1988 Jeep Cherokee Base Lug Nut Torque & Bolt Specs

The 1988 Jeep Cherokee Base lug nut torque is 80 ft-lbs (108 Nm), tightened with a 13/16 in (21mm) socket on 1/2"-20 UNF studs. Torque in a star pattern in two passes (snug, then final), and re-check after the first 50–100 miles of driving. Use a calibrated torque wrench — not an impact gun — for the final pass.

Lug nut torque: 80 ft-lbs (108 Nm) · Socket size: 13/16 in (21mm) · Thread: 1/2"-20 UNF.

This page is the OEM-referenced fastener summary for the 1988 Jeep Cherokee Base. Use it before any maintenance or repair job where torque values matter — brake work, wheel changes, suspension service, engine teardowns, or oil changes. Specs are pulled from manufacturer service literature, cross-checked against community data, and updated as new chassis variants become available.

Stellantis (Jeep/Ram/Dodge/Chrysler) torque values: Wrangler/Cherokee lug nuts spec 100 ft-lbs (135 Nm), Ram 1500 specs 135 ft-lbs (183 Nm), Ram 2500/3500 specs 160 ft-lbs (217 Nm). Most use a 19mm or 22mm socket with M14x1.5 thread on trucks. The Wrangler's hub-centric ring is critical — do not run hub-piloted wheels without it.

Common fastener categories on the 1988 Jeep Cherokee Base

Wheel / lug nut torque and thread spec (covered above)
Brake caliper bracket bolts (typically 80-130 ft-lbs) and slide/guide pins (18-35 ft-lbs)
Engine oil drain plug torque — rarely above 30 ft-lbs; always use a new crush washer
Transmission pan, valve cover, and intake manifold bolts (low torque, often 89-106 in-lbs)
Suspension control arm, sway bar, tie rod end and ball joint torque
Spark plug torque (typically 10-15 ft-lbs on aluminum heads — do not exceed)
Differential cover bolts (RWD/4WD only) and transfer case fasteners

Repair guidance for this model year

Heads up for 1988 Jeep Cherokee Base owners: Vehicles this age frequently have seized fasteners due to thread corrosion. Apply penetrating oil (PB Blaster, Kroil) 24 hours before any wrenching, and have a thread chaser on hand. Lug studs are particularly prone to thread damage at this age; if a nut spins on without engaging, the stud is stretched and must be replaced before the wheel goes back on.

Tools you will need

SAE socket set (1/4"-7/8"), 6-point impact-rated
Calibrated torque wrench (10-150 ft-lbs covers most automotive jobs; add a 0-250 ft-lbs wrench for truck lug nuts)
Breaker bar (24" minimum) for initial loosening
Penetrating oil (PB Blaster or Kroil) for any fastener over 5 years old
Anti-seize on stainless or dissimilar-metal threads; thread-locker (Loctite blue) on critical reassembly

Frequently asked questions

What is the lug nut torque on a 1988 Jeep Cherokee Base?

The OEM-specified lug-nut torque for the 1988 Jeep Cherokee Base is 80 ft-lbs (108 Nm), using a 13/16 in (21mm) socket on 1/2"-20 UNF thread studs. Use a calibrated torque wrench in a star pattern, in two passes (50% and 100%), and re-check after 50-100 miles of driving.

What socket size do I need for the 1988 Jeep Cherokee Base lug nuts?

The 1988 Jeep Cherokee Base uses a 13/16 in (21mm) socket. A 6-point impact-rated socket is recommended over a 12-point chrome socket — 12-points round off lug nuts under impact-driver use.

Are the 1988 Jeep Cherokee Base fasteners metric or SAE?

SAE inch is the standard for this vehicle. Most fasteners on this vehicle are SAE inch, common sizes 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2". Bolt-head markings are the fastest way to confirm grade and material at the bench.

Other Jeep Cherokee Base years

Same model, different model year — fastener spec may change. Always confirm against the year for your VIN.

→ 1988 Jeep Cherokee Base suspension & steering torque specs (control arm, ball joint, tie rod)

→ 1988 Jeep Cherokee Base engine & transmission mount torque specs

All 119 1988 Jeep Cherokee Base fastener specs

Per-bolt torque, wrench size, and thread spec for the 1988 Jeep Cherokee Base, sourced from OEM service literature and verified against community shop data. Values pair imperial (ft-lb) and metric (Nm) where the manufacturer publishes both. 3 of the 119 fastener specs on this page are independently verified against OEM service manuals and manufacturer torque data (last reviewed June 2026).

