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Activities and vehicle modifications appearing, described, recommended, or linked to on this web site may be potentially dangerous. We do not endorse any such activity for others or recommend it to any particular person. These are simply the experiences and opinions of the writers. If you choose to engage in these activities it is by your own free will and at your own risk. Any and all modifications will likely cause a vehicle to behave differently than stock - some modifications may significantly increase your risk for an accident or equipment failure when driving the vehicle or be dangerous in some driving situations. Use common sense when engaging in any activity or making any modifications. Do not take unwise risks, consult a certified professional if you are not sure of something, if you are uncomfortable with your mechanical ability, if you don't have the experience to do a project, if you have not received proper training and education for the job you are thinking about doing, or if you do not have the proper tools, equipment or safety devices to do the job you are considering.

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The "mid-sized" Jeeps - AKA the "downsized" Wagoneers and Cherokees - XJ Cherokee, XJ Wagoneer, MJ Comanche Truck


Jeep Cherokee Limited 2 Door with 31's and 3" budget lift. Taken a few days near Shenksville, PA near the crash of United 93 on 9/11
Jeep Cherokee Limited 4 door with 4.5" RE Super Flex lift and 33's. Taken on "Raw Deal" near Phoenix, AZ
Jeep Comanche Truck with 4" lift and 31's but with plenty of room for 33's. Taken at the PA Jeeps Jeep Show in 2002. 1st Place Winner!

XJ and MJ Cherokees. These used to be my favorites in the mid 80s to mid 90s (after which the Grand Cherokee took over as my favorite) for both lifting and general off-roading while still maintaining a daily driver.

The XJ model was introduced in 1984 and was made until 2001. Never buy one with a 4 cylinder. If you have to worry about gas mileage in this sport you need to find a new sport. Honestly. Gas mileage and 4 wheeling are incompatible. The 4.0 HO engine made its way into the XJ around 1991 so I would say if you are looking for an XJ to start at 1991 or 1992 and newer depending on your budget. Again I have owned an 85 with the 2.8 V6 a very anemic and miserable motor, an 88 with the 4.0 motor and a big step up, a 90, 91 and 92 Limited (the 90 was a 2 door model) and 2 MJ/Comanche trucks, a 90 and 92.

Just about every lift I ever did was the 3” budget list from JC Whitney for about $100 on sale. It came with new front coil springs and rear add-a-leafs with a lift block. I was able to easily get 31” tires under the fenders and even 33s with some Bushwacker cut out fender flares. I did one Rubicon Express 4 ½ inch super flex. The kit was well over $1000 at the time and with all the trouble I encountered, I would never do another one that way. The bushings continually wore out, the ride was harsh, I had on and off problems with “death wobble”. It just would not be worth it to me but there are lots of XJs out there lifted 4, 5, 6 or more inches and their owners are just plain happy with them. For my use the 3” budget boosts were just fine and saved me lots of money for other projects.

Other observations are that I like the Laredo and the Limited models the best with the Country coming in a close 3rd. The more options the better. Always make sure your Jeep has the factory tow package. You probably wonder why I keep saying that. It is because that package usually has upgrades to your electrical system and cooling system that usually are not upgraded with an aftermarket tow package. My only negative experience with any XK model is that they overheat in the hot summer temps, I think they all do based on holes and vents people put in their hoods around here. Many automotive writers have said time and time again that the XJ with the 4.0 motor, AW4 transmission and the NV242 transfer case will last forever. Well I had one that went 280,000 miles and I saw the guy 2 years later with well over 300,000 miles and still no problems. Did I say I like the 242 transfer case or Select Trac on the XJ? By now you probably want to know how to tell a 242 from a 231 in the XJ or any other model. The selector pattern at the 4x4 selector will say something like 2WD, 4WD Full Time, 4WD Part Time, Neutral and 4 Low for the 242. The 231 will just say 2WD, 4WD, N and 4Low. AWD or full time cases on Grands will just say 4High, N, 4Low.

If you are looking for something bigger than a Wrangler and smaller than a Grand Cherokee, the XJ should be at the top of your list. They can be bought economically, can be lifted just enough for a reasonable cost and there is a great aftermarket for parts and accessories. They have proven to be reliable rigs.




 

Jeep Expeditions is the PREMIERE Jeep Exclusive Expedition/Overland Adventure CLUB Anywhere!

Jeep Expeditions is a non-profit corporation registered in the State of Arizona.  

The state recognizes us as a fraternal organization,  we prefer to say we are a club.  Our members and volunteers are dedicated to the exploration of   this great land  for the educational value, historical value,  scenic beauty, the geology, paleontology, the camaraderie of people who share the same interests and to escape the confines of civilization if only for a few days. Our organization and members adhere to the standards of "Tread Lightly" and "Leave No Trace".

Jeep Expedition Members enjoy adventures that vary in length from one day, a weekend, long weekend, week long, two weeks and like our Arctic Expedition in 2011, a full month. Don't worry, most of our trips are one day and two day trips. We are Family Friendly and we have a number of members who bring their friendly "Jeep Dogs".

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