I own a 97' government cherokee and it's an oddball to say the least! The only luxuries it came with was a/c, 4x4, 4.0, and abs. Out of all the xj's that I've seen(friends,junkyards,dealerships) I've only seen MAYBE 3 that have abs, including mine. So I guess my question is, how many people have it and why didn't more Cherokees come stock with it?

 

Almost all government fleet vehicles have ABS, A/C, and cruise control, but not much more in the name of frills. Most also have holes in the roof for two way radios.

 

So Jeep deemed Gov. workers important enough for ABS, but not the rest of us.

 

Yea, sadly I didn't get that high tech cruise control option. And it did come with a hole drilled through the roof! It also came with the basic gauge cluster, No roof rack, am/fm only radio with 2 door speakers, Manual locks and windows and vinyl seats! I just wonder if ABS was an expensive option, but even if it was you would think the deluxe Cherokees would come stock with it.

 

I know that with the 2000 & 2001 models (possibly other years) if you got the GREAT (crappy) ABS you have the upgraded Dana35 rear axle. I'm being totally sarcastic. But if the XJ has ABS, you didn't get the 8.25 axle. Sucks to be me & a couple others.

 

I have ABS on my 2001 with a Dana35. Wish i would've gotten the 8.25 as well

 

To answer your original question--thankfully, no. As others have stated, ABS means D35, not to mention added complexity to the braking system.

 

All 3 of the XJs I've had had ABS and both ZJS as well. My current 97 still has the pump in it but it's disconnected and I'm just to lazy to remove it. I'm hoping eventually the ABS light will burn out so I don't have to look at it any more.

 

i have 92 and 98 without and 98 with

 

My '92 has ABS is gov and has Chrysler's 8.25 rear axle

Hmm

 

ABS and Check engine bulbs will burn till the end of time, put a piece of black electrical tape over them.

 

Better check again.

 

X2, didn't think any 8.25 had the ABS (at least on the XJ's). Photo's? Easy enough to swap in an 8.25 & Shìt can the ABS.

 

My 97 Country has ABS, and I don't think I like it. They are malfunctioning I think. Like they don't release for a bit when I lift off the brake pedal, and make a grinding sound.

 

Well... I think the reason is the only axle ABS was available on in 98 was the D35.

According to my source:
BGK Brakes - 4-Wheel Anti-Lock/SE 2WD - $600
ABS; Requires: [ERH] 4.0L I-6 MPI Engine/2WD


Basically you needed an XJ with a 6 cylinder along with a D35 and the person to check off for a $600 ABS option. Most XJs I've seen have the AHT option (trailer tow group) with a C8.25 and none have had ABS... Maybe the AHT option didn't include a D35.