Does any one have a photo of how the air filter element should fit in the air box of an 87 Cherokee? It seems my air box is maybe mis-shaped? The filter seems to drop in and I can not get it to sit on what I would think to be the upper sealing surface. I also tried to fit it to the lid and then put the lid on with negative results.

Thanks

 

The sides of the airbox tend to bow out over time and it becomes a 3-handed deal to squeeze the sides in while putting the filter and lid on. I've seen a few people who drilled a few holes in the sides below where the filter would sit and used some tensioned wire to pull the sides back in.

 

Mine air box seems to be too short by about 3/8 inch the long way.

 

Not seen that before. I have seen what lawsoncl describes on almost every one of those.

 

be sure you have correct filter. some filters are close but may drop in. others are a better fit confirm you got correct size


early filter boxes have flat sides and yes they warp, later boxes have corregated sides and are thus much more rigid. the early can be swapped with late, but later ones lack the warm up valve. you can graft the valve onto a later box, or do without the valve but you may need the valve for passing a california smog test.

 

I mis-spoke. The filter is short, the airbox is 3/8 to long. And yes, my airbox is too wide, but i can pull it in to fit, then that is what makes the box too long. I guess I could pull it in with a section of all-thread and nuts from both the long and short side.

And I need not worry about smog tests where I live.