1996 Jeep Cherokee Base Lug Nut Torque & Bolt Specs

The 1996 Jeep Cherokee Base lug nut torque is 100 ft-lbs, tightened with a 21mm socket on M14x1.5 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: 100 ft-lbs · Socket size: 21mm · Thread: M14x1.5.

This page is the OEM-referenced fastener summary for the 1996 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 1996 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 1996 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

Metric socket set (8mm-22mm), 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 1996 Jeep Cherokee Base?

The OEM-specified lug-nut torque for the 1996 Jeep Cherokee Base is 100 ft-lbs, using a 21mm socket on M14x1.5 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 1996 Jeep Cherokee Base lug nuts?

The 1996 Jeep Cherokee Base uses a 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 1996 Jeep Cherokee Base fasteners metric or SAE?

Metric is the standard for this vehicle. Most fasteners on this vehicle are metric (M6, M8, M10, M12, M14). Bring a full metric set; SAE substitutes can round the head. 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.

→ 1996 Jeep Cherokee Base oil drain plug torque & size

→ 1996 Jeep Cherokee Base suspension & steering torque specs (control arm, ball joint, tie rod)

→ 1996 Jeep Cherokee Base engine & transmission mount torque specs

All 121 1996 Jeep Cherokee Base fastener specs

Per-bolt torque, wrench size, and thread spec for the 1996 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. 1 of the 121 fastener specs on this page are independently verified against OEM service manuals and manufacturer torque data (last reviewed June 2026).

Wheels — 1996 Jeep Cherokee Base

Wheel and lug nut spec for the 1996 Jeep Cherokee Base. The lug nut - position 1 uses a 21mm drive on a M14x1.5 thread, torqued to 100 ft-lbs at the wheel hub. At the wheel hub, the lug nut - position 3 torques to 100 ft-lbs (21mm drive, M14x1.5 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). 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 lug nut - position 4 uses a 21mm drive on a M14x1.5 thread, torqued to 100 ft-lbs at the wheel hub. At the wheel speed sensor, the wheel speed sensor bolt - front left torques to 8 ft-lbs (8mm drive, M6x1.0 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 2 tightens to 100 ft-lbs, takes a 21mm driver, runs on M14x1.5 threads, located at the wheel hub. The hub bearing bolt - rear left 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 speed sensor, plan for a 8mm tool on a M6x1.0 stud; final torque is 8 ft-lbs (wheel speed sensor bolt - rear left). Hub bearing bolt - rear right tightens to 65 ft-lbs, takes a 15mm driver, runs on M12x1.75 threads, located at the wheel hub. The hub bearing bolt - front right uses a 15mm drive on a M12x1.75 thread, torqued to 65 ft-lbs at the wheel hub.

Brakes — 1996 Jeep Cherokee Base

Brake fasteners on the 1996 Jeep Cherokee Base — caliper bracket, slide pins, and banjo bolt torque follow. At the caliper bracket, the caliper bracket bolt - front right upper 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 - rear right lower). 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 caliper bracket bolt - front left upper 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 left 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 right). Caliper bracket bolt - rear right upper tightens to 85 ft-lbs, takes a 18mm driver, runs on M14x1.5 threads, located at the caliper bracket. The caliper bracket bolt - front right 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 left 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 left lower). Brake line fitting - rear left tightens to 12 ft-lbs, takes a 11mm driver, runs on M10x1.0 threads, located at the brake line. The brake line fitting - rear right uses a 11mm drive on a M10x1.0 thread, torqued to 12 ft-lbs at the brake line. At the caliper slide, the caliper slide pin - front right lower torques to 25 ft-lbs (13mm drive, M10x1.5 thread). For the caliper slide, plan for a 13mm tool on a M10x1.5 stud; final torque is 25 ft-lbs (caliper slide pin - front left lower). Brake line fitting - front left tightens to 12 ft-lbs, takes a 11mm driver, runs on M10x1.0 threads, located at the brake line. 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.

