When disassembling the induction system on my '98 SE for cleaning I discovered the end of the air box open to the elements. It looked the the ground squirrels had been in there...acorn hulls and such. Anyone know where the intake is supposed to be?

 

Mine was exactly the same way. That hole is supposed to be there for it to suck air through before it goes through the filter and on from there. But it's pretty safe to say you aren't getting clean air if squirrels live in your airbox

 

Just wait until they're in there and go for a ride. They won't come back.

I had a raccoon living under the headers of my old Cavalier. I just got in and went. The little bastard ran real quick and never saw him again. I hit a porcupine the same day and lined my radiator with needles.

 

If there wasnt a hole in the airbox, how would the engine breath?

 

What I did was take out the lower airbox assembley... went to the shop, and cut myself some 1/4" X 1/4" galvanized sheet mesh large enough to cover the hole and overlap about an inch. then drilled ~8 inched and attached it with nuts, bolts, and wasthers. I look at it ever once in a while, and see wasps and insects stopped by it

 

Thanks for the replies. I get it there has to be an air source. It seems there would be a better way than an "open to the elements" hole the filter housing. I'm thinking along the lines of a ram induction...

I like the screen mesh idea to keep the critters out.

 

yep, just put enough bolts so theres no spot to push through

 

also for a DD, the best option for cool air is from behind the headlight

 

Good point!

 

I looked at another 1998 Jeep Cherokee air box today that is a 2WD and it is identical to mine....open to the elements!