kingfishracin

What is the difference in the XJ and WJ? I might be wrong but it looks like the WJ is the Grand Cherokee and the XJ is the Cherokee. I'm looking for a 99 and my wife likes the body of the Grand Cherokee but if the regular Cherokee is more durable and dependable then that's what I want to go with. Please enlighten me. Thanks

mwilliams0311

That requires some more info for a good answer.. what are you using it for? . a WJ is a grand cherokee from years 99-04. A XJ is a regular cherokee from around 84-01. There are some major differences like engine, axles, transfer cases, suspension, etc in these models.. what are you looking to do with it? Daily driver? Weekend four wheeling, etc ?

mwilliams0311

Also in that era your lookibg is the ZJ. That is the gran cherokee from 93-98.. also big differences..

Rogue4x4

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep_Cherokee

kingfishracin

It wouldn't be a daily driver. Grocery store, bank, stuff like that. It wouldn't be used to drive to work and back. Probably wouldn't really be doing much 4 wheeling either, but I would like to know that it could if need be.

mwilliams0311

Money.. wiki comes through.. this will give you all the specs on each model and year.. everyone has their personal faves.. I have had a tj, xj, and now a zj.. out of zj and xj my fave is xj. It is more simpler and has an unlimited aftermarket and stock parts option.. easy to find parts FOR CHEAP is a huge plus with these things.. xj has less than can break imo. Zj is great for comfort though. More of the luxury xj

kingfishracin

Yeah, the Wikipedia was very helpful, thanks. The XJ looks more like what I would want because of it being easier to work on and an abundance of parts.

mwilliams0311

Good call.. XJ is my fave. My first one I bought I put a long arm lift, new t/c with sye and custom driveshafts, new headliner, exhaust, and snorkel just by using THIS forum for help. First time I ever touched anything besides a TJ. Everyone on here is great and can help with practically anything from wiring, fuses, diagnostics, etc.

andrewmp6

As far as after market parts both are even but the xjs stuff is cheaper.On road the grand would ride better then the xj.

cruiser54

Bingo.

BimmerJeeper

XJ's are actually pretty challenging to work on, if you're used to newer rust free cars like BMWs and Hondas.
Plan to significantly expend your power tools. Basic hand tools are not enough. You'll need a torch, grinder, dremel, compressor, etc.

no rdplz

Not really. All depends on how it's been taken care of. 90% of the work I do on mine is done with hand tools. I've used a torch once and that was while building a bumper. A grinder was used making the doors removable. A dremel for the same and fender trimming. A compressor - only if I don't feel like taking the time to use hand tools. Like I said, it's all in how it's been taken care of.

Bustedback

Why buy any Jeep if you're not going to drive it? Not a daily driver, not a grocery getter, and not for going off road. What the hell are you going to use it for, yard art?

Bustedback

The flames will start in 3...2...1

Rogue4x4