Well, I would think this has been covered before but search turns up nothing under “model history” “model differences” “year differences”. What are the model differences between model years for 98-01 Cherokees? I’m mainly concerned with mechanical differences, especially things that would affect later mods to a trail jeep. I’m thinking about buying one of the later years while I can still get one with low miles, use it as a DD for a few years while I modify my 92, and then modify the new one in 5 years or so.
I know they changed the front diff - was that in 2000? Still a D-30 but they went to a low pinion, right?
Between Edmunds and Consumer Guide, they list these things:
99 – “revised electronics” for “greater engine efficiency” (what does this mean, what exactly did they do, reprogram the ECU?)
- new exhaust catalyst, also supposedly for greater engine efficiency (wasn’t this about when all of the car-makers learned how to spread the catalyst thinner so they could use less precious metals? how does that help engine efficiency?)
00 – more refined version of the 4.0, ran quieter and cleaner (again, what changed exactly?)
- auto trans modified for smoother shifts (details)
- 16 inch wheels for Ltd and Classic
01 – none listed
Neither one mentions the low-pinion diff on the front so that doesn't give me a lot of confidence that these sources have the info on mechancial changes.
What are other mechanical differences, and what are the details of the engine and tranny changes?
I know they changed the front diff - was that in 2000? Still a D-30 but they went to a low pinion, right?
Between Edmunds and Consumer Guide, they list these things:
99 – “revised electronics” for “greater engine efficiency” (what does this mean, what exactly did they do, reprogram the ECU?)
- new exhaust catalyst, also supposedly for greater engine efficiency (wasn’t this about when all of the car-makers learned how to spread the catalyst thinner so they could use less precious metals? how does that help engine efficiency?)
00 – more refined version of the 4.0, ran quieter and cleaner (again, what changed exactly?)
- auto trans modified for smoother shifts (details)
- 16 inch wheels for Ltd and Classic
01 – none listed
Neither one mentions the low-pinion diff on the front so that doesn't give me a lot of confidence that these sources have the info on mechancial changes.
What are other mechanical differences, and what are the details of the engine and tranny changes?