Jeep Cherokee (XJ)

See also Jeep Cherokee for other models using this name

Jeep Cherokee (XJ)
1984-1996 Jeep Cherokee 2-door
Overview
Manufacturer	American Motors (AMC) Chrysler DaimlerChrysler Beijing Benz
Also called	Beijing-Jeep BJ 2021 (4WD) Beijing-Jeep BJ 7250 (2WD)
Production	1984–2001 (USA) 1984–2005 (China) 1987–2001 (Venezuela) 1996–2000 (Argentina)
Assembly	Toledo, Ohio, United States Beijing, China, Valencia, Venezuela Ferreyra, Argentina
Body and chassis
Class	Compact SUV
Body style	2-door SUV 4-door SUV
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive
Related	Jeep 2500 / BAW Qishi
Powertrain
Engine	2.5 L (150 CID) AMC 150 I4 2.8 L GM 60° LR2 V6 2.1 L Renault J8S diesel I4 4.0 L (242 CID) AMC 242 I6 4.0 L (242 CID) AMC 242 H.O. I6 4.0 L (242 CID) 242 Power Tech I6 2.5 L VM Motori 425 OHV diesel I4
Transmission	4-speed Aisin AX-4 manual 5-speed Aisin AX-5 manual 5-speed Peugeot BA-10/5 manual 5-speed Aisin AX-15 manual 5-speed NVG NV3550 manual 3-speed Chrysler A904 automatic 3-speed 30RH automatic 4-speed Aisin AW-4 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	101.4 in (2,576 mm)
Length	1987-1990: 165.3 in (4,199 mm) 1991-93: 168.8 in (4,288 mm) 1994-96: 166.9 in (4,239 mm) 1997-2001: 167.5 in (4,254 mm)
Width	1987-1993: 70.5 in (1,791 mm) 1994-96: 67.7 in (1,720 mm) 1997-99: 67.9 in (1,725 mm) 2000-01: 69.4 in (1,763 mm)
Height	1987-88 2WD: 63.4 in (1,610 mm) 1987–1993: 63.3 in (1,608 mm) 1994–99 2WD: 63.9 in (1,623 mm) 1994-2001 4WD: 64.0 in (1,626 mm) 2000–01 2WD: 63.8 in (1,621 mm)
Curb weight	3,357 lb (1,523 kg) (approx.)
Chronology
Successor	Jeep Liberty

The Jeep Cherokee (XJ) is a unibody (monocoque) compact SUV that was developed and produced by the Jeep division of American Motors, and continued to be built and marketed by Chrysler after 1987. It shared the name of the original full-size SJ model, but without a body-on-frame chassis, and set the stage for the modern sport utility vehicle (SUV). The XJ's innovative appearance and sales popularity spawned important imitators as other automakers began to notice that this model began replacing regular cars. It was built in Toledo, Ohio, in Beijing, China, in Ferreyra, Argentina, and in Valencia, Venezuela. The XJ provided the mechanical basis for the MJ-series Jeep Comanche pickup truck.

The XJ Jeep has been described as one of the 20 greatest cars of all time, and "possibly the best SUV shape of all time, it is the paradigmatic model to which other designers have since aspired".

Due to its toughness and reliability, the XJ was also selected in 2011 as one of "10 cars that refuse to die" by Kiplinger.

Background

Designs of the compact-size XJ Cherokee date back to 1978 when a team of American Motors (AMC) and Renault engineers drew several sketches. Clay models were based on the then current full-size SJ Cherokee. Early sketches of the XJ Cherokee had a European influence, and most of the styling cues were done by AMC engineers under the direction of Richard A. Teague, Vice President of Design.

