wrangler vs cherokee

[punisher1130]

This post is mainly aimed for aftermarket support ( within the U.S.) and real world mpg comparison from a owners point of view. I know the jeep wrangler plat form has massive aftermarket support all over and has pretty decent mpg and range so my question is, does the Cherokee platform ( 2001 and older) have the same support and range as the wranglers ( none specific on which wrangler)? I am not too familure with Cherokee's that is why I ask.

 

[Grasslakeron]

I have owned both and still own an 06 LJ. Mileage, the LJ gets 14-19 depending on driving. 31 inch tires, 3.73, auto. The Cherokee got 20 on its best days. 29 inch tires, 3.55, auto.

You can find a vast selection of aftermarket for both.

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[jeep-N-montero]

This post is mainly aimed for aftermarket support ( within the U.S.) and real world mpg comparison from a owners point of view. I know the jeep wrangler plat form has massive aftermarket support all over and has pretty decent mpg and range so my question is, does the Cherokee platform ( 2001 and older) have the same support and range as the wranglers ( none specific on which wrangler)? I am not too familure with Cherokee's that is why I ask.

Did you miss the Jeep section of the forum, and also look here https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=wrangler+vs+cherokee Tons of info out there discussing this exact debate.

 

[punisher1130]

Did you miss the Jeep section of the forum, and also look here https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=wrangler+vs+cherokee Tons of info out there discussing this exact debate.

I have seen those but they covered more of the performance and comparison of the vehicles in general rather than support, unless I did missed something and didn't realize it. I am asking this under the idea of if I bought and built the square body Cherokee and, just for argument sake, I broke a part of my lift kit or the under armor got ripped off the truck and cant be reattached for w/e reason, would I be able to go to any shop and be taken care of as if I had the wrangler or is the support thinner than that? As for mileage, as with any vehicle, I prefer that straight from people with experience for a real world idea, sometimes when I google that the numbers don't really add up or make sense so I just ask for a more direct answer.

 

[87Warrior]

... I am asking this under the idea of if I bought and built the square body Cherokee and, just for argument sake, I broke a part of my lift kit or the under armor got ripped off the truck and cant be reattached for w/e reason, would I be able to go to any shop and be taken care of as if I had the wrangler or is the support thinner than that? ...

The XJ has just as much aftermarket support as the TJ, just fewer variations. The front suspension of the XJ is also nearly identical to the TJ. Any critical parts can be replaced with parts from a TJ. Both a TJ and XJ would not be drivable for awhile if you are ripping skid plates off of them :Wow1:

The XJ and TJ will have similar fuel economy for similarly built rigs, with the XJ probably getting 1-2mpg better on average.

 

[punisher1130]

The XJ has just as much aftermarket support as the TJ, just fewer variations. The front suspension of the XJ is also nearly identical to the TJ. Any critical parts can be replaced with parts from a TJ. Both a TJ and XJ would not be drivable for awhile if you are ripping skid plates off of them :Wow1:

The XJ and TJ will have similar fuel economy for similarly built rigs, with the XJ probably getting 1-2mpg better on average.

I just came up with that just for the example, I'm new to 4x4 but I'm not that new lol. I don't think I could get a better answer than that though, I love the wrangler unlimited's ( both versions) but the cheapest I've been able to find is about 12k ( including models with over 100k miles)so I was thinking of the Cherokee as a alternative since those are much, much cheaper, I just didn't know that much about them, and I am assuming the Comanche's are in the same boat since thy were based on the XJ's.

 

[87Warrior]

Oh no, the MJ has a much bigger 'cool' factor than the XJ. Then again, I may be a little biased

The XJ is a great vehicle and nice units can be found within any budget. You can do anything to a XJ you can dream up. Any solid axle Jeep platform will have a good aftermarket and support following.

 

[Kevin108]

Lift options and aftermarket support are comparable. One note: DON'T get an 00-01 XJ. The last two years had the most problems. 96 is the best year of the old interior, and 98-99 are the best of the cupholder years. The rear hatch on the 97+ is metal and more durable. 00-01s have the 0331 cylinder head that is prone to cracking. They also have a low-pinion font diff. Whatever you get, spend a lot of time looking for rust. Once the rust starts, it eats through quick. A prime place to look for it is in the rear behind the plastic bumper end caps.

Mine was lifted, locked, armored, and snorkeled, and was outfitted with everything I needed, but it spent more time in the garage than it did on the trail and always needed something. Once the rust started eating through it, I got rid of it. I can twist wrenches with the best of 'em, but I'm not a body man.

 

[jeepdreamer]

^^nailed it. Good words Kevin.
I've owned a half dozen XJs over the years. My 01, while the "nicest" I've ever started with, was a hassle. That 0331 takes one of the best motors ever made and hamstrings it.
Hard to beat the platform though.
-less expensive buy in cost (usually) than a tj.
-easier to find one that's unmolested or abused.
-more space for gear.
-perfect wheelbase for most off road adventures.
-and just as much aftermarket support as the tj.
Buy a good one, replace it's weak links, keep it serviced regularly, and enjoy it fo a long time.

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[punisher1130]

I already knew about the rust issues, the Comanche's have the same issue, but I didn't know bout the motor stuff, only thing I knew about that is the 4.0 being a bad *** motor. Not sure bout the interior issues but for me as long as everything works the way its suppose to then that is all I care about, as for cup holders, I think I can make something work for that lol. I agree with you 87wrangler, I am lil more partial to the Comanche, it does have that little factor to them.

For mods all I am really looking for is 31-33in tires, 3in lift at most ( don't think I need more than that), bumpers, rock sliders and some under armor, outside of that ill figure it out as I go. That said I have mainly have been looking at the wrangler unlimited's ( both 2 and 4 doors) but so far pricing is a bit out of my reach so I'm thinking the XJ would be a good alternative ( or MJ if I can find them again), as for being unmolested or abused, here in FL, that may be easier said than done but ill still keep a eye out.