Jeep Cherokee XJ Side By Side Comparison - 2wd vs. 4wd More Different Than You'd Think

The classic Cherokee XJ has been popular for both on and off-road use for over 4 decades now, but in recent years good quality survivors have caught the interest of collectors, and the value of these things has been climbing steadily.
Many people will turn their nose up at the two when drive versions as being somewhat inferior, but this direct side by side comparison of same year XJs in both configurations shows that not only are some of the differences profound, but on many counts, the weak sister rear drive only version comes out on top.
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[@WhiteTrashMotorsports]

I have grown to really love the xj. They are simple and durable, easy to fix and maintain. Parts are cheap and everywhere. They are the peak of automotive design when cars made sense. No complicated gizmos or integrated overbearing eletro-tainment gimmicks to fail. They just work and when they don't it's usually a simple fix. The worst job to perform is heater core replacement and it isn't difficult it just takes a little work.

[@theendarkenment]

I know nothing about jeeps, but these are all things I love about the Panther platform too. Glad there are other folks out there who appreciate this simplicity and straight forward design philosophy.

[@WhiteTrashMotorsports]

@theendarkenment We also have an 06 Grand Marquis in the fleet, so I can attest to that

[@BrewBlaster]

So in other words; Uncle Kathy said it. 😎😎

[@BrewBlaster]

Dang it Tony, you made the price go up.

[@firingallcylinders2949]

XJs basically represent the last Jeeps to not be loaded with electronics and modules and are easy to work on.

[@failranch9542]

Paraphrasing here, but Matt’s Off-road Recovery said “..you take a stock XJ and you have a rig that will wheel about as good as anything else. You add a simple lunchbox locker and a 2.5” lift and the suddenly you’ve got a rig that will out wheel almost everything else…”

[@30AndHatingIt]

I’ve got a 2WD WJ and winters coming fast here in Buffalo. Starting to ship my pants here. What’s your recommendation on a lunchbox locker? How much $ damage am I looking at?

[@failranch9542]

@@30AndHatingIt I have 2 Jeeps with lockers in both ends. A ‘74 CJ5 with ARB air lockers and a ‘13 JK Rubi with whatever electrically controlled lockers the factory installed. My advice for winter driving is to skip the lockers and install good snow tires. Lockers are great for climbing over stuff. They really don’t do much in snow and ice. In fact, I’d say having the rear locked in a 4x2 on slick roads is an impediment instead of an advantage. It now wants to swap ends - real quick

[@30AndHatingIt]

Well my logic here is, I only want it to get out of being in a situation where I’m stuck. For example, my last WJ was a 4WD and I literally spent every winter keeping it in 2WD because I enjoyed sloshing around and had so much winter driving experience that I just didn’t need it. However… there were always that 1 or 2 times where I would be backing into my parking spot and sure enough hit the icy spot where, even with good snow tires, I still wound up spinning because 2WD is actually 1WD when you’re stuck. I would have to grudgingly put it in 4 to get off the icy spot. But now I no longer have that option to save me. I will be stuck on the ice, or, possibly a deeply buried parking lot, or a bad road. I want to be able to lock it up so both wheels are turning instead of 1.

[@failranch9542]

@@30AndHatingIt the old farmer’s trick is to apply the parking brake when just one wheel is spinning. This forces some torque to the dead wheel. A lot cheaper than a locker. Don’t get me wrong, lockers are great. I just don’t find them useful for winter driving. Plus, a locked diff on slick road is just asking for it.

[@30AndHatingIt]

I would only be locking the diff to get out of a spot I’m stuck in, then unlocking it. Are you absolutely sure doing that E-brake trick would get me out of a pinch?

[@jps3903]

I daily drove my 97 4x4 xj for 7 years. I drove it through Syracuse, NY winters, around town and as a highway commuter for years in Connecticut and then used it to skid logs for firewood when I moved back to Pennsylvania. It never left me stranded, got 17-18 mpg, was fun to drive, and just a great, versatile car. I parked it in my father’s barn when I got divorced and moved to South Carolina, the crackheads found it, used it as a parts car and that’s where it sits today. And that’s my xj story.

[@PrimitiveOverland]

Do you still have the title? Your story may not be over. You still have it. The value is going up.

[@tribble1]

There's a very long, in depth forum post from an old timer back in 2013 titled "My goal is to get 25+ mpg from my 99 XJ with 30 x 9.5 R15 ATs" that I think you would LOVE nerding out over, Tony.

[@ShaunHensley]

I miss the old forums

[@brucenichols540]

I have a 1995 XJ 4x4 purchased new by myself. It currently has 450,000 miles. Original 4.0 with only a Timing Chain, Original AW4, Original Transfer Case, Original Ball Joints and Tie Rods, Etc, Etc, Etc. Runs Perfect, 3,000 mile oil changes will be down about 1/4 Quart. Power Windows... Never Failed. It's the MOST amazing vehicle I've ever owned by a factor of at least 4X.

[@midwestlee-iw8nl]

wow

[@0004612]

Sounds like my 2004 GC with a 4.0. I’m still shocked it hasn’t needed a water pump or alternator or power steering pump. Hope I’m not jinxing myself !!