Noticing that General Motors was developing a new two-door S-10-based Blazer, AMC decided to develop an entirely new four-door model in addition to a two-door version. American Motors' Vice President of Engineering, Roy Lunn, designed what is known as the Quadra-Link suspension that limited rollovers. Renault's François Castaing developed the drivetrain using a much smaller engine than normally found in 4WD vehicles and reduced the weight of the new model. It is described "as the first small crossover SUV in the U.S.," with "plenty of the Jeep toughness (and a straight-6 engine) built in."

Although the XJ models were just introduced, AMC quickly began development its successor. To compete against its much larger rivals, the smallest U.S. automaker created a business process that is now known as product lifecycle management (PLM) to speed up its product development process. By 1985, development and engineering was based on computer-aided design (CAD) software systems while new systems stored all drawings and documents in a central database. The pioneering PLM was so effective that after Chrysler purchased AMC in 1987, it expanded the system throughout its own enterprise.

The compact Jeep was selected by Robert Cumberford of Automobile magazine as a "masterpiece" design and a paradigmatic model that was copied by other automakers. It became "a perfect blend of sport and utility in a four-wheel-drive vehicle."

1984-1996

1986-1990 Jeep Wagoneer (XJ platform)

1994–1997 Jeep Cherokee (XJ) Sport (Australia)

1993-1996 Jeep Cherokee XJ (Japan)

The XJ Cherokee introduced for the 1984 model year 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."

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.

A variation on the Cherokee from 1984 through 1990 was the Jeep Wagoneer. These were unrelated to the similarly named full-sized Grand Wagoneer models that had carried the Wagoneer name before this point. The compact XJ Wagoneer was available in two trim levels: the "Wagoneer" and the "Wagoneer Limited". Both Wagoneers were distinguished from the Cherokee models by their two vertically arranged headlights on each side of the grille. The Wagoneer Limited came with vinyl wood trim on the sides and leather seats embossed with "Limited."

This version was the first to be sold in Europe; it was launched in 1992 in some markets, 1993 for the United Kingdom. Early versions had the 4.0 L (242 CID) inline six-cylinder engine only; the 2.5 L (150 CID) engine did not arrive in Europe until 1995. The XJ firewall was notched to accomodate the longer 4.0L engine.

In mid-1985, a two-wheel-drive version of the Cherokee was added to the lineup. This marked the first time any Jeep product was offered with two-wheel drive since 1967, and was done in the hopes of attracting a few more buyers who did not need (or want to pay for) four-wheel drive. When the XJ Cherokee-based Comanche (MJ) truck was introduced, it was also available in two- and four-wheel drive. The new two-wheel-drive models shared the front suspension with four-wheel-drive models. Jeep simply used a single axle tube from hub to hub with no differential between, resulting in an inexpensive front suspension.

For 1996, partially to comply with new US OBD-2 exhaust and evap. emissions regulations, the engine management system was upgraded to Chrysler's then-new "JTEC" PCM. This added the side benefits of improving reliability and easing diagnostics.

American Motors's compact XJ Cherokee was to be replaced by a new and larger model known as the ZJ (later named the Jeep Grand Cherokee when introduced in 1993) that was under development by AMC. However, the smaller model's continuing popularity caused Chrysler executives to rethink this decision, and while the ZJ models were introduced in 1993, the XJ models were retained until 2001. The Jeep XJ has remained a popular choice by off-roading enthusiasts due to its potent off-roading capability in stock form. Its popularity has resulted in strong ongoing aftermarket support in the form of a wide variety of products.

Fleet markets

In the early- to mid-1990s, the Jeep Cherokee started becoming popular for government and police use. The Cherokee AHB police package was introduced during the 1992 model year. In response, for 1996, Jeep released a special version of the XJ Cherokee SE for police and fleet use. It featured no interior rear door handles and a revised 190-hp High Output version of the 4.0L "Power-Tech" inline six-cylinder engine. The new HO engine replaced the older 177-hp version of the 4.0L engine in all installations.

The Cherokee was also made in right hand drive format initially for the United States Postal Service, the side effect of this was it allowed Jeep in later years to enter right hand drive markets - the Cherokee went on sale in both the United Kingdom and Ireland in 1993.

