Recommendations for a 99 XJ pulling DD in a big city
Old fart with a wrench
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 14,398
Likes: 741
From: Manlius, east of Syracuse, NY
Year: 2000 XJ Sport & WJ Laredo
Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)
Engine: 4.0L
I believe the A/C condenser is a plate type flow system whereas an oil cooler should be a tube design. IDK if the plate type could take the pressure without eventually bursting. Can you imagine being on the road when it popped? Remember the condenser is on the low side of the compressor.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 682
Likes: 134
From: Good 'ol WI
Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
The main thing is to inspect and make sure all the maintenance items are up to spec. The things that often fail and leave a guy stranded ....like:
1) Cooling system parts: Water pump, hoses, belt
2) Ignition system: Wires, cap, rotor, etc
3) Fluids are changed and topped off
4) Starter, battery and alt are up to snuff. Good grounds and cable ends.
5) Crank Position Sensor (a failed one can leave you stranded)
6) Brakes ...also inspect lines and rest of system
You don't need to replace everything on the list, but inspect them and anything really old, have it changed and updated. A little money spent up front can save you wasted time sitting on the side of the road.
Yeah, get the steering fixed too.
1) Cooling system parts: Water pump, hoses, belt
2) Ignition system: Wires, cap, rotor, etc
3) Fluids are changed and topped off
4) Starter, battery and alt are up to snuff. Good grounds and cable ends.
5) Crank Position Sensor (a failed one can leave you stranded)
6) Brakes ...also inspect lines and rest of system
You don't need to replace everything on the list, but inspect them and anything really old, have it changed and updated. A little money spent up front can save you wasted time sitting on the side of the road.
Yeah, get the steering fixed too.
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 2,478
Likes: 275
From: Southern Texas (former AZ & Aus)
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: I6 4.0L
True - You have the choice of deciding "do I drive it in the city and put the heavy wear on it or take it off the road which isn't great for the vehicle and drive something else".. I'd still opt for the "drive it" option since it is such a sturdy vehicle and it's easy to maintain.
As far as the steering gear - did you try the Redhead steering gear? I've only heard good things about them and the Jeep gear only runs about $300. If I ever need a new gear for my XJ, I'm most likely going with the Redhead since the other common recommendation "trusted local rebuilder" isn't available near me.
As far as the steering gear - did you try the Redhead steering gear? I've only heard good things about them and the Jeep gear only runs about $300. If I ever need a new gear for my XJ, I'm most likely going with the Redhead since the other common recommendation "trusted local rebuilder" isn't available near me.
I've been reading too much lately (past year or so) about low quality replacement steering gears. We put one in our '96 Blazer a while back that had to be tightened right out of the box.
"So I don't want to drive her into the ground just by the increased DD tasks"
You have a right to be concerned. Stop and go is the hardest type of driving on a vehicle and the worst on gas mileage.. Ask your local mail deliverer! But at least an XJ is sturdy built and you can maintain it yourself.
"So I don't want to drive her into the ground just by the increased DD tasks"
You have a right to be concerned. Stop and go is the hardest type of driving on a vehicle and the worst on gas mileage.. Ask your local mail deliverer! But at least an XJ is sturdy built and you can maintain it yourself.
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 2,478
Likes: 275
From: Southern Texas (former AZ & Aus)
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: I6 4.0L
I've heard good stories of guys using a Dodge Durango steering box. It's bigger, stronger, and mounts the same way. The only modification that might be needed is to reposition the pitman arm.
For the heat in South Texas, I would add an aux transmission cooler and an engine oil cooler. Also add a fan over-ride switch in case you need additional cooling in stop&go traffic. You might want to recharge the A/C. You might wish you had it.
I've used my XJ for 4 months now delivering newspapers. That's about the same as using it as a taxicab! Many stops&starts, low speed maneuvering, U-turns, K-turns, shifting into reverse often, long periods of idling. No problems yet.
For the heat in South Texas, I would add an aux transmission cooler and an engine oil cooler. Also add a fan over-ride switch in case you need additional cooling in stop&go traffic. You might want to recharge the A/C. You might wish you had it.
I've used my XJ for 4 months now delivering newspapers. That's about the same as using it as a taxicab! Many stops&starts, low speed maneuvering, U-turns, K-turns, shifting into reverse often, long periods of idling. No problems yet.
That's a good point... an engine oil cooler and trans cooler would be a good idea for where I'm headed. I'll start poking around.. anyone know of good brands for those and how's the install process? Remember, I didn't buy a house when I moved to AZ as I knew this would be a short time here, before moving more long term elsewhere.