[@thomasknobbe4472]

I couldn't agree more with you. I had a girlfriend with a white '96 XJ-the "Cheap Cherokee" we called it. Basically the same drivetrain as your red two-wheel-drive XJ, with older interior and external end styling. The shop put Michelin LTX tires on it and I added KYB Gas-A-Just high pressure shocks and it became an Urban Assault Vehicle-quick off the line at the light, excellent sight lines all around, tight handling, and a suspension that laughed at the biggest potholes-firm, but not jarring. The only car I would consider driving in Manhattan, or Boston. About the same gas mileage as yours, easy to service and maintain, huge back area with the back seat down. Very good road car, with the suspension in alignment and all front end parts tight it went down the road quite straight for a vehicle with a solid front axle. The AMC Six sounded loud and crude when you stepped on it, but the acceleration quickly got you past that concern. Front buckets didn't look like much, but they turned out to be comfortable and supportive, within the handling limits of the vehicle. I remember it fondly, and I am glad you are enjoying yours so much and that you get it about these vehicles. Wranglers are fun, but for the street the XJ is the real Jeep.

[@MalarkeyTaylor]

It's fun to see people finding this out about the XJ 20+ years after they stopped making them... but you're right about them being great. which is why I'm restoring one for my kid now.

[@MikeOrazzi]

Someone needs to buy the plans from Jeep and make Jeeps Great Again. Bring back the original XJ. Maybe Tony can pull that off.

[@drsnooz8112]

Tony, this is a great video. We need more videos from owners of old cars, describing what they like and what's valuable about them. With new cars having become intolerable and getting worse each day, we need to be highlighting these old gems and working to preserve them in our own fleets.

[@artummomenti3147]

My xj story...bought it with 175000 used. Put in new used engine at 254000. (I screwed up the head replacement on the original engine) developed an engine knock at 354,000. Found 3 pistons cracked, sticky valve. Rebuilt the engine , just turned 380,000 and starts every time.

[@charliedee9276]

Parasitic drag was one of the reasons I put an older manual locking front axle in my Jeep WJ, a Dana 44 high pinion from a late 70's Ford p/u. My mileage increased about 4-6 mpg, knocking down 22 mpg with a HO 4.7 on the highway. Best I ever got with the stock front axle was around 16-17.

[@HOCKENBERGER]

That's why the Ford 9 inch eats so much horsepower. I once read somewhere that it has the lowest pinion vs ring gear relationship of all diffs. Almost classified as a Worm gear, it said.

[@RYTHMICRIOT]

That generation of Cherokee is probably the best vehicle Jeep ever sold. I had a 94 ZJ (Grand Cherokee) which was also a 2WD. Once when I called the local auto parts store and I told the rep over the phone it was a 2WD, he asked, "why did Jeep build that?" I passed it on to my teenage daughter for a first car and she finally killed it when it hit 308k miles.

[@charlieb308]

I had two, both junk, I had to have two so when one was in the shop I had one to drive. I did own 7 Hondas and never had any parts replaced.

[@ImForwardlook]

​@@charlieb308Next you'll brag about burning the flag and sleeping on nails

[@charlieb308]

@@ImForwardlook that’s funny, since a Toyota and Honda are made in American now. I have a Ford truck now and a 1986 Monte SS, I also own many guns and don’t vote for democrats. Like I said, I owned a dodge truck and 2 Jeeps, all junk, garbage. I didn’t replace 1 part on any Honda I’ve owned. Maybe you like to get hugs from mechanics at jeep garages, not me, I don’t like guys

[@carlt6932]

​@@charlieb308I guess they are a lot like Harleys. You either love them or you don't.

[@charlieb308]

@@carlt6932 Dodge Trucks in NY state rust out so quick! The two Jeeps I had drove well but they were constantly needing some repairs that were odd like window motor broke, door locks stopped working, my heater core blew up while driving, wiring harness for lights in back needed to be replaced, lots of strange electrical issues. Both had some oil leaks that were annoying but repaired easy. Engine, transmission and 4x4 worked well. I was so happy my X girlfriend totaled the 99 jeep so I could get insurance money.

[@GJM866]

We had a late 90's Cherokee at our PD, 4wd with the police package. It would literally drive through anything and was unbeatable in winter. Better than any other 4wd we ever had.

[@mph5896]

I had a 1995 Police Package one prob 20 years ago. LOVED that thing.

[@ogonbio8145]

r50 pathfinders have perfect weight distribution to wheel size combo, which makes them either float right over the snow or dig down to solid ground and kinda hop and skip through. I’m talking Saskatchewan winter too

[@TonyBasuro]

If only it had the jeep torque. I drove both in 97, the extra liter of displacement made the difference. Still, I love Pathfiders, and every Nissan V6 ever made.

[@30AndHatingIt]

I’ve been on 9/11 World Trade Center kick lately just kinda wanting to finally process what happened and what I witnessed as a kid. Anyway, in one of the videos I saw an XJ with police markings and lights on it. Had no idea they made those. 2 days later I’m reading your comment over here. Crazy coincidence. I should share the link so you can say if your department’s XJ looked similar.

