The Cherokee is back?

[kojackJKU]

true, Any good shots of your lib? looks awesome in your avatar

 

[matthewp]

true, Any good shots of your lib? looks awesome in your avatar

Thanks! I have to give Tommudd. All the credit, his Libby was my inspiration. Here's a couple:

 

[toylandcruiser]

Anyone comparing this to an xj....you know that the wrangler unlimited replaced the xj right? Face facts that this rig is built for the person who does not rock climb but wants a comfortable rig that can get them to their favorite camping spot, cabin in the woods or away from the concrete jungle. Mission acomplished! My wife and I are looking at one to go along with my JKU. I thought it looked weird at first, but behind the wheel it looks comfortable, capable and ready to go. we are going to order a trailhawk as soon as I get my harley paid off! ha ha!

You can get a rear locker so out of the box it's probably better than a stock xj.

 

[summerprophet]

I cried at the defamation of the legendary name Cherokee

I wonder if the Cherokee Nation has those same feelings about Jeep?

 

[tommudd]

Thanks! I have to give Tommudd. All the credit, his Libby was my inspiration. Here's a couple:

Well dang, didn't know I stirred things up for you and got you started on this terrible thing of spending money:Wow1: ha ha Yours always looks good

 

[kojackJKU]

Remember guys, JEEP is Just Empty Every Pocket! ha ha

 

[SouthPawXJ]

They're on their way to the dealers.

http://www.autonews.com/article/201...rokees-are-on-their-way-at-last#axzz2iSYzF7bb (subscription may be required... it didn't ask me for one)

I've changed positions on the Cherokee. I really disliked it when it debuted, but the more I see of it, the more I like it.

 

[David Harris]

Or was that the Liberty... Then Jeep realized THAT wasn't quite up to snuff, then made the JKU.:smiley_drive:

The Liberty was also the new Cherokee:

 

[matthewp]

ha ha Yours always looks good

Thanks very much Tom!

The Liberty was also the new Cherokee

I have many times thought about getting a set of Euro-spec door trim that says "Cherokee" just to throw people off!

 

[kojackJKU]

I love properly built Liberty rigs. look awesome quite capable and just down right cool!

 

[David Harris]

I love properly built Liberty rigs. look awesome quite capable and just down right cool!

They are more capable than most people think they will be. In fact the IFS doesn't get in the way off road that much, because the rear axle flexes well. A stock KJ and a stock XJ are very close in terms of RTI scores. I've owned two XJ's and two KJ's and in stock form they are pretty close in terms of flex and off road capability. The main drawback to both is that they are too low from the factory and need a small lift and the sway bars disconnected to be capable, as well as skid plates for protection and decent tires. Also a Liberty with ESP or a rear locker improves its performance greatly. On road and in day to day use, the KJ completely blows the XJ into the bushes.

 

[mbryson]

They are more capable than most people think they will be. In fact the IFS doesn't get in the way off road that much, because the rear axle flexes well. A stock KJ and a stock XJ are very close in terms of RTI scores. I've owned two XJ's and two KJ's and in stock form they are pretty close in terms of flex and off road capability. The main drawback to both is that they are too low from the factory and need a small lift and the sway bars disconnected to be capable, as well as skid plates for protection and decent tires. Also a Liberty with ESP or a rear locker improves its performance greatly. On road and in day to day use, the KJ completely blows the XJ into the bushes.

While the above may be true (and likely is), you can DRAMATICALLY change the XJ for $1000 or less. A lift for the "new" Cherokee (if one is ever made), will be significantly more $ due to the complexity of the suspension systems. (I'm sure I'm not telling anyone anything new, here)

 

[Septu]

I think that article was tripe...

And I think the lack of utility in such a model would force it to be at a price point that is lower than Jeep would be willing to go.

Yeah the Lifestyle, while different will probably be a tough sell. Pickup like in the cab, but no real box (canopy, camper, etc). I would think that those considering this would just go with a small Taco or something.

 

[David Harris]

While the above may be true (and likely is), you can DRAMATICALLY change the XJ for $1000 or less. A lift for the "new" Cherokee (if one is ever made), will be significantly more $ due to the complexity of the suspension systems. (I'm sure I'm not telling anyone anything new, here)

Yes. The upper level of the XJ is definitely higher than the KJ, unless you do a SFA swap, in which case I would give the edge to the KJ again, by virtue of coils all around. The ultimate limitation to the KJ with IFS is that you can only go up to a 32" tire with the available lifts. However, 32 inch tires, and lockers will take you a very long way in a lifted KJ, so the XJ's advantage is moot unless you are going to do hard core rock crawling.

 

[tommudd]

Yes. The upper level of the XJ is definitely higher than the KJ, unless you do a SFA swap, in which case I would give the edge to the KJ again, by virtue of coils all around. The ultimate limitation to the KJ with IFS is that you can only go up to a 32" tire with the available lifts. However, 32 inch tires, and lockers will take you a very long way in a lifted KJ, so the XJ's advantage is moot unless you are going to do hard core rock crawling.

Other options out there though to take the KJ even a little further like the steel front diff and 6 inch adjustable coilover kit from jeepinbyal . You them have up to 4.88 gears available and at least 33 inch tires some have installed larger even