Engines

Name	Displacement	Layout	Fuel	Power	Torque	Notes	Years
2.5 Litre AMC 150	2464 cc (150 CID)	I4, OHV	Gasoline	105 hp (78 kW) @ 5000 rpm	132 lb⋅ft (179 N⋅m) @ 2800 rpm	single-barrel carburetor	1984−1985
				117 hp (87 kW) @ 5000 rpm	135 lb⋅ft (183 N⋅m) @ 3500 rpm	Renix TBI	1986
				121 hp (90 kW) @ 5250 rpm	141 lb⋅ft (191 N⋅m) @ 3250 rpm	Renix TBI	1987–1990
				130 hp (97 kW) @ 5250 rpm	149 lb⋅ft (202 N⋅m) @ 3250 rpm	Chrysler MPI	1991–1996
2.8L V6	2838 cc (173 CID)	V6, OHV	Gasoline	115 hp (86 kW) @ 4800 rpm	145 lb⋅ft (197 N⋅m) @ 2400 rpm	Chevrolet LR2	1984−1986
2.1L TurboDiesel Douvin J8S	2068 cc (126 CID)	I4, SOHC	Diesel	85 hp (63 kW) @ 3750 rpm	132 lb⋅ft (179 N⋅m) @ 2750 rpm	Renault J8S	1985−1994 (1985−1987 in North America)
4.0 Litre AMC 242	3964 cc (242 CID)	I6, OHV	Gasoline	173 hp (129 kW) @ 4500 rpm	220 lb⋅ft (300 N⋅m) @ 2500 rpm	Renix MPI	1987
				177 hp (132 kW) @ 4500 rpm	224 lb⋅ft (304 N⋅m) @ 2500 rpm	Renix MPI	1988−1990
				190 hp (142 kW) @ 4750 rpm	225 lb⋅ft (305 N⋅m) @ 2400 rpm	Chrysler MPI, "High Output"	1991−1996
2.5L TurboDiesel VM 425	2499 cc (153 CID)	I4, OHV	Diesel	114 hp (85 kW) @ 3900 rpm	221 lb⋅ft (300 N⋅m) @ 2000 rpm	VM Motori 425 OHV	1994-2001

1997-2001

1997-2001 Cherokee Sport 4-door

1997-2001 Cherokee Sport 2-door (Germany)

A 1997 Cherokee XJ on a rally in Morocco

After 13 years of production, 1997 saw the Cherokee receive updated exterior and interior styling. Both the two- and four-door bodies remained in production, receiving a steel liftgate (replacing the fiberglass one used previously), a new taillight design, additional plastic molding along the doors, as well as a new front header panel that featured more aerodynamic styling.

The interior was similarly updated with an all-new design and instruments, and a stiffer unibody frame brought improvements to Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) measurements. Also contributing to NVH improvements were new door seals that reduced wind noise at higher speeds.

In the middle of the 1999 model year, vehicles with the 4.0 liter (242 CID) engine received a revised intake manifold. This was done to help counteract smaller exhaust porting on the latest casting of cylinder heads, which was done to meet more stringent emissions control laws. Both the four- and six-cylinder engines were offered through the 2000 model year, though only the straight-six was available in 2001. For the 2000 and 2001 model years, all six-cylinder XJs received a distributorless ignition system using coil-on-plug ignition replacing the 'traditional' system previously used; coupled with better exhaust porting and the newer intake manifolds, this gave a minor increase in power over the previous models. Transmission, axle, and transfer case choices were carried over from the previous models.

However, major changes were underway with a new executive, Wolfgang Bernhard, who was known as a "cost-slasher" nicknamed "whirlwind", came from Mercedes-Benz to turn around Chrysler. "One of the first moves Bernhard made when he came to Chrysler in 2000 was to help kill the Jeep Cherokee, an aging, somewhat bland SUV." Thus, the (XJ) Cherokee line was replaced in 2002 by the Jeep Liberty (KJ), although it is called the "Cherokee" in most foreign markets. The Cherokee (XJ) remains a popular vehicle among off-roading enthusiasts.