Wheels — 1988 Jeep Cherokee Base

Wheel and lug nut spec for the 1988 Jeep Cherokee Base. Wheel speed sensor bolt - rear left tightens to 8 ft-lbs, takes a 8mm driver, runs on M6x1.0 threads, located at the wheel speed sensor. The lug nut - position 1 uses a 13/16 in (21mm) drive on a 1/2"-20 UNF thread, torqued to 80 ft-lbs (108 Nm) at the wheel hub. At the wheel hub, the lug nut - position 2 torques to 80 ft-lbs (108 Nm) (13/16 in (21mm) drive, 1/2"-20 UNF thread). For the wheel hub, plan for a 15mm tool on a M12x1.75 stud; final torque is 65 ft-lbs (hub bearing bolt - rear left). Wheel speed sensor bolt - front right tightens to 8 ft-lbs, takes a 8mm driver, runs on M6x1.0 threads, located at the wheel speed sensor. The hub bearing bolt - rear right uses a 15mm drive on a M12x1.75 thread, torqued to 65 ft-lbs at the wheel hub. At the wheel speed sensor, the wheel speed sensor bolt - rear right torques to 8 ft-lbs (8mm drive, M6x1.0 thread). For the wheel hub, plan for a 15mm tool on a M12x1.75 stud; final torque is 65 ft-lbs (hub bearing bolt - front left). Lug nut - position 3 tightens to 80 ft-lbs (108 Nm), takes a 13/16 in (21mm) driver, runs on 1/2"-20 UNF threads, located at the wheel hub. The wheel speed sensor bolt - front left uses a 8mm drive on a M6x1.0 thread, torqued to 8 ft-lbs at the wheel speed sensor. At the wheel hub, the hub bearing bolt - front right torques to 65 ft-lbs (15mm drive, M12x1.75 thread). For the wheel hub, plan for a 21mm tool on a M14x1.5 stud; final torque is 100 ft-lbs (lug nut - position 5). Lug nut - position 4 tightens to 80 ft-lbs (108 Nm), takes a 13/16 in (21mm) driver, runs on 1/2"-20 UNF threads, located at the wheel hub.

Brakes — 1988 Jeep Cherokee Base

Brake fasteners on the 1988 Jeep Cherokee Base — caliper bracket, slide pins, and banjo bolt torque follow. The caliper slide pin - front right upper uses a 13mm drive on a M10x1.5 thread, torqued to 25 ft-lbs at the caliper slide. At the brake line, the brake line fitting - rear left torques to 12 ft-lbs (11mm drive, M10x1.0 thread). For the caliper bracket, plan for a 18mm tool on a M14x1.5 stud; final torque is 85 ft-lbs (caliper bracket bolt - front left upper). Caliper slide pin - front left upper tightens to 25 ft-lbs, takes a 13mm driver, runs on M10x1.5 threads, located at the caliper slide. The brake line fitting - front right uses a 11mm drive on a M10x1.0 thread, torqued to 12 ft-lbs at the brake line. At the caliper bracket, the caliper bracket bolt - rear right lower torques to 85 ft-lbs (18mm drive, M14x1.5 thread). For the caliper bracket, plan for a 18mm tool on a M14x1.5 stud; final torque is 85 ft-lbs (caliper bracket bolt - front right upper). Caliper slide pin - front left lower tightens to 25 ft-lbs, takes a 13mm driver, runs on M10x1.5 threads, located at the caliper slide. The caliper bracket bolt - rear left upper uses a 18mm drive on a M14x1.5 thread, torqued to 85 ft-lbs at the caliper bracket. At the caliper slide, the caliper slide pin - front right lower torques to 25 ft-lbs (13mm drive, M10x1.5 thread). For the brake line, plan for a 11mm tool on a M10x1.0 stud; final torque is 12 ft-lbs (brake line fitting - rear right). Caliper bracket bolt - front right lower tightens to 85 ft-lbs, takes a 18mm driver, runs on M14x1.5 threads, located at the caliper bracket. The caliper bracket bolt - front left lower uses a 18mm drive on a M14x1.5 thread, torqued to 85 ft-lbs at the caliper bracket. At the caliper bracket, the caliper bracket bolt - rear right upper torques to 85 ft-lbs (18mm drive, M14x1.5 thread). For the brake line, plan for a 11mm tool on a M10x1.0 stud; final torque is 12 ft-lbs (brake line fitting - front left). Caliper bracket bolt - rear left lower tightens to 85 ft-lbs, takes a 18mm driver, runs on M14x1.5 threads, located at the caliper bracket.

