it for what you paid assuming it stays in the same condition as you bought it. I was looking for one for a minute as a spare car and found out rather quickly they were out of my spare car budget so I bought an Outback.

If you find a minty 2 door be prepared to pay all the money for it. They are somewhat of a unicorn for XJ fans. I was shocked at the money good Cherokees bring, and the only ones that don’t usually have no floor or are beat to shit and still come in around $2k.

I live in the northeast and that’s what the market is like here. There may be regional differences. The more time that passes the more the nice ones will retain value as they will remain timeless (IMO) and desirable.

Monkey B > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
07/06/2016 at 22:29

ever drive a Wrangler? Similar but not as primitive.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
07/06/2016 at 22:33

Kinja'd!!!

You’ll be hard pressed to find one but for a while you could buy a 2-door K1500, which was confusingly called a Blazer and sold alongside the smaller S10 Blazer.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
07/06/2016 at 22:35

Kinja'd!!!

Gib.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Monkey B
07/06/2016 at 22:40

Driven two. The Wrangler Unlimited I drove was fucking awful. Loved my cousin’s Wrangler with the 4.0, though. Extremely gutless, but he did have 35s on it.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > yamahog
07/06/2016 at 22:50

Yeah, that’s the issue. I need something that can be suitable for all driving. And I’m on 75 and don’t necessarily need a trail rig or anything, just want a DD that I can have 4WD on for Michigan winter and occasional screwing around, even though the Taurus is a tank in the snow.

shop-teacher > yamahog
07/06/2016 at 22:51

What are you hoping to get for the Blazer? Most of them are rot boxes, and yours appears not to be.

shop-teacher > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
07/06/2016 at 22:52

K1500 all the way, but they are damn hard to find not beat to hell and rusted out.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Monkey B
07/06/2016 at 22:55

Yeah, the XJ looks pretty solid. I’m in Michigan, so the market is the same for me. The nice ones seem to be almost appriciating in value. Some nice ones appear to be in my budget, but I keep praying for a 2 door. There was a really clean ‘01 Classic near me with 145k on the clock, but it sold in like 5 seconds.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent
07/06/2016 at 22:56

Yeah, I like these a lot. The issue is finding one that’s not beaten to hell and back about 37 times, though.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
07/06/2016 at 22:57

I knowww. So minty looking.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > shop-teacher
07/06/2016 at 22:59

That’s my issue. I’ve looked at two now, and both were beaten to shit. If ai found a clean one, it would be sitting in my driveway.

Bowtie_Guy > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
07/06/2016 at 23:14

I love both of your choices!! I’ve always owned pickups because I find them to be more practical. I’d get an extended cab short bed and have the best of both worlds...

If your looking at k1500s in that gen they have an option list of “RPO” codes in the glove box. This tells you what the truck has for equipment

305 Engines: Pre-95 TBI= L03 96+ Vortec 5000 = L30

350 engines Pre 95 TBI = L05 & 96 + Vortec 5700 = L31. Avoid the 305s at all costs they are dogs

Also axle ratios... Gu6 = 3.42 GT4 = 3.73 & GT5 = 4.10. 373s are the most common. A G80 code is a rear locker and is usually on trucks with the Z71 off road package AND Z82 towing package.

I cant speak for the Jeep because all I’ve ever owned are GM pickups but I’ve never owned an 88-98 “Old Body Style” I’ve either had Square bodies or the NBS 99-07 but I’ve been around plenty of them and like them a lot.

Either choice you can’t go wrong!!!

shop-teacher > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
07/06/2016 at 23:22

A clean 2-door XJ has gotta be just as hard to find, if not harder. I’d buy the first clean one of either you can find. If you find the XJ first, and then later you find a nice 1500, the XJ would be pretty darn easy to sell. Then you’d check both off the old vehicular bucket list.

DuckHunter71 > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
07/06/2016 at 23:22

I had a 2001 XJ Sport. 4 door, 4.0L with auto, 4WD. I bought it with a 4.5" Rubicon Express lift and 31" tires. I loved it and regret selling it to this day. It was actually really decent on road and even at freeway speeds. I wouldn't call them gutless. I pulled trailers with mine and never really wanted for power. Definitely drive one and see for yourself. It’s simplicity put a smile on my face every time I pulled out of my driveway. I now have a loaded F150 Lariat and I still catch myself rubbernecking when I meet a nice XJ on the road.