[@zworm2]

Had a '96 4L High Compression Cherokee for many years. Best car ever. Took me everywhere. Had 4WD, rarely had to use it. 363,000 miles on it with barely a hiccup. The engine finally began to die. Oil pump went bad. I commuted in it everyday about 100 miles. Towed my boat like it wasn't there. Just a great vehicle.

[@Wolf4wdadventures.576]

The mighty XJ, one of the best Jeeps ever designed... I've had 4 of them now. Easy to work on. Find a good example and with a few mods this thing will go anywhere.

[@lovethislife40]

At 15 years old, the xj was my dream vehicle. Bought my first, a 92, for 300$ because the water pump was bad. I ended up getting rid of it because i couldnt afford the gas. In 2012 i bought a 97 2wd. Ive had it ever since. Its my daily, its made multiple teips across the country. It is still my dream vehicle, and youll have to pry it from my dead hands.

[@JimsRustyOldNuts]

Ive had 4 cherokees and a comanche pickup...id argue that the mid 90s to mid 00s are probably the best all around daily driver ever.

[@firingallcylinders2949]

XJs are super simple, easy to work on, reliable, fun to drive, fun to mod, look really neat. I've never met someone who didn't like them. They might be Jeep's Magnum Opus.

[@TheArcticWonder]

When i come to your videos and see you get so excited over mundane vehicles, i feel like im at home. I am right there with you getting overjoyed at the simple things

[@dalton456]

The thing that makes the xj great is the simplicity. I took my original 2000 two-wheel drive and over the course of a few years basically converted it to a four-wheel drive limited, I ended up totaling that out so I bought another two-wheel drive limited shell for 600 bucks, swapped the tan interior for a black interior, and swapped the entire powertrain from my converted four-wheel drive to that two-wheel drive shell and made it a four-wheel drive.

[@firingallcylinders2949]

The basic maintenance is a cake....serpentine belt worn out? 5 minutes job,Thermostat die? 20 minute job, Water pump go out? 30 minute job....Valve cover gasket....alternator AC compressor....everything is right there within arms reach.

[@scooteryooper3133]

I've found their biggest issues are body rust, otherwise they are very durable

[@firingallcylinders2949]

Surface shield oil....works wonders

[@platinumuschannel]

XJ is a Jaguar. Saw a gearhead like Tony correct a kid the other day in an auto parts store. Probably about 20, he walks in says he needed spark plugs for his "XJ". The clerk asked what year his Jaguar was and the kid look confused. He's right. I get the whole development code thing, and I say it with my ZJ and sometimes my MJ. Also, all these years and people still get it wrong- "XJ" does not actually stand for "eXperimental Jeep", there is a document from AMC with original drawings calling it "eXciting Jeep". Problem is I don't remember where I saw it, but the drawing was a Cherokee with some slight inspiration from both the Eagle and the Grand Wagoneer in the front.

[@kurtisstutzman7056]

My 89 Jeep Comanche was a great truck...! That 4.0L is what made me fall in love with I6's... I now have a fleet of 94-96 F150's with 300cid/5 -speeds...! All 2-wheel drives... Thanks, keep up your awesomeness...

[@Gamefreak8112]

one of the most fun and the most useful vehicle I've ever had was a green 93 2door 4wd cherokee. That thing could corner, suggested speed signs were usually an indication I could go double plus ten MPH around the corner.

[@michaelangelos5117]

Exactly what happened to me. Except ZJ. I paid a thousand bucks for this ZJ that ran great. I was just going to polish it up and flip it. But it was so much fun to drive that I really started to fall in love with it. I've never even given zj's or Cherokees a second glance. It was a two-wheel drive because the front drive shaft was missing. I drove all the way across the country and back in that car in two-wheel drive then I flipped it and broke even and got another one that's really pretty dialed in four-wheel drive. Both 5.2 l V8 Love this vehicle and now I want an XJ or

[@bobkonradi1027]

I'm with you 1000% on the Jeep Cherokees from the late 1990s. I remember your video when you first bought it, and you were talking about how simple a vehicle it is. Everything is easy to work on, a man with 10 thumbs could still handle it. And the 4-liter straight 6 is simple to work on as well. Like you say, the 2WD car has 212,000 miles and the engine is basically chugging along at 20 mpg. Sorry to hear about the one piston skirt problem, but hey, the car has to give you a little something to do on a Sunday afternoon every 200,000 miles or so. Even so, the engine is very easy to work on. We had a 2006 Jeep Rubicon with this engine (the last year they offered it) and at 85,000 miles the only reason we ever had to pop the hood was to change oil and just check the water in the radiator. I've read stories about the longevity of this engine, and at 400,000+ miles several people have said the head's never been off of their car. 300,000+ seems to be common. Great low end torque. Thanks for this article, and the even-steven comparison 2WD vs 4WD.

