Original Purpose:
Versatile, off-road capable SUV, also suitable for daily driving.
Competitors 1988:
Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Ford Bronco II, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder
Body Style:
2-door and 4-door SUV
Chassis Design:
Unibody construction, a departure from traditional body-on-frame SUVs, contributing to lighter weight and improved handling.
Engine:
4.0L (242 cu in) Inline-6, 2.5L (150 cu in) Inline-4
Transmission:
AX-4 (4-Speed Manual), AW-4 (4-Speed Automatic), BA-10/P (5-Speed Manual)
Drivetrain:
4WD (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac), 2WD (RWD)
Suspension:
Front Solid Axle (with leaf springs or leaf spring conversion), Rear Leaf Springs
Brakes:
Front Disc, Rear Drum
Steering:
Power Steering, Steering Linkage
Electrical:
Charging System, Ignition System, Lighting, Accessories, Fuses, Relays, Wiring Diagrams
Body:
Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC System
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Charts, Diagnostic Codes (OBD-I for 4.0L)
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Flushes, Belt and Hose Inspection/Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Brake Pad/Shoe Replacement
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Differential Service, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures.
Detail Level:
Includes step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, and exploded views for component identification and assembly.
Engine 1 Displacement:
4.0L (242 cubic inches)
Engine 1 Configuration:
Inline-6 (I6)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 173 hp @ 4700 rpm (for later XJ 4.0L, 1988 figures may vary slightly)
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (for later XJ 4.0L, 1988 figures may vary slightly)
Engine 2 Displacement:
2.5L (150 cubic inches)
Engine 2 Configuration:
Inline-4 (I4)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 115 hp @ 4700 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 135 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for 4.0L, Throttle Body Injection (TBI) for 2.5L
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (e.g., Mopar OAT or equivalent)
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or distributor with HEI ignition module
Transmission 1 Type:
AX-4 (4-speed manual)
Transmission 2 Type:
AW-4 (4-speed automatic)
Transmission 3 Type:
BA-10/P (5-speed manual, French-built Peugeot/Renault) - prone to issues
Aw4 Features:
Electronically controlled overdrive, popular for its durability and ability to handle off-road abuse.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon for earlier models, check specific application)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (e.g., 75W-90 or 80W-90)
Wheelbase:
101.4 inches (2576 mm)
Length:
172.7 inches (4387 mm) (2-door), 176.3 inches (4478 mm) (4-door)
Width:
69.3 inches (1760 mm)
Height:
63.7 inches (1618 mm) (2-door), 63.6 inches (1615 mm) (4-door)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,100 - 3,500 lbs (1406 - 1588 kg), depending on configuration
NHTSA Ratings:
NHTSA crash test data from this era is less standardized, but generally, SUVs of this period offered moderate protection. The unibody construction was considered a safety advancement over body-on-frame designs.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes with power assist, rear drum brakes. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) became available on some later models but not standard on 1988.
Seatbelts:
Lap and shoulder belts
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag not standard in 1988.
Audio System:
Aftermarket radio common, original may have AM/FM stereo, cassette player.
Cruise Control:
Available as an option on some trims.
Connectivity Features:
Limited to basic vehicle functions, no modern connectivity options.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (typical for this era, consult manual for specifics)
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or as per manual recommendations (depending on usage)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles
Engine Oil Specification:
API SF or SG, SAE 10W-30 (consult manual for exact viscosity based on temperature)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0L: 5 quarts (4.7L) with filter, 2.5L: 4 quarts (3.8L) with filter
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (or equivalent)
Common Issues:
Rust (especially unibody frame rails, rocker panels, and rear quarter panels), BA-10/P transmission issues (often replaced with AX-15 or AW-4), 4.0L head gasket leaks (less common on early 4.0L but possible), CUCV steering box wear, aging suspension bushings and components.
Recommended Upgrades:
Upgraded leaf springs, improved steering components, better transmission options for early models.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep has a long history of producing capable off-road vehicles, originating with military vehicles during WWII.
Xj Introduction:
The Jeep Cherokee (XJ) was introduced in 1984, revolutionizing the SUV market with its compact size, unibody construction, and impressive off-road capability.
Xj 1988 Updates:
The 1987 model year saw significant updates including the introduction of the 4.0L inline-six engine and revised exterior styling. The 1988 model year largely carried over these updates.
Production Years:
1984-2001
Manufacturing Locations:
United States (Toledo, Ohio)
