My Jeep Caught Fire!! Can We Fix Project Rats Nest XJ

We finally correct our electrical woes. Changing the alternator and wiring out with JS Alternators 240 amp replacement. Also fix our exhaust from the fire it had created on the Cherokee's last drive into town. Now we can drive in style with good voltage and a clear exhaust!
JS Alternator Link: js-alternators...
Cat Back Exhaust:
www.ebay.com/i...
Catalytic Converter: www.ebay.com/i...
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Like this video? Check out these:
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Episode 1: • I Bought A Hooptie! Ra...
Episode 2: • How To Get Good Parts ...
Episode 3: • Jeep XJ Lift - How To ...
Episode 4: • Rats Nest XJ is starti...
Episode 5: • How To Make Your Barne...
Episode 6: • Did I find a Unicorn o...
Episode 7: • Rats Nest Strikes Again!
Episode 8: • How To Install A D&C E...
Episode 9: • Bet You've Never Seen ...
Episode 10: • How To Stop Rust Forev...
Episode 11: • Crawler Hauler Update ...
Episode 12: • Jeeps Secret Past!?! B...
Episode 13: • Biggest KZbin Wheeli...
Episode 14: • We Got A Call From @Ma...
Episode 15: • How to Install a Yukon...
Episode 16: • @RobbyLayton Shows Up ...
Episode 17: • What A Disaster! Will...
*Episode 18: • My Jeep Caught Fire!! ...
Episode 19: • NEVER REPLACE BALL JOI...
Episode 20: • How To Make Budget Hyd...
Episode 21: • Bet You've Never Done ...
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This product is meant for entertainment purposes only. Your mileage may vary. Do not try this at home. Void where prohibited. Some assembly required. For off-road use only. Slippery when wet. Batteries not included. Do not use while operating a motor vehicle, heavy equipment, cherokee XJ, wrangler TJ, wrangler JK, or any Jeep vehicle, especially the newer Fiat ones. How-to videos may be too intense for some viewers and children under 30 years of age. Please remain seated until the 4x4 ride has come to a complete stop. Studies have shown viewing these videos causes increased cancer risks in laboratory test people. I am not a professional, I have no training, I'm not even particularly good at horse whispering. Don't believe everything that you know. Please keep your hands in the vehicle at all times. Do not tap on glass. Do not eat anything that has been on the floor for more than 3 days. Keep your hands to yourself. Not to be taken internally. Reproduction strictly prohibited. Driver does not carry cash. Objects in Bleepinjeep mirrors may be farther than they appear.

[@robertjezek2867]

Nailed it again Colt, always enjoy watching your videos. Great explanation of every step of the project you're working on! I have family in Northeast Montana, you gotta love the cold and windy weather, TAKE CARE AND KEEP UP THE GREAT CONTENT. O And stay warm!

[@russjowett2137]

Great video Colt. Rats nest is awesome. On my 01 xj I Modified my alternator mounting brackets and installed a 2003 Dodge Durango 160amp alternator. Running an xj pulley. With 1/8” shaved off the back of the pulley so the engine belt runs right. At the same time I installed Jeep cables.com big 7 kit. I now have no more voltage issues at idle. I can run all lights. Rear window defrost and use the winch with no voltage drop at all. To anyone thinking of buying an xj. I strongly recommend you replace all the big7 positive/ground cables. It makes a huge difference! My Jeep doesn’t turn over. It just starts immediately. My lights are brighter. My remote locking works from much further away. Everything runs better. It’s probably the single best thing I ever did to the Jeep. And at the end of the day. No matter how many cool aftermarket parts you have. If it won’t start or run reliably. It’s not cool now is it.

[@dandahermitseals5582]

I'm subbed to a lot of guys in your category n watch them all but I usually choose y'all because you and Mat give such complete explained info I learn more and don't end up wondering about a step or reason that was breezed over. Yours especially. I enjoy the additional comparative comments. Thanks for your detail orientation. Dandahermit

[@bleepinjeep]

Thank you

[@soundboydesign1373]

Canada here, wj owner...nice shop, good choice on alternator... keep turning that wrench...one love

[@moabwheeling1305]

Great job Colt ! I love Rat Nest . Looking forward to more videos on Rats Nest . Take care sir.

