Grand cherokee vs cherokee
Herp Derp Jerp
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 18,251
Likes: 17
From: Parham, ON
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L OBD-II
CF Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,643
Likes: 1
No. The whole design of the xj favors off road compared to the grand. Coil vs leaf makes no difference in stock application. Coils are smoother which for off road I don't care.
Last edited by holycaveman; Sep 25, 2014 at 11:36 AM.
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 5,924
Likes: 203
From: Greenville, SC
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Id say the biggest difference is the size and weight the xj is smaller and lighter and therefore better in most offroad situations. Grands are definitely more top heavy.
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 12,367
Likes: 23
From: Oroville, CA
Year: 1995
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 with all of the noise and clatter
The front suspension on the ZJ is the same as the XJ. The ZJ has a three inch longer wheelbase. The ground clearance is almost the same between the two in stock form.
CF Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,643
Likes: 1
I forget all the crap I measured. But the xj has 4 in more clearance at the rockers. Better approach angles. It's like 500 lbs lighter. The overall height is like 3 or 4 in shorter.
The body of the grand sticks out more past the wheels. And a few other things.
The body of the grand sticks out more past the wheels. And a few other things.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 8,014
Likes: 17
From: Louisville,KY
Model: Cherokee
The grand has better seats and power everything.The grand you can get a v8 the 5.2 has 225hp and 300 foot pounds of torque vs the 190hp and 225 foot pounds the 4.0 makes.The rear cargo on the grand is a tiny bit bigger and the rear window opens.If you want more of a off road toy get a xj you want a daily driver semi off road get a grand.A xj weights 3,3557lbs the grand zj inline 6 is 3,574lbs and the v8 one is 3,901lbs
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Utah
Year: 1996
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 5.2L V8, cold air intake, Eddelbrock Headers, 3" exhaust, Aero 3030 muffler
It comes down to what you want. I love a well built XJ but LOVE my ZJ and it just flat out works.
5.2L V8, cold air intake, EB headers, 3" high flow exhaust all the way back with an Aero muffler. Tcase is a STaK replace a case 300 with a Behemoth Drivetrain shorty strong box with 241 gears/planetary as a doubler. 7.13:1 final low with twin sticks and a cable shifter. Dana 60 rear with 4.56's, Detroit, and disc brakes off a mid 80's GM 10 bolt front axle. Trussed and triangulated. Front Dana 60, 4.56's Yukon locking hubs, Spartan Locker, Hydro assist steering. 37" MTRs on H2 wheels, 6" lift and stretched to 110" wheelbase. Warn XD9000i. Etc.
It's all home designed and built and I'm not in it for more than approx $5500.
5.2L V8, cold air intake, EB headers, 3" high flow exhaust all the way back with an Aero muffler. Tcase is a STaK replace a case 300 with a Behemoth Drivetrain shorty strong box with 241 gears/planetary as a doubler. 7.13:1 final low with twin sticks and a cable shifter. Dana 60 rear with 4.56's, Detroit, and disc brakes off a mid 80's GM 10 bolt front axle. Trussed and triangulated. Front Dana 60, 4.56's Yukon locking hubs, Spartan Locker, Hydro assist steering. 37" MTRs on H2 wheels, 6" lift and stretched to 110" wheelbase. Warn XD9000i. Etc.
It's all home designed and built and I'm not in it for more than approx $5500.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: Purcellville, Virginia
Year: '95
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
It comes down to what you want. I love a well built XJ but LOVE my ZJ and it just flat out works. 5.2L V8, cold air intake, EB headers, 3" high flow exhaust all the way back with an Aero muffler. Tcase is a STaK replace a case 300 with a Behemoth Drivetrain shorty strong box with 241 gears/planetary as a doubler. 7.13:1 final low with twin sticks and a cable shifter. Dana 60 rear with 4.56's, Detroit, and disc brakes off a mid 80's GM 10 bolt front axle. Trussed and triangulated. Front Dana 60, 4.56's Yukon locking hubs, Spartan Locker, Hydro assist steering. 37" MTRs on H2 wheels, 6" lift and stretched to 110" wheelbase. Warn XD9000i. Etc. It's all home designed and built and I'm not in it for more than approx $5500.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Utah
Year: 1996
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 5.2L V8, cold air intake, Eddelbrock Headers, 3" exhaust, Aero 3030 muffler
Transfer case as I was finishing up the building process.
Rear axle truss
Twin sticks and doubler shifter by my parking brake.
Rear axle truss
Twin sticks and doubler shifter by my parking brake.
CF Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,643
Likes: 1
I like that front bumper. Is it custom or bought?
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Utah
Year: 1996
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 5.2L V8, cold air intake, Eddelbrock Headers, 3" exhaust, Aero 3030 muffler
It's custom though I can't take credit for it. Built by the previous owner.
I feel bad for hijacking this thread. I'm new on here and will have to post up on members rides so we can continue to conversation.
I feel bad for hijacking this thread. I'm new on here and will have to post up on members rides so we can continue to conversation.
CF Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,643
Likes: 1
You are not hijacking. I said why xj's I feel are built more for off road. You posted a good example of a grand cherokee that is built for off road. It adds to the thread.