Started a thread a few months back asking for advice on selling my 99 sport (https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f59/se...2/#post2938224), and as the title implies I have decided I can't let it go. Ultimately I would like to save up for a newer dd and keep this for weekend trips and winter weather.

I'm hoping to make some improvements/ fixes on the XJ along the way, which is where you all come in. Since this is my only vehicle and I've never worked on a vehicle outside of changing oil and changing a flat, I really can't afford to take any chances making major mods on my own. I'd like to use this thread to ask questions about some of the issues I'm seeing with the jeep as well as share my future plans and ask for guidance to make them happen. Anything I can do on my own I will, but for bigger jobs I'd like to use the search bar and your input/experiences to go into a shop as an informed consumer. Any help with is most appreciated.

So here's my XJ as of a few weeks ago:



The good:
'99 XJ Sport with 129k miles, driving about 50 miles round trip each day for work
Since purchase, I've replaced brakes, shocks, tires, radiator, winshield fluid pumps, and exhaust cut and lifted off crossmember.

The bad:
-Trunk bangs on bumps, and does not open easily (takes 3-4 attempts before the latch catches and opens).
-Knocking underneath the shifter - usually only while stopped at stop lights and sometimes in first gear. Other times after hitting a bump I'll hear a rattle for 3-5 seconds then it will stop.
-Jeep slow to start- takes about 7-10 of turning key for jeep to start up. No clicking or anything, just seems like engine is slow to start. Have read it could be the result of air in fuel lines, or starter/fuel pump. Starts right up right after filling up, and much quicker when jeep is warmed up.

Not sure if any of this is really problematic or me being overly critical of a 15 yr old jeep..

The future: This will continue to be my dd for foreseeable future, so my "build plans" are all based on that. Just want a clean XJ, so here are my thoughts:
-2" budget lift from Fat Bob's garage ( ) Want a slight lift to improve stance without having to mod the rest of the vehicle, this seems to be the best option
-New Rims - Mamba MR1X rims - love the look of current black rims, would like to continue trend (http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...=Black+Painted)

-Upgrade lights - Like the look of clear turn signals, would also like to upgrade headlights... Leaning towards a kit like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/1997-2001-Jeep-Cherokee-Chrome-Euro-Headlights-Side-Corner-Bumper-Signal-Light-/291180655472?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1999%7CMake%3AJeep%7CModel%3ACherokee&hash=item43cbb83370&vxp=mtr
-Tires - Unfortunately just bought new tires (Definity Dakota Highway tires, 230 x 75 x 15 I think). Would like to go bigger, but am unsure of which tires would be appropriate for a 2" budget boost.

Just moved to Northern NJ, so if anyone knows any trustworthy shops that I should go to for any of these issues or mods let me know!

Feel free to comment on plans and current issues, I appreciate any input and hope to learn from your experiences

 

Great choice on keeping it! I've had my '99 for over 13 years. Though the thought had crossed my mind at times, I just couldn't let her go. As far as your issues go...

My liftgate is tricky too. There are permanent fixes for it, and someday I'll fix it, but for now, if you push in on the brow over the license plate, than pull the handle, it usually opens on the first try. It's kind of like a hidden security feature. Even if it's unlocked, no one else can figure out how to open it.

The starting could be a few common things. If it's after it's been running, like if you ran into the store, it could be heat soaking of the fuel rail. There's a TSB for that. If it's worse when cold, it could be a dirty idle air control solenoid. The third, a longer shot and harder to fix, could be a plugged up lower fuel strainer in the tank. Higher fuel level allows fuel to flow through the upper strainer. Sure fire issue with that one would be the engine cutting out when going around corners when the tank's less than half full. My fix for that was having the tank steam cleaned out and replacing the whole fuel sender assembly.

 

Good decision on keeping it! I know some day when I'm making more cash, I will buy a truck, as I just love having an open truck bed and full frame and v8 (or diesel) BUT I won't get rid of my Jeep. It will have such little trade in value that id rather keep it as a toy/project if it ever comes to that.