Hello!

I am the new (and proud) owner of a 1996 Jeep Cherokee Classic 4x4 with a 4.0L I6. It has 158k miles and is in need of some good ol' lovin!

Here are the issues:

1. The exhaust is shot - needs new cat-back and a new cat. I was planning on changing the exhaust manifold at the same time and, essentially, I've have a whole new exhaust. What exhaust systems are the most popular around here?

2. The headliner is sagging pretty badly - any tips/tricks to get it to stick back up?

3. I am trying to find the original window sticker but if I don't, would a Jeep dealership be able to print a 'Build Sheet' for me? I know GM dealerships can do this (I have always been a GM guy) - not too sure if Jeep dealerships can do the same.

4. I am told the transmission is slipping/missing 1st or 2nd gear - I have yet to feel this. I will take the Cherokee for a good drive tomorrow and see what I feel. If it does need to be replaced, how easy is it to do so? I am pretty good with vehicles but I like to know what I am getting in to before I start.

I appreciate all your help! I believe my Cherokee has a Dana 35 rear end and I will confirm that and the front differential tomorrow.

Are there any things I should begin to look for on my Cherokee? As I said, I know ALL about GM's but Jeeps, well, that's another piece of the pie that I know NOTHING about!

not tryin to be a d!ck;....

search its all in here and more. your ?'s are asked all the time. your new, so now you have been told.

and welcome to the forum.

I will tell you this. the best bang for your buck exhaust is a member on here. "Mudfrog" his site is performancecurve.com

i got my exhaust from him as many others have too. very reasonable.
good luck.

Here is the link you can get your build sheet.
http://www.jeep.com/webselfservice/jeep/index.jsp
1) Go to I need CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE.
2) Go to Send us an Email
3) Fill out the form and request your build sheet. It normally take a day to get it.

Thanks for the help - I just sent them an e-mail!

Not a problem.
BTW, Welcome to the forum.

Don't be quick to condemn the transmission. Questions for you....

1. What color is the fluid? Should be RED
2. Is the fluid at the correct LEVEL on the dipstick with a hot engine, tranny fully exercised?
3. Does the fluid smell BURNT? It shouldn't

As this is a new to you vehicle, unless you have believable proof of recent transmission maintenance, new fluid would be commended. Use Dex/Merc III compatible. You could start by dropping the 3-4 quarts in the pan and refilling. Drive for a while, then repeat until fluid stays RED and does not smell BURNT.

I just got this from Jeep!

Body Model: XJ J L 74

Sales Code Description

*J5 Cloth/Vinyl High-Back Bucket Seats
ADA Light Group
AHGP Spring Special Group
APAS Monotone Paint
ARWP Sport Decor Group
AWH Power Equipment Group
BAUS 117 Amp Alternator
BCDS 500 Amp Maintenance Free Battery
BGK 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes
CADP High Back Bucket Seats
CDBP Reclining Front Seats
CFMS Rear Folding Seat
CGTS Driver Air Bag Only
CKAS Carpets - Floor and Cargo Area
CKNS Cargo Compartment Carpet
CKTS Cargo Tie Down Loops
CKXS Midgate Box Access
CLEP Front & Rear Floor Mats
CSAP Spare Tire Cover
CSC Cargo Compartment Cover
CSRS Passenger Assist Handles
CUFP Full Length Floor Console
DGB All 4-Speed Automatic Transmissions
DGSS 4-Speed Automatic AW4 Transmission
DHAS Lock-Up Torque Converter
DHP Selec-Trac Full Time 4WD System
DHSS Floor Mount Automatic Shift Lever
DJHS 230MM Front Axle
DMDS 3.55 Rear Axle Ratio
DRMP Dana 35C/194MM Rear Axle
EAAC All Engines
ERH 4.0L I6 Power Tech Engine
GBBS Tinted Windshield Glass
GCBS Front Door Tinted Glass
GEDS Tinted Rr Drs/Qtr/Liftgate Glass
GEHS Fixed Door Vent Glass
GFA Rear Window Defroster
GNCP Sun Visors w/Illum Vanity Mirrors
GRZP Left Remote Mirror
GSZP Right Remote Control Mirror
GTZ Manual Remote Mirrors
GVAC All Vehicles W/O Power Mirrors
GXMP Remote Keyless Entry
HAAP Air Conditioning
HGDP Deluxe Insulation Group
JAYP Instrument Cluster w/Tach
JBFS Instrument Panel Black Bezel
JCAS 85 MPH Primary Speedometer
JHAS Var Intermittent Windshield Wipers
JHBP Rear Window Wiper/Washer
JJAS Cigar Lighter
JJBS Dual Note Electric Horns
JPAP Power Windows
JPBP Power Locks
LAJS Headlamps On Warning Chimes
LBBP Courtesy Lamps
LBCS Glove Box Lamp
LCDP Map/Dome Reading Lamps
LDAP Underhood Lamp
LDBP Cargo Compartment Lamp
LHDP Headlamp Off Time Delay
LMAS Halogen Headlamps
LPSS CHMSL Lamp
MB1S Black Front Bumper
MB5S Black Rear Bumper
MCAP Rear Body Color Applique
MDAP Front License Plate Bracket
MFKP Body Color Grille
MHAS Black Windshield Moldings
MMCS Rear Qtr Solid Window Insert
MMGS Belt Moldings
MMKS Hi Black Gloss/Black Mirror Molding
MNAS Black Door Handles
MUKS MOPAR Chrome Bodyside Molding
MWGP Roof Rack
NAE California Emissions
NBKS EVAP Control System
NFAS 20 Gallon Fuel Tank
PW1 Stone White Clear Coat
QW1S Stone White C/C
RAAC All Radio Equipped Vehicles
RAF AM/FM Cassette Radio
RCDP 4 Speakers
RDDS Fixed Long Mast Antenna
SBAS Power Rack and Pinion Steering
SCGP Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
SDAS Normal Duty Suspension
SHAS Front Stabilizer Bar
SHCS Front and Rear Stabilizer Bars
SUAP Tilt Steering Column
TBCS Compact Spare Tire
TBLS Inside Mounted Spare Tire
TRNP P225/75R15 OWL Wrangler AT Tires
TZAP Goodyear Brand Tires
WJ3P 15X7.0 Aluminum Wheels
XCYS Delete Remote Start System
YAAS Build To U.S. Mkt. Specifications

I just ordered some Bilsteins - definitely needed! I am excited - hopefully these will prevent the Cherokee from floating around on the highway!

Something I learned today: the recall for the PCM and Cat-Converter was never ful-filled. I called up my local Jeep dealership, spoke with the Service Manager to confirm this, and I made an appointment for Thursday to replace the cat-converter under this recall. AWESOME!

I will clean up the engine bay tomorrow and that will allow me some time to really check the fluids in the tranny. As I was driving around today, I noticed that 1st gear seems to be non-existant. Not sure why but I have a feeling a good fluid-flush, if necessary, will help dramatically!