Engine — 1996 Jeep Cherokee Base

Engine bolt-by-bolt torque for the 1996 Jeep Cherokee Base, including the long block, valve covers, and intake. For the intake manifold, plan for a 13mm tool on a M10x1.5 stud; final torque is 18 ft-lbs (intake manifold bolt - right). Exhaust manifold stud - center tightens to 25 ft-lbs, takes a 15mm driver, runs on M10x1.5 threads, located at the exhaust manifold. The alternator bolt - upper uses a 13mm drive on a M10x1.5 thread, torqued to 30 ft-lbs at the alternator bracket. At the timing cover, the timing cover bolt - side torques to 15 ft-lbs (10mm drive, M8x1.25 thread). For the cylinder head, plan for a 10mm tool on a M10x1.5 stud; final torque is 65 ft-lbs (cylinder head bolt - rear right). Oil drain plug tightens to 25 ft-lbs (34 Nm), located at the oil pan. OEM-verified spec. The motor mount bolt - rear uses a 18mm drive on a M14x2.0 thread, torqued to 75 ft-lbs at the engine mount. At the cylinder head, the cylinder head bolt - front right 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 - lower). Exhaust manifold stud - rear tightens to 25 ft-lbs, takes a 15mm driver, runs on M10x1.5 threads, located at the exhaust manifold. 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 exhaust manifold, the exhaust manifold stud - front torques to 25 ft-lbs (15mm drive, M10x1.5 thread). For the timing cover, plan for a 10mm tool on a M8x1.25 stud; final torque is 15 ft-lbs (timing cover bolt - lower). Starter bolt - upper tightens to 35 ft-lbs, takes a 15mm driver, runs on M12x1.75 threads, located at the starter motor. 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 water pump, the water pump bolt - side torques to 18 ft-lbs (10mm drive, M8x1.25 thread). For the water pump, plan for a 10mm tool on a M8x1.25 stud; final torque is 18 ft-lbs (water pump bolt - upper). Valve cover bolt - left side tightens to 8 ft-lbs, takes a 8mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the valve cover. The cylinder head bolt - rear left uses a 10mm drive on a M10x1.5 thread, torqued to 65 ft-lbs at the cylinder head. At the oil pan, the oil pan bolt - front right torques to 18 ft-lbs (10mm drive, M8x1.25 thread). For the cylinder head, plan for a 10mm tool on a M10x1.5 stud; final torque is 65 ft-lbs (cylinder head bolt - front left). Valve cover bolt - front tightens to 8 ft-lbs, takes a 8mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the valve cover. The intake manifold bolt - center uses a 13mm drive on a M10x1.5 thread, torqued to 18 ft-lbs at the intake manifold. At the intake manifold, the intake manifold bolt - rear torques to 18 ft-lbs (13mm 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). Alternator bolt - lower tightens to 30 ft-lbs, takes a 13mm driver, runs on M10x1.5 threads, located at the alternator bracket. 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 - front torques to 18 ft-lbs (13mm 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 right). Cylinder head bolt - center tightens to 65 ft-lbs, takes a 10mm driver, runs on M10x1.5 threads, located at the cylinder head. The valve cover bolt - right side uses a 8mm drive on a M8x1.25 thread, torqued to 8 ft-lbs at the valve cover. 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). Oil pan bolt - front left tightens to 18 ft-lbs, takes a 10mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the oil pan. The starter bolt - lower uses a 15mm drive on a M12x1.75 thread, torqued to 35 ft-lbs at the starter motor. At the engine mount, the motor mount bolt - front right 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 - rear). Alternator bolt - adjuster tightens to 30 ft-lbs, takes a 13mm driver, runs on M10x1.5 threads, located at the alternator bracket.

