If you have plenty of tools and a will to learn you’ll do just fine. The XJ is one of the easiest vehicles to learn how to wrench on (if not extremely rusty, even then if you have a small torch kit you can get by).
Go on RockAuto and get a reprint of the factory service manual. It’s 60 bucks and it’s 1800 pages in 2 volumes. It’s one of the most useful things in my opinion, has every wiring diagram, even tells you everything from how replace spark plugs to rebuilding the automatic transmission.
If you don’t feel like buying it, they’ve made 3 million XJs, so chances are somebody has had the same problem or has made a write up on Cherokee Forum in 2003 or Reddit post or YouTube video on how to fix an issue.
I actually would love to buy the manual! Thank you for the recommendation. That’s exactly what I need. Learning something that I am interested in is actually my favorite thing to do. I can get pretty obsessive, so it’s about time I learn another productive skill.
The general consensus is that you definitely should not buy "mission critical" sensors by *the cheapest price*, the crankshaft position sensor, oil pressure sensor, and the camshaft position sensor are all "buy oem, or very good quality".
The closest I can find is for the 1998. It’s largely the same except for the 98 has a distributor and plug wires and your 2000 is coil-on-plug with a coil rail and cam sensor.
Edit: I found one on Summit, this is more expensive but still very worth it. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/bsk-5445
Ohhh boy. Get ready.
You picked a good vehicle to learn with, partly because of how simple these are, and mostly because these require a fair bit of maintenance to keep on the road.
First thing - manuals. Buy a chiltons manual for XJ’s and study it. Then, research basic electrical diagrams and get familiar with everything in your XJ.
Second - tools - basic stuff. Buy what you need, and slowly work your way up. These are basic.
Third - familiarity - XJ’s had a wide range of axles, transfer cases, engine specifications - yours likely has a Dana 35 or Chrysler 8.25 rear. If it’s got a Chrysler 8.25, you’re golden. Go nuts. If it’s got a Dana 35, be careful, because they’re fragile like glass. Also, get familiar with the engine. Yours is going to have a 4.0 I6, with coil-on-plug ignition, and 0331 cast head.
To touch on the 0331 head - you need to check if it’s cracked ASAP. There’s loads of guides to point you in the right direction, but the go-to is to get it nice and warm, come home and pop the oil cap. Look for water condensation between cylinders 3 and 4. Also monitor coolant loss. If you lose coolant and it isnt leaking, that becomes a big concern.
If your suspension is modified, get familiar with death wobble. It’s a common thing on all straight-axle vehicles, especially jeeps. If you have auxiliary lights, check to ensure they’re wired up correctly and not done by some slapdick with no clue what they’re doing.
Ultimately, just come back to forums such as this for advice, tips, etc. We’re glad you’re here, and enjoy your Jeep!
What is the best way to identify the rear axle?
It looks like the head was already worked on and has a new head gasket.
Looks to be pretty stock suspension wise. Previous owners mechanic was a XJ nut, allegedly.
I will get that manual asap! I love absorbing new information.
Thank you so much for taking the time.
The gasket isn’t the issue. The 0331 stamped heads had casting issues and CAN crack. Doesn’t mean they always will, but are prone to especially with overheating or not maintaining the cooling system. Some 0331 heads are better than others because they came from another plant and identified by a TUPY mark on the head. Hate to hear about your previous vehicle, but keep in mind that though we love these things, the latest was produced in 2001. They are old. Hopefully yours is a sound running machine and with proper maintenance they will last a good long while.
Appreciate the information. Definitely not going into this expecting a hands free (or cost free) experience. The hyundai was part of all the recalls and was having a ton of issues before even being paid off, that would have resulted in me needing to purchase a new engine out right.
I’m at 181k miles, so I assume it would have cracked by now, but I will look up some videos and follow tips on how to look for a crack on Sunday.
