98 XJ Plastic gas tank
08-25-2010, 04:42 PM
#1
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
98 XJ Plastic gas tank
So is the 98 XJ's plastic fuel tank, one of those exploding ones?
Is Chrysler replacing them for free, even if I'm not the original owner?
I have my wife & kids in there much of the time, need to be sure they're safe.
Is Chrysler replacing them for free, even if I'm not the original owner?
I have my wife & kids in there much of the time, need to be sure they're safe.
08-25-2010, 04:48 PM
#2
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Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 2.5 4 cyl.
plastic? i dont think it is, or at least none i have seen. If it has one i would say it was put on there, but im not 100% on that.
08-25-2010, 04:58 PM
#3
No recall on the Gas tanks yet. Besides they are only looking into Grand Cherokee's.
http://news.google.com/news/search?a...d+cherokee+gas
http://news.google.com/news/search?a...d+cherokee+gas
08-25-2010, 06:47 PM
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Just went out & checked again, it's definitely plastic & appears to be stock.
I'm not super worried, but am somewhat concerned. Like I said it's not just me in there.
It's a 1998 XJ 4.0L auto.
I'm not super worried, but am somewhat concerned. Like I said it's not just me in there.
It's a 1998 XJ 4.0L auto.
08-25-2010, 07:13 PM
#6
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Year: 1993, 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
I honestly think the media is blowing it out of proportion. They like to sensationalize.
From what I was able to find quickly on google...
Ah, yes, but they never say which of those 44 crashes and 55 deaths involved a fire centered around the Cherokee's ruptured fuel tank? They are taking all sources of fire into this figure.
The NHTSA seems to think it's safe, but is re-reviewing the data after a third party consumer watch group asked them too.
AFAIK the Cherokee isn't considered as part of the investigation, just the Grands. Considering, though, how often we slam these things into rocks, stumps, and the ground... I think if they were prone to explode on impact, we'd know about it.
From what I was able to find quickly on google...
NHTSA has found 44 Grand Cherokee crashes and 55 deaths since 1992 where fire was listed as the most harmful factor
While the agency has not reached any conclusions, an initial review of crash data submitted by auto manufacturers showed that the Grand Cherokee did not have significantly more fires after crashes than other vehicles, NHTSA said.
AFAIK the Cherokee isn't considered as part of the investigation, just the Grands. Considering, though, how often we slam these things into rocks, stumps, and the ground... I think if they were prone to explode on impact, we'd know about it.
08-25-2010, 07:18 PM
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Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 2.5 4 cyl.
I honestly think the media is blowing it out of proportion. They like to sensationalize.
From what I was able to find quickly on google...
Ah, yes, but they never say which of those 44 crashes and 55 deaths involved a fire centered around the Cherokee's ruptured fuel tank? They are taking all sources of fire into this figure.
The NHTSA seems to think it's safe, but is re-reviewing the data after a third party consumer watch group asked them too.
AFAIK the Cherokee isn't considered as part of the investigation, just the Grands. Considering, though, how often we slam these things into rocks, stumps, and the ground... I think if they were prone to explode on impact, we'd know about it.
From what I was able to find quickly on google...
Ah, yes, but they never say which of those 44 crashes and 55 deaths involved a fire centered around the Cherokee's ruptured fuel tank? They are taking all sources of fire into this figure.
The NHTSA seems to think it's safe, but is re-reviewing the data after a third party consumer watch group asked them too.
AFAIK the Cherokee isn't considered as part of the investigation, just the Grands. Considering, though, how often we slam these things into rocks, stumps, and the ground... I think if they were prone to explode on impact, we'd know about it.
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08-26-2010, 04:53 AM
#8
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
My 90 YJ has a plastic tank, but it has a metal skid plate which seems to have protected it on several occasions.
Maybe I'll look into buying, or make my own skid plate/ protection for the XJ too.
Maybe I'll look into buying, or make my own skid plate/ protection for the XJ too.
08-26-2010, 07:35 AM
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Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I have not investigated yet to see if my tank is plastic yet, but I do know that it is not uncommon for gas tanks to be plastic. I've assisted in replacing a couple that came on Dodge mini vans and since that's a Chrysler product it would not be unlikly that the Cherokee came with them too.
I'm going to also suggest that the plastic tank may be safer- it will flex more before it punctures or cracks. Less chance of it sparking too.
If your tank is plastic and you are concerned about it I would suggest an "easy" fix, buy a gas tank skid plate.
I'm going to also suggest that the plastic tank may be safer- it will flex more before it punctures or cracks. Less chance of it sparking too.
If your tank is plastic and you are concerned about it I would suggest an "easy" fix, buy a gas tank skid plate.
08-26-2010, 12:08 PM
#12
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Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Mopar has used plastic tanks for ages. Safer than steel. Steel makes sparks when it is hit and composites can be significantly tougher than sheet metal in impact situations.
08-26-2010, 01:58 PM
#14
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Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
My XJ has a metal tank and a plastic shield. I would like to put on a skid plate, would the ZJ skid you put on yours fit a 1993 2dr tank, and would it be strong enough to help protect the tank?
08-27-2010, 01:03 AM
#15
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 6.0
ya i have a 99 and i was pissed when i seen that the gas tank was plastic so thats one of the first things i bought was a skidplate cus i put a pretty good sized scratch in it just 4xin...but i didnt even know there was a recall period so this actually is new to me