Jeep Cherokee

The XJ series Jeep Cherokee was a compact unibody SUV. It shared the name of the original full-size SJ model, but being a cross between a station wagon and truck with little pickup truck heritage, it actually set the stage for the modern SUV. It was built in the United States and Beijing, China.

Jeep Cherokees of any style or year have been popular with off-road enthusiasts for their off-highway abilities, the plentiful selection of OEM, and aftermarket modifications available. Suspension, drive train, and other mechanical upgrades are still being manufactured and sold for many older Cherokee models.

1984-1996

The XJ Cherokee was introduced in 1984 as the first unibody Jeep. It was to be replaced by the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee in 1993, but the continuing popularity of the original Cherokee caused the company to rethink this decision.

Designs of the XJ Cherokee date back to 1978 when a team of AMC and Renault engineers drew several sketches. A few clay models were based on the existing SJ Cherokee. Early sketches of the XJ Cherokee had a European influence, and most of the styling cues were done by AMC engineers. The ongoing debate suggests that Renault sketch artists were involved right after the 1979 partnership with AMC. A former Renault engineer would come on board and design what is known to XJ Cherokee enthusiasts as the Quadra-Link suspension.

Jez's 1995 Jeep Cherokee Limited  Read about his 4x4 here

A variation on the Cherokee from 1984 through 1990 was the Jeep Wagoneer. It was sold in two trim levels: the Wagoneer and the Wagoneer Limited. Both Wagoneers were distinguished from the Cherokee by the four headlights. The Wagoneer Limited came with vinyl wood trim on the sides.

Available engines:

• 1984-1996 2.5 L AMC I4, 121 hp-125 hp
• 1984-1986 2.8 L GM 60° LR2 V6
• 1985-1987 2.1 L Renault turbodiesel I4 (initially sold in US and until 1993 in Europe)
• 1987-1990 4.0 L AMC I6, 173-177 hp
• 1991-1996 4.0 L AMC "High Output" I6, 190 hp
• 1994-1996 2.5 L VM Motori turbodiesel I4 (sold in Europe)

1997-2001

The Cherokee was slightly redesigned in 1997. Both 4 and 6-cylinder engines were offered up to the last year, when only the six was available. The Cherokee was eventually replaced in 2002 by the Jeep Liberty (KJ), although the vehicle is called the Cherokee in most foreign markets.

Available engines:

• 1997-2000 2.5 L AMC I4, 125 hp
• 1997-2001 2.5 L VM Motori turbodiesel I4 (sold in Europe only)
• 1997-1999 4.0 L Power Tech I6, 190 hp
• 2000-2001 4.0 L Power Tech I6, 190 hp

Available transmissions:

• Manual Transmissions

AX4 - 4 speed manual - manufactured by Aisin - used 84-86 with 2.5L I4 and 2.8L V6 engines

T4 & T5 - 4 & 5 speed manual - manufactured by Borg Warner - used 84-86 with 2.5L I4 and 2.8L V6 engines

BA10/5 - 5 speed manual - manufactured by Peugot - used only up to 89

AX5 - 5 speed manual - manufactured by Aisin - used with 2.8L V6 and 87+ with 2.5L I4

AX15 - 5 speed manual - manufactured by Aisin - used with 4.0L I6 engines

NV3550 - 5 speed manual - manufactured by New Venture - used in 00-01 in SE models with 4.0L I6 engines

• Automatic Transmissions

Torqueflight 904 - 3 speed automatic - used 84-86 with 2.8L V6 and 2.5L I4 engines

30RH - 3 speed automatic - used with 2.5L I4 engine 94?-00

AW4 - 4 speed automatic, electronically controlled - manufactured by Aisin - used from 87-01 (87-91 models include a Power/Comfort button that adjusts the shift points)

Available Transfer Cases:

All the transfer cases used are chain driven with aluminium housings. T-cases were designated either NP or NV. They are essentially the same t-case, just a different "brand name". NP was used for the purposes of this list:

NP ="New Process" NV = "New Venture"

NP207 - "Command-Trac" part-time only - 2.61:1 ratio low range - used 84-87

NP231 - "Command-Trac" part-time only - 2.72:1 ratio low range - shift pattern 2H - 4H - N - 4L - used 87-01

NP228/NP229 - "Selec-Trac" - 4Hi(full-time) - N - 4Lo (part-time) - used 84-87

NP242 - "Selec-Trac" part-time OR full-time - 2.72:1 ratio low range - shift pattern 2wd - 4part-time - 4full-time - N - 4LO - used 87-01