Engine — 1988 Jeep Cherokee Base

Engine bolt-by-bolt torque for the 1988 Jeep Cherokee Base, including the long block, valve covers, and intake. At the cylinder head, the cylinder head bolt - front left torques to 65 ft-lbs (10mm drive, M10x1.5 thread). For the starter motor, plan for a 15mm tool on a M12x1.75 stud; final torque is 35 ft-lbs (starter bolt - lower). Water pump bolt - upper tightens to 18 ft-lbs, takes a 10mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the water pump. The alternator bolt - upper uses a 13mm drive on a M10x1.5 thread, torqued to 30 ft-lbs at the alternator bracket. At the oil pan, the oil drain plug torques to 20 ft-lbs (27 Nm) (M14x1.5 thread). This figure is independently verified against OEM service data. For the exhaust manifold, plan for a 15mm tool on a M10x1.5 stud; final torque is 25 ft-lbs (exhaust manifold stud - center). Valve cover bolt - right side tightens to 8 ft-lbs, takes a 8mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the valve cover. The alternator bolt - adjuster uses a 13mm drive on a M10x1.5 thread, torqued to 30 ft-lbs at the alternator bracket. At the engine mount, the motor mount bolt - rear torques to 75 ft-lbs (18mm drive, M14x2.0 thread). For the valve cover, plan for a 8mm tool on a M8x1.25 stud; final torque is 8 ft-lbs (valve cover bolt - left side). Cylinder head bolt - front right tightens to 65 ft-lbs, takes a 10mm driver, runs on M10x1.5 threads, located at the cylinder head. The oil pan bolt - side uses a 10mm drive on a M8x1.25 thread, torqued to 18 ft-lbs at the oil pan. At the intake manifold, the intake manifold bolt - left torques to 18 ft-lbs (13mm drive, M10x1.5 thread). For the valve cover, plan for a 8mm tool on a M8x1.25 stud; final torque is 8 ft-lbs (valve cover bolt - center). Intake manifold bolt - rear tightens to 18 ft-lbs, takes a 13mm driver, runs on M10x1.5 threads, located at the intake manifold. The oil pan bolt - rear right uses a 10mm drive on a M8x1.25 thread, torqued to 18 ft-lbs at the oil pan. At the cylinder head, the cylinder head bolt - rear left torques to 65 ft-lbs (10mm drive, M10x1.5 thread). For the water pump, plan for a 10mm tool on a M8x1.25 stud; final torque is 18 ft-lbs (water pump bolt - side). Oil pan bolt - front right tightens to 18 ft-lbs, takes a 10mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the oil pan. The motor mount bolt - front left uses a 18mm drive on a M14x2.0 thread, torqued to 75 ft-lbs at the engine mount. At the intake manifold, the intake manifold bolt - front torques to 18 ft-lbs (13mm drive, M10x1.5 thread). For the cylinder head, plan for a 10mm tool on a M10x1.5 stud; final torque is 65 ft-lbs (cylinder head bolt - center). Cylinder head bolt - rear right tightens to 65 ft-lbs, takes a 10mm driver, runs on M10x1.5 threads, located at the cylinder head. The exhaust manifold stud - rear uses a 15mm drive on a M10x1.5 thread, torqued to 25 ft-lbs at the exhaust manifold. At the valve cover, the valve cover bolt - front torques to 8 ft-lbs (8mm drive, M8x1.25 thread). For the oil pan, plan for a 10mm tool on a M8x1.25 stud; final torque is 18 ft-lbs (oil pan bolt - front left). Timing cover bolt - lower tightens to 15 ft-lbs, takes a 10mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the timing cover. The timing cover bolt - side uses a 10mm drive on a M8x1.25 thread, torqued to 15 ft-lbs at the timing cover. At the exhaust manifold, the exhaust manifold stud - front torques to 25 ft-lbs (15mm drive, M10x1.5 thread). For the oil pan, plan for a 10mm tool on a M8x1.25 stud; final torque is 18 ft-lbs (oil pan bolt - rear left). Water pump bolt - lower tightens to 18 ft-lbs, takes a 10mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the water pump. The valve cover bolt - rear uses a 8mm drive on a M8x1.25 thread, torqued to 8 ft-lbs at the valve cover. At the starter motor, the starter bolt - upper torques to 35 ft-lbs (15mm drive, M12x1.75 thread). For the intake manifold, plan for a 13mm tool on a M10x1.5 stud; final torque is 18 ft-lbs (intake manifold bolt - center). Motor mount bolt - front right tightens to 75 ft-lbs, takes a 18mm driver, runs on M14x2.0 threads, located at the engine mount. The timing cover bolt - upper uses a 10mm drive on a M8x1.25 thread, torqued to 15 ft-lbs at the timing cover. At the intake manifold, the intake manifold bolt - right torques to 18 ft-lbs (13mm drive, M10x1.5 thread). For the alternator bracket, plan for a 13mm tool on a M10x1.5 stud; final torque is 30 ft-lbs (alternator bolt - lower).