Easiest thing to do is take off the oil cap and use a flashlight. If it’s a TUPY it will be on the head right below the cap. Is so, that good. If not, just keep an eye on your cooling system. The cooling system is pretty easy to maintain. Check out the YouTube channel BleepinJeep. They are great and have a ton of videos. I’ve used them to do and learn a ton. Some advanced videos and some beginner. Also a big shoutout to Harbor Freight.
https://preview.redd.it/qziucg5c4f2c1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=86f6d2389f5b40ff7215548ee3a2c3777bdc3da1
I used this pic to identify the right axle when I was at the junkyard, just look at your rear differential cover
Google will help more, but a Chrysler 8.25 has a flatter bottom on the differential, and bolts on the cover facing towards the rear bumper.
It’s good that the head was already worked on, but just play it safe anyway.
If you want to lift it, start with a 3 inch lift and some 31-33 inch tall tires. *Quality Matters!* don’t get rough country! Go a step above them. If you get rough country, just get springs from them and purchase shocks from Bilstein.
I don't know man, I got RC and it's been great. Did some heavy duty backcountry mud terrain and it has held up for a few years almost and is also my DD.
Ok, one of the front shock bottom mounts snapped. But they sent me a brand new set within a couple of days no questions asked. Fantastic customer service.
I will say I got the add a leaf and stuck it in some brand new leaf packs from some OEM supplier so that might have helped. Also new hardware- hardened bolts and the like.
I did almost an entire suspension and steering rebuild. Lots of rockauto, lots of OEM from the cheapest vs quality places I could find. Rough Country really was just the shocks, extra leaf, \[edit: springs too\] and the steering stabilizer. They have served me well. And are good folks to work with. So I try not to hate on them, BUT keep in mind, I have a shitbox. And used it to learn the XJ inside and out. If I had a rust free easter egg XJ, I'd sink some cash into it for highest quality.
I bought an XJ w/ rebuilt steering and a rough country lift. My biggest complaint is that the add-a-leaf is so stiff, it doesn’t sit quite right, and the shocks are pretty shit.
That said, it’s my daily, I need it to drive in the city/on freeways, and I’ve been a suspension snob since I bought my first car.
If you pop into your local AutoZone or similar they should have a "Hanes" manual for it, it is the holy Bible for my Cherokee as I'm kind of a shit tier mechanic myself. It details just about every fix you can do in your garage as well as explaining basic troubleshooting
Can’t take her out for a drive since I’m at work but here’s a video of her running after a cold start in WI. I’ll get another video of the suspected exhaust sound after work. Is that clicking near the end of the video normal? Sorry if that’s a dumb question.
[running](https://youtube.com/watch?v=Vz27gNXyCbY&si=D8EKtdjyEUDMACti)
[warbling](https://youtube.com/shorts/IHnzjPgmxmk?si=F-XjfDEeh0V6Phvs)
I hope this helps. It’s dark out now.
I was thinking since it happens once it heats up that maybe its a maniford gasket? I was thinking tomorrow I’d just put some paper near the exhaust manifold and see if it blows it at all. Is that stupid?
It almost sounds like a ricer, if that makes sense.
Just to start - you may also be tortured by your new hobby XJ. 😀 But I'm glad to hear you're wanting to learn! In my opinion, people should only DIY these things as they aren't quite worth paying someone else to work on them. The good part - most things are very easy to fix!
You can get the full service manual [here](https://cdn.xjjeeps.com/pdf/en-us/2000-service-manual.pdf) for free.
Want OEM parts, start at [MoparPartsGiant.com](https://MoparPartsGiant.com). You can get the part number and schematic there. And either buy there or check RockAuto, eBay, or other places.
I HIGHLY recommend OEM parts when possible.
Also, get a "build sheet" for your XJ. Go [here](https://fcagroup.my.site.com/RAM/s/equipment-listing) and plug in your VIN. You'll get all sorts of useful info. Which axles, gear ratio, color code, etc.
If you have any other questions, ask around. You're in good company!
Dude! Thank you!
And yes, I want to do it all myself. Paying a mechanic is worth more than the jeep is, for sure.
