Why the Modified Jeep Cherokee XJ 2 Door Still Has a Cult Following Today

Few vehicles capture the heart of the off-road and overland community like the modified Jeep Cherokee XJ 2 door. Rugged, boxy, and purpose-built, this iconic SUV continues to turn heads decades after its production ceased. But what is it about this particular configuration—especially the two-door variant—that inspires such enduring loyalty?

In this blog, we’ll explore the reasons behind the XJ’s cult status, its historical impact, mechanical appeal, and why so many gearheads, adventurers, and custom builders still swear by it today.

A Brief History of the Cherokee XJ

The Jeep Cherokee XJ made its debut in 1984 and ran through 2001 in the U.S. Designed as one of the first unibody SUVs, it marked a revolutionary departure from the bulky, body-on-frame designs of earlier off-roaders. The XJ was lightweight, nimble, and offered serious trail capability without compromising daily drivability.

Though it came in both 2-door and 4-door versions, it’s the 2-door model that retains a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts. Its shorter wheelbase and more aggressive proportions made it a favorite for rock crawlers and custom off-road builds.

Why the Modified Jeep Cherokee XJ 2 Door Stands Out

1. Lightweight, Unibody Construction

Unlike many SUVs of its time, the XJ was constructed with a unibody design—meaning the body and frame are one piece. This reduced weight and improved rigidity, making it an ideal base for off-road builds.

According to a paper by the Society of Automotive Engineers, unibody construction reduces a vehicle’s weight by 20–30% compared to body-on-frame counterparts, improving both fuel efficiency and handling (SAE Technical Paper 1999-01-0099).

2. Shorter Wheelbase = Better Off-Road Agility

The 2-door XJ is 8 inches shorter than its 4-door sibling, providing a tighter turning radius and better breakover angle. This makes a huge difference on narrow trails and rocky terrain.

When modified with a lift kit and larger tires, the 2-door XJ becomes an off-road scalpel—precise, quick, and highly capable.

3. Solid Axles and Legendary Dana 44 Upgrades

While base models came with Dana 30 front and Chrysler 8.25 or Dana 35 rear axles, the XJ’s chassis could easily accommodate a Dana 44 rear swap—favored for its strength and durability. Add in the availability of aftermarket lockers, gears, and trusses, and the drivetrain becomes nearly bombproof.

Affordability and Mod Potential

4. Bang for Your Buck

One of the biggest reasons the modified Jeep Cherokee XJ 2 door remains popular is cost. You can often find a clean XJ project base for under $5,000. Compare that to other off-road rigs like Toyota Tacomas or Land Cruisers, and the XJ’s value proposition becomes clear.

5. Massive Aftermarket Support

Lift kits, armor, lockers, bumpers, lighting—you name it, the XJ has aftermarket parts for it. A search on Quadratec or ExtremeTerrain yields thousands of parts designed specifically for the Cherokee platform.

And because it’s been so popular for decades, forums like NAXJA.org (North American XJ Association) and subreddits like r/XJ have created a treasure trove of DIY guides, troubleshooting posts, and inspiration builds.

Reliability That Surprises

6. The Legendary 4.0L Inline-Six Engine

If there’s one thing even non-Jeep fans know about the XJ, it’s the 4.0L inline-six engine. Introduced in 1987, this bulletproof motor became known for its longevity and torque.

According to data compiled by iSeeCars, the 4.0L Jeep Cherokee XJ ranks in the top 10% of SUVs likely to reach over 200,000 miles.

It’s simple, overbuilt, and easy to work on—a combination that explains why so many of these Jeeps are still on the trail.

Community and Culture

7. It’s More Than a Jeep—It’s a Lifestyle

There’s an entire subculture surrounding the modified Jeep Cherokee XJ 2 door. From dedicated trail runs to meetups like Jeep Beach and Easter Jeep Safari, XJ owners share a deep camaraderie. The boxy lines and rugged stance make it instantly recognizable and nostalgic.

8. DIY-Friendly Design

The XJ’s relatively simple mechanics make it the perfect gateway rig for people learning to wrench. Swapping in a lift, regearing axles, even fabricating bumpers is all within the reach of a dedicated garage builder.

Comparison Table: Modified Jeep Cherokee XJ 2-Door vs. Modern Off-Road SUVs

Is the Cult Status Justified?

Absolutely. The modified Jeep Cherokee XJ 2 door is more than just a relic from the ‘90s—it’s a time-tested off-road platform with unmatched custom potential, affordability, and community support.

While modern SUVs have caught up in terms of comfort and tech, very few can match the XJ’s perfect storm of simplicity, durability, and character. Whether you’re crawling rocks, camping in the backwoods, or just flexing at the local car meet, the XJ has earned its loyal following.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a unique and capable off-road build that won’t break the bank, the modified Jeep Cherokee XJ 2 door is a timeless choice. It’s not the flashiest, and it’s certainly not the newest—but in a world of increasingly complex vehicles, sometimes simple really is better.

From its legendary engine to its modular build potential, the XJ continues to represent freedom, utility, and an unmatched connection to off-road culture.