My Cherokee has 4x4 emblems on the back so I always assumed it was 4WD but never really thought about it. I realized today that it wasn't actually 4WD. I can obviously do a conversion, but I'd like to know if I can do any sort of offroading with a 2WD Cherokee? I'm in High School, so a lot of that offroading is going to be mudding, but I'd also like to take it to the trails, so, any opinions would be helpful.

 

yes but your always gonna wish you could put it in 4wd

 

Just remember to never go alone and always bring a recovery strap

 

^ what he said, i got a 2wd and i do pretty good out here in the desert, even when i had my 4x4 i didnt use it a whole lot, granted my buddys either have 2wd trucks or not very well built 4x4s :P

 

Yes, you can still have quite a bit of off-road fun in a 2WD XJ. Granted, there are plenty of times where 4WD is needed, but the right recovery gear and having other vehicles with you can get you through a lot of that stuff. 2WD in the mud is fun, but, depending on the depth and tires, you gotta keep moving. The moment you stop, you're stuck. Big thing to remember with mud - it gets everywhere and tears parts to shreds quickly. Trails tend to be a lot fun since they usually have a good mix of some mud, rocks, water crossings, hills, etc. This is where a 2WD can really shine. Just take it slow, learn how to read approach/departure lines (having a spotter's help is priceless), and learn how to really control the throttle/brakes. One more bit of advice, get a locker for the rear axle. This will give you power to both wheels rather than just the one, and will make a world of difference.

 

x2

 

X3 with what he said im getting a locker and winch for my 2wd :P lockers pretty much a must

 

You can play in many if not most trails that stock 4WD Jeeps do if it is fairly dry out. Planning where you are going before tackling an obstacle is pretty important though if you don't want to be stuck all the time.

If you are planning on getting a 4WD XJ or converting your current XJ to 4WD any of these mods will transfer.

*Good tires
*Rear diff locker
*Winch
*Recovery points (places you can hook up recovery gear if you get stuck)

 

im in the same spot with everyone else, my jeep is lifted and 4wd which i use consistently on hard trails. but my gfs jeep is a stock 2wd and has kept up with me through many mud holes and fair climbs up old dirt trails.

the general area i put 2wd jeeps with is about the same as an awd suby, but with better clearance.

 

I'll be sure to get a Rear Diff locker. Thanks for all of the opinions guys. I was a bit depressed upon learning of my lack of 4wd, but at least I know all is not lost. As far as converting, I doubt I'll do that. I'm 16 now, and my parents are letting me get a "new" car when I'm 18 and leave for college, so I figured I might as well get an XJ with all the bells and whistles then (4WD, Leather interior, etc.) and that hadn't been driven into the ground by my sister. I can transfer all of the aftermarket work I do to the newer XJ provided I get the same year and such, correct? I'd be transferring the roof rack, audio system, overhead HIDs, possibly lift...

 

Like everyone else said, I have a locker in mine and its amazing. Look up eaton g80 locking diff. on Youtube. It shows how a locked 2wd can go places an open 4x4 cant. Ive gone a lot of good places with mine but heres what gets me most the time: Mud is good, but if i have to turn in the mud, its a no. Straight shots only. Aired down and tire tread gets me through most hills, but if they get too big i either got to go fast or just call it a no go. Pickin a good line can make all the difference. You get smart driving a 2wd off road

 

Jeepspeed consists of 2wd XJs and that's desert/trophy truck racing. I really don't see a 2wd XJ going through mud unless you're going in through it at a high speed, and your rear tires are super swampers.