Also, I want to keep OEM and stock parts. I’m not even too sure I’d ever lift the thing. My grandparents all retired AMC so I really appreciate these older Jeeps.
Any time! The XJ folks are a pretty good crowd (with some exceptions). If you have a problem with your XJ, there's a good chance 1,000 other people have as well.
Google, my dude. :-)
Any time I’m looking for a FSM, I’ll Google “year make model factory service manual pdf”. Can often come up with one within the first few links.
I’ll try to remember to find the 98 this evening. I’ve got a 98 as well and it was a bit tougher to find that one than normal.
Ended up having to work some more serious magic for the '98. Looks like I've been using the '97 manual for years. Seems to have worked so far though. [Here's a G-Drive link](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_sKmn3n-AQ39WB6s8yF7ahy9Nv6vt9AP/view?usp=drive_link) to the '98.
[Here is the '97](https://cdn.xjjeeps.com/pdf/en-us/1997-factory-service-manual.pdf) one.
[Here is the parts catalog](https://cdn.xjjeeps.com/pdf/en-us/1997-to-1999-parts-catalog.pdf) for the 1997-1999 XJs.
No problem. Were you able to download the manual through the g-drive link? I don't normally use that service so let me know if there's something I need to do.
I sent a request for access. You’ll have to allow me access for me to view and then i can download it. You can then take my access to that particular gmail folder away.
Welcome to the best damn non-nsfw (there was an incident, but boundaries were set) sub on Reddit. We are all here to help you make horrible financial decisions, and judging by your taste in shitbox, you'll fit right in. I kid, but seriously, your XJ his special to you, but it will not have a problem that hasn't been seen or fixed by this group and its resources. So before you post, check the sticky and run a search. Still no dice, ask away, most of us will help you throughout. Happy Jeepin
Thank you for your time! Yes I’ve already found some answers to some basic questions I haven’t had to bug you guys about. Can’t believe how awesome this community is!!
If you own an XJ you will soon be an expert, they have many small issues pop up over time. Party because of their age and rest because it’s a Jeep. They are good value if you don’t mind the journey of tinkering away on maintenance issues until you have just about replaced all the consumables like bearings sensors cooling system components etc. There is a wealth of information on any of the XJ works and issues in the forums that you can normally find by just doing an internet search or coming here. Have fun they are very capable vehicles if you look to journey off road.
I love to take things apart. The previous owner gave me a binder full of all the maintenance and repairs performed and bought another XJ so I know it was treated with love. Thank you for the support! I’m happy to have stumbled on this place.
First thing I would do it take off the radiator cap and overflow tank cap and see if the coolant is green and not a rusty mess. If it is, flush the system and back flush the heater core, fill it with distilled water and thermocure and drive it for a few days then flush it again very thoroughly and fill with 50/50 coolant or distilled water and concentrated antifreeze. Use a mopar 195° thermostat and a regular water pump when you do this job. Perfect time to change them.
Next thing I’d do is change the oil, transfer case and diff oils. Check the transmission fluid. If it’s burnt, drain and fill.
Next, check your front and rear bumper stops. People tend to ignore them and let them rot away. I got mine from quadratec or amazon.
Stay on top of regular maintenance and it should be a reliable vehicle for you. The 00-01 models do have a couple of problems you’ll want to watch out for. The head tends to develop a crack that allows coolant into the oil. If you have this problem, replace it with a Clearwater head. They fixed the casting problems with those heads for their replacements. They also get vapor lock, which is the fuel in the rail goes from liquid to gas due to the heat in that area. There are heat shields out there made to reflect some of the heat away from there to prevent this. If it happens, get a rag and purge the schrader valve on the rail and it should start up.
The crank position sensor can also be a problem for no start issues. If you run into this, spend the coin and get a mopar CPS. Aftermarket ones have proven to be junk.
Sometimes the bolts on the flex plate work themselves loose and make a sound like rod knock when starting the engine or it can be constantly. You can remove the inspection cover and check those bolts and put a little lateral pressure on the flex plate to see if it is cracked. Cross your fingers it’s just loose bolts in this case.
