[nick_n_ii]

Cherokee Stock Specs
Common Design

All XJs were built as a "Unibody" design with the body and frame rails tied together as one piece as opposed to a body on frame design. All XJs have solid axles front and rear. The suspension is coils/leaf springs. All XJs came with disc/drums brakes.

Dimensions

(small differences may occur depending on optional equipment or trim level)

wheelbase = 101.4"
overall length = 165.3" - 168.8"
overall width = 67.9" - 70.5"
track = 58"
height = 64"
height with roof rack = 66.8"
ground clearance (from differentials) = 7.3" - 8.3"
approach angle = 37.6* - 38*
departure angle = 31* - 32.1*
breakover angle = 21* - 21.9*
curb weight 2wd = 2,891 lbs - 2,993 lbs
curb weight 4wd = 3,057 lbs - 3,386 lbs
cargo capacity = 71.0 cu ft.

Body

The body comes in both 2-door and 4-door styles with a rear hatch (liftgate).

In 94 side-impact beams were added in the doors and roof was strengthened. The 3rd brakelight was added to the top of the liftgate.

In 96 the body structure was strengthened some although it was not noticeable in appearance.

In 97 the body (and interior) was redesigned to freshen it up a bit. Most noticeably it gave the body smoother lines by changing the bumpers, flares, and moldings. The front fender was trimmed just below the headlights and replaced with plastic bumper endcaps that wrap around to the wheel well. The liftgate was also changed from fiberglass to sheet metal in this year. The windshield washer bottle was also moved to the inside of the drivers side front fender.

Engines

2.5L I4 carburated - 105 hp @ 5000 rpm, 132 ft lb torque @ 2800 rpm - used in 84-85 models
2.5L I4 TBI (fuel injected) - 117 hp @ 5000 rpm, 135 ftlb @ 3500 rpm - used in 86 and updated in 87-90 to 121hp
2.5L I4 MPI (multi-port injection) - 130 hp @ 5250 rpm, 139 ft lb @ 3250 rpm - used in 91-00

GM 2.8L V6 - 115 hp @ 4800 rpm, 145 ft lb @ 2400 rpm - used in 84-86

Renault 2.1L 4cyl. Turbo Diesel - 85 hp @ 3750 rpm, 132 ft lb @ 2750 rpm - used in 85-87

Italian VM 2.5L Turbo Diesel - 140 hp, 236 ft lb torque - used in overseas XJs

4.0L I6 EFI "Power Tech" (Renix) - 177 hp @ 4750 rpm, 220 ft lb @ 4000 rpm - used 87-90
4.0L I6 MPI "Power Tech HO" (High Output) - 190 hp @ 4750 rpm, 220 ft lb @ 4,000 rpm - used in 91-95 and updated in 96-01 to 225 ft lb torque @ 3000 rpm (00-01 models use a distributorless ignition system)

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)

Transfer Cases

The transfer cases used are all chain driven with aluminum housings. NP stands for "New Process" which is the brand, if you will. The newer ones are NV instead which stands for "New Venture". It is the same transfer case just a different name.

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

Driveshafts

Front Driveshaft - On 84-87 XJs (NP207 t-case) the front shaft is a "GKN" style shaft. On 87-01 XJs (NP231/242 t-case) the front is a "double cardan" two-piece driveshaft with a CV joint at the transfer case end.

Rear Driveshaft - The rear is a one-piece shaft with standard u-joints at both ends. The slip yoke is located on the output shaft of the transfer case. On 84-95 models, the yoke slides in and out of the transfer case and is lubricated by the ATF fluid internally. On 96-01 due to a design change, the slip yoke is external (does not slide in and out of the transfer case). This slip yoke is covered with a rubber boot.

Axles

Front Axles
Dana 30 high pinion - reverse cut - 27 spline, 1.16" diameter shafts, 7.13" ring gear - used 84-99 (some axles through 91 are vacuum disconnect, 92+ are non-disconnect, 89-95 with ABS have 5-297x u-joints, all 95+ have 5-297x u-joints, all others have 5-260x u-joints)

Dana 30 low pinion - standard cut - 27 spline, 1.16" diameter shafts, 7.13" ring gear, 5-297x u-joints - used 00-01

Rear Axles
(Note on Dana 35 axles sometimes referred to as Dana 35C - The "C" does not stand for c-clip. It stands for "custom" meaning it came from Dana unfinished.)
(Note on 8.25 axles - none of these axles were used on XJs with ABS brakes. If you have ABS, you have the Dana 35. Without ABS you could have either axle. 8.25 axles are c-clip)

