The Rise of Restomod Jeep Cherokee XJ Builds

Why the XJ is a perfect restomod canvas

The XJ (1984–2001) brings a lot to the table: a timeless boxy profile, lightweight platform, huge aftermarket support, and a design that’s instantly recognizable. That mix makes it a dream for builders who want something that feels classic but drives like a much newer vehicle.

• Recognizable styling: The XJ’s proportions and lines are one-of-a-kind — keep the look, change the innards.
• Aftermarket parts everywhere: From suspension to wiring harness adapters, there’s a huge parts ecosystem.
• Relative affordability: Compared to other classics, you can get more build for your money — which means better engines, brakes, and interiors.

Typical restomod upgrades — what builders are doing

Every restomod XJ is different, but there are clear patterns. Most builders focus on five core areas: power, suspension/handling, brakes/safety, interior comfort, and exterior finish. Below is a breakdown of what you’ll commonly see.

Engine builds & power upgrades

The heart of most restomod XJs is still the legendary 4.0L inline-six. While some hot rod shops experiment with V8 swaps, the majority of XJ enthusiasts prefer to build on what Jeep gave them. The 4.0 is reliable, torquey, and has a massive aftermarket following. Restomod builders are modernizing the 4.0 through:

• Stroker conversions: Combining 4.0 and 258ci AMC inline-six components to create 4.6L–4.7L strokers with torque that rivals modern V6s and small V8s.
• Fuel and ignition upgrades: Swapping in modern EFI systems, high-performance injectors, or coil-on-plug setups for better response and reliability.
• Performance cams and head work: Ported/polished cylinder heads and upgraded camshafts bring the 4.0 to life above 3,000 RPM.
• Exhaust and intake: Quality headers, free-flowing exhausts, and high-flow intakes help the engine breathe and add noticeable horsepower.

A well-built stroker 4.0 can produce 250–300 horsepower and a mountain of torque — while keeping the Jeep’s original identity intact. For most XJ restomodders, that balance of heritage and performance makes more sense than dropping in a foreign V8.

Suspension & ride quality

Restomods usually avoid the sloppy “lift for the sake of lift” approach. Instead, they pursue balanced suspension upgrades: tuned coil and leaf spring rates, long-arm kits, custom 4-link setups, and high performance custom valved shocks. The result is a Jeep that can handle trails without feeling like a pogo stick on the highway.

Brakes & safety

Upgraded brakes are standard: disc conversions, larger calipers, better master cylinders, and modern ABS retrofits where possible. Builders also add LED lighting, reinforced roll cages, and improved seat mountings to make the XJ safer for spirited driving.

Interior & tech

The goal inside is comfort and usability without losing the XJ’s character. Typical updates include reupholstered or modern bucket seats, sound deadening, new door cards, digital gauge clusters, and head units with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. People love keeping the OEM dash look but swapping the internals for modern convenience.

Exterior styling

Restomod XJs often favor clean, period-correct paint schemes or subtle retro palettes. Builders will fix rust, smooth out bodywork, update bumpers with hidden recovery points, use tasteful flares, and choose wheels/tires that strike a balance between vintage style and modern performance.

Who’s building these things?

The core crowd is typically the 30–50-year-old Jeep owner who grew up around Cherokees and now has the budget to do it right. That group remembers the XJ from their teens or twenties and now wants a daily driver or weekend trail rig that honors that memory but is reliable, fast, and comfortable.

Beyond nostalgic owners, hot-rodders and custom shops are also getting in on the act. The XJ offers a blank canvas for fabrication and creativity — you can make a perfectly tidy street truck or a fully capable overland rig with modern suspension geometry.

Why restomod — not full restoration or full off-road build?

Restomod builds hit a sweet spot. A full restoration aims to return a vehicle to factory-new, which can be expensive and might miss the chance to improve drivability. A full trail-only build strips comfort and on-road manners. Restomods keep the soul but solve the mechanical shortcomings — better brakes, modern power, comfortable interior, and engineered suspension.

"It’s about keeping what made the XJ great while making it something you actually enjoy driving every day." — Typical restomod philosophy

The build process — realistic timelines and budgets

Budgets vary wildly depending on the vision. A modest restomod that keeps the 4.0L and focuses on suspension, brakes, and interior upgrades can be done for a few thousand dollars if you do the labor yourself. Full swap builds with an LS/Hemi, custom fabrication, and high-end interiors will push into the mid-five-figures.

Where builders save money: doing mechanical work themselves, reusing good original components, and prioritizing upgrades that give the biggest driveability gains (brakes, suspension, driveline). Where money gets eaten up: custom fabrication, engine and transmission swaps, and top-shelf interior finishes.

Common pitfalls — and how to avoid them

• Poor planning: Not designing around weight, balance, and cooling can make a swap-heavy build handle poorly. Start with a clear plan.
• Over-lifting: Too much lift without geometry correction ruins on-road manners. Address control arms and steering.
• Electrical headaches: Swaps often mean wiring integration. Invest in a good harness and proper grounding.
• Ignoring brakes: Increased power needs matched stopping power — don’t cheap out on brakes.

Where to get parts and inspiration

Forums, YouTube build channels, and specialty shops are gold mines. Look for dedicated XJ parts vendors, custom fabricators, and builders sharing full builds on social media. Local meets and Jeep jamborees also offer face-to-face advice and part-sourcing opportunities.

• Online forums and Facebook groups dedicated to XJ builds
• YouTube channels showing step-by-step swaps and fab work
• Aftermarket vendors specializing in XJ suspension, engine mounts, and wiring adapters

The future — why restomod XJs will only get more popular

As clean examples become rarer and prices rise, restomod builds will become both a way to preserve a classic and a new collectible category of their own. The balance of nostalgia and performance is exactly what a lot of enthusiasts want: something unique that still performs in modern driving conditions. In ten years, the early restomod pioneers we see now will probably be looked at the same way we look at early classic restorations — builds that defined a movement.