How hard is it to change the starter on my '99 Cherokee 4.0?

 

It's easy. I've been playing with that today.

 

just make sure to disconnect your battery first, or you will be in for a shocking good time.

 

Do I need shims? Is it easy to get to the nuts/bolts?

 

It is very easy and straightforward. No shims like a GM. Fasteners are easy to get to.

Did mine a while ago and it was easy. Not bad for 213K miles.

 

I changed the orig on mine about a month ago (at 158k). I'm all thumbs usually and I found it to be easy even though mine wasn't lifted then. If yours is lifted it will be even easier.

 

spend the couple extra bucks and get the lifetime one ive had my xj 15 years put on two only paid once so every one that goes bad they get cheaper and cheaper

 

Looks like the best price is $139 at Autozone.

 

if youplan on keeping your ride like me its well worth it in the long run

 

Definitely, I'm trying to get any possible problems done before winter. I plan on keeping it for a long time.Had an '89 and loved it, except for the rust, but this one doesn't have any.

 

mines rust free

 

like everyone is saying its cake. 2 bolts. the one on the bottom is toward the front of the jeep and the top on is toward the back of the jeep in a kinda weird spot. make sure ya have a swivle. im a mechanic and i did one on my back in a parking lot in maybe five mins if that. just make sure to tighten the bolts all the way. my buddy put his in and didnt tighten them enough and the one bolt rattle out and it was just kinda hangin there.

 

I didn't need a swivel. But mine's an 87. Dunno how different it could be though.

 

haha well maybe its me. i work with semi deep sockets.

 

I just used a regular sized socket.

BTW, to the OP, to make your job easier since you'll be flat on your back underneath your Jeep, you'll need a 9/16 for the two starter bolts and the big wire, and an 8 for the small wire.