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XJ Ask the Question Thread
No, I don't lick fish.



Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,169
Likes: 26
From: Northern Kentucky
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
I ran into this on mine soon after I got it... (the WD-40 they sprayed on it probably wore off)
Had to rebuild or replace two of my outside door handles and two inside due to broken return springs. Took all the others off and disassembled, cleaned and lubed with silicone paste on the mechanisms and graphite lock lube in the key cylinders. They've all been perfect ever since, which was 20K miles/ year and a half ago.
As for getting them unlocked... getting the door panels off from side the jeep with the door shut isn't easy, but it is doable. I had one that was locked up like that, not to mention my hatch. I've never had much luck with slim-jims, but I suppose that could be an option as well.
Things to watch for: The outer door handles are different for pre- and post-1997 models, they look similar and will mount up, but the operation inside the door is opposite the early style. The mounting studs for them are bronze or some other soft alloy, so be mindful of breaking them. I broke one or two in the JY just pulling them looking for good replacements. Those steel nuts on bronze studs seize up pretty good.
Good luck!
Had to rebuild or replace two of my outside door handles and two inside due to broken return springs. Took all the others off and disassembled, cleaned and lubed with silicone paste on the mechanisms and graphite lock lube in the key cylinders. They've all been perfect ever since, which was 20K miles/ year and a half ago.
As for getting them unlocked... getting the door panels off from side the jeep with the door shut isn't easy, but it is doable. I had one that was locked up like that, not to mention my hatch. I've never had much luck with slim-jims, but I suppose that could be an option as well.
Things to watch for: The outer door handles are different for pre- and post-1997 models, they look similar and will mount up, but the operation inside the door is opposite the early style. The mounting studs for them are bronze or some other soft alloy, so be mindful of breaking them. I broke one or two in the JY just pulling them looking for good replacements. Those steel nuts on bronze studs seize up pretty good.
Good luck!
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,381
Likes: 3
From: Southern Maryland
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 1999 4.0L
I don't trust the online references. When both of them are out, count the splines and measure the exposed depth. If the shafts are different you'll need to move the original input shaft over
Seasoned Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 329
Likes: 0
From: Tallahassee, FL
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
is there any reason why a rear drive shaft from a 97-01 4x4 with an 8.25 wouldn't work on my jeep? Is the drive shaft for a d35 different? Would any shafts pre 97 work?
Originally Posted by BOOMroasted
is there any reason why a rear drive shaft from a 97-01 4x4 with an 8.25 wouldn't work on my jeep? Is the drive shaft for a d35 different? Would any shafts pre 97 work?
D35 with manual trans are much more longer than with an auto
Requesting Opinions: For stock control arm replacement, Crown Automotive arms and bushings or Moog?
I've heard Crown was an OEM supplier, but not much else. Moog seems to have a good reputation.
Also: when replacing tie rod ends...also replace the adjustment sleeve?
I've heard Crown was an OEM supplier, but not much else. Moog seems to have a good reputation.
Also: when replacing tie rod ends...also replace the adjustment sleeve?
I am a mechanical idiot. I have a 1998 Cherokee Sport 4.0 litre, and need to have my Jeep enthusiast son-in-law help me out with stuff that needs to be done on it. (We just replaced the power steering pump a few months back, which turned out to be a lot of fun!)
I need new tires. No, REALLY! I found a really good deal on a set of 4 Jeep Liberty stock 5X4.5 Lug pattern, 225/75R16 wheels and tires in good shape. I currently have 235/75R15 tires and 5X4.5 wheels.
Can I put the new R16 wheels with the 225/75R16 tires on my Cherokee without any safety or rubbing issues, or is this deal doomed?
I need new tires. No, REALLY! I found a really good deal on a set of 4 Jeep Liberty stock 5X4.5 Lug pattern, 225/75R16 wheels and tires in good shape. I currently have 235/75R15 tires and 5X4.5 wheels.
Can I put the new R16 wheels with the 225/75R16 tires on my Cherokee without any safety or rubbing issues, or is this deal doomed?
Herp Derp Jerp

Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 18,251
Likes: 17
From: Parham, ON
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L OBD-II
It is good practice to replace the adjusting sleeves, but, if you're in New Mexico, as your name suggests, I highly doubt necessary.
If you're redoing the steering, order the tie rod, sleeve, and tie rod end from a 1998 Grand Cherokee with V8. You won't be disappointed.
I am a mechanical idiot. I have a 1998 Cherokee Sport 4.0 litre, and need to have my Jeep enthusiast son-in-law help me out with stuff that needs to be done on it. (We just replaced the power steering pump a few months back, which turned out to be a lot of fun!)
I need new tires. No, REALLY! I found a really good deal on a set of 4 Jeep Liberty stock 5X4.5 Lug pattern, 225/75R16 wheels and tires in good shape. I currently have 235/75R15 tires and 5X4.5 wheels.
Can I put the new R16 wheels with the 225/75R16 tires on my Cherokee without any safety or rubbing issues, or is this deal doomed?
I need new tires. No, REALLY! I found a really good deal on a set of 4 Jeep Liberty stock 5X4.5 Lug pattern, 225/75R16 wheels and tires in good shape. I currently have 235/75R15 tires and 5X4.5 wheels.
Can I put the new R16 wheels with the 225/75R16 tires on my Cherokee without any safety or rubbing issues, or is this deal doomed?
No, I don't lick fish.



Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,169
Likes: 26
From: Northern Kentucky
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Is your adjustment sleeve worn out? Not a very expensive part though. Why not replace it while you're under there doing the job?
I am a mechanical idiot. I have a 1998 Cherokee Sport 4.0 litre, and need to have my Jeep enthusiast son-in-law help me out with stuff that needs to be done on it. (We just replaced the power steering pump a few months back, which turned out to be a lot of fun!)
I need new tires. No, REALLY! I found a really good deal on a set of 4 Jeep Liberty stock 5X4.5 Lug pattern, 225/75R16 wheels and tires in good shape. I currently have 235/75R15 tires and 5X4.5 wheels.
Can I put the new R16 wheels with the 225/75R16 tires on my Cherokee without any safety or rubbing issues, or is this deal doomed?
I need new tires. No, REALLY! I found a really good deal on a set of 4 Jeep Liberty stock 5X4.5 Lug pattern, 225/75R16 wheels and tires in good shape. I currently have 235/75R15 tires and 5X4.5 wheels.
Can I put the new R16 wheels with the 225/75R16 tires on my Cherokee without any safety or rubbing issues, or is this deal doomed?
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 854
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Okay guys, rear shock mounts on the top broke when i put my lift in (typical). What is a good size of the bolts i should use in place of the broken ones? I will be drilling out the old ones sometime this week at a friend's house to replace them.
Also, if someone could send me a pm with the response, i will be more likely to see it. Thank you
Also, if someone could send me a pm with the response, i will be more likely to see it. Thank you
I don't know if that is what you are looking for, though...
Okay guys, rear shock mounts on the top broke when i put my lift in (typical). What is a good size of the bolts i should use in place of the broken ones? I will be drilling out the old ones sometime this week at a friend's house to replace them.
Also, if someone could send me a pm with the response, i will be more likely to see it. Thank you
Also, if someone could send me a pm with the response, i will be more likely to see it. Thank you
CF Veteran

Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,528
Likes: 2
From: North Carolina
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I got to replace the yoke on my 1993 jeep with Chrysler 8.25. I was wondering if I could replace the existing yoke which is the one in the first pic and put the other yoke in the other pic on as the replacement. In other words, replace the yoke with dust shield with the yoke without dust shield. The newer style yoke (yoke without dust shield) can be upgraded and drilled out to use u bolt instead of the factory style straps. I would rather install that one instead of the same yoke I had before which can't be upgraded to ubolt. Only problem I see is that the yoke says its for 94 up and mine is 93. Also, it is 3" long while the yoke I have now is 2.75" long. Will .25" make a difference in the rear drivline? Would I be fine if I used the newer style yoke without dust shield? Thanks
Last edited by 93XJeeper; Aug 5, 2015 at 06:48 PM.




