When the front and rear tires have different diameters, it can create an imbalance in the vehicle's driveline. This can cause the transfer case and differential to work harder than necessary, leading to premature wear and possible damage.
The transfer case and differential are responsible for distributing power from the engine to the wheels. If the tires are of different sizes, the transfer case must work harder to compensate for the difference in speeds between the front and rear axles. This can lead to increased wear and the potential for failure.
For these reasons, it is generally recommended that all four tires be replaced at the same time on a Jeep Cherokee with all-time four-wheel drive. This will ensure that the tires are the same size and diameter and that the vehicle operates smoothly without putting undue stress on the driveline components.