So i finally got around to tackling audio since my front speakers never worked. I thought it was the typical wiring issue but i discovered there were no front speakers!

Now im assuming the harness is tucked away somewhere and all i need to do is plug in a new set. However if that's not the case how involved is running new wire back to the deck?

 

Look for the wires and come back. They are either laying in your doors or shoved in the rubber boot. Either way you need to open all that up to run new wires if you need to. We can't do that for you here.

Make sure the wires aren't broken in the door either.

Did any cherokee's even come w/o front speakers?

 

They should all have the wiring.
MY 96 has speaker harness in the front doors AND under the dash, left and right.
Total of 4 speakers outputs up front. Stock.
Also an empty light harness under dash,left and right, connected to dome lights and door button.