[@bleepinjeep]

Thanks, I'll keep them coming!

[@dg98adams]

The charging problem I had with my YJ with the swapped 4.0l was the ECU’s regulator… I added a Stan the alternator man external voltage regulator… now I got 14.3v at the battery but I kept the OEM alternator. I am pretty sure I have a 96 Cherlokee 4.0L in my 94 YJ (same belt setup on driver side), and the 96 ECU and harness. And as a Muddy Buddy member I can’t wait to see you and Matt at our Off Road show in Feb!

[@jelly7310]

I learned from the car wizard today that 07 Maserati catalytic converters are 13k a pair. Ooof

[@bleepinjeep]

😳😳wow!

[@jerrycann6374]

Your imitation of what the 4.0 will sound like with the new Flowmaster was pretty close....nice job..👍

[@bleepinjeep]

Haha thanks🤣

[@stevendouglas6593]

My OCD appreciates your choice of green tape to match the diff cover. The Jeep is looking good.

[@psg6314]

Like you I looked around and found a local guy that build alternator and he built a new alternator for my 7.3 diesel I never had any problems after, great video keep up the good work God bless from GA and stay safe

[@bleepinjeep]

Yeah, really happy with the JS Alternator family and their products👍

[@georgeeads8689]

I loved my 96 XJ.

[@AFloridaSon]

Good job, Colt. It's really interesting that there's $60 new cat verters out there.

[@bullittdog4352]

Nice small projects to fill the winter months…good looking dog also!

[@bleepinjeep]

Thanks, he's a Dutch Shepard

[@brianend114]

My bumper is almost identical. Pulled my wife's duramax out of a ditch no problem. The bumper on the front of my Cummins? Also, 3/16". My 95 xj had the same heating in the same spot. Garbaged the muffler and put on a glass pack. Gave me a lot of clearance to the floorboard and actually reduced motor heat significantly. I have no cat, though. Didn't come with one so I never worried about it.

[@BradMillsOK]

Looked for link for catback and cat…. Not there yet. Keep the XJ vids coming. Lots of us own them and enjoy the tips

[@MacsSpecialitiesMotorsports]

I'm excited to see how the JS Alternator works for you, being a 4.0 owner. Nice work 🤟

[@frederickmcconnell547]

I suggest using a deutsch connector for your alternator connector. Decent price and a rating of 66 for water proof

[@vangoodwin7335]

Good work young man! Normally when folks bring me new catalytic converters I check all their sensors first. Cat systems never cause the problem they are the recipient of poorly burned gas because engine sensors malfunctioned. I'm not telling you that Sir, just the viewers that have been ripped off by poor mechanic shops. It's amazing that exhaust systems don't really need massive spaces for heat clearance. Looking forward to more work to keep your rig on the road, Thank You for sharing. You are in my prayers Hoka Hey

[@bleepinjeep]

My only concern with my Cat was that it was smashed and I was worried it was shooting honeycomb into the muffler.👍but thank you for clearing that up for the neh-sayers.😎

[@Hillbilly-zn6lx]

Ah, I remember the brutal winters in Lake Norden, SD growing up on a farm. Great video & stay WARM if ya can!

[@bleepinjeep]

I'll do my best! Haha

[@rmeav8er677]

Love the bumper. You should build one for my 99. It's exactly what I'm looking for. Simple and rugged.

[@maughan6957]

Good choice sir I had the same set up in my Cherokee.

[@bleepinjeep]

Awesome sauce👍

[@alankatterheinrich8660]

My 320 amp alternator for my Cherokee is from Iraggi alternator... They are a family owned business also from Tennessee. They have the best warranty and trade in program in the business and yes they strive off the basshead community/subwoofer folks... They will powder coat your alternator/ casing/ pully/ stater any color you would like. I have bought 2 different alternators for 2 different vehicles. I off road in my Cherokee and It's been on for 3 years. No problems whatsoever. iraggialternator

[@EvanMoon]

Those bins give it character

[@dandahermitseals5582]

That heat wrap is definitely appropriate.

[@ClaytheBMXer]

On the rubber exhaust hangers, I just use a prybar and have no issues as long as I spray everything down with silicone lubricant in an aerosol can first!

