Sentinel223

Hi all, I have a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer, but after taking on some mild trails with my family and off road buddies, I soon learned it's limits. Now, I am wanting to sell it and looking to get a Jeep Cherokee. However I'm a bit confused about the different models and packages offered over the years... Also, I'm a bit overhwlemed by all the terms and products I don't know. In particular components in the suspensions and 4 wheel drive systems. Dana # and transfer cases, struts, and axles.... I'm completely lost.

Also, what are the differences between the 2 and 4 door models? ANd whats the wheelbase length difference?

NorCalJeep

Welcome friend to CF

Here is some info on what you want to learn about the cherokee...to much to list

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/ch...ck-specs-6345/

Atmos

all you need to know is that 1993-1999 are the best years
look up consumerguidetoauto for year-to-year changes
you want the 4.0 inline 6 engine and anything under 200k miles is good
there are no differences between 2 and 4 door except you're missing a 4th pillar so it's a bit weaker
and that you'll probably need to do a rear axle swap to run tires 33" or larger

everything else is preference

Atmos

these links have helped me out greatly
http://jeephorizons.com/tech/xjstockspecs.html
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffwor...p-cherokee.htm
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffwor...p-cherokee.htm
cherokees were also made from 1986-1989. specs can be found in the first link

1ATony

These Jeeps are pretty easy to work on too. You can't kill a 4.0, and if you did I wanna go for the ride...lol

If you have a tough time finding a Cherokee, the 93-98 Grands are pretty nice too. Also fairly easy to lift. Look in Craigslist, that's where I found my 97 Grand.

ol"blue

Sentinel223

Thanks NorcalJeep, Atmos, and A1Tony! Can't seem to find a decent 2 door with 4x4 and not a ridiculous amount of modifications.

NorCalJeep

Just be patient and check Craigslist everyday. I got an app on my phone that updates whenever a new one pops up.

cagedxj707

Get a 4 door man, seems to me most 2 doors are 2x around here at least. Cool thing tho is they're usually manual lol so its give and take lol. Mine is the only manual 4 door one I've ever seen.

Atmos

takes me 6 months on average to find a decent cherokee. I've had 3 now
patience

basegrinder

Took me a year...but six mo sounds about right, since I didn't look every week...just about every other week though.

And got lucky...cheapest one I found for while had trashed seats, dead struts on the rear hatch AND window, and shifted like there was no tranny fluid. Then a few weeks later I found one for $800 less with good tires, perfect leather, and --what I figured out only after having it a year-- the upcountry package. Obviously I saw the tow hooks, and it always seemed to be sitting up high, but I didn't pay that much attention. I had a 95 GC that got totalled by a red light runner, but had another car so I didn't have any urgency. Main reason I got the 'new' one was to drive my new dog around.

91 limited owner

Welcome from Wisconsin.

TABonifacio

Congrats on looking into buying a first Cherokee! Honestly, I prefer the 2-Door model of the 4-Door but it is all a personal preference. Being fifteen and just digging into mine, I can't really tell you to much other than what I already know. I can tell you, my Jeep was in our family it's entire life, and it's got 242,000 miles without any major issues other than a Clutch. I have been told that the mid 90's Cherokee's were the best of the production run, but don't take it for gospel. The 4.0 Motor is a great engine, and can take a hell of a beating with ease. I can't really speak for the automatic transmissions seeing as mine is a standard, but I'm sure many others can! I hope I helped in some way, my fingers are numb because it's snowing, so I'm gonna go now. Hahaha.

91 limited owner

Keep an open mind while looking. I my self would look for the best price, on the lowest mileage. Of a well maintained XJ (With the trim level, you would like). With out any mods, like a lift. They don't add value. And you don't want to take on other people's headaches. After ownership, you are free to do what mods you would like. But you'll know what has actually been done to it. Here's mine, with all the options offered except sunroof. Including winter pkg. w/130 amp alternator, tow pkg., w/tranny cooler, Privacy glass w/ tinted mirrored windows, Premium sound pkg, w/6 speakers, Alloy rims & full size alloy spare, All the Courtesy lights pkg. (headlight delay, entry lighting, etc., etc.) Key less entry, full leather interior, to name a few. 21 years old and sitting at 70,000 miles right now. With no major problems. JMO! Attachment 133471

Gearhead117

Deff take your time and do your research. Check craigslist everyday that's what I did. I have only owned my jeep for 3 weeks now. Good luck