Hello everyone, how are you guys doing?


First of all, nice to meet you all. My name is Pedro, I’m from Brazil and I’ve been a huge Jeep enthusiast for many years.
Before talking about the XJ itself, before this Cherokee I had two JKs: a 2012 2-door Wrangler and later a 2015 JKU that was fully built for off-road and overlanding. I’ve been into off-roading for years, but about 8 years ago I stopped, sold both JKs, and kind of stayed away from the Jeep world for a while.
But this week I finally got my dream Cherokee XJ!!!
Ever since I was a kid I’ve been fascinated by this vehicle. I always say that for me, the XJ is probably the most beautiful car ever made. I absolutely love the shape, the stance, the presence it has… I don’t know, it has always done something to me.


I’m from São Paulo, Brazil, and I went all the way to Rio de Janeiro to pick it up. On the drive back home (about 500km / 310 miles), at the very first gas station stop, one of the radiator hoses cracked and I had to come back on a tow truck… lol.
But honestly, that didn’t even stress me out. I know that to discover issues like that, the previous owner would’ve needed to drive the car for over an hour for those weak points to show up. The car had been sitting stored away for a while, but it is INCREDIBLY well preserved and original.
So my Rio-to-São Paulo roadtrip got postponed for another day.


My plan for this XJ is to use it as a daily driver and for road trips. I really love the original look and feel of the car, but at the same time my off-roader blood and anxiety already want to start modifying things a "little bit"... hahaha.


The craziest part: it still has cassette tapes in the center console and the original sound system! Until I upgrade the stereo to something modern, I’m literally listening to cassette tapes while driving the XJ… man, that’s incredible.
So to start, I’ll post some pictures of it here for you guys to see, and also list some of the things I’m planning to do to it.


It’s a:
1998 Jeep Cherokee XJ Sport Green
4.0 Automatic
The XJ is SUPER well preserved and has only around 69,000 original miles on it.


In the next post I’ll list the issues a
nd problems I’ve already identified that need to be fixed (nothing big), what I’m currently working on, and also the things I’m planning to do during this first phase of the project.
I already have a few questions as well, but I wanted to introduce myself first and show you guys this beautiful machine before jumping straight into the technical stuff.
So in the next post I’ll go over the problems, the plans, the upgrades, and hopefully get some help and advice from you guys too.
Looking forward to learning from everyone here!




I also want to thank everyone here for welcoming a new member into the community. I hope to exchange lots of experiences, technical knowledge, stories, ideas and everything else with you guys here.
Thanks everyone!


Greetings from Brazil,
Pedro

 

Now moving on to the things I’ve already noticed and urgently need to address on the XJ:

• The power locks are not locking/unlocking automatically. Apparently I may need to replace the lock actuators, but could it maybe be the driver door switch/control module instead?
  
• The power windows are moving slowly. Not terrible yet, but definitely slower than they should be… I have a feeling this might soon become a problem.
  
• The starter sometimes behaves weird on the first start of the day. Occasionally it just goes “click click click” and won’t crank the engine. If I leave the key turned to the ON position with the dashboard powered for about 2 minutes and then try again, it starts normally. But since this is a gasoline engine and not a diesel, I assume this behavior is definitely not normal, right? Could it be the starter motor itself? Weak battery? Bad grounds?
  
• Next week I’m taking it to a mechanic for a full inspection and overall tightening/checkup: suspension noises, little rattles that shouldn’t exist, brakes, pads, fluids, oil, everything. I also plan to flush and fully clean the radiator/cooling system.
  
• The car also came with that very strong “stored old car” smell… which I guess is pretty normal for a vehicle that sat unused for a while.
  

Is there anything else you guys strongly recommend I should immediately inspect or replace during this first mechanic visit next week?

The previous owner changed the oil about 2 years ago, but the car barely drove since then. The oil change was supposedly scheduled for another 1000km (600 miles), but honestly… should I just do it now anyway?



Now, about the things I’ve already done and what I’m planning to do:

• I already replaced the radiator hoses, but I still haven’t done a complete internal radiator/cooling system flush yet. So far it’s running fine.
  
• Right now the XJ is at a detailing shop getting a full deep cleaning and sanitizing treatment to remove the “stored car” smell.
  
• I’m also installing G20 tint on it. I honestly didn’t want to, because I love the original look, but unfortunately for security reasons, and running daily it’s almost necessary.
  
• I already bought a roof rack and it’s on the way. My idea is to use it mainly for extra storage and auxiliary lighting, although I’m still deciding exactly what setup I want. If needed, I may also move the spare tire up there to free cargo space in the trunk.
  
  
  
• My CarPlay multimedia head unit already arrived too. I’ll remove the original radio and install the new one. Hopefully it fits perfectly, but if needed I can design and 3D print my own trim bezel for it. It’ll also be really nice to finally have a backup camera — honestly, besides convenience, it helps preserve the bodywork and bumpers too.
  
  
  
  
  

Now about AUDIO… I’d love some help from you guys.

I already bought:

• the multimedia unit
  
• and also a JBL SW68A-MS powered subwoofer that will go under the rear passenger seat
  

But now comes the big question:
Speakers…?

I was thinking about going with Morel speakers because I want a super clean, high quality sound system — not a crazy loud setup.

But from what I’ve been researching, the front doors on the XJ have limited speaker depth because of the window mechanism. Is that true?

Would using Morel speakers with around 60mm to 63mm mounting depth potentially cause clearance issues with the window?

That’s probably my biggest question right now before deciding which direction to go with the sound system.




Also:
My Cherokee is a 1998 model, so it does NOT have that overhead console that the 1997 models had between the driver and passenger seats.

But I’m seriously considering getting one of those overhead consoles and retrofitting it into my XJ. Has anyone here done that before?

I think it looks awesome, it’s super useful with the storage compartments and lights, and aesthetically it really completes the interior.

Is it somewhat plug-and-play or does it require major modifications?

 

Congrats, what a great find! Love the color too.

Don't have any answers to your questions, except I'd recommend a sub thumb box for your sub.

Curious how it looks after a full detail.

 

Welcome to the club!
Very nice looking jeep. I'm looking forward to following along.
I wouldn't say you'd HAVE to change the oil. But it wouldn't hurt. I know some guys, when they buy a car, put all new fluids in so they know they're starting with clean fluid.
As for the starter. I have the same problem (sorta) I turn my key to "on" and let the fuel pump run for a second (you can hear it) and then I crank it. I have an old battery and I cant get enough juice to crank, and pump fuel at the same time. I should probably just replace the battery but this method is free, and it works. lol