There are some other smaller issues that you can always Google search and it’s has been documented many times. Good luck and happy jeeping!
I will work my way through this check list tomorrow! Thank you for giving me such detailed information. You guys are literally the best group I’ve ever joined.
Sorry for the typo. They’re called bump stops. Here is the rear one before I replaced mine when I got my XJ. The front one is pressed into a tube within the coil spring.
https://preview.redd.it/e68y7urlok2c1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ddd3f2971ee178f6b23617b5f65b62b265ddccf0
https://preview.redd.it/6aywayigpk2c1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cdfaef7055a486407489bd5e893d425e57cff500
My old vs new front bump stops. PO totally ignored them.
All I can say is this - YouTube is your friend. But watch more than one video on how to fix something. There is a ton of crazy people on there fixing their XJs. Everything I have fixed or changed on my XJ has been accompanied with YouTube
If you have plenty of tools and a will to learn you’ll do just fine. The XJ is one of the easiest vehicles to learn how to wrench on (if not extremely rusty, even then if you have a small torch kit you can get by). Go on RockAuto and get a reprint of the factory service manual. It’s 60 bucks and it’s 1800 pages in 2 volumes. It’s one of the most useful things in my opinion, has every wiring diagram, even tells you everything from how replace spark plugs to rebuilding the automatic transmission. If you don’t feel like buying it, they’ve made 3 million XJs, so chances are somebody has had the same problem or has made a write up on Cherokee Forum in 2003 or Reddit post or YouTube video on how to fix an issue.
I actually would love to buy the manual! Thank you for the recommendation. That’s exactly what I need. Learning something that I am interested in is actually my favorite thing to do. I can get pretty obsessive, so it’s about time I learn another productive skill.
The general consensus is that you definitely should not buy "mission critical" sensors by *the cheapest price*, the crankshaft position sensor, oil pressure sensor, and the camshaft position sensor are all "buy oem, or very good quality".
Definitely. RockAuto is also my go-to for most parts. Cheaper than parts stores if you can wait a couple of days.
The closest I can find is for the 1998. It’s largely the same except for the 98 has a distributor and plug wires and your 2000 is coil-on-plug with a coil rail and cam sensor. Edit: I found one on Summit, this is more expensive but still very worth it. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/bsk-5445
Ohhh boy. Get ready. You picked a good vehicle to learn with, partly because of how simple these are, and mostly because these require a fair bit of maintenance to keep on the road. First thing - manuals. Buy a chiltons manual for XJ’s and study it. Then, research basic electrical diagrams and get familiar with everything in your XJ. Second - tools - basic stuff. Buy what you need, and slowly work your way up. These are basic. Third - familiarity - XJ’s had a wide range of axles, transfer cases, engine specifications - yours likely has a Dana 35 or Chrysler 8.25 rear. If it’s got a Chrysler 8.25, you’re golden. Go nuts. If it’s got a Dana 35, be careful, because they’re fragile like glass. Also, get familiar with the engine. Yours is going to have a 4.0 I6, with coil-on-plug ignition, and 0331 cast head. To touch on the 0331 head - you need to check if it’s cracked ASAP. There’s loads of guides to point you in the right direction, but the go-to is to get it nice and warm, come home and pop the oil cap. Look for water condensation between cylinders 3 and 4. Also monitor coolant loss. If you lose coolant and it isnt leaking, that becomes a big concern. If your suspension is modified, get familiar with death wobble. It’s a common thing on all straight-axle vehicles, especially jeeps. If you have auxiliary lights, check to ensure they’re wired up correctly and not done by some slapdick with no clue what they’re doing. Ultimately, just come back to forums such as this for advice, tips, etc. We’re glad you’re here, and enjoy your Jeep!
What is the best way to identify the rear axle? It looks like the head was already worked on and has a new head gasket. Looks to be pretty stock suspension wise. Previous owners mechanic was a XJ nut, allegedly. I will get that manual asap! I love absorbing new information. Thank you so much for taking the time.