[@0004612]

My 4.0 jeep gr Cherokee 2004 gets a consistent 20-22 overall mileage per gallon. But, I converted it to synthetic oil in every area: axle, transfer case, engine. It’s been the most reliable vehicle I’ve ever owned. Just hit 200k and still running the original everything. Except window regulators and front driveshaft

[@deegaw11]

Always thought the XJs were great looking rigs. During post Covid when the used market was insane I seen a clean stock 2000 XJ on my local marketplace for $3,000 listed by a elderly lady. During that time you couldn’t even buy an hooptie for less than that. I already had a couple vehicles and didn’t need another. I thought wth I can probably resell it and make at least 1-2k. Till this day I’ve been driving it daily and love it. It’s nimble and probably the easiest vehicle ever to work on. Glad I picked one up because a clean stock one isn’t cheap no more.

[@billbob4856]

Pro tip if you buy one of these. DO NOT take the doors off and off-road. They’re unibody and the doors serve a structural purpose. They are not a Wrangler. They will off-road as well or better than a Wrangler but keep the doors on. Take them off and the body can twist and the doors won’t go back on.

[@harryfuchs7488]

Unibody stiffeners should help

[@seiser42]

Seen a guy wheeling one without the rear hatch. The amount the roof would move back and forth was insane. He said it broke the rear side windows because of how much it flexed

[@nolesy51]

Your a legend tony for investigating my favourite car, mine was 4x4 with the lsd and got me through a few winters I loved it it was so reliable and easy to work on I took it many lakes on the snow and bush beater but daily driver up in Canada you cannot go wrong with one

[@balisticsquirel]

I would really like to see an experiment where you swap the wheels between these vehicles and calculate MPG again in those conditions.

[@kyleolin3566]

I miss my MJ. It was a 4x4, single cab, 4.0 5spd, with 3:73 gears and a Dana 44 rear diff. Tons of power for off-roading and so easy to work on.

[@MikeOrazzi]

I agree. I have 2, both limited trims with limited slips. My 98 is down currently, but the rusty 01 is hanging on. My first newspaper photographer job in Pa, had a company owned basic 90 XJ SE with an am radio and AC, we used to drive it hundreds of miles a day.

[@rattlesnakedaddy7566]

My wife and I bought our '96 2wd XJ new. We had to wait for it, as we ordered it as a 4.0 HO Sport with 5-speed manual, and there weren't any available at that time. It currently has 206k on the clock, and has been a wonderful vehicle. We regularly get between 20-24 mpg.

[@wastelander89]

Thanks for making this video. I always only ever had and drove the 4 wheel drive 4.0 straight 6 jeep cheerokees 97 to 01 there my favorite jeeps model and years .there my favorite and the size and feel of the vehicle is just right. U can off road but also have smaller size to be able to maneuver around with out the down sides of a big truck

[@alexirodriguez9121]

I have a 96 XJ 2 door, 2 wheel drive with a 4.0 and 176,000 miles. Feels like I'm driving a sports car. Great acceleration and handling. My dad has a 4 door 98' XJ 2 wheel drive with a 4.0 as well. The 98' definitely feels a bit different compared to my 96' when you sit inside.

[@kiphenricksen6029]

I can't agree more! I have one that never goes over 35 mph but it goes literally wherever it is pointed and even after building the damn thing and owning it for 5 years, it still amazes me Everytime I drive it! Love it, but it's terrifying to get over 35 in it and it always will be lol! But the 98 stock one, is a Ferrari with a transfer case, and so easy to navigate, fast turns tighter than any other vehicle I have ever owned, and still is the funnest most reliable rig I've ever owned.

[@shadowopsairman1583]

My 07 bowtie truck has 186000 miles on it.

[@daftend]

You want handling, drive a Comanche. Lower center of gravity :) its wonderful how well these jeeps handle tho

[@OTTO-1303]

The XJ and ZJ are the final designs of AMC with only slight touches from Chrysler after the buyout. Former ZJ owner. Great machines.

[@v12alpine]

pretty sure ZJ's are all chrysler design with exception of the revised 4.0 block.

[@roketfingers]

The zj was designed in 1986, it's not a Chrysler

[@OTTO-1303]

@@roketfingers as stated, it was shelved by Iacocca until the 90’s

[@roketfingers]

@@OTTO-1303 my bad, I was replying to someone else who replied you

[@OTTO-1303]

@@roketfingers that reply not in my feed at the time 🤔👍 Glad that Chrysler kept the AMC designs going a little longer

[@stevendemoss6609]

My 91 xj has half a million miles no rebuild on anything just the consumables water pump starter etc... still fires up and goes strong. And I'm not easy on her either. My wife's 92 has over 300 thousand miles and going strong both 4x4. Bullet proof

[@shaimran8933]

This was a really cool take to see as someone whose only ever owned 4x4 xjs

[@shelleyking8450]

These things are tanks. Simple to fix, reliable and tough. My buddy had one in New Mexico, a 94 I think. It was originally from Canada, so no idea how it ended up where he got it. Odometer was kilometers, and his had 380000 on it before the motor finally gave up. Body and frame were still good though.

[@hemiihemm]

The best jeep comercial I’ve ever seen!

