Lost the heat shield between the exhaust pipe and the fuel tank on the 2000 Cherokee Limited. Is it safe to drive without it until it can be replaced? It is my son's daily driver for now. Back and forth to work about 30 to 40 minutes each way.

 

It should be fine as long as you have enough clearance between the exhaust and gas tank. 2 inches or so would be good but as long as it isn't close to touching you should be fine. Most people just leave them off when they rust away. I don't know if they make a cheap replacement, might be a junkyard part. I see some for about 50 or so online

Could use some exhaust header wrap around that section of exhaust as a cheap fix. Amazon prime and takes 5 mins to install with those metal zip ties or hose clamp
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I say just do what investinwaffles said and forget about it. Did it rot away? Cause I am trying to figure out how you loose one. If I remember correctly it is attached to the passenger side gas tank strap and bolted in above the tailpipe hanger into the nutstrip. $50 for one of those is nuts. I am pretty sure I paid $50 for the factory gas tank skid I hung. LOL.

 

Thanks for the replies. Upon further discussion with my son, it was the heat shield above the muffler and not the shield between the tail pipe and gas tank.
Ralph, I had the same question when I took a look at the shield on one of the other XJs we have to get an idea of what he told me. It is a sturdy piece of sheet metal.

Thanks for taking the time.

 

That makes a lot more sense. LOL. Be willing to bet that half the Jeeps out there have lost that shield. I did not have one but bought one from the dealer and put it up in there on my '00. The speed nuts I bought from Napa. Just keep an eye on the carpet in that area. From time to time. I want to say I paid about a total of $20 for the part from my dealership and the speed nuts from Napa.

 

My 2000 WJ lost it 6 years ago and I haven't started the carpets on fire yet! LOL! She's got a Flowmaster in her also.

 

The cat heat shield I would change eventually. Its not going to burst into flames, but it will heat the cabin up more which is worth it to me! The XJ is already hot enough inside, doesn't need any more help
Could make one out of a baking tin or something even.