The 1999 Jeep Cherokee (XJ) holds a special place in the hearts of off-road enthusiasts. Its rugged simplicity, robust 4.0L inline-six engine, and relatively lightweight chassis make it a fantastic platform for building a capable trail machine. However, a stock Cherokee needs upgrades to truly conquer challenging terrain. This guide delves into the world of off-road parts specifically for the '99 Cherokee, providing you with the knowledge to transform your XJ into a trail-dominating rig.
Why Upgrade Your '99 Cherokee for Off-Roading?
Unleashing the Beast: A Comprehensive Guide to Off-Road Parts for Your '99 Jeep Cherokee
The stock '99 Cherokee, while capable, has limitations. Ground clearance is minimal, the suspension is designed for on-road comfort, and the tires are typically highway-oriented. Upgrading addresses these shortcomings, allowing you to:
- Increase Ground Clearance: Navigate obstacles without damaging undercarriage components.
- Improve Traction: Overcome slippery surfaces like mud, rocks, and snow.
- Enhance Suspension Articulation: Keep tires on the ground for maximum grip on uneven terrain.
- Increase Durability: Protect vital components from damage during off-road excursions.
- Customize Your Ride: Tailor your Cherokee's performance to your specific off-road needs and preferences.
1. Suspension Lifts: Elevating Your Off-Road Prowess
The suspension lift is arguably the most impactful upgrade you can make. It increases ground clearance, allows for larger tires, and improves articulation.
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Types of Lifts:
- Budget Boost (Coil Spacers & Shackles): The most affordable option, providing 1-2 inches of lift. Best for mild off-roading and larger tires.
- Benefits: Inexpensive, easy to install.
- Considerations: Limited articulation improvement, can cause a harsh ride.
- Add-a-Leaf (AAL): Adds an extra leaf spring to the rear pack, providing lift and increased load capacity. Often paired with coil spacers in the front.
- Benefits: Relatively inexpensive, increases load capacity.
- Considerations: Can create a stiff ride, may not last as long as a full leaf spring replacement.
- Full Leaf Spring & Coil Spring Lift: Replaces the entire leaf spring pack and coil springs, offering superior ride quality and articulation. Available in various heights.
- Benefits: Improved ride quality, increased articulation, durable.
- Considerations: More expensive, requires more installation effort.
- Long Arm Lift: The ultimate in off-road suspension. Replaces the factory short arms with longer arms that improve suspension geometry and articulation.
- Benefits: Exceptional articulation, improved ride quality, enhanced off-road performance.
- Considerations: Most expensive option, requires significant modification, often requires professional installation.
- Budget Boost (Coil Spacers & Shackles): The most affordable option, providing 1-2 inches of lift. Best for mild off-roading and larger tires.
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Choosing the Right Lift Height:
- 2-3 inches: Ideal for fitting 31-inch tires and mild to moderate off-roading.
- 4-5 inches: Allows for 33-inch tires and more aggressive off-roading.
- 6+ inches: Designed for extreme off-roading and requires significant modifications, including re-gearing and driveshaft modifications.
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Installation Tips:
- Penetrating Oil: Apply liberally to rusted bolts before attempting removal.
- Spring Compressors: Use for safely removing and installing coil springs.
- Torque Wrench: Ensure all bolts are torqued to the manufacturer's specifications.
- Alignment: After installation, get a professional alignment to ensure proper handling and tire wear.
2. Tires: Gripping the Terrain
Tires are crucial for traction and overall off-road performance.
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Types of Tires:
- All-Terrain (AT): A good compromise between on-road comfort and off-road capability.
- Mud-Terrain (MT): Designed for maximum traction in mud, rocks, and loose terrain. Can be noisy on the road and wear quickly.
- Rock Crawling Tires: Specialized tires with aggressive tread patterns and soft compounds for superior grip on rocks.
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Choosing the Right Tire Size:
- 235/75R15: A common upgrade for stock Cherokees, providing a slight increase in ground clearance.
- 30x9.5R15: A popular choice for Cherokees with a 2-3 inch lift.
- 31x10.5R15: Requires a 3-inch lift and potentially some trimming of the fender flares.
- 33x12.5R15: Requires a 4-5 inch lift and significant trimming or aftermarket fender flares.
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Important Considerations:
- Load Rating: Ensure the tires have a load rating suitable for your Cherokee's weight.
- Sidewall Strength: Look for tires with reinforced sidewalls for protection against punctures.
- Tire Pressure: Adjust tire pressure based on the terrain. Lowering the pressure increases the contact patch and improves traction.
3. Armor: Protecting Your Investment
Off-roading can be tough on your Cherokee's undercarriage. Armor protects vital components from damage.
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Essential Armor:
- Rock Sliders: Protect the rocker panels from damage when navigating rocks.
- Skid Plates: Protect the oil pan, transmission, transfer case, and gas tank.
- Differential Covers: Protect the differentials from rocks and debris.
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Materials:
- Steel: The most common and affordable option.
- Aluminum: Lighter than steel but more expensive.
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Installation: Most armor pieces bolt directly to the frame, but some may require welding.