[@WhiteWolfBlackStar]

LOL! I couldn't agree more! I love my wagon. I have a 2 door now, it's stock, needs some basic TLC, it was a farm vehicle, dirty, untended. The more I hung out in it cleaning it, the more I love it. I've had 3 ZJ Grand Cherokees, I ALWAYS LOVED THE XJS BETTER. Although, I CAN VOUCH, driving thru a blizzard in white out conditions, I didn't even flinch in the ZJs. Felt safe as a baby. I think I'd be fine, same trip in the XJ. No problem. We've got jacked up TJ's right now. I can't bring myself to even consider selling the wagon. I could drive the thing with my eyes taped shut, I know it like the back of my hand. It's a 95 with leaf springs, I'd like to test out a 98 or 99. I just barely missed a few good deals, I suspect that's the sweet spot with the XJ's. I just got this 97 Sahara TJ salvaged, so we're handling a few things. It was rolled, but it's a BEAST. I definitely just want both. They're both 4.0 inline 6, as geeky as this XJ might look, not lifted and all that jazz, if it had been maintained the way the Sahara had been..... I might just go with that one. It's a white 2 door, black windows, black wheels, tan interior, I cleaned it, really not much damage except the headliner could use some help. I know the 2 doors are rare, I kinda like the 4 door, dogs and passengers etc. But for the moment, I just wanted to keep it geeky and stock. I think it's cute! Haha I call it AVALANCHE. I've been battling a new soft top on the Sahara.. so I'm not raining praise on my rude boy, at the moment. I can't wait to take that beast ANYWHERE. I was still getting compliments just sneaking to the gas station real quick on bad tags. I mean the thing rolled! We hadn't done the fenders yet. But I do think there's something absolutely UNTOUCHABLE about the XJs. I just love em. They don't seem to steal the show the way some of the other Jeeps do, but when it comes to just driving around town, doing things day to day, CANNOT BEAT AN XJ! And.. ya know, should you ever have to CAMP OUT... LOL you can be quite comfortable in the XJ, I hang out in it all the time. Great video, you've definitely covered something I'd wondered about in both Jeep and 4Runner, same issue. Both of your XJ's are wonderful! You take care of them and your family! Stay safe, prosperous and blessed ✨🕊✨

[@dominickserignese8837]

The red one is nice and quiet now. Great job T.👍

[@Twobeards1car]

I have an 89 Pioneer 4.0 manual 4x4 completely stock save a few upgrades she has over 300k miles, I use her to haul the kids and dogs. I also have a 97 4.0 automatic 4x4 that's my wheeler lifted all that jazz 240k miles. Both run great I love them. I learned how to drive in a 92 Laredo, I'm 31 and I told myself long ago that I would always have an XJ in my fleet. My daily is a 2012 Lexus IS250, and I also have a 77 Datsun 620 longed cause you always need a pickup. Yet I still drove my 89 to work today because I love driving it that much. Cheers happy that you fell in love with these great machines!

[@steventsunami9506]

I had a 2WD 88 XJ that was downright sporty feeling. I now have a 4WD XJ wagoneer and it feels significantly heavier and is slower off the line.

[@v12alpine]

I call my 96 2wd the race jeep. It absolutely smokes my built 4wd 96.

[@Mr.Avuncular]

Welcome to the club....mines a 95xj 4x4 157k and bought it for 1500 bucks back in 2005 it had a bad crank sensor and a map sensor replaced those and it's been a happy happy ride ever since

[@timrayburn2461]

Thanks Tony & Cathy

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

87 XJ 253xxx miles and many more to go! Thanks for sharing your thoughts Uncle Tony 🍻

[@adamcweber]

Welcome to Uncle Tony's XJ channel... boy has the content on this channel really shifted over time....

[@jonathanryan2915]

This reminds me of the time I had a RWD 97 Yukon and it came with a locking rear diff. That locking rear diff made all the difference when you needed it. It only ever got stuck when the snow was too deep or the front wheels got stuck in mud or something. So many situations where an open diff would have made my 2 wheel drive Yukon completely useless. Amazing what just a locking differential can do

[@ateamfan42]

Many people do not appreciate how limiting an open differential is from a performance standpoint.

[@AdvantureRoad]

I really like the xj and owned one for a short time. I just had a hell of a time getting in and out of it without hitting my head or folding my neck into an odd and painful angle. The seat also needed to go back and down.

[@madmanmapper]

Recommended transfer case fluid is ATF. Hope there's not 80w90 in there, that'd definitely slow things down. Also the front axle U joints tend to get rusty on those Jeeps, that'll add drag as well (that, and the fact that they're U joints). But yeah, at the end of the day, there's more drag than 2WD.

[@EYE_SPIDER]

Cool Comparison, man it sounds like you did good on that Jeep!

[@RobbieStott]

Mine gets 16 mpg average and its a 4wd. Aussie export ones are all Limit Slip in my experience and I like the AWD when its raining as theres no traction control. My family all drive XJ or ZG Jeeps since they became very cheap 12 years ago. Your right theyre creaping up in price but slower in Australia as they didnt rust out here and a lot survived.

[@desertdan100]

I am in love with my ZJs. The one difference is the slight length and the coil springs on all 4 corners. 96 to 98 is the best years of the ZJ or Grand Cherokee. I have basically wore out my daily driver. I have 253,000 miles on everything all original.

