Re-build 99XJ
02-23-2018, 09:45 PM
#18
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Location: Georgia
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Year: 99 94
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: I6
So I've put about 5k miles on this XJ since I bought it. There are 2 major upgrades that I wanted to do. First was the front hubs, second are the rear springs. Well the front hubs have been getting louder and louder to the point where they were starting to mask the engine noise.... So I took the plunge this weekend and got those replaced:
Ended up getting them all the way torn down with the exception of the 3 x 13MM retaining bolts. Of course I didn't have a 12pt 1/2 drive socket and the box end wrench wasn't cutting it.
So yesterday off to HF to get a socket set (I generally have craftsman, but didn't want to trek to Sears). So I added a little "insurance policy" to make sure I didn't destroy the new socket:
Here the hubs are removed and I cleaned up with a wire wheel on my 4" grinder:
Ended up getting them all the way torn down with the exception of the 3 x 13MM retaining bolts. Of course I didn't have a 12pt 1/2 drive socket and the box end wrench wasn't cutting it.
So yesterday off to HF to get a socket set (I generally have craftsman, but didn't want to trek to Sears). So I added a little "insurance policy" to make sure I didn't destroy the new socket:
Here the hubs are removed and I cleaned up with a wire wheel on my 4" grinder:
02-24-2018, 07:45 PM
#20
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Location: Western MA
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Friday night I got it all back together. This afternoon, I filled up the front diff with fresh fluid, greased everything and took it for a ride. My daughter actually dove it for the first time today as well. They gave if a quick bath. Back to daily driver duties.
03-25-2018, 10:51 AM
#21
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Been driving the XJ for a few weeks now. I've now noticing a rattle / clunk in the right rear of the Jeep. Checked everything, thought maybe the exhaust was the problem. So I bought some new rubber isolators and went to town:
The new mount by the trans is not the same size, so I hacked a portion of the old mount:
Mount back together:
Also replaced the rear rubber isolator:
So now I know the exhaust is not the problem, but the noise persists.
Ive checked the rear sway bar bushings, shock mounting points, and the leaf springs (to the best of my ability). I'm leaning towards the spring mount bushings or shackles. All of which will be replaced in late April. Otherwise, the Jeep XJ is doing just fine.
The new mount by the trans is not the same size, so I hacked a portion of the old mount:
Mount back together:
Also replaced the rear rubber isolator:
So now I know the exhaust is not the problem, but the noise persists.
Ive checked the rear sway bar bushings, shock mounting points, and the leaf springs (to the best of my ability). I'm leaning towards the spring mount bushings or shackles. All of which will be replaced in late April. Otherwise, the Jeep XJ is doing just fine.
05-02-2018, 07:19 PM
#22
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Over the last few weeks, the Jeep has been slow crank and a few time with no crank. This past weekend it wouldn't turn over any longer. Had 12V on the soleniod, but no dice on actually spinning the starter motor.
So I took the battery for testing to Napa, failed. Replaced that. Still no joy. Then I went around and cleaned the grounds. Nope, still won't turn over. So I finally bought a reman starter at Napa (lifetime warranty) and got that installed. Night and day difference. Turns over like a new vehicle.
So I took the battery for testing to Napa, failed. Replaced that. Still no joy. Then I went around and cleaned the grounds. Nope, still won't turn over. So I finally bought a reman starter at Napa (lifetime warranty) and got that installed. Night and day difference. Turns over like a new vehicle.
05-03-2018, 08:25 AM
#23
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Over the last few weeks, the Jeep has been slow crank and a few time with no crank. This past weekend it wouldn't turn over any longer. Had 12V on the soleniod, but no dice on actually spinning the starter motor.
So I took the battery for testing to Napa, failed. Replaced that. Still no joy. Then I went around and cleaned the grounds. Nope, still won't turn over. So I finally bought a reman starter at Napa (lifetime warranty) and got that installed. Night and day difference. Turns over like a new vehicle.
So I took the battery for testing to Napa, failed. Replaced that. Still no joy. Then I went around and cleaned the grounds. Nope, still won't turn over. So I finally bought a reman starter at Napa (lifetime warranty) and got that installed. Night and day difference. Turns over like a new vehicle.
05-14-2018, 08:40 PM
#24
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Thanks Pinkyman. Still cranking like a champ!
Newest issue - annoying rattle under the Jeep. Rattled even when someone closed one of the doors too hard. Turns out the exhaust heat shield (by the gas tank) is starting to rot thanks to an aftermarket hitch. Temp fix - drilled a 1/4" hole on the hitch and the heat shield and bolted them together. No more rattle. I wanted to place a new fastener at the front most point where it follows the frame rail, but can't get a drill up there due to the leaf spring. So the temp fix will have to do until I replace the springs....
Newest issue - annoying rattle under the Jeep. Rattled even when someone closed one of the doors too hard. Turns out the exhaust heat shield (by the gas tank) is starting to rot thanks to an aftermarket hitch. Temp fix - drilled a 1/4" hole on the hitch and the heat shield and bolted them together. No more rattle. I wanted to place a new fastener at the front most point where it follows the frame rail, but can't get a drill up there due to the leaf spring. So the temp fix will have to do until I replace the springs....
05-19-2018, 08:22 PM
#30
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
New rear leaf springs are in, major PITA but I'm glad this project is done. Old springs were 15.5", new ones are 17.5" (center of wheel to bottom of wheel opening). Looks much better, rear sag is gone.
Old springs (need to take them to the recycle bin next weekend):
So now that this is done, the only thing I would do differently would be to use the stock style rubber bushings instead of the Energy Suspension ones. There is a significant amount of road noise after the upgrade. Live and learn....
Old springs (need to take them to the recycle bin next weekend):
So now that this is done, the only thing I would do differently would be to use the stock style rubber bushings instead of the Energy Suspension ones. There is a significant amount of road noise after the upgrade. Live and learn....