When (XJ) Cherokee production ended in mid 2001, the portion of the Toledo South Assembly Plant devoted to its production was torn down.

Fleet markets

By 1997 the XJ Cherokee 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 horsepower, up 5 horsepower from 190. In 2001, when the XJ Cherokee ceased production and was replaced by the Jeep Liberty, the Cherokee Special Service Package was discontinued. The Jeep Liberty never featured a Special Service Package, however, police, and government agencies still used the Liberty in their fleets, and continue to this day.

Engines

Name	Displacement	Layout	Fuel	Power	Torque	Notes	Years
2.5 Litre AMC 150	2464 cc (150 CID)	I4, OHV	Gasoline	125 hp (93 kW) @ 5400 rpm	150 lb⋅ft (200 N⋅m) @ 3250 rpm	Chrysler MPI	1997−2000
4.0 Litre AMC 242	3964 cc (242 CID)	I6, OHV	Gasoline	190 hp (142 kW) @ 4600 rpm	225 lb⋅ft (305 N⋅m) @ 3000 rpm	Chrysler MPI, "High Output"	1991−1999
				193 hp (144 kW) @ 4600 rpm	231 lb⋅ft (313 N⋅m) @ 3000 rpm	Chrysler MPI, "High Output"	2000−2001
TurboDiesel	2499 cc (153 CID)	I4, OHV	Diesel	114 hp (85 kW) @ 3900 rpm	221 lb⋅ft (300 N⋅m) @ 2000 rpm	VM Motori 425 OHV	1997−2001

Trim levels

• Base - 1984-1993/SE - 1994-2000 (Included: vinyl seats, full-faced steel wheels, A/M radio with two speakers, and heater)
• Wagoneer - 1984-1990 (Included: cloth plaid-pattern seats, alloy wheels, A/M-F/M radio with cassette player and four speakers, and air conditioner)
• Briarwood - 1991-1993 (replaced Wagoneer) (Included: cloth seats, wire lace wheels, A/M-F/M radio with cassette player and four speakers, and air conditioner)
• Pioneer - 1984-1990 (Included: cloth plaid-pattern seats, steel wheels, A/M radio with two speakers, and heater)
• Pioneer Olympic Edition - 1988 (Included: cloth seats, A/M-F/M radio with two speakers, and air conditioner)
• Chief - 1984-1990 (Included: cloth plaid-pattern seats, A/M-F/M radio with two speakers, and heater)
• Sport - 1988-2001 (Included: vinyl seats, A/M-F/M radio with four speakers, full-faced steel wheels, and air conditioner)
• Country - 1993-1997 (Included: two-tone paint color, velour-and-vinyl seats, wire lace wheels, A/M-F/M radio with cassette player and four speakers)
• Classic - 1996, 1998–2001 (Included: monotone paint color, cloth seats, alloy wheels, A/M-F/M radio with cassette player and four speakers)
• Limited - 1987-1992, 1998–2001 (Included: monotone paint color, leather-and-vinyl seats, wire lace wheels, A/M-F/M radio with cassette player and six AccuSound speakers, and air conditioner)
• Laredo - 1985-1992 (Included: chrome accenting, cloth plaid-pattern seats, alloy wheels, A/M-F/M radio with four speakers, and air conditioner)
• 60th Anniversary - 2001 (Included: special badges, monotone paint color, cloth seats, chrome-clad wheels, A/M-F/M radio with cassette and CD players and six Infinity Gold speakers, and air conditioner)