[@thezombie7839]

Good video. A locker really is the best investment to make on any real off roader. It certainly makes sense when going up the hill in the video. It's all about weight transfer there.

[@Gearheadgotajob]

I am a Mopar guy that found the XJ. Started with a 98 Comanchi. Fell in love with that smooth sewing machine. Had to haul my sons dirt bike to his races and needed more space. Found a Cherokee sport 4x4 making rackit. Knew right away it was flex plate. Bought it for a song. Found a Major power difference in the sport package. While I had the motor out I welded the cracked header pipe (very common) and replaced the crushed muffler with a "cherry bomb". Very mellow until you open it up. Had to replace the gauge cluster twice now and Estimate that I now have nearly 400k on it! The previous owner did tell me that the motor was replaced at some point. Next vid you should compare power output of the Sport version compared to your standard XJ. The insurance for the Sport is higher for a reason. Legendary reliability! Thanks for the vid Boss!

[@charbvin]

Great video!

[@ruthguitars7711]

Love this man I have owned multiple Cherokees in the last 10 years and I have never had a complaint. Stroke that 4.0 in that 4x4 and a couple other mods and you can get around 20 mpg out of it. I actually have a factory 4.6 in my 92 with a throttle spacer upgraded injectors and a performance ignition set up. A few things make a huge difference. Drive it 62 miles one way Monday though Friday. Love these comparison videos though! Them 2wds are tough.

[@JohnBaker-ks8rd]

Appears to me there is a differance in tire height, which does make a big differance, the bigger the tire, the steeper the gears and does make the engine work harder

[@barto6577]

Tire size is an owners choice. I'm running 235s on my 1990.

[@totensiebush]

it also absolutely impacts miles shown on odo, and therefore mpg

[@JohnBaker-ks8rd]

@@barto6577 I run 30-9.5 on my bronco ll, same heith as a 235-75 but they wider, tire heighth changes gear ratio whitch effect power and feul consumpion

[@JohnBaker-ks8rd]

@@barto6577 I run 30-9.5 on my bronco ll, same heith as a 235-75 but they wider, tire heighth changes gear ratio whitch effect power and feul consumpion

[@julianlord2697]

I have had 1997 😊XJ for about 17 years in total. Great vehicles.

[@johnweaver8470]

Looks like you're having fun uncle Tony

[@joescrewdriver9000]

Your speaking my language brother. Love the channel.

[@joescrewdriver9000]

Just want to say it is a better wheel base than a wrangler. Funner to Drive.

[@TheGhjgjgjgjgjg]

I have an 84' AMC Eagle (a jeep on a wagon body basically) and while it's a cool vehicle to own and pretty unique, it's NEVER ENDING work! In fact, all Jeeps are. Every single person I've known or talked to who has owned a Jeep/Cherokee has all said they are money pits that need constant fixing even when driven lightly. Absolutely awesome machines with a ton of history but they are FAR from perfect

[@kinkaidlee360]

Every single person you've known or talked to do not know what they are talking about.🤦‍♂️

[@stevenfalls2297]

Have a 2000 jeep xj with lock rite in the front dana 30. This allows it to crawl easily over things without having to gun it and break stuff. Enjoyed the comparison and for some strange reason the thing I liked most about the video was listening to the tires crush the grass.

[@cobyburrow9339]

$800 and you drove it 70,000+ miles! I call that a win and a deal!

[@chrismay2298]

Always loved them and will have more I'm sure. Just sold my 98 two door last year.

[@MN_XJ_Mike]

Good investments buddy. Both my 98 and 99 are 4wd and both came with limited slip. They have the towing package so it was like that from the factory✌🏻

[@canuckgarage]

The one option I never got around to testing on my XJ was locking hubs. It stops all the rotating parasitic drag. However all the other XJers say it wouldn't make a difference. I wanted to test it myself however. I've found a lot of "Expert Comments" come from guys with no experience. I'll be getting back into XJ's this winter. I miss mine. Should never have sold it.

[@95Sn95]

Back in 2008ish I had a 96 2wd xj with a manual and a 4 banger and it was a trooper, i loved it i frove the hell outa that lill thing it was zippy but not fast went like a tank in the snow it came from Spain or something a army guy brought it back home. It was 100% rust free but 3 years in Maine ate the floors up the my ol lady rolled it sideways down a hill into a parking lot, It was upside down on its roof in the parking lot and only had 1 broke window in the back!

[@kiphenricksen6029]

I love driving my little xj's. I have one that is an off road special but I have a 1998 4x4 that has 30x9.50 15's mud terrains and I love driving it more than my hot rodded 4speed Camaro and my tuned 7.3 lifted diesel. It is the most fun you can have in a car with your clothes on!! Positive traction and power at the toe without hesitation. I absolutely agree with all you say. They are capable of reaching 350,000 miles on those little mills, and the automatics I believe are the toughest ones they make!! Beware, the limited slips will fail without some love every now and again!

