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Am I right in assuming that this doesn't have 4wd? I didn't know that was even an option but it also got me thinking how often would I use 4wd anyway. When I do eventually purchase a Cherokee I wasn't planning on lifting it or doing crazy off roading, so would I even need the 4wd option? I do go camping a lot but when I do it's either car camping or hike thru camping. Nothing that requires driving over difficult terrain.
On a separate note I used to own a 91 Jeep Wrangler and I remember that the braking wasn't that great when it would rain. Too many times I would slip a little when coming to stop. Would I have the same problem with the Cherokee?
It's a shame if it doesn't have 4wd because otherwise this Jeep seems to have everything else I was looking for. The right year, engine, and relatively low miles.
yep it's rwd aka 2wd aka not 4x4. Not sure how many there were compared to 4x4 but I feel like they're pretty common.
I've had a 2wd cherokee for the last 5 years and it has been very good to me. If I was familiar with where I was going I could easily take it through the woods. It can make a significant difference in the price so if you don't need 4x4 don't pay extra for it.
Here's my 2wd XJ. First pic is the 2wd version of the axle. Just a steel tube without a pumpkin or U-joints. Second is the filler plate in the console that goes where the T-case handle bezel would go. 3rd is the tail end of the transmission, without transfer case or front drive shaft Also visible is the metal plate in the tunnel where the t-case handle would be. 4th is the lack of 4x4 sticker under the quarter window.
With some vehicles, the 2wd and 4wd versions are fundamentally different, but with the 2wd XJ, they literally just left off the 4x4 components.
Last edited by Bluelight; Jul 13, 2015 at 02:36 AM.
You could get a 2wd xj and either put a small lift or just a little bigger tires. That would get you where you need to go. IMO, 2wd Cherokees are still pretty capable
Yeah they made 2wd xjs most i have seen are 2 door 5 speed 4 cylinder jeeps.The mj pickup i have seen way more 2wd then 4x4.A lot of jeeps made in the last 20 years have had a 2wd option.
Doesn't sound like you'd need 4wd for what you plan on using it for. Few less moving parts and would burn a little less of that expensive California gas. Back before the 80s when 4wds and front wheel drives took off, almost everyone had to make due with rear wheel drive, and did just fine. In some conditions it may just require more patience.
As far as the braking goes, at some point in the early 90s, they started using larger brake boosters to reduce braking effort. Some may say the brakes leave room for improvement (especially the rears), they are certainly capable of locking up the wheels (especially the front). Slipping in rain sounds like it could have been more of a tire issue than a brake issue. Off-road-ish tires don't always have the best traction on wet pavement.
Thanks for the info on the tires when it comes to slipping in the rain. I was 17 back then and knew even less about cars. I hate to admit it, but I ended up killing that Jeep through neglect. I'm not letting that happen again this time.
Somebody should point out that if you need to sell it down the road- there is a very small group of people wanting a 2WD Jeep. They go real cheap around here. Uee that in your negotiating.
Somebody should point out that if you need to sell it down the road- there is a very small group of people wanting a 2WD Jeep. They go real cheap around here. Uee that in your negotiating.
It really depends on your location. I'm in florida and I'm actually pretty surprised at the attention my 2wd cherokee has gotten on craigslist.
OP - judging by most of your posts, I'm in the same boat as you, but already have the house and space to learn to wrench on a Jeep. I currently drive a '12 Caddy CTS AWD. Beautiful car, but I want the $350/month I'm paying on my car loan to go to something that is NOT a depreciating asset. Monthly payments are for the birds. I work from home so I don't drive a ton. Probably will never take the Jeep off-road.
I don't know about you, but I just want a daily driver with a good body and a bulletproof engine that I can learn to wrench on, that can haul my dog, bags of mulch, and whatever else I need it to.
Yeah they made 2wd xjs most i have seen are 2 door 5 speed 4 cylinder jeeps.The mj pickup i have seen way more 2wd then 4x4.A lot of jeeps made in the last 20 years have had a 2wd option.
I not sure how accurate it is, but I seem to recall reading somewhere that 2wd MJs actually outsold the 4x4 models.
I had a 88 MJ 2wd. 2.5l 4 speed. Great little truck that got 28mpg on the highway and drove me from oregon to wyoming many times. wanted to convert it to 4wd, but never got the time. Bought it for $500, sold it for $2500.
Not all Cherokee's are 4x4?
