Redwolf624

Yup, you're talkin bout those factory rails on the top of every XJ that always break or never move! I wanna had 3 more to my XJ but my current 2 i have do not move. Any ideas to get em to move, what can i pull them off of and will fit on my 96 XJ?

Redwolf

Ralph77

They get stuck when they stay in one position for a long time. I remember it took a little force when I moved the ones on my '96. Can't remember for sure but I think I pushed in on a button to move it. Want to say anything '96 and down should fit. Thinking the first couple years in the '80's might be questionable though. Pretty sure '97 and up wont. I think they look different. Own a '00. I would check closer for you but I just sold my '96. I just always assumed you would have to remove the front cap to slide the additional rail on or off.

Redwolf624

i can add additional rails with either the front or rear caps already been there and removed a couple, any suggestion of how to free the rails up and how to replace the stock button with a better design?

Redwolf

Basshark7

'90 to '99 should work on your '96. They changed the rail design for the 1990 and 2000 model years. But the clamps should work across all model years. No suggestion for a better design without buying a whole new rack (defeats the purpose of the question). Knocking them loose, I would use a rubber mallet and an appropriately sized piece of wood or 2 (don't forget eye protection).

LiamLikeNeeson

I have an '89 and the roof racks have these screws that you loosen on both sides to slide it then you tighten them. Idk if that helps but that's the system they use in the pre-90 xj's

SteveMongr

Basshark7 mentioned the best way to free stuck buttons. But if the pins are stuck than the button can break its connection to pin. if this happens, remove button and use a flatbalde to pry up on pin and hold it while sliding crossbar. If the buttons are stuck, you may be able to get a small flatblade on the pin from inside the rails, try to gently pry it upwards while pushing on button.
A better design would be nice, not sure how to go about it.

Redwolf624

got it guys, once i get my XJ back from the transmission shop i'm gonna give all this a shot,

Redwolf

SteveMongr

Uh-oh, what is a transmission shop doing to your rig?
Is it Price's Transmission by chance, on Witchduck Road.

Redwolf624

nope, it's aamco on virginia beach blvd by oceana. 2nd gear blew and took the tranny pump and torque convertor with it, i'm waiting to hear back from em bout if they can get another tranny and just drop it in there,

Redwolf

SteveMongr

That is surprising because the AW4 is a hardy transmission.
It would be more economical to source the replacement yourself. Salvage or from another jeeper. Can be had for $150-$250 including warranty. I could see a transmission shop easily charging you $1,000 total for this deal.

Redwolf624

i wish it was only $1,000 they quoted me $2,700 to rebuild it, transmissions are one thing i don't mess with, specially when it's my daily, i aint got the know how or time to tinker with it to get it right,

Redwolf

SteveMongr

Nooooo, the AW4 trasmission is plentiful and relatively easy to replace. I am no mechanic, but I removed and replaced my own with a rented jack. Took 1 1/2 days.
The best thing for your wallet is to get it out of that specialist shop and take it, along with a replacement AW4 to a garage mechanic. Nothing fancy to replacing it.
There are also experianced jeep guys in VB that could do it at their home garage for cash, and much less of it.

Redwolf624

yeah i know but i dont have the funds to pay it all at once, atleast witb aamco i can finance it,

Redwolf

SteveMongr

Sorry to hear you are in this predicament. Might be time to reach out to a local Jeep club. I'm thinking a few hundred dollars on an easy pay plan of $100 per month or something, for the labor.
Here is a VB facebook group for Cherokees only, Afflicted Cherokees Off-Road.
I can contact a form member that lives in VB, is very experianced and knows most the jeepers in the area.

SteveMongr

Also, the shop can have all the confidence and belief that they can rebuild the AW4, but from my research, the AW4 does not take kindly to being rebuilt.
A replacement would be a more reliable option in my opinion, and cheaper than a rebuild.

Or finance a $2000 car, then sell the XJ to help pay some of that off.