As for other cooling system items, most have been done by me in the last year including a new water pump and T-stat, housing, drain, fill, etc. So that part should be good to go.
She consistently maintains about 60-70 psi cold, and under load at full op temp. And at full op temp she sits right at about 50-55 psi. for oil pressure at hot idle.
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 2,478
Likes: 275
From: Southern Texas (former AZ & Aus)
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: I6 4.0L
Don't think I want to go with anything bigger than a 235 with my mild 2 1/2 inch lift. It's big enough for dirt...but small enough that I still get good articulation without hitting the top inside of my wheel wells. or the flares.
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 2,478
Likes: 275
From: Southern Texas (former AZ & Aus)
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: I6 4.0L
I've heard good stories of guys using a Dodge Durango steering box. It's bigger, stronger, and mounts the same way. The only modification that might be needed is to reposition the pitman arm.
For the heat in South Texas, I would add an aux transmission cooler and an engine oil cooler. Also add a fan over-ride switch in case you need additional cooling in stop&go traffic. You might want to recharge the A/C. You might wish you had it.
I've used my XJ for 4 months now delivering newspapers. That's about the same as using it as a taxicab! Many stops&starts, low speed maneuvering, U-turns, K-turns, shifting into reverse often, long periods of idling. No problems yet.
For the heat in South Texas, I would add an aux transmission cooler and an engine oil cooler. Also add a fan over-ride switch in case you need additional cooling in stop&go traffic. You might want to recharge the A/C. You might wish you had it.
I've used my XJ for 4 months now delivering newspapers. That's about the same as using it as a taxicab! Many stops&starts, low speed maneuvering, U-turns, K-turns, shifting into reverse often, long periods of idling. No problems yet.
Mine has the auto AW4 trans...and still shifts pretty smooth.
Do both the cooling fin blocks go up front? or can they be mounted safely elsewhere? I just don't want to take cooling real estate away from the radiator since they are known for heating issues to begin with.
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 7,519
Likes: 1,629
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
I hadn't thought of an override switch for the fan. Mine seems to come on when it is supposed to. So far even in the 2 summers that I've had her she stays just under 210 degrees 99% of the time...even in traffic.
Mine has the auto AW4 trans...and still shifts pretty smooth.
Do both the cooling fin blocks go up front? or can they be mounted safely elsewhere? I just don't want to take cooling real estate away from the radiator since they are known for heating issues to begin with.
Mine has the auto AW4 trans...and still shifts pretty smooth.
Do both the cooling fin blocks go up front? or can they be mounted safely elsewhere? I just don't want to take cooling real estate away from the radiator since they are known for heating issues to begin with.
Start around Post #129.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/01...241802/index9/
My buddy runs a similar one on his Dodge Diesel Crew Cab short bed and on his father's Dodge Diesel Crew Cab Dualie. He loves them. Says they are great.
The automatic being being the weak link in the chain in those vehicles cause of the torque the Cummins pushes.
The guy in his build thread found room for it. Which surprised me. Not like my buddy who has room for days in those vehicles he put them in. LOL.
Last edited by Ralph77; Jul 28, 2019 at 05:18 AM.
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 2,478
Likes: 275
From: Southern Texas (former AZ & Aus)
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: I6 4.0L
Thanks.. I will definitely look into these two mods for the XJ... as long as price is reasonable, seems pretty straight forward to install them.
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,816
Likes: 725
Year: 96
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
If I was in a BIG city, there is a few things against an XJ, mainly need auto, and fuel consumption is poor
If you live in a hot area, cooling system must be good.
Extended Idling will test an XJ cooling system...that is one way that I do test them..30mins idle in 90F
ABS would be handy, many bad drivers,,, in Sydney, a big city, you notice how many cars are scraped and dented
Old fart with a wrench
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 14,398
Likes: 741
From: Manlius, east of Syracuse, NY
Year: 2000 XJ Sport & WJ Laredo
Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)
Engine: 4.0L
I believe that's called "City Patina"! My brother-in-law used a big Chevy van in NYC to deliver office supplies. There wasn't a single panel on that truck that wasn't dented.
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 2,478
Likes: 275
From: Southern Texas (former AZ & Aus)
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: I6 4.0L
First of all.. thanks for all of the input on the topic....
After what has transpired... I'm very seriously considering doing both an oil cooler and a trans cooler with my auto trans.
