142XJ

Hi guys -

Finally registered for Cherokee Forum... I can usually find the answers I'm looking for by searching around a bit so I haven't had to register before...

Over New Years I went on a trip through the Columbia River Gorge during some extreme winds and had the misfortune of my passenger losing grip on the door while entering the vehicle and the wind slammed the door open pushing it about a foot farther than its designed to open. The door panel made contact with the fender just enough to make small dents on the top and bottom of the door. My problem is after this occurred the door no longer sits flush with the fender. It sticks out about 1/2" on the bottom and 1/4" on the top where the too panels meet. Driving in winter weather and on dirt roads the front tire picks up all kinds of debris and crams it into the gap and on the freeway the wind noise is very annoying. The sheet metal on both panels is straight, aside from the too small dents I mentioned. The hinges don't appear to be bent nor does any other part in contact with the hinges. I'm at a loss as to how to fix this. Right now my best plan is to take the door off and beat the hinges backwards, put the door back on and see if there's a difference. But before I do that I was hoping one of you guys could point me in a better direction. I'll upload some pictures ASAP. Thanks - By the way, this is a '98 2 Door.

Tim

xjdirtbath

Go to your local pick and pull and grab a set of hinges. they should be cheap.

142XJ

Yeah, I'm sure they'd be cheap... And a pain in the *** to cut remove from a Jeep at a pick and pull.

So, do you think the hinges are my problem then?

Tim

xjdirtbath

That would be my guess. That a piller is pretty stout.

xjdirtbath

Maybe someone in the for sale section that is parting out could send u some.

142XJ

I'll post an ad in there and see what people have. Thanks -