BOXY TRUCKS
A red and white 1974 Jeep Cherokee S on BFGoodrich all-terrains with a roof basket and spare, parked on a foggy sand beach lined with palm trees
JEEP WAGONEER & CHEROKEE · SJ · 1963–1983

Jeep Wagoneer & Cherokee (SJ)

SJ PLATFORMAMC 258 I6 · 360 / 401 V8QUADRA-TRAC BW 13-39DANA 44 FRONTWIDE-TRACK CHIEF (1976–83)

“The original Wagoneer invented the luxury 4x4 before anyone had a word for it, and the two-door Cherokee is the same truck with the family sent home and a 401 under the hood. Both are carbureted, leaf-sprung, rust-hungry and far more capable than a woodgrain wagon has any right to be.”

PART 01

Overview

Where it came from, why it matters, and how it changed year to year.

The story

Jeep introduced the Wagoneer in November 1962 for the 1963 model year. It replaced the Willys station wagon that had been built since 1946, and it was the first Jeep line that owed nothing to the CJ. Brooks Stevens shaped it, it shared its SJ chassis with the Gladiator pickup, and it offered features unheard of on other mainstream 4x4s: independent front suspension, power steering, an automatic gearbox and optional air conditioning, all behind an overhead-cam six. For 1974 AMC cut two doors off it and called the result the Cherokee. This page covers both, from 1963 to 1983, before the big wagon carried on alone as the Grand Wagoneer.

THE KAISER WAGONEER (1963–1969)

The first Wagoneers came as two- and four-door wagons and a two-door panel delivery with barn doors. Power came from the 230 cu in 'Tornado' overhead-cam six, rated at 140 hp. Independent front suspension was standard on two-wheel-drive trucks and optional on 4x4s. It was not popular and was dropped from 4WD models in 1965, the same year AMC's 327 V8 (250 hp) and 232 six arrived. Development had taken three years and about $20 million, and Wikipedia notes that the Wagoneer had no direct competitor when it launched; the two-door Range Rover was still eight years away.

The 1966 Super Wagoneer pushed the idea further: a 270 hp four-barrel 327, a tilt wheel, a console-shifted TH400 automatic, air conditioning and a power tailgate window. About 3,989 were built before it ended in 1969, and it is widely regarded as the precursor of today's luxury SUVs. From 1968 to 1971 a Buick 350 'Dauntless' V8 replaced the 327. By the end of 1968 the slow-selling two-door had gone, and every Wagoneer had solid axles and leaf springs at both ends.

AMC, QUADRA-TRAC AND A TWO-DOOR CALLED CHEROKEE

AMC bought Kaiser Jeep in 1970 and replaced the outsourced Buick engine with its own 360 and, later, the 401 V8. In 1973 it added Quadra-Trac, a Borg-Warner full-time 4WD system that saved owners from locking hubs and a stiff transfer-case lever. In 1974 AMC took the dead two-door Wagoneer, gave it wide D-pillars and long single rear side windows, and sold it as the Cherokee. The 1974 Cherokee brochure is where the term 'Sport Utility Vehicle' first appears, and that February the Cherokee became the first winner of Four Wheeler magazine's Achievement Award.

The Cherokee came as a base model or the sportier S. The Chief package arrived in 1976 with wider axles and bigger fender flares so it could run larger tires, and a four-door Cherokee followed in 1977 (never with the wide-track axles). The Golden Eagle and Golden Hawk were graphics packages, the Laredo from 1980 was mostly an upholstery upgrade, and a Pioneer package arrived for 1983. With the 401's forged crank and rods and 3.07:1 gearing, Wikipedia says a Cherokee could top 100 mph; early ones had 120 mph speedometers.

THE WAGONEER GOES UPMARKET (1978–1983)

With the Cherokee taking the sporty buyers, AMC moved the Wagoneer upmarket. The Limited arrived mid-1978 with leather, power seats, cruise control, a CB radio and forged aluminum wheels. At $10,500 it was priced against Cadillacs and Lincolns, and Jeep still built 28,871 Wagoneers that year and 27,437 in 1979. The 1979 restyle brought square headlights, aluminum bumpers and the 'pig nose' grille. The 401 had gone after 1978, and after 1979 Chrysler's TorqueFlite 727 replaced GM's TH400.

The 1979 fuel crisis hit hard. Wagoneer output fell to 10,481 in 1980, the 258 six came back as an option, and from 1981 the range ran Custom, Brougham and Limited. The original Borg-Warner Quadra-Trac was gone after 1979, and an NP219 carried the name to early 1982. For 1983 the Selec-Trac system, with a dash switch for 2WD and 4WD, became standard on the Wagoneer. Wikipedia reports EPA figures of 18 mpg city and 25 highway for the six with the automatic and Selec-Trac, remarkable for a full-size SUV.

1984: THE SPLIT

For 1984 the unibody Cherokee XJ replaced the SJ Cherokee outright, and AMC meant the compact XJ Wagoneer to replace the big one too. Demand kept the old wagon alive. The Brougham was dropped, the Limited became the Grand Wagoneer, and that truck ran until June 1991. Australia's tariff rules treated separate-frame 4x4s more kindly than unibody vehicles, so SJ Cherokees were assembled in Brisbane until about 1985.

Today the 1963–1983 trucks sit in the shadow of the woodgrain Grand Wagoneer, which makes them the better buy for someone who wants to use one. The two-door Cherokee is the rarer and more off-road-minded of the pair, the era rival to the Scout II and the early Bronco with a much bigger cabin. Restomod builders know it too: Bring a Trailer has sold Hemi-, Vortec- and Viper-swapped examples, one of them for $315,000.

