Erik Hoeffner

So just bought a '98 recently after a '91. I know this is basically the best year next to the '99, but just wanted to seek you all out first hand and find out what issues are known and what should I replace regardless; Its just half past 147k. I have become very familiar with the door lock/window lock issues with the electric. Gonna look for corrosion and broke wires first. But luckily mine doesnt do it much...any other major '98 specific issues? Thanks for any pointers in advance.
Oh PS, how do you re-connect the little metal clip to the window for the rear defroster? Is it soldered?

MonacaYankee

Solder it back on. Easy

Erik Hoeffner

Cool, I kinda figured, thanks. The clip is missing but I'll just JY it or make-shift one

Erik Hoeffner

I also get a 'pop' noise sometimes when I'm turning left in 4 full-time. I Googled this briefly and couldn't really find a direct conclusion. My '91 has something similar but not as loud, anyone else have this pop or clunk in 4WD?

Big David

U joint.
I had a 98 for 7 years. Only issue I ever had was the CPS slowly went out. It'd run about 50 minutes & shut off. It would cool back down after about 20 minutes & be fine. I finally replaced it with a new one & the problem disappeared.
Oh, & there was the one time the motor blew a hole through itself. But, I got it with 247k on it & sold it with 298k. Most dependable vehicle that I ever owned.

investinwaffles

98 is probably the best year of the XJ IMO

Start by doing a full maintenance (fluids, ignition system, belts, hoses), then move to suspension (U joints first, tie rod ends & steering components, ball joints, wheel bearings, etc)

Then just fix whats broken and drive it till the wheels fall off!

Erik Hoeffner

Sounds good. Appreciate the input guys. Did a lot of research on the years, and as far as the best mix of modern and old 98 seemed the be the best to most people. Most of the electrical bugs were fixed compared to 97 and you don't have the risk of getting a bad cast head with 99+. As much as I like the horseshoe manifold I'd rather have the old head and swap the manifold rather than the other way. 2000 and 01 got a little too modern and have quirks that make them weaker and harder to work on. Anyways this all sounds like what I had in mind. Just gonna go through everything. Gonna coat the floor for rust protection top and bottom this summer.

Big David

I highly suggest the '99 up intake, 703 injectors & aftermarket exhaust manifold. You will love it

MonacaYankee

00-01 only have flawed head castings. Not 99

Erik Hoeffner

Yeah but they still redesigned the ports in the head with the lower flow for emissions. Thats why it has the new horseshoe manifold.

MonacaYankee

The 0630 head on 96-99 Cherokees still had much larger ports than the 00-01 0331 head.

The horseshoe intake was not used until 99. Your statement does not make sense because 99s have the same head as 96, 97, and 98.

I have a late build 99 cherokee.

Erik Hoeffner

Hmm yeah I pulled a horseshoe intake off a August 99 build, for my 91. So I don't know, maybe its possible the 99s are actually the best with the new intake and the better head? I'm confused though now, I dont see how that works.

Erik Hoeffner

I think its the front axle seal or something. I've hear a ujoint. This is more continuous, going as you drive at all times. Slow rattily rotary noise. Mostly when going slow you can hear it. Its not loud though. Hopefully not a diff gear...

abodyjoe

no matter what year it is i'd go over the cooling system and make sure its in perfect condition.. radiator,water pump, thermostat, fan clutch,hoses and belt. the stuff is cheap.. then ya know the condition of it all..

andrewmp6

So did you give up on that salvage title high dollar car lot xj you wanted?