Cherokee 4.0L

hwcurtice · Mar 24, 2007

So whats the running thought on early 90's Cherokee's? 4.0L and automatic.

Problems? Issues? Are they overpriced? Are they junk after so many miles?

I ask because the son has a deep desire to have something of this design for a dd, and I really don't know much about them, except to run from the 2.8L.

Lucky Jeff · Mar 24, 2007

I really like em, it's the main reason I'd ever go back to a cherokee/grand cherokee.. Most thing people seem to check for when buying them is low compression. Others will be able to tell you a bit more. But I loved mine in the ZJ and I really beat on that thing.

hwcurtice · Mar 24, 2007

Low compression over all? Or in just a cylinder or two? I know most, if not all engines lose some compression over time, but not knowing what they start at, means I don't know where danger low compression starts.

Know what I mean?

NotMatt · Mar 24, 2007

As long as you keep oil in the 4.0, it will run forever. The AW4 is a great transmission, built very well with very few failures. The 4.0 is notorious for oil leaks in the rear main seal, oil filter adapter housing, and valve cover gasket... so make sure the rig you look at hasn't been run low on oil due to these types of issues....

Things to look out for on early XJ's: wiring issues are a biggie, they seem to always have some little wiring problem on the accessories. Also, the crank position sensors tend to go out over time and are kind of a pain to replace. Also another culprit for problems is the neutral safety switch on the transmission can get all gummed up and not work. Minor things really considering it's a 15-20 year old rig.

redyj1 · Mar 25, 2007

it has a renix 4.0, which is easy and cheap to work on, and you can pick up parts for them damn near anywhere, way better than a 2.8, if the price is right(700-1100), pick it up

hwcurtice · Mar 25, 2007

redyj said:
it has a renix 4.0, which is easy and cheap to work on, and you can pick up parts for them damn near anywhere, way better than a 2.8, if the price is right(700-1100), pick it up

The engine had it's rear main replaced already, plus other things, general work. A new radiator, and few other major parts. Yes, the power accessories seem to be fouling up. It does run well, lots of power, steering is a bit sloppy, tranny shifts good.

From driving around Everett and Lynnwood, I have seen more 4.0L Cherokee's than anything other type of vehicle, except at the car maker lots.

In this area, the least expensive 4.0L I have found, was missing either it's engine or tranny, and they wanted $1k for it. I did find one for $600, but it had neither. General price seems to be in the high teens to low $4k for an early 90s rig. Depending on miles and condition. The one we are looking at, they want $2,200.

And you won't believe the money dealers want for junk.

redyj1 · Mar 25, 2007

im sure your active on craigslist, iv seen many cherokees go well under 2000, if you can hold off till you find a 91 or up, they have the more reliable 4.0 ho which has around 30 more horse than the renix and some even come with the stronger 8.25 rear axle, id suggest waiting a little longer, 2,200 is high for a renix cherokee

hwcurtice · Mar 25, 2007

redyj said:
im sure your active on craigslist, iv seen many cherokees go well under 2000, if you can hold off till you find a 91 or up, they have the more reliable 4.0 ho which has around 30 more horse than the renix and some even come with the stronger 8.25 rear axle, id suggest waiting a little longer, 2,200 is high for a renix cherokee

Craigslist is the household buddy. I got my truck, and new tires off of Craigslist. Some furniture, our lawnmower, a few other choice items.

Yes, we are looking on CL for the Jeep. The ones we seem to be finding that are in the better condition, are newer than or are 91's.

It is terrible, how people will beat the crap out of their rigs, and then want a friggin mint for them later.

Thanks for the advice. It is really appreciated.

hwcurtice · Mar 25, 2007

Other than HP, what is the main difference between the engines? When did MOPAR come in and take over? Is that when the engine changed?

Cascade_Crawler · Mar 25, 2007

Just a little info, you might already know

up to '90 has the renix 4.0

'91 and newer have the HO motor without the renix computer sytem. They have less wiring mess, and a little more power.

Either is a great choice and both will have the problems with the leaks mentioned above.

Lucky Jeff · Mar 25, 2007

hwcurtice said:
Other than HP, what is the main difference between the engines? When did MOPAR come in and take over? Is that when the engine changed?

87 when the 4.0 came out.

redyj1 · Mar 25, 2007

they are both mopar i believe, im very familiar with the ho and the renix, and it seems that the ho's are more dependable and last longer, and they usually look nicer than the 90- year range, dont get me wrong, the renix is good but inevitibly, the ho is superior

Lucky Jeff · Mar 25, 2007

redyj said:
they are both mopar i believe, im very familiar with the ho and the renix, and it seems that the ho's are more dependable and last longer, and they usually look nicer than the 90- year range, dont get me wrong, the renix is good but inevitibly, the ho is superior

that's kinda funny.. I was told the Renix lasts longer....

xjoffroad · Mar 25, 2007

you saw my cherokee friday night. the tranny blew up at 210,000 miles and the engine i had compression check and the guy said the engine will run another 100,000 with the proper maintanence

redyj1 · Mar 25, 2007

Lucky Jeff said:
that's kinda funny.. I was told the Renix lasts longer....

i was never "told" that they last longer, i have owned over 13 cherokees and the h.o. more commonly lasts longer with less problems

junkyard jim · Mar 30, 2007

hwcurtice said:
Other than HP, what is the main difference between the engines? When did MOPAR come in and take over? Is that when the engine changed?

Mopar took over at the end of '88 production. They lightened the motor and raised the intake ports (after '90) and ran into some trouble when they lightened them again and blocks started cracking vertically. (I saw 3 of them so far) then they added a crank girdle to keep them from snapping when adding even more power. They improved the pistons in '96 (embedded silicon skirts to cut piston slap)
That said, the HO system can be checked by the dealer or an OBD scanner. The Renix needs a Snap On MT2500 or the factory tester (or individually checked with a DRB tool) Most I see in the 200,000+ mile range. My own '87 MJ has 240,000 on it (I got it in '02 with @120K on it) and I upgraded stuff but haven't needed to do anything major other than clean out the blowby from the airbox. (changed my airfilter again yesterday. When I get time, I'll add the blowby catcher inline with the breather tube)