The Jeep nameplate is what launched the whole 4WD and SUV craze way back in the 1940s. The iconic military-spec Willys Jeep ushered in a new vehicle category. And countless copies soon followed.
The company has nevertheless remained true to its roots, with models like the Wrangler and Gladiator being a true embodiment of the Go Anywhere, Do Anything slogan. All this has more meaning in the harsh Australian Outback than anywhere else. Jeep has also tamed its 4WD underpinnings to produce models suited to the tarmac. The mid-1970s saw the introduction of the Cherokee and its bigger brother, the Grand Cherokee followed a decade later.
Aussies have a soft spot for mid-size SUVs, and the Cherokee fits the bill nicely. There are hundreds of owners of the model on Aussie streets and in different engine and drivetrain configurations. Early noughties variants came stock with pokey 6-cylinder petrol engines and constant 4-wheel drive. Later variants were downsized to the 4-cylinder 2.4-litre petrol and front-wheel drive setup, in line with most competitors. Jeep still offers the “Trail Rated” Trailhawk in full off-roading spec for anyone ready to hit the dirt in style.
The diversity has also led to a well-featured aftermarket, offering a wide selection of Jeep Cherokee parts and accessories to meet different customer needs.
Fitting Out the Exterior
Roof Racks
With boot space of 591 litres, the Cherokee has more to offer than rivals such as the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. But if you need more for the Big Lap or when transporting larger sporting goods like surfboards or bikes, consider getting a roof rack. Newer cars come with factory-fitted rails on which the racks are mounted. Older Cherokees have rain gutter channel systems, with racks mounted via brackets to the roof line.
Roof racks for the Cherokee come in different designs. Platforms consist of mesh or designs with integrated cross bars optioned in lightweight yet sturdy coated aluminium. Weight capacities exceed 100 kilos in most variants and are suited for carrying sporting goods in addition to camping gear like solar panels, tents, tables, and chairs.
Smaller items, like bags, suitcases, tools, tyres, and odd ends and bits fit better onto roof cages or baskets. These have raised side and front rails in addition to mesh flooring for better storage and luggage organisation.
A hybrid between these two is the tradesman rack that forgoes the front and rear rails when carrying longer items, but the raised side rails can be used to fit roof-top tents or awnings. All are built to a high standard, comply with ADR regulations and come with the necessary loading kit. Some are even packaged with the tools needed for installation.
Snorkels and Bonnet Scoops
If you’re doing any serious off-roading, then a snorkel is a must. This sits higher up and provides cleaner air for combustion, free of water, dust, or debris. For more demanding conditions, it’s what you’ll need to prevent engines from seizing. Basic kits are built around plastic and are good for light dirt trails, whereas heavy-duty metal snorkels can live up to the rigours and impact of pure off-roading. Kits come with all the goodies for installation. Metal variants are naturally more expensive, but also last longer, so you’re getting your money’s worth.
Bonnet scoops have been a contentious subject until recently, with laws in states varying on their legality and use. Fitting a scoop serves two purposes. One, it can deliver cleaner, cooler air into the air intake much like a snorkel, and two, it can use that additional air to cool the engine and up performance. You can also add another aspect – that it makes for a mean-looking Jeep.
Vehicle Protection
Older XJ and KJ Cherokee variants can be fitted with aftermarket bull bars. These offer protection from animal strikes and protect your Jeep when off-road. Durable, high tensile strength steel is the main ingredient, with an additional anti-corrosive coating. Bull bars also let you fit a host of accessories like additional LED driving lights, skid plates, CB antennas and winches in compatible units. Accessories like these are readily available in any well-stocked 4×4 accessories store.
Nudge bars are a better match with the KK and KL Cherokee model range. Apart from the Trailhawk, later Cherokee models are more street-oriented, and a nudge bar, in either lightweight aluminium or heavy-duty steel will do a good job in protecting your Jeep in minor collisions and scuffs. They can also manage some light gravel trails.
Additional protective Jeep Cherokee parts and accessories include side steps, which also help for easier entry and exit into your Cherokee; side brush bars when you have them fitted to a bull bar, and rear bars with fitted tow balls and hitches. Protecting the underbody calls for bash plates front and back. Most of these additions serve more than one purpose. Also, look into mud flaps if you’re using your Cherokee on rural roads, bonnet protectors on gravel and unsealed roads, and weather shields to let the fresh air in on a rainy day.
What’s Inside?
Jeep stepped in line with competitors and offers the newest tech in current Cherokees. This ups safety, convenience, and comfort for drivers and passengers alike. Older XJ and KJ models, though, miss out on essentials like front and rear parking sensors and cameras, but there are inexpensive aftermarket kits that are also relatively easy to install. You’ll avoid dents and scratches from restricted visibility, and steer clear of cars, pedestrians, and cyclists when backing up.
Seating is another area that can be improved. A worn seat cloth isn’t the ideal space to sit for hours on end. You can up the comfort with a set of new seat covers and these restrict daily wear and tear to your seats. Materials vary, and you can go for anything from cheap polyester, to comfy and long-lasting neoprene, or upmarket leather. Just make sure that the covers are the right fit and in colours that suit the interior.
Pair your new set of seats with matching rubber mats, and throw in a boot liner for a quieter ride. This also offers protection when you take man’s best friend on that adventure that you’ve been holding out for. Practical extras like cargo nets and collapsible luggage boxes tailored to the Cherokee boot increase usable space, add some safety when transporting bigger items, and help with organising your gear.
Final Word
These are just a few things among many that will change how you experience every kilometre travelled in the Jeep Cherokee. Other honourable mentions are throttle controllers to improve throttle response and performance, especially when towing, diff breathers in the 4×4 Cherokees to prevent the rear diff from going haywire from heat and water, and basic recovery gear and tow points if you get stuck on your way to the Red Centre.
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