SIDEBAR · WHERE 'SUV' CAME FROM

The 1974 Cherokee brochure and the first Four Wheeler award

Wikipedia, citing Jim Allen's Jeep: Collector's Library, says the phrase 'Sport Utility Vehicle' appears for the first time in the 1974 Jeep Cherokee sales brochure. Jeep sold the Cherokee as the 'sporty' two-door version of its station wagon.

In February 1974, Four Wheeler magazine gave the Cherokee its first Achievement Award, the prize that later became the annual Four Wheeler of the Year.

A red and white 1974 Jeep Cherokee S on BFGoodrich all-terrains with a roof basket and spare, parked on a foggy sand beach lined with palm trees
1974 CHEROKEE S · FOGGY BEACH
A lifted, faded red early SJ Wagoneer with a winch bumper climbing over basalt boulders on a muddy forest trail, with two Wranglers behind
SJ WAGONEER · SHOTGUN CREEK, OREGON
The red two-door Cherokee S with its headlights on, cresting a dirt mound at night
CHEROKEE S · NIGHT RUN
The red and white two-door Cherokee S parked in deep snow at night
CHEROKEE S · DEEP SNOW

Year by year

What changed, model year by model year. Sweet spot Beware

  1. 1963Wagoneer launched (November 1962) with the 230 OHC Tornado six; two- and four-door wagons and a panel delivery; IFS optional on 4x4s
  2. 1965AMC 327 V8 and 232 six arrive; IFS dropped from 4WD models; standard safety package with dual brakes
  3. 1966Super Wagoneer: 270 hp 327, TH400, tilt wheel, A/C; about 3,989 built by 1969
  4. 1968Buick 350 Dauntless V8 (to 1971); two-door Wagoneer dropped at year-end; solid axles and leaf springs only from 1969
  5. 1973Quadra-Trac full-time 4WD introduced, three years after AMC bought Kaiser Jeep
  6. 1974Two-door Cherokee launched (base and S); 401 V8 offered; front discs standard on the Wagoneer
  7. 1976Boxed frame rails and stronger crossmembers; wide-track Cherokee Chief arrivesSweet spot
  8. 1977Four-door Cherokee added
  9. 1978Wagoneer Limited arrives mid-year; last year of the 401
  10. 1979'Pig nose' grille, square headlights, aluminum bumpers; last year of the TH400 and the Borg-Warner Quadra-Trac
  11. 1980TorqueFlite 727 automatic; NP219 'Quadra-Trac' and part-time NP208; Wagoneer output falls to 10,481 after the fuel crisis
  12. 1983Selec-Trac standard on the Wagoneer; Pioneer package; last year of the SJ Cherokee. For 1984 the Wagoneer Limited becomes the Grand Wagoneer
PART 02

Specs & capability

How it’s built, what it can do, and what fits under it.

How it’s built

The SJ is a separate ladder frame with semi-elliptic leaf springs and solid axles at both ends from 1969. The frame got boxed side rails and stronger crossmembers from 1976. Both bodies share a 108.7 in wheelbase and 186.4 in length; the wide-track Chief is up to 78.7 in wide against 74.8 in for the standard track. Engines are AMC sixes and V8s fed by carburetors, and the drivetrain changed with the year. Read the VIN and look under the truck before you buy parts.

CHASSISSJ ladder frame, 108.7 in wheelbaseShared with the Gladiator/J-Series pickups. Boxed side rails and stronger crossmembers from 1976.
ENGINES (1974–83)AMC 258 I6 · 360 V8 (2- or 4-bbl) · 401 V8Wikipedia gives 110 hp (258), 175 hp (360 2-bbl), 195 hp (360 4-bbl) and 215 hp net (401). The 401 had a forged crank and rods and ended after 1978.
TRANSMISSIONST-18 4-speed · TH400 (to 1979) · TorqueFlite 727 (1980–)The T-18 had a 6.3:1 first gear. The TH400 was a heavy-duty GM box usually found in 3/4- and 1-ton trucks.
4WD SYSTEMSDana 20 · Quadra-Trac BW 13-39 · NP208 / NP219 / NP229Dana 20 (2.03:1 low) with manuals to 1979. Borg-Warner Quadra-Trac 1973–79 with automatics, vacuum center-diff lock, optional 2.57:1 low range. NP208 part-time, NP219 and NP229 Selec-Trac from 1980.
AXLESDana 44 front · Dana 44 or AMC 20 rearDana 44s front and rear through at least 1979; Offroaders.com lists an AMC 20 rear on 1980–86 SJs. Chiefs used wider axles. Check the tag.
BRAKES & WHEELSFront disc / rear drum · 6x5.5 in from 1974Front discs standard on the Wagoneer from 1974, optional on early Cherokees. Brake hardware was mostly GM half-ton parts. Pre-1974 trucks use a five-lug 5x5.5 in pattern.

Variants & engines

YEARSPLATFORMENGINEOUTPUTWORTH KNOWING
1963–1965Wagoneer (Kaiser)Tornado 230 OHC I6140 hpTwo- and four-door wagons and a panel delivery. IFS optional on 4x4s until 1965.
1965–1968Wagoneer · Super Wagoneer (1966–69)AMC 327 V8 · AMC 232 I6250 hp (270 hp Super)About 3,989 Super Wagoneers built.
1968–1971WagoneerBuick 350 'Dauntless' V8230 hp / 350 lb-ftTwo-doors gone after 1968; solid axles only from 1969.
1972–1973Wagoneer (AMC)AMC 258 I6 · 304 / 360 V8Varies by yearQuadra-Trac full-time 4WD arrives for 1973.
1974–1978Wagoneer · Cherokee (2-door, 4-door from 1977)258 I6 · 360 V8 · 401 V8110–215 hp (net)Cherokee launched 1974; Chief wide-track from 1976; Limited Wagoneer from mid-1978.
1979–1980Wagoneer · Cherokee360 V8 (258 I6 returns as an option)Varies by yearSquare-headlight 'pig nose' restyle; 727 auto replaces TH400 after 1979; NP219/NP208 replace the Borg-Warner case for 1980.
1981–1983Wagoneer Custom/Brougham/Limited · Cherokee258 I6 · 360 V8Varies by yearSelec-Trac standard on the 1983 Wagoneer; Laredo and Pioneer Cherokees. The SJ Cherokee ends after 1983.