Suspension — 1996 Jeep Cherokee Base

Suspension and chassis fastener torque for the 1996 Jeep Cherokee Base — strut, control arm, and sway bar values. 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 - rear right uses a 13mm drive on a M10x1.5 thread, torqued to 25 ft-lbs at the sway bar bushing. At the shock absorber, the shock absorber bolt - upper torques to 45 ft-lbs (15mm drive, M12x1.75 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 inner). Leaf spring u-bolt - rear left tightens to 90 ft-lbs, takes a 19mm driver, runs on M14x2.0 threads, located at the leaf spring. The ball joint nut - rear right uses a 19mm drive on a M14x1.5 thread, torqued to 80 ft-lbs at the ball joint. At the control arm, the control arm bolt - rear outer torques to 125 ft-lbs (21mm drive, M16x2.0 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 - front left). Strut mount bolt - rear left tightens to 50 ft-lbs, takes a 18mm driver, runs on M14x2.0 threads, located at the strut top mount. The control arm bolt - front inner uses a 21mm drive on a M16x2.0 thread, torqued to 125 ft-lbs at the control arm. At the sway bar link, the sway bar link nut - front left torques to 35 ft-lbs (15mm drive, M10x1.5 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 left). 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. At the ball joint, the ball joint nut - front right torques to 80 ft-lbs (19mm drive, M14x1.5 thread). For the ball joint, plan for a 19mm tool on a M14x1.5 stud; final torque is 80 ft-lbs (ball joint nut - rear left). 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 leaf spring, the leaf spring u-bolt - rear right torques to 90 ft-lbs (19mm drive, M14x2.0 thread). For the leaf spring, plan for a 19mm tool on a M14x2.0 stud; final torque is 90 ft-lbs (leaf spring u-bolt - front left). Sway bar bushing bracket - rear left tightens to 25 ft-lbs, takes a 13mm driver, runs on M10x1.5 threads, located at the sway bar bushing. The strut mount bolt - front right uses a 18mm drive on a M14x2.0 thread, torqued to 50 ft-lbs at the strut top mount. At the strut top mount, the strut mount bolt - front left torques to 50 ft-lbs (18mm 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 - rear right). Control arm bolt - front outer tightens to 125 ft-lbs, takes a 21mm driver, runs on M16x2.0 threads, located at the control arm. The sway bar link nut - rear right uses a 15mm drive on a M10x1.5 thread, torqued to 35 ft-lbs at the sway bar link.

Body — 1996 Jeep Cherokee Base

Body fasteners on the 1996 Jeep Cherokee Base. The miscellaneous fastener 111 uses a 10mm drive on a M8x1.25 thread, torqued to 15 ft-lbs at the various. At the various, the miscellaneous fastener 113 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 116 tightens to 15 ft-lbs, takes a 10mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the various. The miscellaneous fastener 114 uses a 10mm drive on a M8x1.25 thread, torqued to 15 ft-lbs at the various. At the various, the miscellaneous fastener 109 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 110). Miscellaneous fastener 118 tightens to 15 ft-lbs, takes a 10mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the various. The miscellaneous fastener 112 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 117). Miscellaneous fastener 119 tightens to 15 ft-lbs, takes a 10mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the various.

Transmission — 1996 Jeep Cherokee Base

Transmission fasteners on the 1996 Jeep Cherokee Base. At the transmission cooler, the cooler line fitting - outlet torques to 20 ft-lbs (14mm drive, M12x1.5 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 mount bolt - rear tightens to 65 ft-lbs, takes a 18mm driver, runs on M14x2.0 threads, located at the transmission mount. The transmission pan bolt - left uses a 10mm drive on a M8x1.25 thread, torqued to 12 ft-lbs at the transmission pan. At the shift linkage, the shift linkage bolt - upper torques to 15 ft-lbs (10mm drive, M8x1.25 thread). For the transmission cooler, plan for a 14mm tool on a M12x1.5 stud; final torque is 20 ft-lbs (cooler line fitting - inlet). Transmission mount bolt - front tightens to 65 ft-lbs, takes a 18mm driver, runs on M14x2.0 threads, located at the transmission mount. 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 bell housing, the bell housing bolt - lower torques to 55 ft-lbs (15mm drive, M12x1.75 thread). For the transmission mount, plan for a 18mm tool on a M14x2.0 stud; final torque is 65 ft-lbs (transmission mount bolt - cross member). Transmission pan bolt - rear tightens to 12 ft-lbs, takes a 10mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the transmission pan. The transmission pan bolt - front 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 - right torques to 12 ft-lbs (10mm drive, M8x1.25 thread). For the bell housing, plan for a 15mm tool on a M12x1.75 stud; final torque is 55 ft-lbs (bell housing bolt - side). Bell housing bolt - upper tightens to 55 ft-lbs, takes a 15mm driver, runs on M12x1.75 threads, located at the bell housing. The shift linkage bolt - lower uses a 10mm drive on a M8x1.25 thread, torqued to 15 ft-lbs 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 1996 Jeep Cherokee Base numbers above.

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