Home of XJfan's

1999 Jeep Cherokee XJ Sport

Some information on the purchase.

Bought April 2008.  After months of researching and looking for information on which vehicle to buy next.  I began to check out Jeep.  I didn't want a car or a large SUV, use to have a 94 Suburban that had lots of room and very comfortable but it  was a gas hog.  $120 to fill up and that's before the price of gas was above $4. 

I went to a jeep gathering call Jeepfest in Feb 08 at Bass Pro Shop in Dania and it was incredible.  After that day, I began to search for an Cherokee (XJ).  I was big enough for the family and not too bad on gas, plus you could have fun with it.  After searching autotrader, craigslist and ebay.  I finally found it on ebay as a local puchase.

Here's the link to pictures that were taken at the event.

http://jeepfest08.shutterfly.com

Links were you could find more information on jeep XJ's.

http://www.jeepforum.com

http://www.naxja.org

http://www.jeeptalk.net

http://www.floridajeepers.net

http://www.cherokeetalk.com/forum/

http://www.cherokeeforum.com/

Thanks to the memebers of these sites for all the information.  There are many post and write-ups that have helped in getting the XJ to this point.. 

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Safety and common sense....

First thing, before anything else is Safety.  Make sure you have a fire extinguisher, never know what might or could happen.  To you or anyone else.  Use jack stand, don't work underneath with just the floor jack.  Also a First-Aid Kit, could be very helpful.  Don't forget your Safety Glasses..  I don't work on the Jeep without them.

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Replaced the following...

Ignition Cylinder   Next day after buying it, the key would not turn.

Powersteering pump   Grinding sound was getting louder but was not leaking.  Also added a filter.  About $45 at AZ.  Don't remember how much the filter cost.

Lift Gate Arms The lift gate would drop hard, changed the arm with parts from AZ.  About $20 each

Ignition Coil   While driving on the highway, it was acting like it was running out of fuel.  Added more fuel and would not start.  After troubleshooting, it had fuel but no spark.  Replace with a unit from Pepboys.  Do your self a favor and spend the money.

Same thing just happened today, 06/22/09.  On the Turnpike south next to the Hardrock..   The last one was from Pepboys, now gonna find out how much it cost at the dealer.  06/23/2009 $52.97 hope it's worth the extra 20 bucks.

Tune-up Replaced cap and rotor, don't remember were I got these from.  Both have brass contacts.  From reading information on different forum, many indicate these are better but I don't know for sure.

Wires and plugs OEM from the junkyard.  I think $5 not sure.  Got luck and while walking around, the yard was placing a cherokee.  Got to it as soon as the forklift secured it in place.  Opened the hood and everyone was all over it like vultures.  The wires and plugs looked new.  Been running it for months with no problems.

Brake Booster Elbow  One morning, when starting it, a loud sound came from under the hood.  After it started, I applied the brakes to put it in drive and the pedal was very hard.  The elbow on the booster that connects to the vacuum hose broke.  Not sure how.  When to the local auto parts store and installed a new one.  No problems since.

Crank Position Sensor   Engine would turn but not start.  Had no fuel and no spark.  Get one from the dealer. Cost about $100.  Here's the write-up I used.  http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=197260&highlight=rubber+floor

Water Pump was leaking very slowly on the front differential. From AZ, about $35.

Front Mount Hitch Got lucky at the junkyard while looking for other parts.

Battery   The old one was an Interstate.  Installed Legend 75 from NAPA.  So far, so good.

Front U-Joint

06/14/09 - Found U-joint on front right needs to be replaced.

08/15/09  U-Joint replaced. 

Fan Clutch Upgrade  After installing the large tranny cooler.  Engine temps were slightly over 210*.  

This clutch is Torqflo, don't hav pics of the Imperial one.  They look almost identical.

08/15/09 - After searching many forums for a while, I decided to follow everyone suggestions.  First tried to use a Torqflo 922737 but the blades would make contact with the clutch.  The washers provide might/could have been used a spacers but decided not to go that route.  Other suggested used Imperial 215149.  I was first given 215101 but looked cheapy, swapped it for 215149 and so far, so good.  The fan roar is louder and last a little longer but doesn't bother me.  After a short test drive in traffic, temps stay just below 210*, hope nothing changes.  Will provide update in the a couple of months.  At this point, this mod seems to be worth it. 

UPDATE 11/18/09, so far this mod has been working very good.  The only time it goes above 210* is when sitting in traffic for a long time.  Other than that, everything is good.  Might want to go with an e-fan setup but that'll come later.

11/18/09  Still parts gathered for lift.   Need swaybar disconnects, extended rear brake lines and possibly a DIY SYE setup.  Only if vibes are really bad.

So far, have been able to gather...  lower and upper adjustable control arms, shocks for 4" to 6" lift, 4.5" front springs, going to use s-10 leaf springs.  Installed adjustable track bar.

11/18/09   At this time, the XJ is running like a champ.  Hope it continues to run like this for a long time.

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Still have to replace the following

Valve cover gasket, Oil pan gasket, rear main seal, Oil filter mount o-rings, headliner, cracked exhaust manifold and muffler.

Just click page number......

Page 2 3" Budget Lift (done) Shock info added 02/27/2009

Page 3 Transfer Case Drop (done) Updated 01/02/2009

Page 4 Coil Spring Retainer Fix (done) Updated 01/02/2009

Page 5 Audio Install (done)

Page 6 Driving Lights Install (done) Pics added 01/15/2009

Page 7 Trips (Everglades Loop Road)

Page 8 Transmission Temp Gauge (done) Pics added 01/15/2009

Page 9 Front Tow Hooks (done) Pics added 01/15/2009

Page 10 CB installation (done) More Pics added 03/19/09 CB Radio/Antenna mount build

Page 11 Transmission Cooler Install (done)05/02-03/2009 Pics added

Page 12 Tranmission Fluid Flush (done) 05/03/2009 Pics added

Page 13 4.5" Hybrid Lift Coming Soon, gathering parts at the moment to fit 33" tires.  So far, adjustable track bar, adjustable control arm, 4.5" used (RC) Rough County Springs. Updated 08/15/09

Page 14 Rear Washer Pump Motor Swap (done) 05/24/2009 Text added.

Page 15 Side molding removal (done) 05/25/2009 Pics added

Page 16 Fire Extingusher Install (done) 05/25/2009 Pics added

Page 17 U Joint install (done) 08/15/2009 Pics added

Disclaimer.  The following information on this site is for reference only.  Perform any repairs at you own risk.

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Other stuff

Adding stickers little by little.  Here's the latest.

Have to more to add, will update at another time.

.....Comments Welcome......