cherokee vs wrangler!!
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 2
From: Bentonville, AR
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 4.0
How about this one for the wranglers. They get instructions on how to remove their doors in the owners manual. Even mentions what fuse to take out for the door open dome light. They don't need a write up and mods for removable doors.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 999
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From: Tx
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I-6
My step bro had a 79 cj it was locked front and rear had after market axle shafts, bead locked 35 kevlar good years, 350 TBI chevy/350 th with a twin stic t case, winch, armor,cage,bikini top . It was fun to drive just about anywhere, it was noisy,loud,road like a lumber wagen. When the pavement ended and the dirt started the few negatives were non issue.
I like my xj and have wanted one forever, wife wanted a new car the newish car I had she hated. I handed her the title and keys and in return she gave me the XJ she bought brand new. The xj she bought has the up country pkg., I took it in stock trim to an off road park here in Texas on my first ever trail riden/crawling foray im now hooked. Now im lifted alittle and ready to go and see what I can do with it.
I like my xj and have wanted one forever, wife wanted a new car the newish car I had she hated. I handed her the title and keys and in return she gave me the XJ she bought brand new. The xj she bought has the up country pkg., I took it in stock trim to an off road park here in Texas on my first ever trail riden/crawling foray im now hooked. Now im lifted alittle and ready to go and see what I can do with it.
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,203
Likes: 3
From: Houston Tx.
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I just checked out the JK website, how come we can't have a bad a$$ layout like theirs? 
The black background is so much easier on the eyes.
http://www.jk-forum.com/forum.php
The black background is so much easier on the eyes.
http://www.jk-forum.com/forum.php
::Regional Moderator::
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,912
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From: Over here...
Year: 1986
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 2.8
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 0
From: salem, OR
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I beg to differ just as everyone else is saying, the xj does have more room, theres no contest. unless your talking about the new 40K 4dr wrangler in which I say you can give me 38K and I can assure you I can make a cherokee have a lot more room
Seasoned Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 437
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From: Central Jersey
Year: 91
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6 H.O.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Halifax, NS
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I know my father bought a 2009 JK 2 door brand new and HATED the thing. Terrible mpg (15mpg CDN was the best he ever got, 3.6 V6 I think), LEAKED, leaked, leaked. Had it into the dealer I think 4 times for leaks. Motor left him on the side of the road in the first 6 months, then the guy at the dealer ran it with no oil. TJ I imagine is a different story. Me I'll stick with the XJ. More space, better mpg, and the unibody isn't as weak as wrangler owners like to make it out to be. Also, for the same price, you seem to be able to get a cherokee that is 3x nicer vs a wrangler
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 19
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So far the question leads to a vast list of answers since there is to many generations of Wranglers. (CJ,YJ, TJ and JK) The most acurate or fair compration between wranglers and cherokees will be YJ with pre 97 XJ's and 98-01 TJ's with a 97-01 XJ.
I owned a 00 TJ Sahara and I can say that comparing it to my 01 XJ there is a lot of pros and cons from both sides. (and they share more parts than I though) my conclusion is:
If you are looking for a DD and a weekend Warrior get the XJ, but if you all ready have a DD and just looking for a weekend warrior to heat the trails, beach, backroads or just want a project or toy go get a TJ.
I owned a 00 TJ Sahara and I can say that comparing it to my 01 XJ there is a lot of pros and cons from both sides. (and they share more parts than I though) my conclusion is:
If you are looking for a DD and a weekend Warrior get the XJ, but if you all ready have a DD and just looking for a weekend warrior to heat the trails, beach, backroads or just want a project or toy go get a TJ.
CF Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,643
Likes: 1
Honestly, why does anyone bother to compare? XJ has a better wheelbase? I've seen tons of stretched TJs. XJs have vulnerable bodies? I've seen tons of exo-cages.
The point is, any "con" can be delt with to ultimately get the same result. I never understood why people hate on wranglers. I personally think they have more bolt on potential, but thats just me. At the end of the day, I love my cherokee because its cheap, and because its mine, down to every bolt I've turned on it. It's more of a sentimental thing. If you look at any crazy hardcore builds, no matter what they start with, typically, the body disappears to a buggy like cage. Usually you are only left with a hood, and maybe some body panels to resemble what the build started with. It just goes to show the base rig really doesn't matter. I've seen a GMC sierra based truggie that could go to some pretty nasty places. Not my first choice, but you can build just about anything to go anywhere. It just depends on where you want to go.