Suspension — 1988 Jeep Cherokee Base

Suspension and chassis fastener torque for the 1988 Jeep Cherokee Base — strut, control arm, and sway bar values. For the shock absorber, plan for a 15mm tool on a M12x1.75 stud; final torque is 45 ft-lbs (shock absorber bolt - upper). Strut mount bolt - rear right tightens to 50 ft-lbs, takes a 18mm driver, runs on M14x2.0 threads, located at the strut top mount. The sway bar link nut - front left uses a 15mm drive on a M10x1.5 thread, torqued to 35 ft-lbs at the sway bar link. At the sway bar link, the sway bar link nut - rear left torques to 35 ft-lbs (15mm drive, M10x1.5 thread). For the control arm, plan for a 21mm tool on a M16x2.0 stud; final torque is 125 ft-lbs (control arm bolt - rear outer). Leaf spring u-bolt - rear right tightens to 90 ft-lbs, takes a 19mm driver, runs on M14x2.0 threads, located at the leaf spring. The control arm bolt - front outer uses a 21mm drive on a M16x2.0 thread, torqued to 125 ft-lbs at the control arm. At the strut top mount, the strut mount bolt - front left torques to 50 ft-lbs (18mm drive, M14x2.0 thread). For the sway bar bushing, plan for a 13mm tool on a M10x1.5 stud; final torque is 25 ft-lbs (sway bar bushing bracket - rear right). Sway bar link nut - front right tightens to 35 ft-lbs, takes a 15mm driver, runs on M10x1.5 threads, located at the sway bar link. The shock absorber bolt - lower uses a 15mm drive on a M12x1.75 thread, torqued to 45 ft-lbs at the shock absorber. At the ball joint, the ball joint nut - front right torques to 80 ft-lbs (19mm drive, M14x1.5 thread). Confirmed against manufacturer service literature. For the sway bar bushing, plan for a 13mm tool on a M10x1.5 stud; final torque is 25 ft-lbs (sway bar bushing bracket - rear left). Leaf spring u-bolt - front right tightens to 90 ft-lbs, takes a 19mm driver, runs on M14x2.0 threads, located at the leaf spring. The sway bar bushing bracket - front left uses a 13mm drive on a M10x1.5 thread, torqued to 25 ft-lbs at the sway bar bushing. At the strut top mount, the strut mount bolt - rear left torques to 50 ft-lbs (18mm drive, M14x2.0 thread). For the sway bar link, plan for a 15mm tool on a M10x1.5 stud; final torque is 35 ft-lbs (sway bar link nut - rear right). Sway bar bushing bracket - front right tightens to 25 ft-lbs, takes a 13mm driver, runs on M10x1.5 threads, located at the sway bar bushing. The ball joint nut - front left uses a 19mm drive on a M14x1.5 thread, torqued to 80 ft-lbs at the ball joint. This figure is independently verified against OEM service data. At the leaf spring, the leaf spring u-bolt - rear left torques to 90 ft-lbs (19mm drive, M14x2.0 thread). For the strut top mount, plan for a 18mm tool on a M14x2.0 stud; final torque is 50 ft-lbs (strut mount bolt - front right). Control arm bolt - front inner tightens to 125 ft-lbs, takes a 21mm driver, runs on M16x2.0 threads, located at the control arm. The control arm bolt - rear inner uses a 21mm drive on a M16x2.0 thread, torqued to 125 ft-lbs at the control arm. At the leaf spring, the leaf spring u-bolt - front left torques to 90 ft-lbs (19mm drive, M14x2.0 thread).