[@IMRROcom]

We have 1999 2x4 XJ 4.0. We have owned it from 2000. Wife, is the 2nd owner and it was only a few months old when she got after she graduated from collage. We love this car, we call it a Tall Station Wagon. It is rather peppy and fun to drive. It has been running perfect for many many years. the PCM just needed to be replaced a few weeks ago. Easy at home job. Our 2x4 XJ gets around 16mpg and it is city driving short trips and idling to pick kids up from school. Or 2x4 XJ has an open diff, not a limited slip. it will get stuck in the sand box. If you have a full size spare you have a LSD, if you Jeep came with one of the small donut space saver spare tires it is on open diff. Jeep did not want you to melt the LSD with mismatched tires with the small donut spare.

[@IMRROcom]

@@jamesl9686 I ordered it from a place called FLASHMASTERS - (Purple & Yellow Logo). It ran $299. more than I wanted to spend but I needed the car up and running and it was cheaper than getting a rental. I had the New PCM in 2 dyas, pluged it in and the Jeep started up just like it should and has always done.

[@Rmehki]

Tony, great video. Just want to chime in, I have a 98 Sport 4wd. It has Track-Lok rear and I average 20 mpg mixed driving.

[@5831a]

Had a 1999 XJ since 2010, great vehicle, 5 spd, 4.10 gears now, true trac in front & a LSD from an 8.25 Dakota in JY.

[@saxmusicmail]

My older son had a '99 Cherokee. (Edited - 2 WD) Great vehicle.

[@Dirtyace1414]

I found the holy grail a few months ago and I saved it. 1998 4.0 4wd with a 5 speed manual and no real rot. It was sitting for 7 years un driven and filthy. Grabbed it for $1500 with 160k on her and all I did was a tune up and new fluids and its great. I will be keeping it for many years.....

[@toneylafollette9698]

I’ve owned three. A 1994 two wheel drive, two door Sport, 4.0 5-speed manual… A 1996 four wheel drive, four door, 4.0 5-speed manual… And a 1998 four wheel drive, four door, 4.0 Automatic… The 1994 and the 1998 I bought brand new.. The 1996 was my last one, but also my favorite… From someone that has owned these different configurations, my advice to Uncle Tony is to find a 5-speed one. The XJs with a manual transmission are a different experience and in my opinion, one of the greatest vehicles ever made.

[@thomasconnolly7452]

Had an 89 company lease for 3 years. That was a great truck and was great in NJ snow.

[@johnr5545]

Thanks Nice job on your video I have one and I do love it. It’s a great little vehicle I tow my behind a motorhome.

[@robr4662]

I agree. The XJ is awesome, in either variation.

[@CanadaBud23]

My 88 had the CAD front axle and I would say it would perform in mileage roughly the same to a 2wd. The front drivetrain would sit static. So it was good for commuting and 4x4ing. Now that one has the 98TJ axle which is your full movement front axle and it's a huge difference. The 98 has what you have minus the AW4 since they were both standard and I have noticed as well it does feel harder to move I have to give it more pedal to go compared to my 88. But my 88 is now a track car and is incomparable but it did drive better as a stock 4x4 than the 98 and it was quite a bit faster too. Like 0-60 and 100 they are both in much different categories, but a base model vs a newer sport the sport is much heavier and more drivetrain to push. Also at the moment looking for a 4cyl Comanche. For the commuting work vehicle.

[@thunderzap2]

Funny you say that, I'm currently driving a 1996 2 door XJ 4x4 and it's amazing. I've also got a 1992 comanche MJ as a project. Personally I like the boxier early body style and interior but they're all great vehicles.

[@brucenichols540]

Agreed! The 'smoothed over' look of the 97 up does not work for me either.

[@TJ-oi5qe]

I had a 89 Laredo xi, it was one of my favorites. I often find myself thinking about it.

[@timothyproksch2915]

Nice camera work

[@terryeley6218]

I had a 92. 4.0, 4x4, 5sp. Mine got 22 effortlessly. Ive missed it since i sold it. Fantastic vehicle. Oh, mine had trac lok at both ends.

[@stevelacker358]

I’m also an XJ fan, and discovered them late. I’ve had 2001 4.0, AW4 2wd, and a 99 4.0, 5-speed 4x4. In my case, the 2wd had no appeal, but maybe because of the automatic. I never got more than 19 mpg with it, but the 4x4 5-speed got 20-22 on the highway. The 4x4 does feel slower, but still gets better mileage. The AW4 is a ridiculously reliable transmission, but it’s a power hog and I always thought the shifts were sloppy and greasy. The AX15 is just fun all around.

[@pl7868]

Yup i had a new 95 4 wheel drive , had the hi low and a button to lock the axles up , you could feel that front axle for sure when you let off throttle but i never found it hard on fuel in fact thought it was really good , took it on highway trips up north running 80 to 100 mph in the hills north of lake superior on the trans Canada an it was faultless , that 6 is a great motor lasts forever , used no oil at all ever between changes , wish i still had it in hindsite

[@ridervfr2798]

my XJ is 96 - 2 wheel drive 212,000, installed new oil pan gasket, was cleaner than clean inside, really amazing. Cleaned my throttle body recently, South Florida, we had 40 degree night/day and the Jeep was DOA, had fuel pressure etc, warmed up the next day and it started. Mystery not solved. Peace UTG

[@harvestblades]

Tony I love your content & especially the XJ stuff as we have two 2000 4.0 currently. I watched your video on the cracked piston skirt & don't recall you mentioning whether you checked the other 5 for cracks as it is rather common to see multiple skirts cracked on these guys.