And for the debate, I've had pretty good success with the "jeep wave" with just about all drivers, except for the mall crawling JKs. I swear just about every lifted JK you see was bought off the lot that way and the driver has no idea how to engage the 4X4.
The point is, any "con" can be delt with to ultimately get the same result. I never understood why people hate on wranglers. I personally think they have more bolt on potential, but thats just me. At the end of the day, I love my cherokee because its cheap, and because its mine, down to every bolt I've turned on it. It's more of a sentimental thing. If you look at any crazy hardcore builds, no matter what they start with, typically, the body disappears to a buggy like cage. Usually you are only left with a hood, and maybe some body panels to resemble what the build started with. It just goes to show the base rig really doesn't matter. I've seen a GMC sierra based truggie that could go to some pretty nasty places. Not my first choice, but you can build just about anything to go anywhere. It just depends on where you want to go.
And for the debate, I've had pretty good success with the "jeep wave" with just about all drivers, except for the mall crawling JKs. I swear just about every lifted JK you see was bought off the lot that way and the driver has no idea how to engage the 4X4.
Good post. For me having both. If you just add lift and tires on both. The xj is more capable in my opinion.
The wrangler though does have much better body protection.
Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Old School CF Moderator
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 9,652
Likes: 3
From: Chattanooga
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
After owning an 88 xj, a 98 xj a 2000 xj a 1984 Toyota Truck with double marlin 4:1 t cases, 5.13s detroits, and a complete flat belly skid, and now a 97 TJ I have a decent scope of what I like and dislike.
The 88 xj was first..I learned how to do the little things on it...cool little jeep..but wanted something a bit more comfy.
98 XJ was next..more comfy, kinda felt bad about scratching the **** out of it
00 XJ..got smart..figured out dents and scratches dont damn matter.
84 Toyota...bad *** rig..but carbs ****ing suck IMO
97 TJ...Pretty comfortable interior, coolness factor of being able to drop the top, run full or half doors, hard or soft top, window, no windows, bikini top..etc etc...
Yet to wheel the TJ as I have only had it a few weeks..but I can see where the TJ will shine, and where an XJ would leave the TJ behind. Tight trails and rock gardens..id put money on a TJ, climbs..hills, etc..long wheel base.
FWIW if I could have any jeep to build it would be an 06 LJ Rubi. Perfect medium IMO
The 88 xj was first..I learned how to do the little things on it...cool little jeep..but wanted something a bit more comfy.
98 XJ was next..more comfy, kinda felt bad about scratching the **** out of it
00 XJ..got smart..figured out dents and scratches dont damn matter.
84 Toyota...bad *** rig..but carbs ****ing suck IMO
97 TJ...Pretty comfortable interior, coolness factor of being able to drop the top, run full or half doors, hard or soft top, window, no windows, bikini top..etc etc...
Yet to wheel the TJ as I have only had it a few weeks..but I can see where the TJ will shine, and where an XJ would leave the TJ behind. Tight trails and rock gardens..id put money on a TJ, climbs..hills, etc..long wheel base.
FWIW if I could have any jeep to build it would be an 06 LJ Rubi. Perfect medium IMO
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 12
From: Hamburg AR
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
Here are 3 videos. Longer Wheelbase is what made this the reason I was able to get up with smaller tires than the wrangler. I also have the 4.0 and he had 2.5. The samurai's problem was wheelbase as well. I went back up it again later that day again.
My jeep (at time) 31 10.50s open front and back 3inch lift. 3.55s gears
Jeep Wrangler 2.5L 33 Swampers SSRs Open front and back
Suzuki Samurai Gear reducting transfercase and rear locker.
My jeep (at time) 31 10.50s open front and back 3inch lift. 3.55s gears
Jeep Wrangler 2.5L 33 Swampers SSRs Open front and back
Suzuki Samurai Gear reducting transfercase and rear locker.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,930
Likes: 3
From: 802
Year: 99
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
nice! i never seemed to have a problem keeping up with the wranglers i used to run with.. **** their 6" lift, 33's and lockers! 2", 235's and open works pretty well.
edit- i suppose i can blame some of it on their lack of ability to drive, but they did own wranglers, so... :/
edit- i suppose i can blame some of it on their lack of ability to drive, but they did own wranglers, so... :/