I have 285K km on my Cherokee (XJ) and I'll get another one if it ever
quits. The 4.0L straight 6 is great. Parts are mostly cheap, many
aftermarket mods available, and DIY maintenance is relatively easy with
lots of info on the net:

http://www.naxja.org/forum/

Look for 'Selectrac' transfer case with the full time 4wd option - nice
for winter driving. Look for the Corporate 8.25" rear end as opposed to
the weaker Dana 35. A model with ABS will always have a Dana 35. Also
look for models with towing package and 3.73 gearing in the
differentials (rare, but nice to have). Watch for rust in rocker panels
and floors.

Steve
http://xjeep.dyndns.org

Monroe wrote:
> I've been considering the purchase of a 4WD for winter use and general
> hauling/towing of small utility trailers throughout the year. Because
> of fuel consumption and quality of build, I've been considering Toyota
> and Honda. But further investigation has pulled me around to Jeep.
>
> As a newbie to this model/brand, what is the signficant mechanical
> differences between the Cherokee Sport/Limited/Classic and the more
> refined Grand Cherokee. I'm thinking here chassis, steering,
> suspension, drivetrain as well as fuel consumption. I'm leaning to a
> 1999-2001 Cherokee Sport/Limited w/ the 6-cyl, but there seem to be
> many more Grand Cherokees available in my area.
>
> Seems like simple uninformed questions, and that's what they are.
> Thought a user group would be the place to ask.
>
> Thanks for any and all.
> --
>
> Monroe

 

I have 285K km on my Cherokee (XJ) and I'll get another one if it ever
quits. The 4.0L straight 6 is great. Parts are mostly cheap, many
aftermarket mods available, and DIY maintenance is relatively easy with
lots of info on the net:

http://www.naxja.org/forum/

Look for 'Selectrac' transfer case with the full time 4wd option - nice
for winter driving. Look for the Corporate 8.25" rear end as opposed to
the weaker Dana 35. A model with ABS will always have a Dana 35. Also
look for models with towing package and 3.73 gearing in the
differentials (rare, but nice to have). Watch for rust in rocker panels
and floors.

Steve
http://xjeep.dyndns.org

Monroe wrote:
> I've been considering the purchase of a 4WD for winter use and general
> hauling/towing of small utility trailers throughout the year. Because
> of fuel consumption and quality of build, I've been considering Toyota
> and Honda. But further investigation has pulled me around to Jeep.
>
> As a newbie to this model/brand, what is the signficant mechanical
> differences between the Cherokee Sport/Limited/Classic and the more
> refined Grand Cherokee. I'm thinking here chassis, steering,
> suspension, drivetrain as well as fuel consumption. I'm leaning to a
> 1999-2001 Cherokee Sport/Limited w/ the 6-cyl, but there seem to be
> many more Grand Cherokees available in my area.
>
> Seems like simple uninformed questions, and that's what they are.
> Thought a user group would be the place to ask.
>
> Thanks for any and all.
> --
>
> Monroe

 

I have 285K km on my Cherokee (XJ) and I'll get another one if it ever
quits. The 4.0L straight 6 is great. Parts are mostly cheap, many
aftermarket mods available, and DIY maintenance is relatively easy with
lots of info on the net:

http://www.naxja.org/forum/

Look for 'Selectrac' transfer case with the full time 4wd option - nice
for winter driving. Look for the Corporate 8.25" rear end as opposed to
the weaker Dana 35. A model with ABS will always have a Dana 35. Also
look for models with towing package and 3.73 gearing in the
differentials (rare, but nice to have). Watch for rust in rocker panels
and floors.

Steve
http://xjeep.dyndns.org

Monroe wrote:
> I've been considering the purchase of a 4WD for winter use and general
> hauling/towing of small utility trailers throughout the year. Because
> of fuel consumption and quality of build, I've been considering Toyota
> and Honda. But further investigation has pulled me around to Jeep.
>
> As a newbie to this model/brand, what is the signficant mechanical
> differences between the Cherokee Sport/Limited/Classic and the more
> refined Grand Cherokee. I'm thinking here chassis, steering,
> suspension, drivetrain as well as fuel consumption. I'm leaning to a
> 1999-2001 Cherokee Sport/Limited w/ the 6-cyl, but there seem to be
> many more Grand Cherokees available in my area.
>
> Seems like simple uninformed questions, and that's what they are.
> Thought a user group would be the place to ask.
>
> Thanks for any and all.
> --
>
> Monroe