Dana 35 non c-clip - 27 spline, 1.18" diameter shafts, 7.58" ring gear, 2.62" axle tube - used 84-89
Dana 35 c-clip - 27 spline, 1.18" diameter shafts, 7.58" ring gear, 2.62" axle tube - used 90-01
Chrysler 8.25 - 27 spline, 1.17" diameter shafts, 8.25" ring gear, 3" axle tube - used 91-96
Chrysler 8.25 - 29 spline, 1.21" diameter shafts, 8.25" ring gear, 3" axle tube - used 97-01
Dana 44 non c-clip - 30 spline, 1.31" diameter shafts, 8.5" ring gear, 2.75" axle tube - used 87-89 on some (not all) XJs equipped with towing package.


Gearing

3.07 - used with 4.0L engine / manual transmission
3.31 - only available on older (pre87?) 2 door XJs with "Fuel Economy" package
3.55 - used with 4.0L engine / automatic transmission
3.73 - found in some XJs with the towing package
4.10 - used with 2.5L engine usually, and older XJs with the "Off-Highway Vehicle" package.
4.56 - rare but can be found on some older (~ 89 ~) models with 2.5L engine and auto transmission

Cooling Systems

Open style - any normal cooling system used today. Opposite of closed style described below.

Closed style - has no radiator cap and utilizes a pressure bottle. This style cooling system was used in 87-90 XJs.

Airbags

Drivers side airbag (mechanical) was added in 95.
Passenger side airbag was added in 97. Airbags changed from mechanical to electronic in this year also.


Production Numbers

# of XJs built in given year:

84 - 93,326
85 - 120,328
86 - 107,225
87 - 139,295
88 - 187,136
89 - 207,216
90 - 151,230
91 - 151,578
92 - 137,826
93 - 144,961
94 - 123,391
95 - 120,234
96 - 286,463
97 - 258,958
98 - 182,845
99 - 186,116
00 - 165,590 (Freedom Edition - 2,821)
01 - 120,454

Total = 2,884,172

Trim Levels

84 - Base, Wagoneer, Pioneer, Chief
85 - Base, Wagoneer, Pioneer, Chief, Laredo
86 - Base, Wagoneer, Pioneer, Chief, Laredo
87 - Base, Wagoneer, Pioneer, Chief, Laredo, Limited
88 - Base, Wagoneer, Pioneer, Chief, Laredo, Limited, Sport
89 - Base, Wagoneer, Pioneer, Chief, Laredo, Limited, Sport
90 - Base, Wagoneer, Pioneer, Chief, Laredo, Limited, Sport
91 - Base, Briarwood, Chief, Laredo, Limited, Sport
92 - Base, Briarwood, Chief, Laredo, Limited, Sport
93 - Base, Sport, Country
94 - SE, Sport, Country
95 - SE, Sport, Country
96 - SE, Sport, Country, Classic
97 - SE, Sport, Country
98 - SE, Sport, Classic, Limited
99 - SE, Sport, Classic, Limited
00 - SE, Sport, Classic, Limited, Freedom
01 - Sport, Limited, 60th Anniversary Edition

 

[Kyle]

Thank you nick, stickied:thumbsup:

 

[JeepGodXJ]

Did you get that from the High Performance Jeep Cherokee XJ Builders Guide by Eric Zappe (Ericsxj)? Just looks like you wrote it in the same format as its in the book. Just curious.

Scary I noticed that right off the batt....it's my Bible :rofl:

 

[nick_n_ii]

Nope it came from another site that might have came from that book..

 

[2drx4]

Nope it came from another site that might have came from that book..

Jeepforum? That's okay... I'd comment on a few points in it, but I won't bother.

Oh, the information was around (and in this format) far before the book.

 

[Kyle]

Jeepforum? That's okay... I'd comment on a few points in it, but I won't bother.

Oh, the information was around (and in this format) far before the book.

What do you mean comment on a few points?

If there are inaccuracies please point them out.

 

[2drx4]

What do you mean comment on a few points?

If there are inaccuracies please point them out.

Not really inaccuracies... More just silly things.

Nobody refers to the 4.0L as a 'Power Tech'. Typically, it's RENIX (renault-bendix) or HO (chrysler). And they're BOTH MPFI. Or MPI, or EFI. It's all the same junk. I think the power output numbers are a little whack too, there was more changes throughout the years than are listed.

