new guy here and confused
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 791
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6
Whats up people? My name is Nick but most call me the yammie guy. That yam like sweet potato. Lol
Little history. Owned a 2001 GMC stepside. Sold it last year and bought a 68 chevy short bed. Sold it last month and figured with the way gas prices are I would buy a car. So I bought a peice of crap 2001 hyundia station wagon. (laugh, I do). I'm a diesel mechanic by trade and build bikes in my spare time.
Anyway, after having to walk home twice this week due to flooding. (damn you weather man.) I've decided to buy a jeep cherokee.
I'm kinda confused on the different models. I'm probably going to spend between $3,000 and $6,000 on the jeep and between years 95-01 but from what I see there are about 3 different models.
I like the square body looks but want the comforts of the newer models. I want to lift the jeep with a 4" lift and am on a pretty tight budget.
Which model has the most affordable complete 4" lift kit? This will be a daily driver when I can't ride my bike and probably won't see much offroading but if the oppurtunity is there I would like to sling some mud.
Also, how deep of water can these things go through. I had to wade through waist deep water last saturday and last night to get to my house.
Little history. Owned a 2001 GMC stepside. Sold it last year and bought a 68 chevy short bed. Sold it last month and figured with the way gas prices are I would buy a car. So I bought a peice of crap 2001 hyundia station wagon. (laugh, I do). I'm a diesel mechanic by trade and build bikes in my spare time.
Anyway, after having to walk home twice this week due to flooding. (damn you weather man.) I've decided to buy a jeep cherokee.
I'm kinda confused on the different models. I'm probably going to spend between $3,000 and $6,000 on the jeep and between years 95-01 but from what I see there are about 3 different models.
I like the square body looks but want the comforts of the newer models. I want to lift the jeep with a 4" lift and am on a pretty tight budget.
Which model has the most affordable complete 4" lift kit? This will be a daily driver when I can't ride my bike and probably won't see much offroading but if the oppurtunity is there I would like to sling some mud.
Also, how deep of water can these things go through. I had to wade through waist deep water last saturday and last night to get to my house.
Last edited by theyammieguy; Apr 25, 2009 at 08:49 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 791
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,588
Likes: 495
From: Chico, CA
Year: 1986
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.3L with headers and full 3" exhaust system
There are XJs, ZJs and MJs.
the XJ is the regular square boxy model, most numerous. They come in different trim packages as well as comfort levels. The sport and pioneer models have basic features, Laredo has power windows, cruise and stuff like that. Limited will have leather seats
Not sure on the ZJ or Grand Cherokee models, but they run a similar gamut. They have rear coils instead of leaf springs so they are a little more comfortable.
The MJ, or Comanche is the pickup and have some similar options.
As far as lifts and stuff goes, the XJ has more aftermarket options available.
the XJ is the regular square boxy model, most numerous. They come in different trim packages as well as comfort levels. The sport and pioneer models have basic features, Laredo has power windows, cruise and stuff like that. Limited will have leather seats
Not sure on the ZJ or Grand Cherokee models, but they run a similar gamut. They have rear coils instead of leaf springs so they are a little more comfortable.
The MJ, or Comanche is the pickup and have some similar options.
As far as lifts and stuff goes, the XJ has more aftermarket options available.
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 28,068
Likes: 6
From: Tenn. and Mich.
Year: 2004
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.7L V8
Welcome to CF from Dan in Tenn.! 
A Jeep can be as spartan or as luxurious as you want it to be. They came in all trim levels from an all manual 2.8V6, up to a loaded full power leather equipped V8.
Some are at right home at the country club. While others are more at home in the country in a "Jeep Club".
Pick your poison, and buy the best Jeep you can afford!

A Jeep can be as spartan or as luxurious as you want it to be. They came in all trim levels from an all manual 2.8V6, up to a loaded full power leather equipped V8.
Some are at right home at the country club. While others are more at home in the country in a "Jeep Club".

Pick your poison, and buy the best Jeep you can afford!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 791
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6
Thanks guys.
Think I'm gonna either go with the XJ or ZJ with a 3-4.5" lift.
I like the options of having aftermarket bumpers so I might end up with the XJ.
I have a lot of reading and research to do. Lol
Think I'm gonna either go with the XJ or ZJ with a 3-4.5" lift.
I like the options of having aftermarket bumpers so I might end up with the XJ.
I have a lot of reading and research to do. Lol
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CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,184
Likes: 4
From: Ohio
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 1995 ZJ 4.0
Good luck and never be afraid to ask we will help.
Renix Super Guru
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 24,653
Likes: 19
From: In yourz postez fissin jurr spelinzs
Year: 1990XJ/1989MJ
Model: Comanche
Engine: 4.0L Renix
Welcome we will help you answer all your questions but please post those in the Cherokee Chat section for the most and best responses.
::CF Administrator::
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,039
Likes: 16
From: Okc area
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Welcome from Oklahoma. I also say get an XJ.. For lifts you have so many options.. Rubicon Express, Rough Country are a couple that are pretty popular around here. Also drop Jason at jeepinoutfitters.com a line and I am sure he can point you in the right direction on a lift. For Rough Country call a different Jason directly and you can get their number at roughcountry.com.
Like everyone said do some searching of the site and you will find a wealth of knowledge. If you have any questions head over to Cheroke Talk area and post any questions you have.
Like everyone said do some searching of the site and you will find a wealth of knowledge. If you have any questions head over to Cheroke Talk area and post any questions you have.




