Sep 21, 2015, 03:49 PM
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XJ Ask the Question Thread
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,226
Likes: 11
From: Laurium, MI
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
So I've been having a bit of sputtering under power and well feeling like the jeep is a bit underpowered. I've come up with two possible problems. One being the exhaust, I looked up and down the pipe and at the very beginning where the pipe bolts to the headers there is a nice dent that really constricts the flow. I'm trying to upload a picture as well. The second problem is fuel filter. I can't find an inline fuel filter anywhere. I changed the fuel pump assembly with new stainer bag, but if I follow the line to the front I find no canister filter. Is that possible? Also has anyone changed there fuel line to a stainless braided line? Mine is half the diameter of my pinky finger and extremely rusted, I'm thinking it needs to be replaced as well. Any thoughts on my sputtering?
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: South Florida
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6 Power Tech
Sputtering
your inline should be right above the diff on the fuel door side
Changing the fuel filter on a Jeep Grand Cherokee - YouTube
Changing the fuel filter on a Jeep Grand Cherokee - YouTube
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 19,219
Likes: 45
From: west chester, pa
Year: 1999
Engine: 4.0
I'll have to check after lunch. I didn't mention it but it's a 98 4.0 XJ. I have read that some years don't have an inline filter which I can't imagine why. Any guesses on the effect of the dented exhaust? I don't know how I got a dent that high on the pipe, any chance it's supposed to be that way? Anyone mind confirming what their exhaust looks like? Thanks for the help!
The dent is there from the factory. So far I know of two reasons... So to clear the driveshaft at full stuff and to heat up the exhaust gases (that's what I have heard so far)
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: South Florida
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6 Power Tech
I didn't see your post. I believe your correct and I believe that's where I stand. I have already changed the whole fuel pump assembly so I guess that's out. Any chance the exhaust crimp is making the jeep choke out on its farts (exhaust)? Also anyone ever change they're fuel line? I feel like it should be a braided stainless but idk, that's why I come here
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,226
Likes: 11
From: Laurium, MI
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
I'll have to check after lunch. I didn't mention it but it's a 98 4.0 XJ. I have read that some years don't have an inline filter which I can't imagine why. Any guesses on the effect of the dented exhaust? I don't know how I got a dent that high on the pipe, any chance it's supposed to be that way? Anyone mind confirming what their exhaust looks like? Thanks for the help!
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: South Florida
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6 Power Tech
your 98 XJ don't have inline fuel filter, it's all inside the fuel tank as a part of the assembly.
The dent is there from the factory. So far I know of two reasons... So to clear the driveshaft at full stuff and to heat up the exhaust gases (that's what I have heard so far)
The dent is there from the factory. So far I know of two reasons... So to clear the driveshaft at full stuff and to heat up the exhaust gases (that's what I have heard so far)
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 15,581
Likes: 8
From: some small town oregon
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I couldn't imagine it to be true but I also couldn't imagine how i could have made such a dent. Thanks for checking. I'm back to square one... Not sure what's going on. A week ago i couldn't get the jeep to start. I cleaned the NSS and then it started! And I got reverse lights for the first time ever! I followed that up with a bottle of one of those fuel system cleaners in the tank, it's been sputtering since.
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,226
Likes: 11
From: Laurium, MI
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
I couldn't imagine it to be true but I also couldn't imagine how i could have made such a dent. Thanks for checking. I'm back to square one... Not sure what's going on. A week ago i couldn't get the jeep to start. I cleaned the NSS and then it started! And I got reverse lights for the first time ever! I followed that up with a bottle of one of those fuel system cleaners in the tank, it's been sputtering since.
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,226
Likes: 11
From: Laurium, MI
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
XJ hubs...
OK so using Amazon's part reference I swapped the new hubs that I put on my ZJ to the XJ while I was doing u-joints this past weekend. The "hat" isn't as deep. Do I need different brake rotors(can I swap the ZJ ones...they're close to junk but if it's safer I'll swap them ASAP until I buy new) or can I leave them like this:
click for full res
From googling it appears there are as many a 4 different hub/unit bearing assemblies for XJs...
click for full resFrom googling it appears there are as many a 4 different hub/unit bearing assemblies for XJs...
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 couldn't imagine it to be true but I also couldn't imagine how i could have made such a dent. Thanks for checking. I'm back to square one... Not sure what's going on. A week ago i couldn't get the jeep to start. I cleaned the NSS and then it started! And I got reverse lights for the first time ever! I followed that up with a bottle of one of those fuel system cleaners in the tank, it's been sputtering since.
Check your plugs and wires, dist cap and rotor, and your coil. Also look into the catalytic converter. If it's clogged or breaking up inside the casing, it can restrict flow and rob power. In the same token, a clogged air filter can do the same thing.
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,589
Likes: 2
From: Denver
Year: 99
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I did the ol "water down the intake" trick today and didn't get much if any smoke or anything except a little gurgling. Revved it up, took it for a drive after. Maybe my engine is in that good of shape? My exhaust ports were pretty gross when I replaced my exhaust manifold, but oh well.
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,528
Likes: 2
From: North Carolina
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Got me a CB radio from a fellow forum member and wired it all up today. Anybody know where I can get an SWR Meter to tune it? Id prefer to rent or borrow one instead of having to spent some money on one just to use once. Thanks
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 939
Likes: 71
From: Abysmo, NJ
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ASTATIC-PDC1...IAAOSwFqJWqX5j
(I have my old SWR meter kicking around somewhere but am well out of your area even if I could find it.)
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,528
Likes: 2
From: North Carolina
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
If you can't find one to borrow I'm seeing some inexpensive units on ebay like this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ASTATIC-PDC1...IAAOSwFqJWqX5j (I have my old SWR meter kicking around somewhere but am well out of your area even if I could find it.)
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: West TN
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L stock for now.
When doing a lift, how high can you go without worrying about also extending the ABS wires along with the soft brake lines?
I'm extending the soft lines for my flexy 3.5" inch lift and don't want to mess up my wires. Thanks.
I'm extending the soft lines for my flexy 3.5" inch lift and don't want to mess up my wires. Thanks.