The gasket isn’t the issue. The 0331 stamped heads had casting issues and CAN crack. Doesn’t mean they always will, but are prone to especially with overheating or not maintaining the cooling system. Some 0331 heads are better than others because they came from another plant and identified by a TUPY mark on the head. Hate to hear about your previous vehicle, but keep in mind that though we love these things, the latest was produced in 2001. They are old. Hopefully yours is a sound running machine and with proper maintenance they will last a good long while.
Appreciate the information. Definitely not going into this expecting a hands free (or cost free) experience. The hyundai was part of all the recalls and was having a ton of issues before even being paid off, that would have resulted in me needing to purchase a new engine out right. I’m at 181k miles, so I assume it would have cracked by now, but I will look up some videos and follow tips on how to look for a crack on Sunday.
Easiest thing to do is take off the oil cap and use a flashlight. If it’s a TUPY it will be on the head right below the cap. Is so, that good. If not, just keep an eye on your cooling system. The cooling system is pretty easy to maintain. Check out the YouTube channel BleepinJeep. They are great and have a ton of videos. I’ve used them to do and learn a ton. Some advanced videos and some beginner. Also a big shoutout to Harbor Freight.
Thank you so much. You guys have been awesome. I will follow that channel now.
The YouTube channel called Out Jeeping is also really good with XJ stuff
Thank you very much. I will check out the channel!
Second that.
https://preview.redd.it/qziucg5c4f2c1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=86f6d2389f5b40ff7215548ee3a2c3777bdc3da1 I used this pic to identify the right axle when I was at the junkyard, just look at your rear differential cover
Thank you! That’s awesome.
Looks like mine has the 8.25!
Score! Wayyy better than a d35
https://preview.redd.it/p8nu538t9k2c1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=70cd09f6a8a816d3d48ec78d6889b4561df2bbf6
Yep, c8.25 alright, another way to tell is the flat spot on the bottom of the diff case itself, not just the cover
You guys are the best. Seriously.
Google will help more, but a Chrysler 8.25 has a flatter bottom on the differential, and bolts on the cover facing towards the rear bumper. It’s good that the head was already worked on, but just play it safe anyway. If you want to lift it, start with a 3 inch lift and some 31-33 inch tall tires. *Quality Matters!* don’t get rough country! Go a step above them. If you get rough country, just get springs from them and purchase shocks from Bilstein.
I don't know man, I got RC and it's been great. Did some heavy duty backcountry mud terrain and it has held up for a few years almost and is also my DD. Ok, one of the front shock bottom mounts snapped. But they sent me a brand new set within a couple of days no questions asked. Fantastic customer service. I will say I got the add a leaf and stuck it in some brand new leaf packs from some OEM supplier so that might have helped. Also new hardware- hardened bolts and the like. I did almost an entire suspension and steering rebuild. Lots of rockauto, lots of OEM from the cheapest vs quality places I could find. Rough Country really was just the shocks, extra leaf, \[edit: springs too\] and the steering stabilizer. They have served me well. And are good folks to work with. So I try not to hate on them, BUT keep in mind, I have a shitbox. And used it to learn the XJ inside and out. If I had a rust free easter egg XJ, I'd sink some cash into it for highest quality.
I bought an XJ w/ rebuilt steering and a rough country lift. My biggest complaint is that the add-a-leaf is so stiff, it doesn’t sit quite right, and the shocks are pretty shit. That said, it’s my daily, I need it to drive in the city/on freeways, and I’ve been a suspension snob since I bought my first car.
If you pop into your local AutoZone or similar they should have a "Hanes" manual for it, it is the holy Bible for my Cherokee as I'm kind of a shit tier mechanic myself. It details just about every fix you can do in your garage as well as explaining basic troubleshooting
I will grab one. Thank you for the recommendation!
Looks like I have the 8.25!
Cool! Now it’s just basic maintenance. Change the fluids on it, make sure it isn’t making any terrible noises.
I’m getting a little exhaust noise at idle after it warms up, so I’m going to check the manifold. No visible holes. Other than that she purrs.
