1986 Jeep Cherokee Pioneer 2.5L 4 cylinder from North America
Summary:
Pretty good, fun Jeep
Faults:
- Tilt wheel is loose & will move a bit.
- Header was broken due to either heat or the joint on the front axle hitting the exhaust pipe when bottoming out the front suspension.
- Driver seat is automatic & doesn't work + leans.
- Door locks don't work.
General Comments:
- Other than the stupid little stuff, I think it has been a pretty good car for a 24 year old car with almost 400k miles on it.
- The four wheel drive works well.
- CommandTrac feature works great (Just stick the car in neutral, even while moving, and you can stick it into four wheel drive).
- Even though only a 2.5L 4C, I towed an 80s Suburban the other day in 4L with no problem. 4L has a TON of torque.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 14th November, 2010
19th Nov 2011, 13:25
I am a retired mechanic. I bought my 1986 Cherokee used in 2003 from someone here in the High Sierra mountains. It was well maintained with 199,000 miles.
I did a valve job at 203,000, and skipped the rings and replaced the crank and bearings, not removing the pistons from the cylinders because there was no ridge, and I could still see the cross hatches.
I now have 289,000 miles, and have replaced the clutch and u-joints. This year I plan to do a complete rebuild on the engine, and I'm having the cam reground for a higher performance level. I drove a friend's Jeep with a hotter 4 cylinder cam and was surprised at its power.
My Jeep works hard towing, and plays hard off roading and in winter. It has never left me stuck and or in need of tow.
As far as the other readers problem with the premature alternator belt wear, check the alignment of the pulley to pulley. Use a gun sight method. Chances are your alternator bracket (top) has become bent slightly. This is usually from over tightening, so back off with the tension OK?