2-dr vs 4-dr wheelbase?

[ExplorerExplorer]

So, I'm looking into getting a Cherokee (not as a replacement, but an addition to the Explorer) as a cheap 4x4 (my 2wd Ex doesn't go as well as a 4x4 :Wow1... Living the apartment life makes it a little hard to do all my work, so I plan on just picking up a cheap Cherokee and beating on it... Now, to my question, is the wheelbase the same between the 2 door and 4 door models? Or is the 2 door a SWB like my Ex? I'd like to get into a LWB model if I could, but can't seem to find a 5-spd in them (unless it has the puny 2.5L)... Any help?

 

[the Rewster]

Same wheelbase.

 

[Purple People Eater]

Same wheelbase.

Yup. The 2 door looks shorter, but it's kind of an optical illusion. The front doors are a tad longer, making the space between the doors and rear fenders a shorter distance. But they are the same wheelbase, so shopping for sliders won't be an issue, either.

 

[dms1]

Hey, I don't own a jeep, but I own a 85 4Runner (2 door) and a 99 4Runner (4 door) and I wish my 85 had 4 doors, it makes accessing cargo and gear much easier.

FWIW

 

[ExpoMike]

Hey, I don't own a jeep, but I own a 85 4Runner (2 door) and a 99 4Runner (4 door) and I wish my 85 had 4 doors, it makes accessing cargo and gear much easier.

FWIW

Agree, having the 4 doors makes getting anything behind the front seats much easier. Additionally the 4 door, doors are shorter so you are need less room to open them in tight spaces. 2 door models have been known to crack the hinge mounts because of the extra weight and leverage of the longer doors. I also belive about '97-'98 they stopped making 2 door models.

2 door models look sexy though. :ylsmoke:

 

[SWbySWesty]

I'd go 4door. For all the resons above if not also for some body strength...I think we have an extra pillar. Plus you know once you offroad all your friends will want a ride in the coolest XJ in TN! Big aftermarket support and keep looking for a 4.0 5-sp. I love mine and they should be plentiful.

Naxja.org might have some in your local scene

 

[ExplorerExplorer]

Yeah, I'd much rather have a 4-dr... I hate trying to get people in the backseat of my Explorer... Just finding them around here with the 4x4, 4.0L, 5-speed options is difficult...

 

[ExplorerExplorer]

I decided today I'm going to go ahead and get a nice base platform instead of having to build the entire thing from scratch... Being that I have no place to work all my work will have to happen during the summer, and I need a good 4x4 before then... I figure I can afford ~$6000 ($4500 from the Camaro, $1500 for the Explorer)... I'd like to find someone who wants a straight up trade, instead of going through the hassle of selling and buying and whatnot...

 

[SWbySWesty]

Some pretty awesome built XJ's can be found Keep us posted!

 

[ColoCherokees]

I'd go 4door... Plus you know once you offroad all your friends will want a ride in the coolest XJ...

It's all personal preference, though. A 2-Door riding on 33" tires forces would-be back seat passengers to re-think their desire to tag along...a successful back-seat entry/exit in my XJ is approximately a 9.8 score in Olympic Gymnastic competition. Often times I'm glad that only one other person can comfortably ride with me.

 

[winkosmosis]

I like how the 4 door lets you throw stuff in the back seat easily. With the back seat folded down, it's like having 3 access doors to your big cargo area.

 

[ExplorerExplorer]

It's all personal preference, though. A 2-Door riding on 33" tires forces would-be back seat passengers to re-think their desire to tag along...a successful back-seat entry/exit in my XJ is approximately a 9.8 score in Olympic Gymnastic competition. Often times I'm glad that only one other person can comfortably ride with me.

I think it might actually be easier to get in the backseat of my Camaro than my 2-dr Explorer... I always have people tag along with me though (then again, when you're a college student and going somewhere, you'll do anything to not have to drive!)...