Did you ever find a video or something on how to install this? I've been having trouble putting it on with all the steering parts in the way

 

I just received a new splash shield last week ago and hope to do a trial fit on my '91 in the next week or so. A front end alignment is needed before doing a permanent install of the shield. I will document the install and eventually post info in my build thread and try to post back here for anyone following this thread.

 

I did a test fit of the new splash shield from DMT. I posted photos and my first impression at post #68 of my build thread (here: https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/19...5/#post3642618 )

My photos may help you identify how it fits around the steering components.

 

My OEM one was about shot when I bought my XJ....so just took it off. I suppose if I were to do any serious trails or such where water/mud could get up against the alternator and other critical components...I'd put one back in for that trip.
but mostly I like having it off so that I can tell if I've developed a leak or something underneath and it not just getting caught by the splash shield making me unaware of a small issue before it becomes a big one.

 

I have yet to see any salvage yard XJ's that had the splash shield still intact. Good point about being able to see if anything is leaking. Almost all modern vehicles have a hard plastic belly pan that makes it nearly impossible to see what might be going on with leaks, etc. Besides being a splash shield they also help with aerodynamics, providing a smoother flow of air underneath with the result being a slightly improved fuel economy at higher speeds.

On the XJ’s I have considered if the splash shield provides assistance with radiator air flow and cooling by providing some isolation between radiator and underbody air flow. On the XJ there is a lot of stuff, such as steering components and front axle and differential, hanging below the radiator, bumper and front valance panel. At highway speeds if much air gets piled up and pushed upward by those underside components a higher pressure zone could develop between the radiator, fan and engine block, slowing radiator air flow. The splash shield has 3 sizable holes fabricated in it so a design intent to provide airflow isolation is unclear. The designers chose not to cover just the alternator so that is a possible clue. I am a technical geek so these things capture my attention.

 

This is the reason I like having one. I pop the hood once a week to check fluids and give a look to see if anything jumps out at me.
I always look down at the splash shield to see if I notice anything.
When I spotted a tiny dribble of anti-freeze I started thinking weep hole and water pump.
Was such a small leak that I might have never noticed it on the ground.
But the anti-freeze just made it's way to on top of the splash shield and stayed there.
I cleaned it up. Looked a couple days later, it was back, and probably did the water pump that week. LOL.

 

Valid points both ways...
I have the heavy steel plate front guard under mine...so think that's far enough to provide some airflow help for the rad if it does actually assist in some way.

And valid point to see a tiny drip that may have gone unnoticed otherwise.... and Ralf.... if anything "jumps out" at me... I'm closing the hood on it to kill it... LOL

 

A company called Detroit Muscle makes them.