Noah - Now with more boost. > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
07/06/2016 at 23:25

I drove a mint teal 2-door XJ once. It was awesome. Two of my friends own these (4 doors though) so I’ve spent a bunch of time wrenching on them; from lift kits to water pumps every part for the car is dirt cheap and working on it is always straightforward. Plus those big straight sixes are really cool. I prefer the two door and that’s what I’d go with

COMTNDRVR > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
07/06/2016 at 23:54

I owned a 1998 Jeep XJ with a stick. I didn’t lift it and kept it on the stock tires. Drove fine at 75-80 on the highway fine even here in CO with elevation hp loss. Worked great off-road even with the stock Goodyears.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > shop-teacher
07/06/2016 at 23:57

Yeah, the XJ would probably be even harder to find. I think that’s my plan.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > DuckHunter71
07/06/2016 at 23:58

Cool, I’ll have to check one out. I used to not like them, but I find myself liking them more and more every day.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Noah - Now with more boost.
07/06/2016 at 23:59

Yeah, I’d REALLY love to find a clean enough 2 doir. That would be sweet as hell.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > COMTNDRVR
07/07/2016 at 00:00

Good to hear!

COMTNDRVR > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
07/07/2016 at 00:05

I lived in Durango, CO when I owned it and had one of the old 2.5 TJ’s too. Any increase in tire size just saps all of the ability to cruise on the highway.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > COMTNDRVR
07/07/2016 at 00:10

Yeah, I think that’s definitely the problem. My cousin’s Wrangler has a set of 35s on it, and it was pretty much unbearable to drive on the freeway. Like, full throttle up a hill to maintain speed unbearable.

TheLOUDMUSIC- Put it in H! > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
07/07/2016 at 00:16

Not to disregard the question, buy why not a K5 or 2 door Tahoe?

COMTNDRVR > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
07/07/2016 at 00:17

Wranglers have their own set of issues, but yeah, I think the factory 30's were about the upper limit on driveability.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > TheLOUDMUSIC- Put it in H!
07/07/2016 at 00:32

Would love to. Issue is that they are virtually nonexistent in Michigan.

Sweet Trav > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
07/07/2016 at 08:14

1999-2005 Chevy 2500's are almost indestructible. 6.0l vortec, 4L80e. Stuff of legend. But they rust out quick.

Sweet Trav > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
07/07/2016 at 08:15

Most of the “gutless” comments come from people that didn't increase gear ratio when adding bigger tires. The 4.0l makes good torque down low and makes almost as much HP as a compatible 5l V8

StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
07/07/2016 at 08:24

I have a ‘95 XJ 4 door, 5 speed, 3" lift with 31" tires. It’s my winter/bad weather beater, drive it on the freeway. Hell, I drove it 3 hours to Silver Lake! Its a blast, honestly. Great in the winter, great offroad, was a ton of fun on the dunes and gave me no issues. Can’t go wrong.

yamahog > shop-teacher
07/07/2016 at 08:38

Oh, it’s definitely a rust bucket, but I have it listed at $2000 as-is before we bother dropping the trans and rebuilding or replacing it. I’d take about $1500 for it, rationale being the running 350 is worth $500, the tires are almost new so $400-500 there, and scrap value alone is $500. Thing runs and has 1-2 and R, and I have someone coming to look at it offering to trade a running 96 C1500 4.3l 5spd, so we’ll see.

yamahog > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
07/07/2016 at 08:41

want one with 103k miles, abundant rocker rust, and a busted 4L60? lmao

Noah - Now with more boost. > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
07/07/2016 at 09:31

Yeah man the clean ones are hard to find. Most in my area are pretty expensive for an XJ, like 4k+

gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee > COMTNDRVR
07/07/2016 at 10:27

Mumble mumble regear! cough wheez hack.

JEM > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
07/07/2016 at 10:28

Well, I own a 96 5speed XJ 4 door so I think you know my answer :)

I have no problems commuting with it (when not on a bike) on 40 miles of interstate at 75-80mph. Not lifted, 4.0L obviously.