Capability numbers

Wheelbase108.7 in (2,761 mm)
Length186.4 in (4,735 mm)
Width74.8–78.7 in (1,900–1,999 mm)wide-track Chief at the top of the range
Curb weight4,514 lb (2,048 kg)Wikipedia infobox figure
Low range2.03:1 (Dana 20) · 2.57:1 (optional Quadra-Trac low-range unit)
Fuel economyEPA 18 city / 25 hwy1983 Wagoneer, 258 six, automatic and Selec-Trac, per Wikipedia; V8s are far thirstier
Top speedOver 100 mph (161 km/h)401-powered Cherokee with 3.07:1 gearing, per Wikipedia

Wheels & tires

FACTORY TIRES
225/75R15 (1976–83 Wagoneer, per TireSize.com)235/70R15 (alternative listed for the 1976 Wagoneer)
Bolt pattern6x139.7 (6x5.5") from 1974 · 5x139.7 (5x5.5") on 1962–73 trucks
Center bore108 mm
Lug thread7/16" (Quadratec, 1974–91 full-size)
Lug-nut torque55–65 lb-ft is Quadratec's typical range for 7/16" lugs [CONFIRM IN MANUAL]

Forum consensus, not a guarantee: wheel offset, tire brand and suspension wear all change clearance. Confirm before you buy.

Production & special editions

All US trucks were built in Toledo, Ohio; Wikipedia gives yearly Wagoneer figures but no separate Cherokee totals.

DevelopmentThree years and about $20 million (Wagoneer)
Wagoneer built28,871 (1978) · 27,437 (1979) · 10,481 (1980) · 13,741 (1981) · 18,709 (1982) · 18,478 (1983)
PlantsToledo, Ohio · Brampton, Ontario · Rocklea, Australia (from 1981) · Córdoba, Argentina · Mexico City (VAM)
Super Wagoneer1966–1969270 hp 327, TH400, tilt wheel and A/C; about 3,989 built
1971 'X-coded' Wagoneer1971Golden lime paint with unique woodgrain side panels, $1,000 over the Custom
Cherokee Chief1976–1983Wide-track axles and flares, two-door only
Golden Eagle1978–1979Chief with denim seats, gold steel wheels and a large hood eagle
Wagoneer Limited1978–1983Leather, power seats, cruise, forged aluminum wheels; $10,500 at launch
Cherokee Laredo1980–1983Mostly an upholstery package
Cherokee Pioneer1983Standard on the four-door, optional on the two-door
PART 03

Buying one

What to pay, what to check, and how to tell a good one from a clone.

What they cost

SJ Wagoneers and Cherokees sell for less than the woodgrain Grand Wagoneer. Low-mileage originals and V8 restomods bring the big money, and the two-door Cherokee carries a premium over the Wagoneer.

Project / needs work$1k–12k
Driver$12k–28k
Excellent original or restomod$40k–80k+

Based on 31 Bring a Trailer sales of SJ Wagoneers and Cherokees from October 2025 to October 2026 (median about $19,000, middle half $11,600–28,000). Top originals: a 1975 Cherokee S at $80,000 and a 29,000-mile 1983 Wagoneer Limited at $51,000. A Viper-powered 1979 Cherokee Chief restomod made $315,000. Hagerty puts a good-condition 1976 Cherokee Chief at about $14,100. Prices move; checked October 2026. See live listings below.

What to check before you buy

  1. 01
    Rust firstIt's the same body as the Grand Wagoneer, and Hagerty's buyer's guide for that truck calls rust the biggest concern: floor pans under the front carpet, the area where the fuel tank meets the body, the frame and underbody, and the front fenders. Original front fenders are no longer made. Floor, rocker and lower-quarter repair panels are still sold.
  2. 02
    Find out which 4WD system it hasThis matters for parts, fluids and how it drives. A one-lever floor shifter on a 1974–79 automatic is the Borg-Warner Quadra-Trac; a manual from those years has a Dana 20. The 1980–82 'Quadra-Trac' is really an NP219, and 1980–83 trucks may have a part-time NP208 or, from mid-1982, Selec-Trac with a dash switch.
  3. 03
    Listen in tight turnsThe factory manual describes Quadra-Trac 'stick-slip': a low grunting or rasping noise when turning slowly or parking. It's usually the wrong fluid, mismatched tires or uneven pressures. A much louder noise when driving straight points to a stretched chain. Team Grand Wagoneer's chain kit is aimed at trucks with more than about 120,000 miles or skipped fluid changes.
  4. 04
    Check the Chief is a ChiefThe real Chief from 1976 has wider axles and flared fenders and was only built as a two-door. On 1981–83 VINs, characters 6–7 read 16 or 17 for a two-door Cherokee and 18 for a four-door; 15 is a Wagoneer. Golden Eagles are Chiefs with a big hood decal, gold-painted steel wheels and denim seats, so look for more than a sticker.
  5. 05
    Drive it cold and hotHagerty's Grand Wagoneer specialist blames the Motorcraft carburetor for about 40% of owner headaches. Expect stumbling, hard hot starts and ignition faults on an untouched truck. NHTSA recalled 1975–76 trucks for ignition wiring connectors that could not carry enough current (78V-065).
  6. 06
    Work the tailgate windowThe power rear glass has to come down before the tailgate opens. Recall 87V-178 covers 1970–83 Wagoneers and Cherokees whose key-operated window kept closing if the spring-loaded key failed to return. Test the dash switch, the key switch and the glass travel.
  7. 07
    Look at the brakesEarly Cherokees had four-wheel drums as standard, with front discs optional; Wagoneers got front discs as standard from 1974. Check what's fitted and how old the steel lines are. Pre-bent stainless kits exist for 1977-on trucks.
  8. 08
    Budget for scarce partsSpecialists such as Team Grand Wagoneer and BJ's Off Road stock most mechanical and body parts. But on the later Grand Wagoneer, Hagerty's specialist estimates about 20% of restoration parts still come from salvage yards. Two-door-specific trim and glass are harder to find than Wagoneer parts.

