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Hey all, I am just after some information on a jeep cherokee kj. I was looking at an older xj a couple of months back, but as I am about to start a new job I am thinking of getting a kj instead at the start of next year. I love the shape and I am keen to buy a new car for the first time My concerns are the suspension and mods. I currently own a feroza and hate the ifs suspension and non aftermarket help.
Are the kj ifs? Are there suspension kits out there for them? I do mainly sand driving, will it be capable enough with a suspension lift and some better tyres? What is the after market like in terms of lockers, snorkels, etc. How does the 3.7 petrol engine go?
They are certainly capable machines, not as much as an XJ due to the much more limited travel on the front end but for sand this isn't such an issue anyway and you can always get swaybar disconnects for the front.
The aftermarket is improving with a snorkel available or just about to be available as well as lockers already available (at least for the rear not sure on the front) and several lift kits up to about 3.5".
Here's a couple of pics from a recent trip to Menai that the Sydney Jeep Club ran.
Swaybar disconnected (this has a 3.5" lift I think)
CRDs have awesome torque and crawl ratios. They are quite capable for what they are, but if your serious about 4x4ing, they definately need transmission skid plates and a lift kit.
As far as mods go...how much $$$$ do you want to spend?
The guy who owns the solid axel KJ is in my 4x4 club and the only reason it went home on a tow truck was because the steering stopper things werent set right and it just overloaded the power steering .
Long way to go to do a u turn!
Looks sick but and will be out on the trials soon!
Built swb sierra, building a lwb sierra ute and have a dmax for family camping
I know this is an old thread but heres my experience with the KJ.
Its a solid and capable 4WD that performs as good as other 'modded' 4x4's if not better in some cirtain situations. I've had 2 KJ's both the Petrol and now the 400Nm CRD and I cant really fault it.
Its lightly modded to a standard that see's it attack and conquer most tough trails and I havent yet had it beat. ITs a shame that the general use for the KJ is mum's with kids and the like, but there is a huge following of people out there with them that take them through all sorts of tough stuff.
One of the best things though is that when you get back on the road after a day of tough 4WDing, it cruises down the highway or local streets like a luxury vehicle.
My concerns are the suspension and mods. I currently own a feroza and hate the ifs suspension and non aftermarket help. 
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