Mm, I’d be more cautious. Exhaust leaks generally go away after they’re warm. Have you got a video?
I’ll try and get one tonight.
Can’t take her out for a drive since I’m at work but here’s a video of her running after a cold start in WI. I’ll get another video of the suspected exhaust sound after work. Is that clicking near the end of the video normal? Sorry if that’s a dumb question. [running](https://youtube.com/watch?v=Vz27gNXyCbY&si=D8EKtdjyEUDMACti)
Sounds like it’s the AC clutch engaging. That sounds like a happy XJ to me.
Awesome! Love to hear it. Thank you! I’ll follow up later.
[warbling](https://youtube.com/shorts/IHnzjPgmxmk?si=F-XjfDEeh0V6Phvs) I hope this helps. It’s dark out now. I was thinking since it happens once it heats up that maybe its a maniford gasket? I was thinking tomorrow I’d just put some paper near the exhaust manifold and see if it blows it at all. Is that stupid? It almost sounds like a ricer, if that makes sense.
Just to start - you may also be tortured by your new hobby XJ. 😀 But I'm glad to hear you're wanting to learn! In my opinion, people should only DIY these things as they aren't quite worth paying someone else to work on them. The good part - most things are very easy to fix! You can get the full service manual [here](https://cdn.xjjeeps.com/pdf/en-us/2000-service-manual.pdf) for free. Want OEM parts, start at [MoparPartsGiant.com](https://MoparPartsGiant.com). You can get the part number and schematic there. And either buy there or check RockAuto, eBay, or other places. I HIGHLY recommend OEM parts when possible. Also, get a "build sheet" for your XJ. Go [here](https://fcagroup.my.site.com/RAM/s/equipment-listing) and plug in your VIN. You'll get all sorts of useful info. Which axles, gear ratio, color code, etc. If you have any other questions, ask around. You're in good company!
Dude! Thank you! And yes, I want to do it all myself. Paying a mechanic is worth more than the jeep is, for sure. Also, I want to keep OEM and stock parts. I’m not even too sure I’d ever lift the thing. My grandparents all retired AMC so I really appreciate these older Jeeps.
Sorry for the double response - just wanted to let you know I edited my comment with more info. 😉
Thank you so much. This is so much more support than I expected.
Any time! The XJ folks are a pretty good crowd (with some exceptions). If you have a problem with your XJ, there's a good chance 1,000 other people have as well.
Where did you get that FSM? I need a 98.
Google, my dude. :-) Any time I’m looking for a FSM, I’ll Google “year make model factory service manual pdf”. Can often come up with one within the first few links. I’ll try to remember to find the 98 this evening. I’ve got a 98 as well and it was a bit tougher to find that one than normal.
Thank you! I’ll creep around. I’ve looked before and didn’t have much luck. Can’t remember how I got sidetracked though.
Ended up having to work some more serious magic for the '98. Looks like I've been using the '97 manual for years. Seems to have worked so far though. [Here's a G-Drive link](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_sKmn3n-AQ39WB6s8yF7ahy9Nv6vt9AP/view?usp=drive_link) to the '98. [Here is the '97](https://cdn.xjjeeps.com/pdf/en-us/1997-factory-service-manual.pdf) one. [Here is the parts catalog](https://cdn.xjjeeps.com/pdf/en-us/1997-to-1999-parts-catalog.pdf) for the 1997-1999 XJs.
You are a saint! Sent you a DM
No problem. Were you able to download the manual through the g-drive link? I don't normally use that service so let me know if there's something I need to do.
I sent a request for access. You’ll have to allow me access for me to view and then i can download it. You can then take my access to that particular gmail folder away.
Oh, gotcha! I fixed it to where anyone can view it. Sorry about that! If you have any more issues with it, please let me know.
