Jeep Cherokee – XJ

The Jeep Cherokee – XJ is a compact SUV that was manufactured and marketed by Jeep from 1984 to 2001. Sharing the name of the original full-size SJ model, but without a traditional body-on-frame chassis, the XJ instead featured a light-weight unibody design, precursor to the modern sport utility vehicle (SUV).

The Jeep Cherokee – XJ spawned competitors as other automakers began to notice that this Jeep design began replacing regular cars.^[4] It also began to supplant the role of the station wagon and “transformed from truck to limousine in the eyes of countless suburban owners. The XJ is a “significant link in the evolution of the 4×4.”^[6]

Jeep Cherokee – XJ Models

The 84-96 Jeep Cherokee – XJ  was the first Jeep with a ladder-boxed chassis integrated into a single monocoque unit rather than the traditional separate body-on-frame construction. The design was rigid and sturdy, “yet wonderfully lightweight, [the] Uniframe permitted outstanding performance even with AMC’s new 2.5-liter/150-cubic-inch four-cylinder engine.”^[13]

Both two- and four-door versions of the XJ Cherokee were offered throughout its lifetime, each having exactly the same track and wheelbase measurements. Two-door models, however, received longer doors and front seats that could fold forward to assist in rear passenger entry and exit. This was in addition to extended-length rear windows that did not open, although an optional rear vent window was available on some models.

The 97-01 Jeep Cherokee – XJ was still popular in police and government fleets. As expected, production of the Cherokee Special Service Package continued for the 1997 model year into the 2001 model year. It still had the same features as the 1996 Cherokee Special Service Package, but the engine now produced 195 hp (145 kW). In 2001, when the XJ Cherokee ceased production and was replaced by the Jeep Liberty

All XJ’s were built as a “unibody” with the body and frame rails tied together. Cherokee XJ’s are outfitted with Dana 30 high and low pinion front axles and Dana 35 or 44 rear axles. The suspension consists of front coils and leaf springs for the rear. These Jeeps come in 2-door and 4-door 2WD and 4WD. 4LowParts has has all the Jeep Parts and Accessories you need for your Jeep XJ such as Bumpers, Winches, Control Arms, Anti-rock Kits and Brakes.