Spotting the real thing

Three Jeeps called themselves Cherokee or Wagoneer in the 1980s, the Chief package is easy to fake with stickers, and the drivetrain changed almost every year, so check the VIN, the axles and the transfer case.

  1. ID
    SJ vs XJThe SJ is body-on-frame on a 108.7 in wheelbase with six-lug wheels (from 1974). The 1984-on Cherokee and the 1984–90 Wagoneer Limited are compact unibody XJs.
  2. ID
    Real wide-track ChiefChiefs from 1976 have wider axles and larger fender flares, and were never built as four-doors. Golden Eagles add denim seats, gold-painted steel wheels and a big gold hood eagle.
  3. ID
    VIN, 1981–83Character 4 is the engine (C = 258 six, N = 360 V8); 5 is the transmission and transfer case; 6–7 are the body (15 = Wagoneer, 16/17 = two-door Cherokee, 18 = four-door Cherokee); 10 is the year (B = 1981, C = 1982, D = 1983); 11 is the plant (T = Toledo, B = Brampton). The VIN is also stamped on a tag on the upper-left firewall.
  4. ID
    Early VINsPre-1981 VINs use an older, shorter format. Wikipedia lists the first-year 1974 Cherokees as Model 16 (base) and Model 17 (S).
  5. ID
    Transfer case1974–79 automatics with a single floor lever have the Borg-Warner Quadra-Trac; 1974–79 manuals have a Dana 20. From 1980 look for a tag reading NP208, NP219 or NP229; Selec-Trac trucks have a 2WD/4WD switch.

Recalls & service bulletins

Open recalls follow the VIN, not the model. Run yours through NHTSA before you buy, and ask the seller for dealer records showing recall work.

Check a VIN at NHTSA ↗
Notable recalls
Key-operated tailgate window keeps closing ↗1970–1983 · NHTSA 87V-178If the spring-loaded key switch didn't return to off, the power tailgate glass kept closing; covers Wagoneers and Cherokees.
Ignition wiring connectors ↗1975–1976 · NHTSA 78V-065Connectors could not carry enough current for the electronic ignition.
Rear wheel bearings ↗1979–1980 · NHTSA 80V-023Rear wheel bearings could be damaged during assembly, risking axle and wheel separation.
Throttle linkage return spring ↗1978 (Cherokee) · NHTSA 78V-003The throttle linkage spring might not close the throttle quickly enough when the pedal is released.
Transmission throttle-rod spring ↗1981 · NHTSA 81V-015An improperly installed spring could make the engine return to idle slowly.
Manual transmission lubricant ↗1982 · NHTSA 82V-125Factory-fill lubricant might not protect first gear in the manual gearbox.
Service bulletins & known fixes
Transfer case shift sleeve (1982–83) ↗000849Listed among dealer service bulletins for 1980–83 full-size Jeeps by FSJ mechanic Jim Basile.
Engine sag or hesitation on acceleration (1981) ↗1854911981-only drivability bulletin from the same list.
EGR revision for improved acceleration (1980–83) ↗8006From the same list of 1980–83 bulletins.
Recycled engine coolant can cause water-pump seal wear (1980–83) ↗075190From the same list of 1980–83 bulletins.
The one you’ll own someday

For sale now

1963–1983 · USWagoneer (SJ)
AutoTempest ↗Bring a Trailer ↗
1974–1983 · USCherokee (SJ)
AutoTempest ↗Bring a Trailer ↗
PART 04

Owning one

Baseline service, the repairs you’ll actually do, and where the manuals live.

Post-purchase baseline

After you buy it

Every SJ in this range is over 40 years old, so treat every fluid, hose and ignition part as original unless there are receipts. The drivetrain changed so often that the first job is identifying it: Quadra-Trac, Dana 20, NP208, NP219 and NP229 each need different fluid. We couldn't find a sourced factory capacity table for these years, so engine and axle capacities are marked for confirmation.

Engine oil & filterAMC 258 I6 or 360/401 V8 · grade and capacity [CONFIRM IN MANUAL]Baseline now; then per your owner's manual

Filters are listed by engine and year: 4.2 L 1974–80 and 1981–86, V8 1974–83.

Parts
Wix oil filter, V8-360/401 1974–1983Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
Wix oil filter, 4.2 L 1974–1980Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
Wix oil filter, 4.2 L 1981–1986Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
Air & fuel filtersAir-cleaner element · inline fuel filterBaseline now; inspect every oil change

A clogged element makes the carburetor run rich. Replace the air-cleaner-to-carb gasket at the same time.

Parts
Air filter, 1974–1991Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
Fuel filter assembly, 1974–1991Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
Air cleaner to carburetor gasket, 1974–1991Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
Spark plugs, wires, cap & rotorGap per underhood label [CONFIRM IN MANUAL]Baseline now

A full tune-up is the cheapest drivability fix before you blame the carburetor.