4. Winch: Getting Unstuck
A winch is an essential recovery tool for any serious off-roader.
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Choosing a Winch:
- Capacity: The winch's pulling capacity should be at least 1.5 times the weight of your Cherokee. A 9,000-pound winch is a good choice.
- Cable Type: Steel cable is more durable but can be dangerous if it snaps. Synthetic rope is lighter and safer but more expensive.
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Installation: Requires a winch mount or aftermarket bumper with a winch mount.
5. Lockers: Maximizing Traction
Lockers lock the axles together, forcing both wheels to spin at the same speed, even if one wheel is off the ground. This dramatically improves traction in challenging situations.
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Types of Lockers:
- Automatic Lockers: Engage automatically when wheel slip is detected. Can be noisy on the road and affect handling.
- Selectable Lockers: Can be engaged and disengaged manually. Offer the best of both worlds: on-road drivability and off-road traction.
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Installation: Requires professional installation and axle disassembly.
6. Re-Gearing: Optimizing Performance
Larger tires effectively change your gear ratio, making your engine work harder. Re-gearing restores the optimal gear ratio for your tire size, improving acceleration and fuel economy.
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Determining the Correct Gear Ratio: Consult a gear ratio chart based on your tire size and engine.
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Installation: Requires professional installation and axle disassembly.
7. Lighting: Illuminating the Trail
Proper lighting is essential for nighttime off-roading.
- Types of Lights:
- LED Light Bars: Provide a bright, wide beam of light.
- Auxiliary Lights: Can be used as spotlights, floodlights, or fog lights.
- Rock Lights: Illuminate the undercarriage, helping you navigate obstacles.
8. Other Important Upgrades:
- On-Board Air Compressor: Allows you to air up your tires after off-roading.
- CB Radio: For communication with other off-roaders.
- Hi-Lift Jack: For lifting your Cherokee in off-road situations.
9. '99 Cherokee Specific Considerations:
- Vacuum Disconnect Front Axle (CAD): Some '99 Cherokees have a vacuum disconnect front axle. Consider upgrading to a solid axle shaft conversion for increased strength and reliability.
- Rust: '99 Cherokees are prone to rust, especially in areas with road salt. Inspect your Cherokee for rust and address it before investing in upgrades.
Price Table for '99 Jeep Cherokee Off-Road Parts:
| Part | Description | Estimated Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Boost Lift Kit | 2" Coil Spacers & Shackles | $100 - $200 |
| Add-a-Leaf Kit | Adds a leaf to the rear spring pack | $150 - $300 |
| Full Leaf Spring Lift Kit | Replaces leaf springs & coil springs | $500 - $1500 |
| Long Arm Lift Kit | Replaces short arms with longer arms | $2000 - $5000+ |
| All-Terrain Tires (Set) | 31" - 33" tires | $600 - $1200 |
| Mud-Terrain Tires (Set) | 31" - 33" tires | $800 - $1500 |
| Rock Sliders | Protect rocker panels | $200 - $500 |
| Skid Plates (Set) | Protect oil pan, transmission, etc. | $300 - $800 |
| Differential Covers | Protect differentials | $100 - $300 (per axle) |
| Winch (9000 lbs) | Electric winch for recovery | $300 - $800+ |
| Automatic Locker | Locks axles automatically | $400 - $800 (per axle) |
| Selectable Locker | Manually controlled locking differential | $800 - $1500+ (per axle) |
| Re-Gearing (Axle Set) | Changing gear ratio for larger tires | $500 - $1500+ (per axle) |
| LED Light Bar | Provides bright auxiliary lighting | $50 - $300+ |
| On-Board Air Compressor | For airing up tires | $100 - $400 |
FAQ:
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Q: What's the best lift kit for my '99 Cherokee?
- A: It depends on your budget and intended use. For mild off-roading, a budget boost or add-a-leaf kit may suffice. For more aggressive off-roading, a full leaf spring and coil spring lift is recommended.
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Q: How much does it cost to lift a '99 Cherokee?
- A: The cost varies depending on the type of lift kit and whether you install it yourself or hire a professional. Expect to spend anywhere from $200 to $5000+ depending on the complexity of the lift.
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Q: Can I fit 33-inch tires on a stock '99 Cherokee?
- A: No, you'll need at least a 4-5 inch lift and significant trimming or aftermarket fender flares to fit 33-inch tires.
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Q: Do I need to re-gear after installing larger tires?
- A: It's highly recommended. Larger tires effectively change your gear ratio, making your engine work harder. Re-gearing restores the optimal gear ratio, improving performance and fuel economy.
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Q: Where can I find off-road parts for my '99 Cherokee?
- A: Many online retailers specialize in Jeep off-road parts, such as Quadratec, Morris 4x4 Center, and Summit Racing. You can also find parts at local off-road shops.
Conclusion:
Transforming your '99 Jeep Cherokee into an off-road beast requires careful planning and investment in the right parts. By understanding the different types of upgrades available and considering your specific needs and budget, you can build a capable and reliable trail machine that will provide years of off-road adventures. Remember to prioritize safety and always wheel responsibly. Now, get out there and explore the trails!
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