Not Good in the 'Hood
Weak link: Hood latches
Models affected: All
What happens: XJs used a hood latch on each side of the hood. Often, one or both of the bell cranks in the hood latch mechanisms will wear. When this happens, the hood may only release on one side, leaving you locked out of your engine compartment. This is a bad thing, because if you have a 4.0L engine, you'll probably need to get in there to fix the cracked exhaust manifold.
Strong fix: Dan McKeag of Burnsville Off Road says that this is a common problem that can be avoided by keeping the hood latches and associated components well lubricated. McKeag also notes that it's not a bad idea to visually inspect the latches from time to time in an effort to identify a failing latch before it's too late. If the latch does break, it's not uncommon to have to destroy the hood or disassemble the front end to get to the bad latch. Latches are available from your local salvage yard or Jeep dealer.
Contact:Burnsville Off Road
UniFrame Failure
Weak link: Uniframe
Models affected: All
What happens: See Uniframe Failure II
Strong fix: T and J Performance offers a unique solution to the problem of UniFrame cracking with its Interior Chassis Stiffener. Available in either Rock Crawler- (shown) or Racer-style designs, each is created from 0.120-wall, 1.75-inch tubing (DOM optional). The Rock Crawler is an eight-point design, while the Racer Style is a six-point design. Each stiffener welds/bolts into the vehicle. The bonus to this style of stiffener is that you stiffen the chassis and get a rollcage too.
Contact: T and J Performance, 714/633-0991, www.tandjperformance.com
Tailgate Latch Failure
Weak link: Tailgate latch
Models affected: All
What happens: Due to poor design of the tailgate latch, it doesn't keep out the elements.The result can be a latch that won't release.
Strong fix: Once again, Dan McKeag says regular cleaning and lubing is the hot ticket. If the latch does fail, he notes that unlike the hood, you generally won't have to destroy the tailgate to get it open. He says you can simply remove the rear bumper to access the striker bolt and pop the rear tailgate. New latches are available from the salvage yard or your local Jeep dealer.
Contact: Contact: Burnsville Off Road
UniFrame Failure II
Weak link: Uniframe
Models affected: All
What happens: There are similarities between the XJ's uniframe and the 4.0L engine's exhaust manifold-they can both crack. When cracking occurs in the uniframe, the XJ's body can flex, which can result in big problems. NAXJA Midwest Chapter president Sean Rafferty notes that one of the results of this flexing can be such unwelcome things as a leaking windshield. We've also heard of door fitment problems as well as general groaning and creaking.
Strong fix: Stiffen the frame. One of the ways to do that is to install a pair of Unibody Stiffeners like the ones from T&T Customs. Each kit includes a left and right stiffener. Welding is required for installation and each kit ships bare metal. As a bonus, the T&T Customs Unibody Stiffener Kit is designed to work in conjunction with the company's Y-Link Long Arm Kit and Heavy Duty Sliders.
Contact: T&T Customs, 307/775-9565, www.tntcustoms.com
Speaking Cherokee
When it comes to XJs, one of the leading sources for information is the North American XJ Association (NAXJA). Not only do they know their XJ tech, they also have trail rides and such to unite XJ owners. Their Web site, www.naxja.org, is a clearinghouse of information of all things XJ. Special thanks goes out to Sean Rafferty, NAXJA Midwest Chapter president, for his help with this story.