Also, a 30RH and torqueflite 904 are the same junk. There might be small differences, but it is actually the same transmission. And there is no continuity on the years with the listing - although I can't clear that up as I have no idea when chrysler decided to call it a 30RH (they standardized their transmission model numbers. The 3 is the number of gears, the 0 is strength, the R is for RWD I believe, and the H is for hydraulic control. A 47RE is a 4-speed, 7 [of 9, higher is better] strength, electrically controlled tranny)

Likewise, it should be stated that mid-year in 89 the AX-15 became the 5spd found behind the 4.0L.

4.56 gears are rare (I agree with that), as they come with something else just as rare... A 2.5L/AW4 combo. Yes, the AW4 came factory mated to some 4cyls.

And the cooling system differences could really be explained better. The old 'Closed' system is actually a lot more common now than an open system. With the exception to that rule being in trucks or cars with larger (V8) engines. It is a little more efficent than an 'open' system as all the coolant is circulated constantly, giving it a greater thermal capacity. The weakness being the plastic pressure bottle and cap - which are basically junk. Most guys (and chrysler) swap to the 'open' system when things stop working. It isn't the 'closed' system's fault - it is not a poor design, but it has some poor parts.

Anyways, it is good info, some of it is just weird.

 

[Kyle]

Well thanks, now its documented in this thread:thumbsup:

 

[TripleXJ]

Just to add one thing to this...on the 96 c8.25 SOME of them do have the 29 spline shafts not the 27, when I had to replace a shaft in mine it was 29 after I had ordered the 27 so I done some research and found that about half way through the production they started using the 29 spline.

Thanks for posting this, alot of great info in there

 

[SSGF109]

Very informative posting..Well done!:cheers:

 

[IT'S AN XJ THING]

Nice thread all.....now i know where to look for important info on my xj

 

[usnfoley13]

This is good info...however I know my tranny, transfer, front and rear axle but I don't know my gearing. it could have 3.55 but may have 3.73. how do you find out if it came stock with the tow package?

 

[roninxj3]

Funny every spec ever needed to know is here except what im looin for. i'm haveing electrical problems with my 88 xj and it's between the the harnes to the pump and the fuse block. i'm getting 6.5volts in the middle conector but nothing on the out two... is this right or is their something im missing?

 

[Chrockee]

Good Info!

 

[Cherokee 4.0]

how did the orginal poster get banned

 

[Fraze NZ]

Hello: My name is Fraze and i am in Hamilton New Zealand. im looking for a 1997 Jeep Cherokee Sport (Face Lift) Parts. im after the remote - lock/unlock black, The transciever for the remote that is in the roof console and the ECU (on the lf mudguard) As you know these 3 items must be out of the same vehicle in order for me to "plug and play" My jeeps remote is not commuinicating with the transciever to unlock the security. Truck wont start. Jeep dealer no help and say they can get a blank ecu from singapore and program with out the security and a huge $$$ cost, the only other way that i know of to get around this is to get all 3 compoinants out of another 1997 Jeep Cherokee (Face Lift model only) Can anyone help with these parts or an alternative please? Totally frustraited! Fraze

 

[brandyn24]

All XJs have solid axles front and rear.

this is not completly true. i have seen two jeeps that dont have a solid axle in the front, it was wierd but they had CV axles kinda set up like a small truck like a dakota or ranger. there is a older guy in my town that has one i will try to get pictures of it an post them up.

 

[2000XJ]

All XJs have solid axles front and rear.

this is not completly true. i have seen two jeeps that dont have a solid axle in the front, it was wierd but they had CV axles kinda set up like a small truck like a dakota or ranger. there is a older guy in my town that has one i will try to get pictures of it an post them up.

Actually, all XJ's do have solid axles front and rear, regardless of year. In fact, all XJ's, ZJ's, MJ's, WJ, TJ's, LJ's, and YJ's all have solid axles.

Axle shafts for solid axles can either have u-joints or CV's. U-joints are typically stronger, but CV joints are typically smoother.

 

[jkmrdck420]

This is good info...however I know my tranny, transfer, front and rear axle but I don't know my gearing. it could have 3.55 but may have 3.73. how do you find out if it came stock with the tow package?

you can probly call chrysler and run your vin number and they will tell you :thumbsup:

 

[dmpotomac]

5 speed maual

how many jeep cherokees was built in 2001 with a 5 speed manual trasmission I've found out they are rare and hard to fine