I have been watching CL for a decent Cherokee. My question is, since I live in the tropics, what benefit would I get with 4wd? I fear the extra complexity, weight and drag associated, so what, if any, up side would there be to go with it? Seems at least half the XJs here have it. Thanks, Chuck
The only benefits would be:
1) Telling people you have 4wd.
2) Probably better at off-roading if you think you'd ever want to get into that.
Other than that... skip it.
Got sand?
Unless you specifically need 4x4 for something, you should be fine without. Transfer cases can be a bitch to deal with anyway.
Woody wrote: Got sand?
Ooooooo some dune hoonage could be fun.
They are much better at running over large gators...
I assume it might be handy post- hurricane, but other than that, guess I'll take a pass.
4WD gives sand about 5,000 more places to do damage. How's your maintenence religion?
Dan
LIke others have said, if you don't need 4WD you'll pay more in ffuel and maintenance. But, if you want to go wheeling, get it. THe t-case adn front axle are pretty trouble-free. You'll get some seepage our of the two output seals, the vacuum switch will go bad (4WD will work, but the light on the dash won't) and if you have an axle disconnect, you'll replace that once in it's life.
If you want the 4WD but would like to reduce the fuel penalty, install locking hubs.
Another XJ thread ?!?
This must be the Miata of the SUV world 
a401cj wrote: Another XJ thread ?!? This must be the Miata of the SUV world
Why do you think there's so many people on here that have both Miata and XJs? 
There are few 2wd Cherokees out there.
Pulling boats up slippery ramps?
keep an eye open for XJs formerly used by utility companies or other businesses. Most of them are 2WD. Of course most were sold off 5-10 years ago.
If you never leave the road, pass on a 4WD model. There's no difference in value in this area, so I'd get what suited me the best. I have a 4WD XJ and I use the 4WD a couple times a month at least.
In these parts, almost every business-owned or municipal Jeep has 4WD. I'm not sure if that applies 200 miles south. Around here, there are enough service roads that get muddy or sandy that it gets used. Forestry Service Jeeps are one good example.
zomygosh! I love my xj 
92CelicaHalfTrac wrote:a401cj wrote: Another XJ thread ?!? This must be the Miata of the SUV worldWhy do you think there's so many people on here that have both Miata and XJs?
I think the older wranglers might be. Everyone with one waves, the are both impractical on the highway, but both are very good in there own element. My tj reminded me of my Miata in alot of ways.
Joey
Out of curiosity, why get a 2wd Cherokee? I'm not aiming to start a battle here, I'm really just curious.
thatsnowinnebago wrote: Out of curiosity, why get a 2wd Cherokee? I'm not aiming to start a battle here, I'm really just curious.
Right, 2WD has the same straight axle front suspension and rides just as bad on the road. Slightly less unsprung weight, I guess, but if you want better handling you would get a YJ.
joey48442 wrote:92CelicaHalfTrac wrote:I think the older wranglers might be. Everyone with one waves, the are both impractical on the highway, but both are very good in there own element. My tj reminded me of my Miata in alot of ways. Joeya401cj wrote: Another XJ thread ?!? This must be the Miata of the SUV worldWhy do you think there's so many people on here that have both Miata and XJs?
I drove a CJ 5 from Toledo to near Albany NY in my younger days.
thatsnowinnebago wrote: Out of curiosity, why get a 2wd Cherokee? I'm not aiming to start a battle here, I'm really just curious.
Because in some cases, 4WD is superfluous.
Woody wrote: Got sand?
You live in Florida. We live in Chicago. My wife has driven a Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X2 for almost 9 years and gets around the Chicago winters just fine. Posi-whatever it's called rear axle and a decent tires.
She had a 1994 S10 Blazer 4X4 that she put into 4X4 about once every 2 years. That was the reason we passed on 4X4 on the Trailblazer.
Why get a Cherokee? Sort of light weight, decent gas mileage compared to a Tahoe or the ilk, can haul my stuff, easy to work on, cheap parts, bullet proof tranny, dependable, nice looking (?), durable, can tow, cheap. They are available here for ~2000.00 in nice shape and totally rust free. I'm more concerned about capabilities than corner carving. I probably left a few benefits out.
I get awful gas mileage out of mine.... but i'm guessing part of that is how it's driven and the fact that it's 4wd?
My buddy gets better MPGs out of his 4.6 Expedition.
Gas mileage is NOT a reason to buy an XJ.
When I had my '98 XJ, I was getting 18 mpg or so via the computer. A reason to get the 2wd? Hoping the mpgs staying above 20 would be a reason.
You'll need to log in to post.