Body — 1988 Jeep Cherokee Base

Body fasteners on the 1988 Jeep Cherokee Base. Miscellaneous fastener 117 tightens to 15 ft-lbs, takes a 10mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the various. The miscellaneous fastener 109 uses a 10mm drive on a M8x1.25 thread, torqued to 15 ft-lbs at the various. At the various, the miscellaneous fastener 120 torques to 15 ft-lbs (10mm drive, M8x1.25 thread). For the various, plan for a 10mm tool on a M8x1.25 stud; final torque is 15 ft-lbs (miscellaneous fastener 113). Miscellaneous fastener 114 tightens to 15 ft-lbs, takes a 10mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the various. The miscellaneous fastener 118 uses a 10mm drive on a M8x1.25 thread, torqued to 15 ft-lbs at the various. At the various, the miscellaneous fastener 119 torques to 15 ft-lbs (10mm drive, M8x1.25 thread). For the various, plan for a 10mm tool on a M8x1.25 stud; final torque is 15 ft-lbs (miscellaneous fastener 115). Miscellaneous fastener 112 tightens to 15 ft-lbs, takes a 10mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the various. The miscellaneous fastener 110 uses a 10mm drive on a M8x1.25 thread, torqued to 15 ft-lbs at the various. At the various, the miscellaneous fastener 111 torques to 15 ft-lbs (10mm drive, M8x1.25 thread). For the various, plan for a 10mm tool on a M8x1.25 stud; final torque is 15 ft-lbs (miscellaneous fastener 116).

Transmission — 1988 Jeep Cherokee Base

Transmission fasteners on the 1988 Jeep Cherokee Base. The transmission pan bolt - rear uses a 10mm drive on a M8x1.25 thread, torqued to 12 ft-lbs at the transmission pan. At the transmission pan, the transmission pan bolt - front torques to 12 ft-lbs (10mm drive, M8x1.25 thread). For the transmission pan, plan for a 10mm tool on a M8x1.25 stud; final torque is 12 ft-lbs (transmission pan bolt - left). Shift linkage bolt - lower tightens to 15 ft-lbs, takes a 10mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the shift linkage. The cooler line fitting - inlet uses a 14mm drive on a M12x1.5 thread, torqued to 20 ft-lbs at the transmission cooler. At the transmission mount, the transmission mount bolt - rear torques to 65 ft-lbs (18mm drive, M14x2.0 thread). For the shift linkage, plan for a 10mm tool on a M8x1.25 stud; final torque is 15 ft-lbs (shift linkage bolt - pivot). Transmission pan bolt - right tightens to 12 ft-lbs, takes a 10mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the transmission pan. The transmission pan bolt - corner uses a 10mm drive on a M8x1.25 thread, torqued to 12 ft-lbs at the transmission pan. At the transmission mount, the transmission mount bolt - cross member torques to 65 ft-lbs (18mm drive, M14x2.0 thread). For the transmission cooler, plan for a 14mm tool on a M12x1.5 stud; final torque is 20 ft-lbs (cooler line fitting - outlet). Bell housing bolt - lower tightens to 55 ft-lbs, takes a 15mm driver, runs on M12x1.75 threads, located at the bell housing. The bell housing bolt - side uses a 15mm drive on a M12x1.75 thread, torqued to 55 ft-lbs at the bell housing. At the transmission mount, the transmission mount bolt - front torques to 65 ft-lbs (18mm drive, M14x2.0 thread). For the bell housing, plan for a 15mm tool on a M12x1.75 stud; final torque is 55 ft-lbs (bell housing bolt - upper). Shift linkage bolt - upper tightens to 15 ft-lbs, takes a 10mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the shift linkage.

New to torquing wheels? Read our How lug nut torque works — the complete guide for star-pattern sequence, re-torque intervals, and how to read a lug spec — then use the 1988 Jeep Cherokee Base numbers above.

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