Jeep Models by Year > Jeep Cherokee > JEEP® CHEROKEE CHIEF (SJ)

JEEP® CHEROKEE CHIEF (SJ)

The JEEP® CHEROKEE CHIEF (SJ) was an iconic and highly sought-after special edition of the SJ Cherokee that was produced between 1976 and 1983. It was a vehicle that captured the hearts and imaginations of drivers around the world, thanks to its distinctive styling, spacious and comfortable interior, and exceptional off-road capabilities.

One of the key features of the JEEP® CHEROKEE CHIEF (SJ) was its unique and eye-catching design. It was easily recognizable by its distinctive two-tone paint job, with a bold stripe running down the side of the vehicle, as well as its rugged grille and prominent fender flares. The styling of the JEEP® CHEROKEE CHIEF (SJ) was a testament to its adventurous spirit and off-road capabilities, with its bold and aggressive looks inspiring a sense of confidence and adventure in those who drove it.

But the JEEP® CHEROKEE CHIEF (SJ) was much more than just a stylish vehicle. It was also highly practical and versatile, with a spacious and comfortable interior that was perfect for long road trips and off-road adventures alike. The interior was thoughtfully designed, with comfortable seats and a range of convenient features that made it a joy to drive, whether you were navigating city streets or exploring rugged terrain.

Engine Type

The SJ Cherokee Chief was equipped with a variety of engine options. The base engine was a 4.2-liter inline-six engine, which produced 112 horsepower. Other available engines included a 5.0-liter V8 engine, which produced 140 horsepower, and a 5.9-liter V8 engine, which produced 195 horsepower.

Transmission Type

The SJ Cherokee Chief was available with a manual or automatic transmission. The manual transmission was a four-speed transmission, while the automatic was a three-speed transmission.

Transfer Case

The SJ Cherokee Chief was equipped with a part-time four-wheel drive system. The transfer case was a New Process 219, which had a low-range gear ratio of 2.57:1. This allowed the Cherokee Chief to handle tough off-road terrain with ease.

Front Axle

The front axle of the SJ Cherokee Chief was a Dana 44 axle. This axle was known for its durability and strength. It had a ring gear diameter of 8.5 inches and a spline count of 30.

Rear Axle

The rear axle of the SJ Cherokee Chief was also a Dana 44 axle. It had a ring gear diameter of 8.5 inches and a spline count of 30.

Other Features

The SJ Cherokee Chief had several unique features that set it apart from the standard SJ Cherokee. These included a distinctive stripe package, a special Chief emblem, and wood-grain interior accents. It also had a larger gas tank than the standard SJ Cherokee, with a capacity of 21 gallons.

Overall, the JEEP® CHEROKEE CHIEF (SJ) was a rugged and stylish SUV that was well-suited for both on and off-road adventures. Its range of engine options, transmission types, and four-wheel drive system made it a versatile vehicle for any situation.

JEEP® CHEROKEE (SJ)

JEEP® CHEROKEE (XJ)

JEEP® GRAND CHEROKEE (ZJ)

JEEP® GRAND WAGONEER (ZJ)

JEEP® CHEROKEE (KL)