Parts
Champion spark plug 8-piece set, V8 1974–1991Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
Ignition wires, OE look, V8-360/401 1974–1991Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
Distributor cap & rotor, V8 1978–1991Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
Spark plug wire set, 4.2 L 1972–1986Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
Coolant, thermostat & hosesCoolant type and capacity [CONFIRM IN MANUAL]Flush and refill now

Replace the thermostat, gasket and radiator hoses together on a truck with no records.

Parts
Thermostat & gasket, 1963–1991Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
Radiator hose set, V8-360/401 1974–1991Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
Automatic transmission (TH400 or 727)ATF · pan drop with new filter [CONFIRM CAPACITY IN MANUAL]Baseline now

1974–79 automatics are GM TH400s; from 1980 it's the TorqueFlite 727. The filter kit listed fits the 727.

Parts
100% synthetic automatic transmission fluid, 1963–1991Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
A727 transmission cover gasket with filter & bolt set, 1974–1991Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
Quadra-Trac transfer case (1974–79)Quadra-Trac lubricant only · no multigrade detergent oilBaseline now

The factory manual blames the wrong fluid for most stick-slip noise. Drain the low-range unit too if fitted, then drive slow circles both ways for 15 minutes.

Parts
Quadra-Trac transfer case fluid (TCL-1)Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
Transfer case (NP208 / NP219 / NP229, 1980–83)ATF-type fluid (Team Grand Wagoneer) · 3 qt NP208/228/229, 2 qt NP219Team Grand Wagoneer: every 50,000 mi in severe use, 100,000 mi normal

Check the yoke seals and, on Selec-Trac, the vacuum hoses while you're there.

Parts
100% synthetic transfer case fluid, 1980–1991Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
NP208/228/229 yoke rubber sealing washer, 1980–1991Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
Front & rear differentials75W-90 gear oil · add limited-slip additive for a Trac-Lok · capacities [CONFIRM IN MANUAL]Baseline now

Dana 44 front; Dana 44 or AMC 20 rear depending on year. Team Grand Wagoneer's Dana 44 kit is 2 quarts of 75W-90 plus additive.

Parts
Dana 44 differential fluid kit, 1976–1991Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
Lube Locker Dana 44 differential cover gasket, 1968–1991Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
Lube Locker AMC 20 rear cover gasket, 1980–1986Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
Front wheel bearingsClean, inspect and repack; new sealsBaseline now

Bearing preload is set by hand on these hubs, so follow the manual.

Parts
Front hub bearing assembly kit, 1977–1991Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
Front brake hub seal, 1974–1991Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
U-joints & driveshaftsGrease every zerk; check for playEvery oil change

Check the front axle U-joints at full lock and the slip yokes for clunks.

Parts
Spicer front axle U-joint, 1968–1991Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
Spicer rear driveshaft U-joint, 1968–1991Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
Power steeringPower-steering fluid; flush the old fluidBaseline now

Look at the rag joint and the box seals while the system is open.

Parts
Synthetic power steering fluid, 1963–1991Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
Power steering box rag joint, 1974–1991Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
Brake fluid, pads & linesFluid type per the master-cylinder cap [CONFIRM IN MANUAL]Flush now; then every 2 years

Confirm whether an early Cherokee has front discs or drums before ordering pads.

Parts
Front ceramic brake pad set, 1971–1991Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
Complete stainless pre-bent brake line kit, 1977–1991Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
Accessory beltsV-belts on the V8; serpentine on the 1981–86 4.2Baseline now

Replace the V8's alternator/AC belts as a matched pair.

Parts
Alternator / AC belt pair, V8-360 1980–1991Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
Power steering belt, 1981–1991Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
Serpentine belt, 4.2 L 1981–1986Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
Leaf springs, bushings & shocksStock-height packs front and rearInspect now

Sagging springs and dead shocks make the truck wallow; replace bushings while the springs are out.

Parts
Team Grand Wagoneer complete front & rear nitrogen shock set, 1974–1991Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
Leaf spring & shackle bushing 12-piece set, 1977–1991Team Grand Wagoneer ↗ · Amazon ↗
For the hands-on owner

Common repairs

The jobs owners actually end up doing, rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Always confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, and work safely — support the truck on stands, never just a jack. You do this work at your own risk; see the disclaimer. Some parts links are affiliate links.