[@hotshtsr20]

OE converters on new cars (PZEV/SULEV) have a lot of precious metals in them since they have to maintain that rating for 15 years. Way more than the aftermarket cat that will last a year or 2.

[@bleepinjeep]

Good to know👍

[@dandahermitseals5582]

Wow. Great timing for me. Running 4.0 in my Comanche. Installing a Zeak 12000 lb winch with the intent of a second battery dedicated to it. So this sounds like a perfect item for it. Just need a regulator for second battery?? Or?? I live up in the mountains above the snowline waaay off grid. Thanks for video and any regulator suggestions??Dandahermit

[@dandahermitseals5582]

I hat the underslung spring set up on my Comanche. All those exposed leafs snag and gather Sage brush. I would prefer the axle under the leaf stack. So do I just have to have to modify the yoke slip setup?? I'm old and low budget. ( 80) Dandahermit

[@bleepinjeep]

If you do a spring over on the rear of your comanche you'll probably gain 5" of lift in the back. We'd definitely suggest doing a SYE on your np231 with that much lift.

[@dandahermitseals5582]

@@bleepinjeep thanks. Dandahermit

[@craigclark3279]

Nice work my friend, cool viedo/info. You saved $$$ doing it yourself. More viedos plz.

[@bleepinjeep]

More to come!

[@maxwemj]

Tim, You assessment of the carpet fire midway through your video (some form of leaking port) is the most likely cause. It is is much less likely a radiative heat from your catalytic converter or flow master. Both will generate a lot of heat (sufficient to burn your skin); however, not enough to heart up the underside of you metal under structure, carpeting, and cause “spontaneous combustion” of carpeting. You must have had a hole to allow direct leakage of exhaust through a hole to the carpeting with oxygen, and excessive heat. The insulation is overkill for the muffler and may actually cause the muffler to fail early due to internal excessive heat with the insulation. Air is one of the nest insulators we have. Moving air also helps remove heat. Air gaps (with moving air … think radiator for your engine) are best for removing heat. I share this with you as a fellow car, truck, off-road enthusiasts as well as an engineer with a Masters in fluid dynamics and heat transfer.

[@ronnydowdy7432]

Hopefully this will fix all of those problems.

[@95Z28A4]

3/16" is more than adequate for an XJ bumper. Where did you get the exhaust hanger pliers? I used a 136 amp alternator from a 1998 Dodge 2500 5.9L V8 on my son's 1995 4.0L XJ. I bought a machined billet 6 rib pulley to replace the Dodge 7 rib pulley. The 136 amp alternator has a larger case and winding than the 90 amp and requires a little grinding to install. I also installed a Chrysler external voltage regulator. The XJ now holds a steady 14+ volts at idle.

[@donaldhalls2189]

Why wouldn't you put an extra heat shield as well as the standard one that came with the catalic converter? ideal alternator upgrade, all the best to you and your loved ones

[@damonmcnab5588]

Awesome job Colt

[@bleepinjeep]

Hey thank you!

[@Thexkidd]

Yes your bumper is sweet.

[@gayle4804]

Love listening to you don't care too much for the exhaust system because I'm a female but that's OK you're awesome

[@nitrosrt4]

i think the overkill is whats needed in the tough environments we see, when you max a stock one all the time its gonna fail. for my toyota somehow i found a picture list of aisin alternators and i was able to find the same case with double the amps as a stock unit. FYI my 22re had a either 60 or 70 amp alt, a 2000 acura integra uses the same unit but 90 amps and theres a jaguar, not sure the year or model, that has a 120 amp, same case.

[@DaddyJeepGarage]

I like that exhaust tool> I'm going to have to find one of those

[@larryalexander4833]

Noticed your driveshaft setup. Just wondering why and if possible more folks don't use a double cardin driveshaft setup ? Wondering if this setup type will work in a older yj Wrangler with a ax 15 and 231 transfer with 2 inch lift since driveshaft is shorter ?

[@bleepinjeep]

Yes a shirt wheelbase like a yj or tj almost always needs a SYE and a double cardon driveshaft from a quality driveshaft company like Adam's👍

[@larryalexander4833]

@@bleepinjeep why not just the double cardin ? Where my setup isn't highly modified? Just a thought on a simpler most cost effective setup .