Available driveline components

Manual transmissions

• 1984-only : Borg-Warner T-4 4-speed manual, used with 2.5 L I4 only, 21 spline output.
• 1984 – 1987 : Aisin-Warner AX4 4-speed manual, used with 2.5 L I4 only, 21 spline output.
• 1984-only : Borg-Warner T-5 5-speed manual, used with 2.5 L I4 and 2.8 L V6, 21 spline output.
• 1984 – 2000 : Aisin-Warner AX5 5-speed manual, used with 2.5 L I4, 2.1 L I4 diesel, and 2.8 L V6, 21 spline output.
• 1987 – Mid-1989 : Peugeot BA-10/5 5-speed manual used with 4.0 L I6, 21 spline output.
• Late-1989 – 1999 : Aisin-Warner AX15 5-speed manual, used with 2.5 L I4 diesel, 4.0 L I6, 26 spline output.
• 2000 – 2001 : New Venture Gear NV3550 5-speed manual, used with 2.5 L I4 diesel, 4.0 L I6, 26 spline output.

Automatic transmissions

• 1984–1986: Chrysler A904 3-speed automatic, used with 2.5 L I4 and 2.8 L V6.
• 1987–2001: Aisin-Warner AW-4 4-speed automatic, used with 4.0 L I6.
• 1994–2000: Chrysler 30RH 3-speed automatic, used with 2.5 L I4.

Transfer cases

All the transfer cases used on the Cherokee were chain driven with aluminium housings. Command-Trac was standard on XJ models built with 4WD.

• 1984–1987: New Process NP207 Command-Trac, part-time only, 2.61:1 ratio with low range

NP207 has the following settings:

• 1987–2001: New Process NP231 Command-Trac, part-time only, 2.72:1 ratio with low range

NP231 has the following settings: 2HI, 4HI, N, 4LO

• 1987–2001: New Process NP242 Selec-Trac, full-time/part-time, 2.72:1 ratio with low range

NP242 has the following settings: 2HI, 4 full-time, 4 part-time, N, 4LO

Axles

The Jeep XJ utilizes front and rear solid (live) axles as opposed to independent front and/or rear axles. This configuration allows the XJ to have superior off-road capability and performance at the expense of some on-road comfort and driveability. Mid-1985 and later two-wheel drive models used the same basic suspension with a single tube connecting axle ends with no differential.

Front Axle

• 1984–1996: Dana 30, High Pinion, Reverse Cut, 27-spline axleshafts (1989 – 1995 : with ABS used 5-297x universal joints, non-ABS had 5-260x universal joints. Certain XJ models were produced with constant-velocity joints instead of universal joints.)
• 1996–1999: Dana 30, High Pinion, Reverse Cut, 297x/760 universal joint, 27-spline axleshafts.
• 2000–2001: Dana 30, Low Pinion, Standard Cut, 297x/760 universal joint, 27-spline axleshafts.
• 1985–2001: Straight non-driven front axle for two-wheel drive only.

Rear Axle

• 1984–1989: Dana 35, non c-clip, with anti-lock braking system (ABS) or non-ABS.
• 1987–1990: Dana 44, models w/tow package only, 30-spline axleshafts, non-abs.
• 1990–1996: Dana 35, c-clip, ABS or non-ABS.
• 1997–2001: Dana 35, c-clip, ABS.
• 1991–1996: Chrysler 8.25", c-clip, non-ABS, 27-spline axleshafts.
• Late 1996–2001: Chrysler 8.25", c-clip, non-ABS, 29-spline axleshafts.

Axle Gear Ratios

Jeep XJs came in several standard gearing ratios:

• 3.07:1, manual transmission, I6 engine.
• 3.54:1, automatic transmission, I6 engine with Dana 44 rear differential.
• 3.54:1, manual transmission, I4 engine with Dana 35 rear differential.
• 3.55:1, automatic transmission, I6, V6 engines; manual transmission, I4 engine.
• 3.73:1, automatic transmission, I6, Tow Package, UpCountry Package.
• 4.10:1, 2.5L I4 engine
• 4.56:1, automatic transmission, I4, offroad or tow package.

