I'm hoping this question falls into the "there is no such thing as a dumb question category".

I have a stock 4WD 2000 Cherokee XJ with 127K miles on it. When crawling under the front side I noticed a few bolts and nuts that looked like they were detaching from each other like the picture below. Is it safe to just tighten these back up or replace them with none rusted bolts/nuts? Also, would I notice any symptoms from these loose Bolts?

 

That's the tie rod adjustment sleeve, looks fine to me.

 

agree

 

They look loose because it's basically a threaded clamp over a large bolt. It has to be loose to thread together and be adjusted. Then tightened to be secured in place. But the gap will always be there

 

No problem there. Looks fine.

 

It looks fine. While you're under there, put a wrench on
everything. Then you'll know.

Get a grease gun and lube all the tie rod ends, ball joints,
front driveshaft slip yoke, and any greaseable u-joints you find.

 

Also agree.

 

I agree with the above however

..when I picked mine up, a guy who I know to be a pro mechanic, had "got it ready" for me..those bolts were loose (the sleeve should not rotate by hand)

type pressure was ~20psi on all 4 tyres

made for a fun drive home in the rain

 

Why is everything wet under there? Water, oil, or coolant?

 

Rain? Puddles? You said you drove home in the rain.