[@The_Ludd1te]

My folks had an 89 4wd and I got to drive it years down the road when I was in high school. Absolutely loved it. Did fine in the snow. That 4.0 was a great motor. The MPG was usually around 16. Would I say it is mankind's greatest achievement? Well my stock second gen (94) 4runner would run circles around it off-road but I get where you are coming from. On road I would actually prefer the Jeep.

[@Whats-It-To-Ya]

My experience was the complete opposite. My XJ completely annihilated my 4-runner off-road. Both stock height with lockers and similar tires. Toyota had better road manners though.

[@The_Ludd1te]

@@Whats-It-To-Ya That is very interesting. In fairness I did more wheeling in the Runner than the XJ so maybe that crated some bias. I found the Runner, as a bone stock rig (on 31" BFG ATs), had excellent approach angles and just felt more 'set up' for off road, especially in snow. I would go with a buddy who had a Wrangler (YJ) that was sprung over/body lift/33s and there was nothing between the 2 rigs really. However I found the Runner a bit 'drifty' at highway speeds whereas the XJ was like a tank...just ate the miles up steady as a rock.

[@mikerobinson3672]

Not an XJ but a few months back I bought a 2001 Dodge Durango 2WD 4.7 V8. Really clean truck. Supposedly needed a transmission, really just needed a shift solenoid. Wanted something to hit the highway with and go to my cottage with that was decent on gas. I feel the same way about that little truck. Has 3.55 trac lock. Absolute burn out machine 😅😅. Not wild about the 4.7 V8 seen a lot of them grenade but this one has held up and not making noise so I will go with it.

[@shadow105720]

Not all the 4.7s are bad. The way i see it is if its still on the road these days its probably a good one. My 01 dakota has smoked since the day i got it in 18, sometimes it doesnt want to stay running on a cold day when you first start it but other than that it doesnt miss a beat. 245k miles so far. I kee saying ill put a hemi in it one of these days but who knows maybe the 4.7 will just keep going. Id love to pick up a durango to match it but i want a 98 or 99 for the 242 transfer case with 2wd and awd and stronger front diff with a 5.2 or 5.9.

[@c.johnstonblacksmith]

As slow as possible, as fast as necessary. The problem with the XJ in my view I s the suspension is comprised of stampings. There are great aftermarket upgrades which is a big plus but stock the Jeep won’t hold up to daily rough road travel without major wear and tear. Drive that same course every day for a month and report back. Love your channel, mostly for the mopar content, been a sub for years since the tag job duster video I think.

[@formerice]

Friend drove one here in Maine just under a million miles. Salt killed it. Great vehicles.

[@JFSmith-nb8hf]

Great vid, Unk.👍 I have a mostly stock 89 4 wheel. A few months ago the steering column snapped (in traffic). Managed to get it off the road without killing myself or anyone else. Been trying to find a replacement, but they are rare as hen's teeth. When you do find one, the seller seems to think they are made of solid gold. I may have to go to something aftermarket, but wiring will be a pain.

[@barto6577]

Snapped, or did the infamous tilt column bolt failure get you? There's four torx bolts down by the tilt mechanism that like to back out, Loctite cures the problem.

[@JFSmith-nb8hf]

@@barto6577 Yeah, it had a classic case of XJ floppy column, (which I'd been too lazy to fix, big pain in the nether regions) but it actually broke above the tilt flange. I'd likely be better off going to something aftermarket, as that GM one was a POS from the factory.

[@RobithicaThaGreat]

I love my 2wd xj. i just lowered it and its actually a blast to drive.

[@mcguireskaratetheartofsurv1942]

Well said Prices are getting crazy Get one while you can

[@jasonprince8655]

I had a 94 xj with the 4.0L, crank widows, and manual transmission. Simplicity at its best.

[@sheehy933]

I've been daily driving my 2001 XJ for about 3 years now. I got it with 183,xxx miles on it. A radiator, alternator, valve cover gasket and a new headliner are all I've done to it other than brakes and tires. It is an excellent basic transportation vehicle.

[@eirik_halvorsen]

I have sincerely had a thing for these pretty much for as long as I can remember. But I really started loving them when 'the Banana' became a thing on the youtube a few years back. However I haven't prioritized to get one, yet. Living in a complete different part of the world I had no clue that 2wd even existed! That's all new to me, as a Norwegian. That being said myself and I have several experiences with limited slip diffs in various vehicles. So in my humple opinion the test you put those two through didn't say much...at all. I still love XJ's (will get one soon) and I enjoyed this video very much. But would you make another comparison of the two a little more off-road? At least I would love to watch it and surely; comment again :)

[@DanEBoyd]

That aftermarket auxiliary transmission cooler peeking out from behind the grill is SICKY-DOPE!!!!

[@sweetpigfarm3645]

I learned on a 90 xj put a 99 motor in it painted orange loved. Do miss it.