MickDime

the wiki on XJs is actually pretty nice, it lists the changes in styling, engines, trannys and axles though out the years

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep_Cherokee_%28XJ%29

1996XJSport

I've heard from a lot of people that 1996 was the XJ's best year, but just because I own a '96 doesn't mean I agree. I own a 1992 Cherokee Laredo aswell and I fully believe that 1992 was the XJ's prime year. It's not as fast as my '96 but it definitely was more well built. The GM steering column was a great component instead of the plastic Chrysler garbage they threw in my '96, the no air bag steering wheel was a lot nicer, the interior was higher quality and the suspension components were built better because they didn't have a TSB on leaf sag for that year whereas my '96 did (which was the whole reason why I lifted it in the first place).

I kind of dislike the newer style XJs ('97+) because of all the plastic on them lol

huntingman2706217

the GM steering columns actually were junk and nothing but problems for GM and jeep... i did a write up on the repair but they had problems with 4 bolts coming loose and the tilt acting like it was broken... in fact on my 89 it was so bad that when i took right hand turns my jeep would cut off... after hours of troubleshooting i told a chevy mechanic buddy of mine and he told me he knew what was wrong with my jeep and bet money he could make it do it at a sit still... i didnt believe him and sure he enough he walked over... started my jeep... pulled the wheel to the left and it cut off... it would flex so much that it was pulling the rod from the ignition when i was using the wheel to balance myself in the seat lol... i had the gas tank out and everything else trying to figure that crap out and here he was already knowing the answer... getting to those 4 bolts was not a easy task and i ended up giving up after two of them... entire column had to come apart to do this... he done them do much he even had the specialty tools i needed to do it myself lol... once you fix that with some locktite then ya... they were good to go!

djb383

Now that's interesting, mid/late '99s got a supposedly much improved intake but no power increase.....'00-'01 got a 3hp increase.

huntingman2706217

already explained why it has the newer intake and no power gain...

1996XJSport

Lol Im gonna cross my fingers that the same problem doesn't happen to my '92! My '96 is having issues with the chrysler steering column right now actually. Sometimes when I put the key in the ignition it wont start. I have to hit it with my hand a few times for it to work. Sometimes my radio wont turn when the jeep is running until I move my key back a little. Its really weird and it happens like once a week lol

djb383

Wasn't talking 2 u or asking for another explanation, just quoting from Wiki.

688Guy

I had sorta the same issue with my 95, only it would just shut off while going down the road. Kinda scary in traffic! I fixed it though...There's a connection going under the steering column to the ignition switch. Un-hook it and clean the contacts real good and I bet you'll be good to go...