Hi guys,
My '86 4Runner got stolen and I'm looking for a budget 4x4. Thinking of getting a Cherokee next and have a few questions.

Are all the straight 6 motors from '91 on the H.O. type, or is that a special option I'll need to search for?

How much travel does the front end have stock? Are there cheap/easy ways to get more travel if I want, without going for a higher-doller lift? Is the Cherokee front end pretty capable design, with a more expensive lift?

How do the Cherokees do in the sand/dunes? Does anyone know about what they weigh?

My 4Runner did awesome in the dunes, but stock front travel was only 4.5 inches, and the stock HP is a little low. It looks like a Cherokee will be better in those areas in addition to costing less to purchase. I think there are probably more HP and suspension upgrade options available for the Jeep too, correct?

Thanks for the info guys, I appreciate it.
Brian.


Oh yea... Are the 5-speed trannys pretty stout? I mean, if I prefer a manual would there be any reason to get an auto instead?

Thanks again, B.

all 91 and up 4.0's are H.O. stock, i don't think there is a way to get a non HO motor after 91 from the factory in a jeep.

the front end has around 6 with stock shocks, but if you put on longer shocks you can get about 8. with a lift you can get much more.


my budy has a grand cherokke that we take in the dunes all the time, from a combination of jumping and hitting rouq whoops, he has bent 3 axles.

the 5 speeds are fairly stout mine had 187 on it and was still going.

a cherokee will do at least as well if not better in the dunes that a 4runner, and you'll find its really good for trails too.

Thank you very much!
Oh yea, I read that the pre-'91 4.0 has the peak power down around 2500 RPM, while the HO 4.0 has about 15hp more, but its up at about 3500 RPM.
It looks like the earlier 4.0 has some serious low end grunt, which I like, but is the H.O. 4.0 a better overall motor with the improved ignition system and whatever else?
Which do you prefer?
Thanks, Brian.

i just want to throw my 2 cents in on the sand ? i've wheeled my '96 xj in the sand quite a bit. i don't jump it intentionally. i've never broke anything. i also have the auto and it's excellent in the dunes. the unibody construction is lightweight, the 2.72:1 low range seems perfect to me in the sand with 30's, nice soft suspension, and the H.O. 6 cyl has plenty of power, compared to other stock suv's. i drag raced a 454 chev pickup and kept up. the guy beat me by a little, my grill was at his rear tire after 100 yds or so, he said he was giving it all it had. i smoked a ranger several times. like, i couldn't even see him in my mirror he was so far back. never raced a yota but i'm sure the xj would kill any of them.

i think the xj is the best choice for an suv in the dunes. mine continually impresses me.

the ignition and injection changed in 91 and maybe cam timing.. not sure. after 93 it went from paired injection to sequenetial, giving it just a wee bit more control over the motor and a wee bit more effeciancy, otherwise all 91 and up 4.0's are prertty much the same mechanically.