Cherokee vs. Cherokee Chief ???

[Jeff in north Texas]

I am looking at two different Cherokees that are for sale. One is a Chief and one is not. It appears the Chief has wider fender flares, and wider tires and wheels. What were the differences in a Cherokee and a Cherokee Chief in the 77-80 time period?
Also, I purchased a new Cherokee in 1977. I seem to remember it being called a "Cherokee Wide Wheels" model, not a Chief. Where does this designation fit in the scheme of things?
Thanks,
jeff

[beloth]

wide track has wider axles...NT is the normal stock size from like 60s/70's etc.

[mdill]

Chief was just a trim package available on a Cherokee, most of the years the Chief package was a 2 Door WideTrak only option(bigger fender flairs) but Jeep did offer the Chief package on the 4 Door and maybe the 2 Door Narrow track (Same fenders as a Wagoneer) Cherokees some years.
Buy on condition, not fender bumps if you plan on keeping it.

Sounds like you bought a 2 Door Wide track Cherokee in 77 that did not have the Chief trim package.
Trim packages in general and ~order of $'s for Cherokees were:
1) Base
2) S (or Sport)
3) Chief
4) Golden Eagle (Golden Hawk)
5) Laredo

Cherokee's came in three models
1) 2 Door Narrow track, (same width as a Wagoneer) 1974 ->1983
2) 2 Door Wide track (Same width as a J-10 truck) 1976(?) -> 1983
3) 4 Door Narrow track (Same as a wagoneer with Cherokee tail lights) 1977(?) -> 1983

Depending on year the above trim packages could be on any of the models.


(Missing any ?)
Mike D.

[bushwood44]

I'd say go with wide track, less lift bigger tires.6in lift 35s wide track or 6in 33s with other one.

[Jeff in north Texas]

Thanks for the replys. I think I have it figured out now. I now am looking a 3 different Cherokees close to me. Two are regular Cherokees, and one is the wide track type.
My main concern is rust. If I buy one of these three, it will likely be the one with the least rust. I am just not up for another major rust repair project.
Jeff

[yoslvr442]

yep...i would be concerned about rust as well. the least amount of rust is key. but it also depends on what your plans are for it too

[cu4whln]

Check here .. good explaination..

http://www.ifsja.org/tech/misc/cheromodel.html