Cure Quadra-Trac stick-slip and chain slap (1974–79)
DIFFICULTY · 2 / 5 (fluid) · 4 / 5 (chain)TIME · ≈ 1 hour (fluid) · a weekend (chain)SHOP COST · Parts plus labor
SYMPTOMSA pulsing grunt or rasp when turning slowly or parking, worst after the truck has sat for a week; or a slapping noise against the case, even at idle, which means a loose chain.
THE FIXSet all four tires to the same pressure and make sure they match in size and type. Drain the Quadra-Trac and the low-range unit if fitted, and refill only with Quadra-Trac lubricant, never multigrade detergent oil. The factory manual then says to drive in circles both ways for about 15 minutes without hitting the steering stops. If it still slaps, split the case and fit a new chain and seals; Team Grand Wagoneer says to use about 3 quarts of its Quadra-Trac fluid after a rebuild.
TOOLS & PARTSDrain pan · fluid pump · sockets · for the chain: seal pullers, gasket scraper, case-half gasket and RTV per kit
WHERE TO BUY PARTSQuadra-Trac transfer case fluid (TCL-1) · Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗Quadra-Trac transfer case chain kit, SJ & J-Series 1976–1979 · Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗Quadra-Trac seal & gasket kit, 1976–1979 · Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗Quadra-Trac upper & lower sprocket bearing, 1976–1979 · Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗
Rebuild the carburetor or convert to throttle-body injection
DIFFICULTY · 2 / 5 (rebuild) · 3 / 5 (TBI)TIME · ≈ An afternoon (rebuild) · a weekend (TBI)SHOP COST · TBI conversion about $2,000 in parts plus up to $1,000 labor (Hagerty, Grand Wagoneer)
SYMPTOMSStumbling or stalling cold or hot, hard hot starts, rich running, fuel smell.
THE FIXRule out vacuum leaks and ignition faults first. Rebuild with the kit for your year and engine: the V8 two-barrel kit is listed for 1981–91 and the 4.2 kit for 1982–86. Fit a new base gasket and insulator, set the float and choke pull-off to the kit spec, and check timing with a light. Throttle-body injection replaces the carburetor and needs its own pump, return line and wiring; it's the most common long-term fix.
TOOLS & PARTSCarb kit with specs · carb cleaner · vacuum gauge · timing light · for TBI: fuel-line and wiring tools
WHERE TO BUY PARTSCarburetor overhaul kit, V8 1981–1991 · Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗Carburetor overhaul kit, 4.2 L 1982–1986 · Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗Carburetor complete 3-piece gasket set, 2-bbl V8 1974–1991 · Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗Fuel-injection throttle-body conversion kit, V8 1974–1991 · Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗
Fix the power tailgate window
DIFFICULTY · 2 / 5TIME · ≈ 2–4 hoursSHOP COST · Parts plus labor
SYMPTOMSThe rear glass won't drop, so the tailgate can't be opened, or the glass binds and stalls. On 1970–83 trucks the key switch could stick on (recall 87V-178).
THE FIXTest the dash switch and the key switch in the tailgate first. If the motor hums but nothing moves, lower the glass by hand, open the inner panel and inspect the lifter cushions, lifter bar and glass channels. Replace worn cushions and channels, lube the tracks, and fit a new switch kit if the old one is intermittent. Ask a dealer whether the recall work was ever done.
TOOLS & PARTSTrim tools · test light or multimeter · sockets · silicone or lithium lube
WHERE TO BUY PARTSTailgate glass window switch kit, 1974–1991 · Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗Tailgate window lifter cushion, 1968–1978 · Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗Tailgate window lifter cushion, 1979–1991 · Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗Tailgate glass window channel, 1968–1991 · Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗
Patch floors, rockers and lower quarters
DIFFICULTY · 4 / 5TIME · ≈ Several weekendsSHOP COST · Parts plus bodywork labor
SYMPTOMSWet or crunchy carpet, holes under the mats, soft rockers, bubbling paint low on the quarters and around the fuel tank.
THE FIXPull the seats and carpet and wire-brush everything to see how far it goes. Cut back to clean metal and weld in floor sections, rockers and lower-quarter patches, then seam-seal, prime and undercoat. Panels sold for the four-door Wagoneer won't all fit a two-door Cherokee, so test-fit before cutting.
TOOLS & PARTSMIG welder · cut-off wheel · spot-weld drill · clamps · weld-through primer · seam sealer
WHERE TO BUY PARTSFront floor pan, driver's-side section, 1963–1991 · Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗Front floor pan, passenger front section, 1963–1991 · Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗Lower quarter repair panel, 1963–1991 · Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗Rocker panel, 4-door models, 1963–1991 · Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗
Selec-Trac or NP208 won't engage 4WD (1980–83)
DIFFICULTY · 2 / 5TIME · ≈ 2–3 hoursSHOP COST · Parts plus labor
SYMPTOMSThe 2WD/4WD switch does nothing, the 4WD light stays on or off, or the truck stays in one mode.
THE FIXSelec-Trac shifts between 2WD and 4WD with engine vacuum. Trace the hoses from the engine to the reservoir, dash switch and transfer case, and test each with a hand vacuum pump. Replace cracked hoses, the reservoir if it leaks, and the transfer-case switch if the indicator is wrong. Fix leaking yoke seals and refill with fresh fluid: Team Grand Wagoneer says 3 quarts for an NP208, 228 or 229.
TOOLS & PARTSHand vacuum pump · vacuum hose · multimeter · sockets · fluid pump
WHERE TO BUY PARTSVacuum reservoir tank with mounting screws, 1974–1991 · Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗Transfer case switch, NP208, 1980–1988 · Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗Transfer case NP208/219/228/229 input & output seal set, 1976–1991 · Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗100% synthetic transfer case fluid, 1980–1991 · Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗
Tighten up sloppy steering
DIFFICULTY · 2 / 5 (rag joint) · 3 / 5 (box seals)TIME · ≈ 1–2 hours (rag joint) · a day (box reseal)SHOP COST · Parts plus labor
SYMPTOMSFree play at the wheel, a clunk when you turn, power-steering fluid weeping from the box.
THE FIXHave a helper rock the wheel while you watch the rag joint, the steering-box input and the linkage. A torn rag joint shows movement between the column and the box; replace it, or fit a complete coupler. If the box leaks, reseal it with the seal kits or replace it. Check tie-rod ends and the drag link while you're there.
TOOLS & PARTSSockets and wrenches · pitman-arm puller · seal picks · power-steering fluid
WHERE TO BUY PARTSPower steering box rag joint, 1974–1991 · Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗Steering coupler with rag joint, 1974–1991 · Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗Power steering gear box internal valve seal kit, 1973–1991 · Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗Lower power steering shaft steering gear seal kit, 1973–1991 · Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗
Service the front hubs, bearings and ball joints (Dana 44)
DIFFICULTY · 3 / 5TIME · ≈ A daySHOP COST · Parts plus labor
SYMPTOMSWheel play when you rock the tire top to bottom, a growl that changes with speed, uneven tire wear, grease flung on the inside of the wheel.
THE FIXJack the axle, rock each wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock and at 3 and 9. Pull the hub, clean and inspect the bearings and races, repack or replace them with new seals, and set the preload to the manual. If the play is in the knuckle, press out the upper and lower ball joints and fit a new set. Grease the axle U-joints before you reassemble.
TOOLS & PARTSFloor jack and stands · spindle-nut socket · bearing packer · ball-joint press · torque wrench
WHERE TO BUY PARTSFront hub bearing assembly kit, 1977–1991 · Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗Front outer wheel bearing, 1974–1991 · Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗Front brake hub seal, 1974–1991 · Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗Front upper & lower ball joint set, 1974–1991 · Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗
Replace the rear main seal (258 or V8)
DIFFICULTY · 3 / 5TIME · ≈ A long daySHOP COST · $500–1,000 at a shop (Hagerty, 360 V8)
SYMPTOMSOil dripping where the engine meets the transmission, with nothing wet above it.
THE FIXRule out the valve covers, intake and oil-pressure sender first, because oil runs back to the bellhousing. Drain the oil and drop the pan; on a full-size Jeep the front axle and crossmember make this the hard part. Remove the rear main cap, roll out both seal halves, fit the new seal, refit the cap to factory torque, and refit the pan with a new gasket.
TOOLS & PARTSFloor jack and stands · engine support · torque wrench · seal pick · RTV per seal instructions · factory manual for torque specs [CONFIRM IN MANUAL]
WHERE TO BUY PARTSRear main crankshaft oil seal, V8-360/401 1974–1991 · Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗Rear main crankshaft oil seal, 4.2 L 1972–1988 · Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗1979 Jeep Cherokee engine gaskets and seals catalog · RockAuto ↗

