Target Audience:
Owners, DIY mechanics, and professional technicians servicing and sourcing parts for the Jeep Cherokee XJ
Use Case:
Part identification and ordering reference for maintenance, repair, and restoration
Key Advantage:
Factory part numbers and exploded diagrams that aftermarket summaries and generic manuals do not provide
Engine and Related Parts:
Block, cylinder head, intake/exhaust, cooling, and accessories with full part numbers
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, lines, pump, throttle body / MPI injection components
Drivetrain:
Clutch, AX-5 / AX-15 / AW4 transmission, NP231 / NP242 transfer case, front and rear axles (Dana 30/35/44)
Suspension and Steering:
Coil springs, leaf springs, control arms, shocks, steering gear and linkage
Brakes:
Front discs, rear drums/discs, master cylinder, booster, parking brake
Electrical:
Wiring-related components, switches, lighting, gauges, sending units
Heating and Air Conditioning:
Heater core, blower, evaporator, compressor, condenser, controls
Body and Trim:
Doors, liftgate, glass, weatherstrips, bumpers, interior trim, seats
Frame and Underbody:
Unibody structural parts, brackets, skid plates, fuel tank straps
Wheels:
Steel and alloy wheels, hubs, bearings, lug hardware
Exploded Diagrams:
Illustrated part breakdowns for every major assembly
Part Numbers:
OEM part numbers with supersession references where applicable
Parts Information:
Part descriptions, quantities per vehicle, and application notes by year/engine
Model Year Application Charts:
Charts showing which parts fit which years and trim levels
Depth:
Component-level detail down to individual fasteners, clips, and seals
Organization:
Grouped by vehicle system and figure number for fast lookup
Best Used With:
A factory service manual for disassembly and assembly procedures
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
4-Cylinder Engines:
AMC 150 cu in (2.5L) I4, carbureted early and fuel injected later
6-Cylinder Engines:
GM 173 cu in (2.8L) V6 (1984-1986), AMC 242 cu in (4.0L) I6 (1987-2001)
4.0L I6 Output:
Approximately 173-190 hp depending on model year
2.5L I4 Output:
Approximately 105-130 hp depending on model year
Early Systems:
2-barrel carburetor (2.5L/2.8L, 1984-1986); Renix/Bendix throttle body injection on early 4.0L
Later Systems:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI), 1987+ 4.0L and later 2.5L
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approximately 20 gallons (13 gallon tank on some early models)
Manual Options:
AX-5 (2.5L) and AX-15 (4.0L) 5-speed manuals; BA 10/5 on early 4.0L models
Early Option:
SR-4 / T-4 / T-5 4- and 5-speed manuals on early 2.5L models
Automatic Options:
TF904 / TF999 3-speed automatic (1984-1989); Aisin AW4 4-speed automatic (1986-2001)
Transfer Cases:
Dana 300 (early), NP207, NP231 Command-Trac part-time 4WD; NP242 Selec-Trac full-time option
Wheelbase:
Approximately 101.4 inches (2,575 mm)
Length:
Approximately 165-171 inches depending on bumper and year
Width:
Approximately 67.9 inches (1,721 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,000-3,350 lbs depending on engine, drivetrain, and year
Restraints:
Driver and passenger airbags on later model years (standard from 1990s); 3-point front seatbelts
Structure:
Steel unibody construction with front crumple zones
Braking:
Power front disc brakes; rear anti-lock (ABS) on some later model years
Traction:
4WD with low-range transfer case for adverse conditions
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A - not specified in this parts catalog
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles depending on oil type and driving conditions
Spark Plugs:
Approximately every 30,000 miles on MPI engines
Engine Oil:
API-rated oil; approximately 6 quarts (4.0L I6) with filter
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol antifreeze mix; approximately 12 quart capacity with 4.0L
Transfer Case Fluid:
ATF or gear oil per transfer case type (NP231 uses ATF)
Axle Lubricant:
SAE 80W-90 gear oil; limited-slip additive where equipped
AW4 Automatic:
Dexron-type ATF
Known Issues / Wear Items
4.0L Common Items:
Cylinder head cracking on early 0331 heads, oil filter adapter o-ring leaks, rear main seal wear
Cooling:
Radiator and water pump replacement around 100k miles
Steering/Suspension:
Steering box play, track bar and control arm bushing wear
Manufacturer:
American Motors Corporation (AMC) through 1987, then Chrysler Corporation following acquisition
Origins:
Introduced 1984 as the first unibody SUV, replacing the full-frame Wagoneer-based Cherokee
Production Run:
Built continuously 1984-2001 in the USA; XJ design continued in China (BJ2021) for years after
Significant Updates:
4.0L engine introduction (1987), refreshed exterior (1997), added airbags and refinements through the 1990s
Primary Plant:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
