I've noticed this a lot with different cherokee, whats the reasoning for the different length roof racks? mine a full length and I've noticed around my area that full length is sorta rare, I find more with the roof rack ending right behind the front doors. any reasoning behind the lengths?

 

Has something to do with the moon roofs, not a hundred percent sure.

 

I think in '99 they shortened them.

 

No, ive seen several 99+ xjs with full length racks. I wonder if its an option maybe?

 

They were shortened half way though '99 with the long design being optional. Before that you had the long ones with the option of a short one.

 

Maybe that's why they started using them. But I've seen quite a few at the JY (97+) with half rack, no sunroof.

Then again, sunroofs weren't installed at the factory, so maybe they did it with the knowledge there would be dealer installed sunroofs?

I have a 99 with a sunroof (moonroof? It slides?) and a half rack.

 

I have a 2001 with a full rack.

 

I have seen a few (very few) with no rack at all, from the factory...

Looks kinda odd IMO

 

I believe those were from people changing them. Many prefer the longer ones.

 

I've seen that too, mostly on 97+ though.
Wish mine had come with no rack, I hated it and took mine off.

 

Sounds right to me. I prefer the long ones.