So if I could, I'd like to ask for input from those that know, what types/brands work best for our XJ's. I'm just thinking it would be a good idea where I'm moving, not only is it a big city, but lots of heat in the summertime.
After what has transpired... I'm very seriously considering doing both an oil cooler and a trans cooler with my auto trans.
So if I could, I'd like to ask for input from those that know, what types/brands work best for our XJ's. I'm just thinking it would be a good idea where I'm moving, not only is it a big city, but lots of heat in the summertime.
Old fart with a wrench
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 14,398
Likes: 741
From: Manlius, east of Syracuse, NY
Year: 2000 XJ Sport & WJ Laredo
Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)
Engine: 4.0L
Derale 15300 from Summit Racing, $53.99, Earl's Performance Oil Filter Bypass Adapter 510ERL, $53.46, Summit Racing, Pegasus Auto Racing Supplies for hose connectors to fit the AN8 fittings on the cooler. They also sell high temp hose for plumbing it.
If you can find a ZJ with the tow package in the JY, get the trans cooler from it. About $25.
Think about hood louvers for additional cooling.
If you can find a ZJ with the tow package in the JY, get the trans cooler from it. About $25.
Think about hood louvers for additional cooling.
Last edited by dave1123; Aug 19, 2019 at 08:42 PM.
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 1,601
Likes: 226
From: East Tennessee
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 242 cui
Hi all... this might be a weird question... but here it goes....
Even with all the occasional "hissy-fits" that our old Jeeps throw... I just can't see myself getting rid of her. Overall she's been a pretty good egg with only 105k on the clock.
She's spent most of the last year and a half in smaller cities/towns in Colorado and now in Northern AZ. Runs pretty good minus having to swap out some old vacuum lines shortly. And is virtually rust free.
I will be moving to a bigger city in southern TX that's only a couple hours from the coast.
I'm not in the position to just by a newer vehicle outright. Love being able to work on our older jeeps even though they can be needy children at times. A wrench, some knowledge, and generally reasonably priced parts (and nearly all still available).... and an old XJ makes sense.
I'm just concerned about her having to pull DD in a city that large with that much traffic with some of the issues that our older XJ's can be prone to. If I do keep her for DD in a big city... those that use theirs in the same fashion in large cities... what are some recommendations? Or is the recommendation simply NOT to do it? She's never left me stranded, but being 20 years old, things can happen more often.
I'm probably already going to sell my motorcycle as I don't want to ride in a city with that many crazies... just not worth the risk. Maybe I could use the funds from that sale to beef up the XJ for serious DD use. Right now she sees a mild commute of about 10 miles a day in a small town. Does well, but that's nothing compared to big city streets and traffic.
So any honest ideas / thoughts... on either side of the coin would be greatly appreciated.
If this is just a completely bad idea then so be it...but hoping that wont be the case
Thanks!
Even with all the occasional "hissy-fits" that our old Jeeps throw... I just can't see myself getting rid of her. Overall she's been a pretty good egg with only 105k on the clock.
She's spent most of the last year and a half in smaller cities/towns in Colorado and now in Northern AZ. Runs pretty good minus having to swap out some old vacuum lines shortly. And is virtually rust free.
I will be moving to a bigger city in southern TX that's only a couple hours from the coast.
I'm not in the position to just by a newer vehicle outright. Love being able to work on our older jeeps even though they can be needy children at times. A wrench, some knowledge, and generally reasonably priced parts (and nearly all still available).... and an old XJ makes sense.
I'm just concerned about her having to pull DD in a city that large with that much traffic with some of the issues that our older XJ's can be prone to. If I do keep her for DD in a big city... those that use theirs in the same fashion in large cities... what are some recommendations? Or is the recommendation simply NOT to do it? She's never left me stranded, but being 20 years old, things can happen more often.
I'm probably already going to sell my motorcycle as I don't want to ride in a city with that many crazies... just not worth the risk. Maybe I could use the funds from that sale to beef up the XJ for serious DD use. Right now she sees a mild commute of about 10 miles a day in a small town. Does well, but that's nothing compared to big city streets and traffic.
So any honest ideas / thoughts... on either side of the coin would be greatly appreciated.
If this is just a completely bad idea then so be it...but hoping that wont be the case
Thanks!
Old fart with a wrench
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 14,398
Likes: 741
From: Manlius, east of Syracuse, NY
Year: 2000 XJ Sport & WJ Laredo
Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)
Engine: 4.0L