leo3000

is there a quality difference in the different years?

what year/years are the best?

thanks

(im looking at a 97)

Abovetimberline

My opinion all are good and have there good points,the biggest change to the xj is the h.o motor that came out in 91 along with the new control system,I am not sure what year airbags were installed but that would be another thing to consider. There has been very few other changes.

mobilecherokee4

97's are good, i have a 99' i think all XJ's are good but try to get one with a chrysler 8.25 rear axle with 29 spline, way stronger than the D35

jd4x426

the 97 is a good choice they usually have the 8.25 with 29 spline axles and they also have the larger axle ujoints some of the older ones lacked and they have the ho motor very good choice IMHO

Leftytoo

Newer and low miles is always best. The 1998 has the high pinion Dana 30 front axel which is considered better (for lifting) than the 2000 low pinion. Don't know about 1999. Also, I suggest you get a vehicle with the traction-lock rear differential. Mine (2000 Cherokee) is the best performing unit I've ever had.

mobilecherokee4

the 99 does, thats what i have, its the last year they made the high pinion

builtnotbought89'

Is the suspention all pritty much the same could I swap my rubicon express 3" lift off my 89 2dr sport t a 97 4dr???

mobilecherokee4

yes you can swap the suspension of any year cherokee 2 door or 4 door with no problem

leo3000

^^hijackers^^

would the 97 have it?

mobilecherokee4

yes 99' and down have high pinion and 2000 and up have low pinion which i think is 15% weaker that the high pinion front axle

djlarroc

Ok, I did A LOT of research when I was looking and here's what I remember.

92+ non ADD. Good because you don't have a 3 piece axle anymore. 1 solid unit.

94+ bigger 297 u-joints. Good. A bit stronger.

97+ Revamped model. I also heard the frame was stiffened up a bit, and also you have cup holders and all the creature comforts lacking in the others. Good. The bad thing i've heard is these newer years are also more sensitive to lifts. Meaning, you get a death wobble and other problems w/as little as a 2.5" lift. While the older cherokees can be at like 5" with no problems. (Of course it varies per veh - I have heard).

99+ was the beginning of the low pinion (I think). Not good.

That 97 looks like a good choice.

Found some good info here http://www.jeepz.com/forum/cherokee-commander-wagoneer-liberty/23644-best-cherokee-xj.html

OnlyInMyXJ22

There are many threads on this subject that cover it in detail. It is said that the 99 model is where you get the best of everything. Use Search and I'm sure some of the threads will come up.

BillyBoy

Yeah, check Wikipedia and type in jeep cherokee. After doing so I went with a 98 due to the axle. They give you all the history, changes, engines, interiors, etc, etc. that have changed throughout the years and when.

Glad to join the club- just got a 98 XJ.
Stock, so any advice/ideas would be welcome.

Good luck- have fun -

mobilecherokee4

no 2000+ was the start of low pinion! ive said it like 3 times, i have a 99' and have high pinion!!!!!

hurley842002

x2 99 has high pinion front axle, I too have a 99. Other than the Coil-less ignition, the 2000 and 2001 are said to be less desireable than the 97-99 cherokees, due to the LP D30 and something about the Intake. Personally the LP D30 would be the only thing I would be concerned about, but wouldn't let it make or break a good deal.