Suspension

The Jeep XJ utilizes a coil spring front suspension with a leaf spring rear suspension.

Front suspension

The Quadra-Link front suspension design locates the axle with four leading control arms to control longitudinal movement and rotation about the lateral axis (drive and braking reaction), two above the axle and two below it. A panhard rod, also referred to as a track bar, is used to locate the axle laterally. Two coil springs are seated on top of the axle housing as well as two gas-charged shock absorbers. The suspension used on vehicles with the optional UpCountry Package provided one inch of lift over the standard suspension. A sway bar is utilized to reduce body roll in turns.

Rear suspension

The XJ uses a leaf spring rear suspension. Each leaf pack contains four leaf springs with a fixed eye at the front of the spring and a compression-style shackle at the rear of the spring. Two gas-charged shock absorbers are also used, along with a mild anti-sway/anti-roll bar. The suspension used on vehicles with the optional UpCountry Package did not employ the rear anti-sway/anti-roll bar and provided one inch of lift over the standard suspension.

XJ in Europe

European passenger version Cherokee XJ

The XJ was introduced to left-hand drive European markets in 1985, one year after its American debut. However, right-hand drive European markets only began to officially receive them (in RHD form) in 1993. Models were offered in both markets until the XJ's discontinuation in 2001, at which point it was replaced by the KJ-model Jeep Liberty. The KJ Liberty, however, retained the Cherokee name for sale in Europe despite sharing little mechanical heritage with its predecessor.

A van version of the XJ was offered in addition to the standard passenger vehicles in some European markets. Available in both right- and left-hand-drive models, they were designed to comply with relaxed motor tax regulations in some EU member states governing vehicles intended for primarily commercial use. Both two- and four-door versions are known to have been sold, with the main differences from the standard models being metal panels in place of the rear side windows, no rear seats, and a completely flat cargo area. Two- and four-wheel-drive variants were available, powered by the VM Motori 2.5-litre diesel engine mated to the Aisin AX-15 manual transmission. Photographs of this model can be found here.

XJ in China

China Model 2500 Jeep Cherokee (XJ platform)

American Motors established the first automobile manufacturing joint venture in the People's Republic of China to assemble the four-door Cherokee. Production continued after Chrysler's buyout of AMC. Chrysler executives were concerned over licit and illicit technology transfers when knock-offs of the Cherokee began appearing in the Chinese market. The Chinese market BJ 7250 and BJ 2021 (rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive respectively) had a raised roof in the rear, as they were often meant to be chauffeur driven.

Production under Mercedes-Benz continued in the partnership that was renamed Beijing-Benz DaimlerChrysler Automotive. The most recent model with an updated grille, headlights, and other upgrades was known as the "Jeep 2500" and was produced until 2005. It is notable that AMC's original Cherokee design continued to be built and sell after being virtually unchanged for over twenty years.

Cherokee name revival in the U.S.

See also Jeep Cherokee (KL)

On February 22, 2013, Chrysler released press photos of the new replacement for the Liberty, and also announced that the new model would bring back the Cherokee name. The new Cherokee is loosely based on the Dodge Dart (2013), and will most likely feature a nine-speed automatic, a 3.2L V6 based on the Pentastar 3.6L V6, and front & four-wheel dive. The Jeep Liberty is sold outside of North America as the Jeep Cherokee (KK), allowing the new Cherokee to be easily marketed golbally, when produced. Jeep also believes the name will attract previous Jeep owners, because of the name's heritage.

External links

• Jeep Cherokee Wikibook
• Jeep Cherokee Service Bulletins and other downloadable files
• Beijing Jeep: American Business in China - Booknotes interview with author Jim Mann (1990)
• Cherokee Forum - Jeep Cherokee discussion forum
• North American XJ Association - Jeep Cherokee discussion forum