Manuals & documentation

Haynes repair manual (Wagoneer & Grand Wagoneer) ↗Sold by Quadratec; its fitment list includes the 1975–83 SJ Cherokee ChiefFactory-authorized reproduction owner's manuals, 1966–91 Wagoneer & J-Series ↗Bishko reprints, sold by QuadratecFactory-authorized owner's manual, 1974 CJ / Cherokee / Wagoneer / truck ↗Bishko reprint; Quadratec also lists 1975–79 editionsIFSJA technical library ↗Owner-written tech on axles, transfer cases, steering and tailgates
Asked on every forum

Jeep Wagoneer & Cherokee (SJ) questions, answered

What's the biggest tire I can fit without a lift?

We couldn't find a forum consensus we trust for unlifted SJs, so we won't guess. Tire databases list 225/75R15 for 1976–83 Wagoneers (235/70R15 is also listed for 1976). The Cherokee Chief's wider axles and bigger fender flares were added so it could run larger tires. For anything bigger, test-fit at full lock and with the suspension compressed, or add a modest leaf-spring lift. Running bigger tires on yours? Tell us through Show Us Your Rig.

SOURCE · TIRESIZE.COM · WIKIPEDIA
What's the difference between a Wagoneer, a Cherokee and a Grand Wagoneer?

They're all SJs on the same 108.7 in wheelbase. The Wagoneer is the four-door wagon from 1963. The Cherokee is the 1974–83 version with two wide-pillar doors (a four-door Cherokee was added in 1977). From 1984 the Wagoneer Limited became the Grand Wagoneer, while 'Cherokee' moved to the compact XJ.

SOURCE · WIKIPEDIA
What makes a Cherokee Chief special?

The Chief package arrived in 1976 with wider axles and larger fenders so the truck could run bigger tires. It was only offered on two-doors. The 1978–79 Golden Eagle was a Chief with denim upholstery, gold-painted steel wheels and a large gold eagle on the hood.

SOURCE · WIKIPEDIA
Which 4WD system do I have?

It depends on the year and gearbox. 1974–79 manuals have a gear-driven Dana 20 (2.03:1 low). 1973–79 automatics have the Borg-Warner Quadra-Trac, a chain-drive full-time case with a vacuum-locked center differential. For 1980–82 the 'Quadra-Trac' name went on an NP219. Part-time NP208s appear from 1980, and Selec-Trac (NP229) arrived in mid-1982 and became standard on the 1983 Wagoneer.

SOURCE · OFFROADERS.COM · WIKIPEDIA
Why does my Quadra-Trac groan in parking lots?

The factory manual calls it stick-slip: the cone brakes in the center differential stick and release when you turn slowly. It's usually the wrong lubricant, mismatched tires or uneven tire pressures. Drain and refill with Quadra-Trac lubricant and drive in slow circles for about 15 minutes. A loud noise in a straight line is a different problem, usually a stretched chain.

SOURCE · WAGONEERS.COM (FSM EXTRACT)
Which engine should I look for?

The 360 V8 is the common one and parts are easy. The 401 was offered from 1974 to 1978, made 215 net hp and had a forged crank and rods, and Wikipedia says the SJs still hold the record for the largest engine Jeep ever offered. The 258 six is the economy choice and returned for 1981–83 after the fuel crisis.

SOURCE · WIKIPEDIA · WAGONEERS.COM
What fuel economy should I expect?

Not much from a V8. Wikipedia cites a combined 11 mpg for the later 5.9 Grand Wagoneer. The best case is the 1983 Wagoneer with the six, an automatic and Selec-Trac, which Wikipedia says was rated at 18 mpg city and 25 highway by the EPA.

SOURCE · WIKIPEDIA
Is it really the first SUV?

It's the first vehicle sold under that name. Wikipedia, citing Jim Allen, says 'Sport Utility Vehicle' appears for the first time in the 1974 Cherokee brochure. The 1966 Super Wagoneer is widely called the first luxury SUV.

SOURCE · WIKIPEDIA
Can I still get parts?

Mostly. Many Grand Wagoneer parts listed for 1974–91 fit these trucks, and specialists such as Team Grand Wagoneer and BJ's Off Road stock Quadra-Trac chains and seals, floor pans, tailgate parts and steering parts. Original front fenders and some two-door trim are hard to find.

