dhaluzak

Hello, my name is Dan, and I have an addiction. It is JEEP.

I had an 06 Wrangler X that I put a 2-1/2" lift, 31" tires, soft doors, custom bumpers, etc.

Problem with this was, this Jeep purchase was a spur of the moment thing. If I would have done research, via a Wrangler forum, I would have known that the model I bought, the X, was the base model, and while still off-road capable, it was not the greatest.

I ended up trading that in on an 07 Wrangler Unlimited (4-door) Rubicon. Now I had the best starting point to a wheeler that a guy could get. Front and rear lockers, 4.10 gears, electronic sway bar disconnect and much more. I lifted it 2-1/2" (via a bb) and was working on designing a new rear bumper with tire carrier for when I put 35" tires on it.
Here's a pic of that one:


I decided that I needed to save money on gas. I was spending $200+ on gas each month. I traded my Rubi in on a 2012 Chevy Volt. Now the only time i use gas is if I travel more than 40 miles in a day.

I really miss having a Jeep. I have been looking a getting a Cherokee, but do not know which one to get. I am hoping to learn a lot here so that I can make a good decision.

If there is a post on this, please give me a link to it.

Some of my questions to all of you are:

Besides the obvious (the body size), what is the difference between the Cherokee and the Grand Cherokee?

What is the difference between models?: Sport, Classic, Limited, Laredo, Overland.

Are there any model years to stay away from?

Do any come with a D44?

What is the lowest gear ratio (stock) and what model/package came with it?

Thanks for reading my babble about my Wranglers. I am sure all of you are not impressed. I feel like I am making a lateral move to the Cherokee. It still says "Jeep" on the hood, so that is good enough for me.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

91 limited owner

Welcome from Wisconsin. If you stick around the forum for a little while, Do a little reading. You'll find the answers to your questions. And more.

ol"blue

Hey Dan, here's some things for you to read:
XJ info. >http://sisoffroad.com/forums/showthread.php?t=118

The later model V8 ZJ's and V8 WJ's came with D44a rear axles. This shows the t-cases offered in the WJ's. >http://www.wjjeeps.com/tcases.htm

Opinions from people on both models. >https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f59/how-choose-64227/

dhaluzak

Thanks for the info. I have found some things and this will help.

Right now I am leaning toward a 99 XJ Limited w/tow and off road package. At least that is the claim of the owner. I just have to figure out how to prove it.

91 limited owner

Send for org. build sheet. fill out asking for build sheet http://www.jeep.com/wccsapp/universa...ull&category=U

1ATony

Welcome to the site

bloddy mud

welcome and thanks for getting rid of the wrangler. lol welcome to the cherokees

bullettooth2008

Welcome from here in England, good luck with your search.

dhaluzak

Thanks to all for the welcomes and the info. bloddy mud, I only got rid of my Wrangler to save $$ on gas. My wife and I loved it. We spent many weekends just driving around with the top off enjoying the weather and each other's company. She loved it so much that she actually cried the day I traded it in. That was at the end of June. Two weeks ago she traded her 2012 Ford Edge on a 2009 White JKU Rubicon.

I decided on getting a Cherokee because they are less $$ than a Wrangler, but they are still a Jeep. They also have the solid front axle, so lifting them is less complicated then trying to lift something with IFS. I have liked Cherokees and Wranglers since I was young. My dad had an old 2-door Cherokee ('70 something, I think) it had the 3-speed manual and locking hubs. It was the vehicle that I learned how to drive a manual transmission on.

I think that Wrangler people and Cherokee people should not shun each other. We should band together. We are Jeep. That's my opinion and you may not agree, and that's your opinion.

As soon as the lease is up on my Volt, I am hoping to have my "new" Jeep in top shape so that I can use it as a daily driver. For now it will be my toy/snow vehicle. That is when I figure out what I want and can find it. Plus, I have to save up some $$ for it.

So for now, I will have to get my Jeep fix on-road with my wife's JKU.

zombie jeep101

Welcome, idk the gas Milage on wranglers but cherokees mpg arnt to great. I get 15-16.. But anyways, a whole lot cheaper to own than those wranglers, and fun to work on! I would recommend a limited, mine is power everything and full leather, very luxurious. Lol most say stay away from 2000-01 models because of head cracking problems. D35 were common but it differs.. All up to you on model and what not, when you look at one check for bad rust on certain spot such as floor pans. Also it's common for them to have RMS leaks so don't let some oily under carriage scare you.. Just check it out really good, and get a 4x4 :P stay on this forum and you'll learn more than you can imagin Goodluck!

-Zombie

91 limited owner

Don't take any crap on your wrangler, I always liked them.

BigD18

i have a 98 Cherokee classic i have replaced just about everything from the starter the starter coil battery spark plugs fuel injector it was sitting for about four months when i went to go pick it up it started and ran for about 30 mins then the idle died then every time after that it wont start that is when i started replacing parts but iv replaced alot and was coming here to see if anyone can help me

Peacefrog53

Check for fuel at the rail. Then check ur cps

xjboy14

Welcome to the site