im new to the cherokee game but i need a quality 4x4 for a decent price and i know cherokees run forever and are tough. my question is drivetrain wise are there any major differences between the cherokee and the grand cherokee. anything that would make me buy one from the other

 

grand cherokee has coil springs all around

cherokee has coils in front and leaf springs in the rear

thats the main difference...i probably missed some stuff

 

no drum brakes, right?

 

Grand also has a bit longer of a wheelbase and a little more room inside. Cherokee is cheaper to build but a grand will flex a bit better. Cherokee rides like a truck and Grand rides like a car. A lot of Grands come with an AWD t-case which if you plan to wheel it stay away from. They both can be had with the 4L but Cherokees also have a 4 banger and v6 in early versions and the Grand can be had with a v8. Also Grands after mid 95 have rear disc brakes which are nice since they have c-clip axles which the Cherokee also has unless you get the rare 44 from 87 to 89.

 

The Grand is a little bigger, has a Chrysler transmission, can come with rear disc brakes, can come with a 5.2 V8 (5.9 in 1998), is a lot quieter inside, sits a little taller, and is a Chrysler design. It is just as rugged as the Cherokee Classic, but easier to find for a good price and unmolested.

 

I wouldn't stay away from that t-case it works just fine still has 4lo, and the normal operation mode 4at is basically just 4hi. Only real downside to it is less fuel efficency and very slow really noticeable when you have the 4.0. Mine is slow but I love it, 95 Grand Cherokee limited

 

On a sidenote. GC transmissions are known for throwing fits and eating holes in wallets.

 

Ya thats a bit one, ive also heard about rear drivetrain issues. A cherokee will last longer than a GC 9/10 times. It depends on what miles you get, a grand with around 100,000 or less is good and a cherokee with 150,000 or less is amazing. Best year of the Cherokee is 99 because high pinion dana 30 and no aluminum headers (were prone to cracking in the 00-01 models). The cherokee is lighter and much cheaper to lift but like stated the GC can flex more, but cost more to lift. The V8s in the GC's are not as dependable as the 4.0's in either vehicle.
Hope all it all helps.

 

^this.

my dad had his re built once already...aw4 in the cherokee for life!! LOL!