SOURCE · TEAM GRAND WAGONEER · HAGERTY
What are they worth?

Bring a Trailer sold 31 SJ Wagoneers and Cherokees between October 2025 and October 2026, with a median of about $19,000. Projects went for a few thousand dollars. A 29,000-mile 1983 Wagoneer Limited made $51,000, an original 1975 Cherokee S $80,000, and a Viper-powered 1979 Cherokee Chief restomod $315,000. Hagerty puts a good-condition 1976 Cherokee Chief at about $14,100.

SOURCE · BRING A TRAILER · HAGERTY
Are there open recalls I should know about?

The big one is NHTSA 87V-178: on 1970–83 Wagoneers and Cherokees the key-operated tailgate window could keep closing if the key didn't spring back to off. NHTSA also lists ignition-connector (1975–76) and rear-wheel-bearing (1979–80) campaigns. Ask a Jeep dealer to check the VIN.

SOURCE · NHTSA
PART 05

Building one

Who makes the good stuff, where owners gather, and who to watch.

Common modifications & who does them

FUEL INJECTIONThe most popular drivability upgrade: easier starts and smoother running than an old carburetor.
Team Grand Wagoneer — TBI conversion kit, V8 1974–1991 ↗
SUSPENSION & LIFTFresh leaf packs and shocks cure the wallow, and a modest lift makes room for slightly bigger tires on the trail.
Team Grand Wagoneer — 3" lift kit with leaf springs & shocks ↗Team Grand Wagoneer — Skyjacker shock & stabilizer set ↗
QUADRA-TRAC REBUILDA fresh chain, seals and the right fluid keep the full-time case quiet instead of replacing it.
Team Grand Wagoneer — Quadra-Trac chain kit ↗Team Grand Wagoneer — Quadra-Trac seal & gasket kit ↗
STEERINGNew shafts and couplers take the slop out of a 40-year-old column.
Team Grand Wagoneer — Borgeson heavy-duty steering shaft ↗Team Grand Wagoneer — Skyjacker steering stabilizer kit ↗
BRAKESStainless lines and good pads help a heavy wagon stop with drums at the back.
Team Grand Wagoneer — stainless brake line kit ↗BJ's Off Road — brake parts ↗
FULL-SIZE JEEP PARTS SPECIALISTSSJ-specific sheet metal, Quadra-Trac parts, trim and weatherstrip that general parts stores no longer carry.
Team Grand Wagoneer ↗BJ's Off Road (Full-Size Jeep Parts) ↗

Clubs & events

CLUB International Full Size Jeep Association (IFSJA) ↗Club and tech community for 1962–1991 full-size JeepsEVENT Easter Jeep Safari ↗Red Rock 4-Wheelers' annual Easter-week trail event in Moab, Utah
Resources

Channels, accounts & forums

All Jeep resources →
YouTube channels
YTVigilanteSJ WAGONEER & CHEROKEE RESTOMODSYTThe Jeep Farm LLCSJ CHEROKEE RESTORATIONSYTJEEPHERITAGEFULL-SIZE JEEP PARTS & INSTALLS
Instagram accounts
IG@quadratecCJ and Wrangler parts, builds and Jeep eventsIG@extremeterrainWrangler builds and partsIG@novakconversionsEngine and transmission swaps in classic and modern JeepsIG@advanceadaptersDrivetrain adapters, transfer cases and swap builds
Forums & message boards
International Full Size Jeep Association (IFSJA) ↗The club and tech library for SJ Wagoneers, Cherokees and J-trucks, with sections on transfer cases, axles and tailgates.Wagoneers.com tech library ↗John Meister's long-running FSJ archive: engines by year, Quadra-Trac notes, dimensions and repair write-ups.Wagoneer World ↗Year-by-year history and specs for 1963–1991 Wagoneers.
SourcesWikipedia — Jeep Wagoneer (SJ)Wikipedia — Jeep Cherokee (SJ)Wagoneers.com — SJ engines by yearWagoneers.com — service bulletins and Quadra-Trac stick-slip (factory manual extract)Wagoneers.com — Quadra-Trac, NP219 and NP229 notesOffroaders.com — Factory Jeep transfer casesOffroaders.com — Factory Jeep rear axlesOffroaders.com — 1981–1986 Jeep VIN decoderHagerty — Your definitive 1984–91 Jeep Grand Wagoneer buyer's guideHagerty — 1976 Jeep Cherokee Chief valuationTireSize.com — 1979 Jeep Wagoneer original tire sizeNHTSA recalls API — Jeep Cherokee and Wagoneer 1966–1983Team Grand Wagoneer — Quadra-Trac fluid, chain kit and transfer-case fluid notesTeam Grand Wagoneer — parts catalog (Cherokee section)Bring a Trailer — Jeep SJ Wagoneer resultsBring a Trailer — Jeep SJ Cherokee resultsWikipedia — Jeep Wagoneer (SJ)Wikipedia — Jeep Cherokee (SJ)TireSize.com — 1976, 1979 and 1983 Jeep Wagoneer original tire sizesQuadratec — Jeep wheel bolt patterns and lug nut torque specsNHTSA recalls API — Jeep Wagoneer and Cherokee, 1966–1983Wagoneers.com — 1980–83 service bulletin list (Jim Basile)Wagoneers.com — SJ engines by yearOffroaders.com — 1981–1986 Jeep VIN decoderOffroaders.com — Factory Jeep transfer casesBring a Trailer — Jeep SJ Wagoneer resultsBring a Trailer — Jeep SJ Cherokee resultsHagerty — 1976 Jeep Cherokee Chief valuationQuadratec — Haynes and Bishko manuals for full-size JeepsIFSJA — technical libraryRed Rock 4-Wheelers — Easter Jeep Safari