Just bought a '97 Cherokee Sport. Questions?
Sold my '93 YJ and bought a '97 XJ. Front axle looks to be a D30 and the rear looks to be a Crystler 8.25.
1. Is the rear limited slip?
2. Looks at a RE 3.5" lift. Is a SYE needed?
http://www.4wheelcustoms.com/Products.asp?Cat=368
3. I can see the fan blade. Looks like a shroud vcover for the top is missing? Not the sides, but the top. It peeks over the cowl (spell check).
4. Best shocks RE since I getting that lift?
Thanks guys!
1. Is the rear limited slip?
2. Looks at a RE 3.5" lift. Is a SYE needed?
http://www.4wheelcustoms.com/Products.asp?Cat=368
3. I can see the fan blade. Looks like a shroud vcover for the top is missing? Not the sides, but the top. It peeks over the cowl (spell check).
4. Best shocks RE since I getting that lift?
Thanks guys!
Sold my '93 YJ and bought a '97 XJ. Front axle looks to be a D30 and the rear looks to be a Crystler 8.25.
1. Is the rear limited slip?
2. Looks at a RE 3.5" lift. Is a SYE needed?
http://www.4wheelcustoms.com/Products.asp?Cat=368
3. I can see the fan blade. Looks like a shroud vcover for the top is missing? Not the sides, but the top. It peeks over the cowl (spell check).
4. Best shocks RE since I getting that lift?
Thanks guys!
1. Is the rear limited slip?
2. Looks at a RE 3.5" lift. Is a SYE needed?
http://www.4wheelcustoms.com/Products.asp?Cat=368
3. I can see the fan blade. Looks like a shroud vcover for the top is missing? Not the sides, but the top. It peeks over the cowl (spell check).
4. Best shocks RE since I getting that lift?
Thanks guys!

look for a tag on the axle or jack up the rear and spin the tires and see which ways the wheels turn. 2. you will more than likely need an SYE
3. sounds like your shroud is probably missing or partially broken. post up pics
4. define best? best off the shelf shock that will bolt up would probably be bilstein 5160s, but you can go even better with some rebuildable shocks but you'll most likely need to fab new mounts to fit them.
1. do you really think we can tell if its a limited slip based on the info you gave us?
look for a tag on the axle or jack up the rear and spin the tires and see which ways the wheels turn.
2. you will more than likely need an SYE
3. sounds like your shroud is probably missing or partially broken. post up pics
4. define best? best off the shelf shock that will bolt up would probably be bilstein 5160s, but you can go even better with some rebuildable shocks but you'll most likely need to fab new mounts to fit them.
look for a tag on the axle or jack up the rear and spin the tires and see which ways the wheels turn. 2. you will more than likely need an SYE
3. sounds like your shroud is probably missing or partially broken. post up pics
4. define best? best off the shelf shock that will bolt up would probably be bilstein 5160s, but you can go even better with some rebuildable shocks but you'll most likely need to fab new mounts to fit them.

I might just do that (spin the tires).
I was afraid of that. I did a 4" lift on the YJ and needed it.
Great, I will post some pics in a few.
Fair enough on the shocks. Anything besides Bilsteins? They have gotten softer when manufactured over the years (all my trucks have them and there is a difference). Prefer something else "out of the box". Ideas?
Lift kit I posted good? Price good?
Last edited by CrawlerXJ; May 21, 2012 at 02:56 PM.
Old School CF Moderator
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 9,652
Likes: 3
From: Chattanooga
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
No way to tell about a limited slip. I doubt you'll need a sye. Maybe a tc drop. I agree with the guy above, either 5100 or 5160 bilsteins. Id say just hit a jy and pick up a new shroud
i suppose you could look into OEM series FOX or King shocks, but those are big money. i don't think the bilstein 5160s would be too bad for you as they do have resivoirs so the shock oil won't get hot and break down as easily. now that i think about it i think you could run any 2.0 rebuildable shock with the right upper and lower shock adapter. you'll just have to measure for the right lengths.
Rear end is "open"
I think the whole fan shroud is missing! Pic included.
Fan shroud?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Fan-Shro...ee1885&vxp=mtr
I think the whole fan shroud is missing! Pic included.
Fan shroud?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Fan-Shro...ee1885&vxp=mtr
Last edited by CrawlerXJ; May 21, 2012 at 03:17 PM.
Trending Topics
$25?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Fan-Shro...ee1885&vxp=mtr
$35 OEM
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Jeep-ZJ-Gran...733c39&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Fan-Shro...ee1885&vxp=mtr
$35 OEM
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Jeep-ZJ-Gran...733c39&vxp=mtr
Last edited by CrawlerXJ; May 21, 2012 at 03:26 PM.
CF Veteran
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 1
From: Missouri
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 4.0 L
Originally Posted by CrawlerYJ
Rear end is "open"
I think the whole fan shroud is missing! Pic included.
Fan shroud?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Fan-Shro...ee1885&vxp=mtr
I think the whole fan shroud is missing! Pic included.
Fan shroud?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Fan-Shro...ee1885&vxp=mtr
Ordered the shroud (link above, the OEM one). I replaced the radiator cap and thermo stat. When I went to remove the thermo stat, it was in pieces, just laying there! Crazy. They replaced the water pump, and didn't replace the t-stat? So, that's fixed.
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 3
From: Tampa Fl
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
You will need a tc drop and maybe a sye. The later model cherokee's are more prone to driveline vibes. By the way, welcome to the forum! Glad you came over to the xj side!
CF Veteran
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 1
From: Missouri
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 4.0 L
Originally Posted by CrawlerYJ
I forget where I read. But, how do I confirm I have 29 spline for my rear axle? I know I have Chrysler 8.25 and my XJ is a 1997