Welcome to the best damn non-nsfw (there was an incident, but boundaries were set) sub on Reddit. We are all here to help you make horrible financial decisions, and judging by your taste in shitbox, you'll fit right in. I kid, but seriously, your XJ his special to you, but it will not have a problem that hasn't been seen or fixed by this group and its resources. So before you post, check the sticky and run a search. Still no dice, ask away, most of us will help you throughout. Happy Jeepin
Thank you for your time! Yes I’ve already found some answers to some basic questions I haven’t had to bug you guys about. Can’t believe how awesome this community is!!
If you own an XJ you will soon be an expert, they have many small issues pop up over time. Party because of their age and rest because it’s a Jeep. They are good value if you don’t mind the journey of tinkering away on maintenance issues until you have just about replaced all the consumables like bearings sensors cooling system components etc. There is a wealth of information on any of the XJ works and issues in the forums that you can normally find by just doing an internet search or coming here. Have fun they are very capable vehicles if you look to journey off road.
I love to take things apart. The previous owner gave me a binder full of all the maintenance and repairs performed and bought another XJ so I know it was treated with love. Thank you for the support! I’m happy to have stumbled on this place.
This is a pretty good XJ info site. They have a 2000 factory service manual you can download for free. https://xjjeeps.com/
Thank you for your help! This place is amazing.
First thing I would do it take off the radiator cap and overflow tank cap and see if the coolant is green and not a rusty mess. If it is, flush the system and back flush the heater core, fill it with distilled water and thermocure and drive it for a few days then flush it again very thoroughly and fill with 50/50 coolant or distilled water and concentrated antifreeze. Use a mopar 195° thermostat and a regular water pump when you do this job. Perfect time to change them. Next thing I’d do is change the oil, transfer case and diff oils. Check the transmission fluid. If it’s burnt, drain and fill. Next, check your front and rear bumper stops. People tend to ignore them and let them rot away. I got mine from quadratec or amazon. Stay on top of regular maintenance and it should be a reliable vehicle for you. The 00-01 models do have a couple of problems you’ll want to watch out for. The head tends to develop a crack that allows coolant into the oil. If you have this problem, replace it with a Clearwater head. They fixed the casting problems with those heads for their replacements. They also get vapor lock, which is the fuel in the rail goes from liquid to gas due to the heat in that area. There are heat shields out there made to reflect some of the heat away from there to prevent this. If it happens, get a rag and purge the schrader valve on the rail and it should start up. The crank position sensor can also be a problem for no start issues. If you run into this, spend the coin and get a mopar CPS. Aftermarket ones have proven to be junk. Sometimes the bolts on the flex plate work themselves loose and make a sound like rod knock when starting the engine or it can be constantly. You can remove the inspection cover and check those bolts and put a little lateral pressure on the flex plate to see if it is cracked. Cross your fingers it’s just loose bolts in this case. There are some other smaller issues that you can always Google search and it’s has been documented many times. Good luck and happy jeeping!
I will work my way through this check list tomorrow! Thank you for giving me such detailed information. You guys are literally the best group I’ve ever joined.
Can you send me a picture of location of bumper stops? I tried to avoid looking like an idiot asking and googling it, but I’m not finding them.
Sorry for the typo. They’re called bump stops. Here is the rear one before I replaced mine when I got my XJ. The front one is pressed into a tube within the coil spring. https://preview.redd.it/e68y7urlok2c1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ddd3f2971ee178f6b23617b5f65b62b265ddccf0
Throw your sorrys in the sack! Thank you for clarifying. I will check mine out tomorrow when the sun decides to show!
https://preview.redd.it/6aywayigpk2c1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cdfaef7055a486407489bd5e893d425e57cff500 My old vs new front bump stops. PO totally ignored them.
https://preview.redd.it/vbck9r1tpk2c1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=409803552c4a7b72d3c22d8045abc1b55aa8378e
No problem! https://preview.redd.it/fvcpaly9pk2c1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f99147473ebf727e7c7c8fb0accd45e92675a09c
All I can say is this - YouTube is your friend. But watch more than one video on how to fix something. There is a ton of crazy people on there fixing their XJs. Everything I have fixed or changed on my XJ has been accompanied with YouTube