1989 jeep cherokee, what jack to use?

I agree with the previous two posters, that a floor jack would be the safest. But for tire-changing on the road, you need to go to a junk yard (or used parts site online) and get the 'right' jack.

A few other things you should carry: Go to an auto parts store and get a "star" lug wrench. They will give you the leverage to remove lug nuts that are put on with an air wrench - the little wrench that comes with the jack usually won't.

Also carry:

- A piece of blanket or cardboard that you can put on the ground, so you don't get your clothes dirty and lose the lug nuts while changing a tire.

- Two wheel chocks - pieces of wood or the custom plastic ones, to place behind two tires (ones not being changed) to make sure your car doesn't roll off the jack.

- Flashlight, for nighttime emergencies

- Highway flares and reflective triangles, to put out when you are on the side of the road, so no one will hit you.

Good luck with your 89 Cherokee! Mine has 267,000 miles on it, and the engine still purrs like a kitten. Wish I could say the same for the electrical system.

Be prepared!

I would recommend a bottle jack. It is very similar to the factory equipment that came with your XJ. You're better off losing the factory jack. They are very small, flimsy and somewhat unstable. Good bottle jacks are available in roughly the same size and are more sturdy and stable. They will also fit under the back seat where the factory one was located. If you have a lifted rig then you may want to look into an off road jack like a " Hi Lift".

Floor jack like the first poster said. May I suggest you also go to your local junkyard and pick up a jack that fits the model year of your Jeep in case you are stuck on or off the road with a tire issue?

The question I have is it lifted and or have bigger tires than stock? If so, you may want to look at an after market jack like a skyjacker. You can go on-line to any off road 4x4 sites and find one pretty easy. Just look for the parts sections. There are plenty of jeep sites to look at.

Great deal, as long as the previous owner took care of the vehicle, i.e. oil/filter changes, and routine maintenance. Jeeps are very reliable, my 96 grand cherokee already has 190,000+ miles on it and its still running just as great as it did new. The 4.0L inline 6 engines are great, strong, and economical engines. I average 22city/26-28highway on my jeep with the same engine.

JUST GET A 1 1/2 TON JACK, MOST AUTO PARTS STORE SELL THEM FOR ABOUT $19.99

1 ton or half ton floor jack

Get a Hi-Lift jack. They are great!!!