[@charliemartin2157]

I'm doing this exact same upgrade right now with a js alternator and I have the same type of alternator ground/signal connector on my old alternator as you had. I'm confused though, what happened to the ground on that cable? I understand I need to solder in the new connector on the two smaller cables but what about the big ground cable? The new alternator doesn't have a ground?

[@davidmahan4160]

Once you get your hood and bezel sorted are you going to put racing Hood pins to stop your hood from flying up in high winds? 🤔

[@bleepinjeep]

The hood was up on the post when the wind caught it. It didn't fly up from a latched position😉👍

[@tonyolsen821]

have a question about midnight metal works been having problems with rob

[@beauvrt]

Dealing with this right now on my Son's 87 Chief. Is there any worry about the way higher amps having other affects? How is it holding up so far. Thanks for the content.

[@bleepinjeep]

Been working great and it has an internal regulator for the volts, the amps are what our poor jeeps need help with.

[@roach68360]

Do XJ’s not have a factory heat shield down that area?

[@ty_thejeepguy]

I'm off to do an alternator video right now 😂

[@scoodles93]

how do you plan on painting the jeep? ive been thinking of monstaliner or some sort of liner but.. glossy looks better

[@bleepinjeep]

Maybe a little of both🤷‍♂️

[@Wanderer_XJ]

I had a sweatshirt catch fire in that exact same spot (I don't have carpet in my XJ. Turns out, I hit my exhaust while crawling and it bent the muffler against the floor, so it got the floorboard extremely hot. Once I had the muffler corrected all was well. However, my cat is COOKING! Gets hot under passenger seat, working on heat wrap/shielding. Unfortunately live in CA, so options for a new cat are limited/expensive.

[@OwensGarage]

Some factory cats are worth a couple hundred dollars. Aftermarket ones usually aren’t worth more than like $50 max. Me and my dad scraped a 2006 ford e250 and we got like $400 for the cats.

[@donaldanderson1881]

I had 1987 f150 4x4. I wanted the exhaust to exit in front of the rear wheel. The muffler was moved directly behind the cat. The heat welded the muffler closed. The shop had to replace the muffler and move it back far enough to keep it from happening again.

[@mrpopps6322]

Very informative, thank you

[@bleepinjeep]

Glad it was helpful!😁

[@thrashmetal7588]

Yeah I would put a catalytic converter back on there to!😉🤫

[@rowlinstoned3715]

Anyone that loves dogs is ok in my book!

[@israelmarquez1515]

been having battery problems forever it seems, swapped in a 240 mechman alternator a few days ago, 3 days later battery dead, tried the parasite draw test but found nothing. ECU killing my batteries?

[@alankatterheinrich8660]

Colt.....add/bolt a piece of rubber mat underneath your alternator for a splash guard. It will help fail proof your alternator investment. Check out Iraggi alternator. They are out ov Tennessee.

[@alankatterheinrich8660]

Love your videos brother.

[@Jjthetechnician84]

lisle makes the best exaust hanger plier that i know of

[@bleepinjeep]

I will look into them thanks😎👍

[@ianmed8528]

The wipers trim is till available form mopar

[@franklinwright7248]

So how is the alternator holding up man? As far as power draw and such like running your winch and headlights my good sir? Did the big 3 help with maintaining power at a constant? I have read a lot into that upgrade just haven’t got there haha!!

[@bleepinjeep]

With the new alternator and the big 3 kit I've been able to maintain volts while working the A/C or running the winch which wasn't possible before.👍

[@franklinwright7248]

@@bleepinjeep then this right here definitely sounds like a must do for everybody that runs an XJ haha!!

[@unfathomablecheese9462]

What did you end up doing with the ground wire @3:56 ????

[@TriggerHapySheep]

Key parts now makes a windshield wiper bezel! Go grab it before it goes outta stock again!

[@bleepinjeep]

I'll check them out, thanks

[@agustinhidalgo405]

What aftermarket steering wheel u using??

[@carlholm2765]

Fetch Break!! Even happened before your paws were greasy!

[@jameskendrick573]

Love it

[@pigasus_1]

Did you figure out the drop in voltage to the power port in the dash?

[@bleepinjeep]

Yes that was a few videos back by adding grounds, then the alternator failed for the 3rd or 4th time.