Bought it for $4K at 159,000 - has almost 239,000 on it now and I could still probably sell it for the same. Little things go but it never leaves me stranded. If you get the original (pre-facelift) one, be prepared for it to be noisier inside but that is part of the charm. Get one without rust!! If you can wrench on little things, you fix lots of stuff on it.

gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
07/07/2016 at 10:32

The question for me would come down to whether you wanted a truck or not. My money would be on the XJ (I currently have a ‘92 2-door awaiting work) as it's lighter, will be a bit better on fuel, and more car-like and less lumbering in the way it drives. If you really want a truck but have trouble picking it over an XJ, go find yourself an MJ. Best of both worlds, and frankly just as capable at being a truck as the k1500 in terms if towing and payload, but it's smaller, lighter, and just way more cool.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Sweet Trav
07/07/2016 at 11:19

Yeah, those are killer. The 6.0 fuel economy is a bit too rough, though. I can put up with the mpg of a 5.3 or a 5.7, but 6.0s are pigs on gas.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Sweet Trav
07/07/2016 at 11:20

Yeah, kinda figured that one. I’ve just never had any experience with a 4.0 in a Cherokee.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8
07/07/2016 at 11:22

Gotcha. Good to hear. And damn, that reminds me, I haven’t been to Silver Lake in a loooooong time.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > yamahog
07/07/2016 at 11:23

Nah I’m solid lol. Thanks though!

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Noah - Now with more boost.
07/07/2016 at 11:28

Hell, there’s only like one or two 2 doors in my area, and both are rust buckets! The issue is that everybody who has one has turned it into a trail rig, and as a result, its beat to fuck.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > JEM
07/07/2016 at 11:31

Sweet! That’s definitely the goal, to find one with little to rust. Which is why I can’t find one in my area lol.

JEM > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
07/07/2016 at 11:33

Yeah, I wound up driving like 100+ miles to find mine, from central Mass. to almost NYC. Also, the 5 speed ones are somewhat rare and I definitely wanted one of those.

One warning on the 2 door ones: I’ve heard body parts can be really difficult/expensive to get. That would kind of scare me away from one.

Noah - Now with more boost. > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
07/07/2016 at 11:39

Yeah I have the same issue, they’re all rusty or beat up. Imagine a nice clean 4.0/4 speed example though!! UGH

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee
07/07/2016 at 11:45

I really wanted a truck, but I’m starting to get pretty tired of looking for them, as I’ve been on the hunt for a nice one for a long time. MJs are sweet as hell, but they are virtually nonexistent in Michigan. And the ones that are available are either made of 99% rust or are 2WD.

gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
07/07/2016 at 12:03

4x4 is a super easy swap. Since they started out life as 4x4's and the 2wd pretty much just had the 4x4 stuff deleted by way of block-off-plates, so to speak. Same as with the XJ. All you need to convert to 4x4 is a 4x4 trans, tcase, front axle, and driveshaft. And more than likely you’ll have to spring for a new custom rear driveshaft in the case of an MJ but XJ driveshafts are pretty common. Seriously, get a 2wd in great shape and a rotted-out $300 4x4 XJ with a decent drivetrain and the swap should be manageable over a weekend.

Rykilla303 > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
07/07/2016 at 13:23

XJ. but only because your k1500 is too new for my taste. Late 70's k15 is the way to go. (i might be biased... seein as i’ve had several and have one even now)

shop-teacher > yamahog
07/07/2016 at 20:56

Fair enough. I’m pretty sure my wife would murder me if I drove all the way to Detroit and back, to drag home a non-op rust bucket for $1500, so I’ll have to pass.

yamahog > shop-teacher
07/07/2016 at 21:40

understandable :) Travis isn’t pleased I bought it in the first place, and at least it was running then...

COMTNDRVR > gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee
07/08/2016 at 01:38

Regearing a Cherokee to be better on highways with big tires seems silly. I have no problem with putting big tires on for off roading and sacrificing highway speed.

gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee > COMTNDRVR
07/08/2016 at 10:49

NOT regearing for off-roading is silly. The 4.0 has a pretty decent torque curve, but it’s still only making 225 lb-ft. The effective gear ratio goes way high when you put bigger tires on, making it much more difficult to get over obstacles. Especially since the gears are already pretty high from the factory.