What the heck did I buy? (97XJ)

[Michman]

Hi folks, I just picked up a base 97XJ at a State of Michigan vehicle auction to be my wifes daily driver. It's a 4 liter, auto, air, power mirrors, rear defrost/wiper, am/fm radio, 24,000 miles. I dont think it's a selec-track, it has the normal 2H, 4H, N, 4L 4wheel drive system.
She wants a mild lift kit, and new wheels for looks. So I ordered Rock Road Outfitters 2 inch budget lift (2 inch poly spacers, 1 1/2 inch shackles, and 1/2 inch spacer) for $110 bucks. 15 X 7 or 15 X 8 with a 10 X 30 inch tire is my guess on the correct tire and wheel size.
Now in hindsight I should have found out what differentials, and gears it has before I ordered anything, anyone have a guess as to what it has or how I find out? Thanks in advance.

 

[Eagle]

If it's a 4 liter, it's not a base model. The "base" was the SE and I believe that was sold only with the 4-cyl. and certainly didn't have power windows. You probably have a Sport.

4L with automatic will have 3.55 gears. It could have either a Dana 35 or a Chrysler 8.25 rear axle. Front axle will be a Dana 30, high pinion, no axle disconnect.

With stock gearing and a budget boost, you'll do very well to stay with stock 15x7 rims and run 30x9.50R15 tires. The factory offered a lot of different alloy rims over the years, and often people who have moved up to huge tires and wide wheels are selling them for next to nothing. Check our classifieds, and check whatever you have for a shoppers' newsletter in your neck of the woods.

 

[Slip Kid]

your tires now are probably 225/75R15, on 15X7s, it should say on the sidewall. that's about a 29" tire. The stock rims will work fine with 30s

 

[Lawn Cher']

You could very well have a base model (SE) with upgraded options, including 4.0 automatic and power accessories... I've seen quite a few like that. Do you have a plastic trim strip across the doors, or are they plain? The SE would be plain and the sport would have the plastic. Does it have full guages or idiot lights?

Sounds like a nice truck you picked up.

 

[Michman]

The reason I think it's was a base model is their is no upgrade designation. Only the standard vinyl "Cherokee" script on the lower front doors, and the vinyl "4X4" script under the back side windows. There is no plastic strips along the sides, just stock body panels. It's definitely a 4 liter.
I suppose the state could of special ordered these, since we have so many of them in our fleet. I'll crawl under it tonight and try and figure out what differentials I have, hopefully at least a 30 front and 35 rear.
Thanks for the replies, this was my first post. This is our 3rd Jeep, first was a 98TJ, sold that and bought a 03TJ a few months ago, so I guess we're an official Jeep family now.

 

[Lawn Cher']

Sounds like a SE model with the added options of 4.0 Liter, automatic (AW4,) Command Track (NP231). You should have 3.55 gears in a high pinion D30 and D35 or 8.25. No need to crawl underneath, just take a peak from the back... 8.25 has an obviously flat bottom under the pumpkin, whereas the D35 will be rounded underneath.

As I said earlier, a great package in its simplicity. Enjoy!

 

[Michman]

Thanks Lawn Cher, and it's a D30 front, D35 rear, and I'll take your word for it that's it running 3.55 gears. Once I get the 2 inch lift installed I'll start shopping for wheels and tires.
But before I do I'm going to pull my spare off my TJ (30 inch 15X8 Canyon wheel) off and see how it looks. I'd really like to throw 31s on it, but will probably end up taking the fourms advice and stick with 15X7 wheels and 30 tires.
I have to remind myself this is her vehicle, she a great woman, so I want make her Jeep look great too. Thanks again.

 

[sidriptide]

30's will make it stand out from the rest of the "mom-mobiles" out there. sounds like a nice ride you have there.. enjoy.
mike