Motojunky

When I bought my '99, I was not impressed with the condition of the cooling system. It looked like the PO was on the "once every other decade" coolant maintenance schedule.

I planned on a radiator, water pump, hoses, t-stat, and heater core. I let it go all winter thinking it'd be a better job for warmer weather. I planned to start with a very thorough cooling system flush so I wasn't working with that nasty coolant... was going to do that this past weekend. Plans got changed, and I didn't get the flush done. It's not my daily driver, but it was a beautiful day yesterday so I took it to work (one hour commute) like I have many times.

On the way home, the jeep decided that we were starting the overhaul now by expelling the contents of the cooling system.

Lots of babbling for a couple of questions: Any recommendations for radiator, water pump, hoses, etc.? I'm going to bypass the heater core for now since that's it's own fun project.

CurrySoSpicy

All OEM is what cherokeeforum usually suggests. When it comes to coolant system components and engine management sensors, MOPAR makes the best stuff. It will be a little bit more expensive, but you will get the highest quality parts and your XJ will smile with glee.

Motojunky

I didn't go OEM. I went with a Spectra radiator based on a previous good experience. Gates water pump & hoses, Stant t-stat, Dorman t-stat housing, and Dorman water pump inlet. I put it together on Saturday evening and everything seems good. No leaks and stable temp. Gonna flush the system a couple of times to get the residual crap that I couldn't flush before doing the work.

Heater core is bypassed for now. I'll get to that in the next couple/few weeks.

fijicorey25

This is exactly what I did in September of last year except I went with the mopar t-stat. Also, I replaced the radiator cap with a mopar unit. I have had zero cooling issues since.

Edit: Don't forget about the fan clutch. It sounds like yours is fine but it's a cheap part to replace if there's any doubt.

Motojunky

Given the condition of the coolant when I bought the jeep back in September, it's remarkable that I wasn't experiencing cooling issues under most conditions. It did get hot during a long ride on the beach (deep sugar sand), but I was part of the problem letting the auto trans slip too much. Shoulda been in 4LO. My prior beach driving was always with a proper transmission (manual!) so I didn't think of that til it started to run hot.

Anywho, right up until it blew the side tank out of the radiator, it was working fine. A poor excuse to put off the maintenance for sure!

Edit after reading you edit (haha): I skipped the fan clutch for now since it feels good and looks to have been replaced fairly recently. I probably should just do it before I head back to the beach.