I'm new to the Jeep scene and I keep seeing all over Google the two letter reference of the Cherokee models. I've narrowed mine down to XJ or ZJ but how do I tell?

I have a 97 Grand Cherokee (limited edition) 4.0ltr 6 automatic transmission.

 

xj is the boxy predecessor to your vehicle, was made from 1984-2001. WJs are more rounded made from 93-98 I think? You have a WJ.

 

Okay, a little lesson in body codes;

XJ= Cherokee '93 to '01 -These have leaf springs in the rear. The Grands have coils.

ZJ= GRAND Cherokee '93 to '98

WJ= Grand Cherokee '99 to '04

WK= Grand Cherokee '04 to '10

WK2= Grand Cherokee '10 to '16

Wranglers are TJ's for the most part and the early ones are CJ's. That's about as far as I go. The Wrangler unlimited is a JK I believe.

 

You have an ZJ 93 to 98

 

No, he has a ZJ. The ZJ and the XJ shared the same body.







THIS is a WJ.

 

I'm pretty sure the WJ's are from 99' onwards, so definitely not one of them.

 

So I'd have to get the springs checked to determine which one I have? We've looked all over the car and it doesn't say the model ANYWHERE.

 

I know I probably sound like a dumb ***, but what makes you think this is an ZJ? Like how can you tell them apart?

 

Not to sound arrogant, but this thread is pretty funny.

XJ, ZJ, WJ, WK, CJ, YJ, LJ, TJ, JK, JKU, JL, KJ...who knows anymore, the most important thing to remember is, none are better than the XJ.

 

All I can say is you're biased because XJ's are rugged and easy to fix. I'd take one in a minute, if one was offered, LOL!

 

Just stick you head under the rear bumper. Leaf springs are easy to spot. If you want a good trail rig, the XJ is probably your best bet. (Now I know I'm going to get some heat over THAT!)

If it doesn't say Grand Cherokee somewhere, it's probably Cherokee. (XJ)

OH! WAIT! Your picture shows "Grand Cherokee" on the doors. It's obviously a ZJ. Gold lettering probably means it's a Limited. Run your VIN number thru any of several databases and get your build sheet. That will tell you what it came from the factory with for options. Check Google for where to go for this info. There used to be a direct link from this forum for this and a recall list. I don't see it now.

I just read your OP and you stated it was a Limited. I wasn't paying attention. You have the 4.0 also. Do you have Selectrac or Quadratrac?

 

DUH! I never said this was a ZJ, you did. Look at the general body shape and the headlights. Look at the original picture compared to my picture. The differences are obvious!

 

haha!! yea forgot about ZJ.....

ZJ: "if you have to ask how much it costs, you can't afford it"

 

Do you have something constructive to add or are you just having fun? The guy asked a serious question and I'm trying to educate him.

Yes, in '97, the Limited was top-of-the-line for jeeps and most of us couldn't afford it. So what? Today it's just another piece of rolling iron.

 

I believe XJ'S ran from 84-2001. The ZJ'S ran from 94-98 . And the WJ'S ran from 99-2004 .all of which are solid axle front and rear. In 2005 the Grand Cherokee ' s went to ifs (independent front suspension) which carry the wk and wk2 designation. If you still unsure just look at Wikipedia.