This Jeep Cherokee 4l XJ preparation carried out at RSC 4×4 (very close to Lyon) demonstrates, if it were still necessary, that you can start from a fairly old and vintage 4×4 base to have an off-road vehicle that can be used on a daily basis and for trips off the beaten track. As the number of real new 4x4s offered on the market tends to decrease and especially to have quite excessive prices, in recent years, the second-hand market is booming and many old models are coming back to the forefront. You can still have fun by taking a healthy base, doing a real maintenance, restoring certain things and there you have a 4×4 set off on the tracks and paths for many years to come. This is the case for our XJ Cherokee 4.0l.
On the historical side, the Jeep Cherokee was released in its first version in 1984 and its phase 2 in 1997. The one that interests us today dates from 2000. It is a version powered by the 4.0l 6-cylinder which develops 178 hp for 30.7 mKg. The 6-cylinder in-line is coupled to a 4-speed automatic gearbox. We have a transfer case to benefit from short speeds with central locking.
The Jeep XJ series are modern for their time with no longer a ladder chassis with, but a self-supporting shell. We can even say that it is the first SUV, even if at the time, SUV did not mean “‘climbing sidewalk” like what we find mostly today.
The XJ with its 4.0l engine known for its reliability allowed to benefit from off-road capabilities while combining comfort on a daily basis.
At present, we can still find Jeep XJs at reasonable prices second-hand and it is therefore an interesting option for those looking to acquire a 4×4 for a reasonable price.
Regarding suspension, the Cherokee XJ has coil springs at the front but leaf springs at the rear. For braking we have discs at the front and drums for the rear axle.
Note that the rear axle is equipped with a limited slip differential.
Transformation Jeep XJ
The owner of the Cherokee entrusted it to Sabine and her team at RSC 4×4. This garage specialized in 4x4s, offers maintenance, it is also a preparer and will be able to support your projects or offer you the equipment to equip your 4×4. Located in Craponne (France Rhône 69) with its 30 years of experience and recognized know-how, RSC 4×4 is one of the region’s must-sees and you’ll find great preparations, restorations but above all they are passionate and practitioners (I recommend them).
The Cherokee will therefore go to the workshop for its preparation. Apart from the maintenance that was done regularly, the mechanics first looked at the suspension. Here, no need for an oversized kit, but rather something efficient that will also allow the possibility of using the 4×4 on a daily basis. We are therefore starting with a change of the original suspension to move on to an OME suspension kit.
Once on the axle, we drop the old suspension and we will reassemble +45 mm medium springs (OME 2930) on the front and +50 mm medium Leaf spring (OME CS035A & B) completed by an additional Leaf spring (OME D22XL) designed for an additional load of 250 kg. As you will see with additional equipment, the weight on the rear is more significant on this preparation.
On the shock absorber side, we still draw from the OME range with OME Sport models that will adapt to the new lift.
In passing, we change the Panhard bar for a model adapted to the lift but also we add a Rough Country kit with connecting rods adapted to the lift. But also the stops and silent blocks are changed on the front and rear axle by polyurethane versions.
As off-road accessories we find on our XJ a snorkel, a roof rack to be able to transport equipment during walks. The latter rests firmly on the roof of the 4×4 thanks to its 4 fixing brackets on each side. A tubular protection on the top allows to deflect the branches at the front but the rear tray part of the rack has no edge, so we can fix a roof tent there. Last small modification, the exhaust with a Borla silencer with a large outlet tube.
the rear part does not have small sides this allows to accommodate a roof tent
The front bumper was already in place when purchased. It replaces the original bumper and offers more robust and the A bar receives two long-range lights. Note the presence of two shackles and that a winch plate is present if we wish to add one.For the rear, the RSC team will mount a steel bumper with spare wheel carrier specially designed for the XJ from Smittybuilt (rear PC + RDS XRC). We can therefore easily access the spare wheel but also easily the trunk by rotating the wheel carrier.
Finally we will take care of the 4×4 tires, the choice was made for a use that will not be extreme towards BF Goodrich AT in 33×10.5×15 which will be mounted on Modular Black rims in 7 / 15.5.
for more information or information: https://www.rsc4x4.com/