[@pigasus_1]

@@bleepinjeep ahh didn't realize that was the complete solution

[@thorn4run]

I got $175 for a catalytic converter off of my tough truck Cherokee. It’s easy money for people that don’t want to work.

[@MissionRestomod]

I would have shielded the floor instead of wrapping the painted muffler. It’ll rust out in a year likely.

[@edgotbait]

Looks like you need a limiting strap for your hood lol

[@bleepinjeep]

Ha maybe

[@dandahermitseals5582]

Source and price? Does it have to be that pukey green??

[@MissionRestomod]

One stick if 2x3 3/16 wall tube would hold the entire Jeep off the ground. People over build everything because they don’t know any better and end up being way too heavy.

[@davidwoermansr]

I'm glad I can remove the cats on my drivers

[@mattlinderkamp9489]

Whats up with the yellow tj?

[@bleepinjeep]

Just being a daily grocery getter right now. Plans to tinker on it in the future👍

[@agustinhidalgo405]

Wich alternators have u used??

[@bleepinjeep]

4 seperate name brand auto parts stores.

[@raystevens687]

So whatever California doesn't know won't hurt them hahahahaha 😆

[@ZootSuitCooter]

Anyone use Phillips Milk of Magnesia as an antiseize? (regular flavor, not mint flavor) Believe it or not it's approved in aviation and it works. I'm a retired A&P, been using it for years.

[@AFloridaSon]

I've never heard of using it, but I'm going to keep it in mind, just to try it.

[@bleepinjeep]

Never heard of using this either😶 might look into it.

[@brianend114]

10k pickup vs 4k jeep? That bumper, like Colt said, will hold way longer than that unibody.

[@jelly7310]

Find your local blacksmith and he'll make that tool for ya.

[@Iamthathillbilly]

I wouldn't question why you put a cat in, I don't have one in my bronco, and the thing wreaks.. you go anywhere near the tailpipe and the fumes are brutal. If I drove it more I'd probably have one put on it. My truck has a cat only two years old and it doesn't smell half as bad

[@iosrecords54]

Help me fix my car heater 😭 it’s cold here in Denver I just bought me a jeep Cherokee 1995

[@radeknemec5198]

👍☕ cz

[@307Garage]

Man we don't blow here in Wyoming! lol, you guys are just really good at sucking! lol yeah we have been ripping over here the last month or so!!!

[@bleepinjeep]

The wind blows in Wyoming to keep the trash out😉👍

[@rowlinstoned3715]

Those idiot "naysayers" always run those flappers and never know wth they talkin bout 😂

[@raymonderickson7975]

😎🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸😎

[@emilioa1644]

Your alternator problem is not the alternator it's that jell battery I have a buddy who has the same problem with his xj. Use a lead acid battery remember not every thing has to be a upgrade.

[@bleepinjeep]

Weird, I had the problem with the lead acid battery too.

[@kenfrazier616]

why did you replace that bomb to keep the liberbs happy?

[@kenrood9373]

I have a Basel

[@georgeeads8689]

When it comes to vehicle emissions nothing is legal in Cali unless it is approved and stamped to be legal here. It doesn't matter if you use something that works within emissions guide lines if it is not stamped for Cali use you will fail smog check. Cali really sucks.

[@bleepinjeep]

Beautiful state with great people but we like our gas powered stoves, lol.

[@slowcountryboy476]

You remove a known fire hazard to install a new fire hazard.?? I think you are over due for biologicskull computer reprogramming.

[@bleepinjeep]

The problem was the muffler not the cat.

[@slowcountryboy476]

@@bleepinjeep I hope you know I was jesting. My first thought was fabricate a heat shield on the muffler. I think the shield would be a good addition to the tape for extra insurance. I have had vehicles catch fire and it can get scaaary. Be safe

[@H4rleyBoy]

Colt Colt Colt, what are you doing using those awful blue bodge connectors are absolute rubbish, you spent the money on a god alternator so do the job properly and solder the joints and then shrink wrap them.

[@frederickmcconnell547]

Use a deutsch connector. Much better for waterproofing

[@H4rleyBoy]

@@frederickmcconnell547 Anything would be better than those horrid things, no better than scotchloks.

[@willy3177]

And that's why Wyoming blows. Blame Gillette.