Pre Trip Prep On My 1999 Jeep Cherokee XJ

Its time to work on the 1999 Diesel XJ and get it ready for a 10 day trip up North. The leaves are falling already in Lappland so I can imagine its going to get a lot colder there further up we go.
I've got a lot to do on the 1999 before we leave and most of all I want to make sure its mechanically sound. This is a bot of a montage of work dressed up in voiceovers because I didn't have time to explain everything while I was doing it. Hope you enjoy the Video and thanks for watching!
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Useful Links
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Jeep Spec:
1999 Jeep Cherokee XJ 2.5TD RHD.
Summer Tire - 35x12.50r15 BFG KM3's with 15x8 3.75" backspacing (-19 offset).
Winter Tire - Cooper Discoverer ST MAXX Por Studded 35x12.50r15 BFG KM3's with 15x8 3.75" backspacing (-19 offset).
Lift Front - RC 4.5" Coils and N2 Shocks (3" Coil Spacer).
Front Shock Bar Pin Eliminator.
Dana 30 High Pinion with Artec Industries Lower Control Arm Mounts with modified upper mount and modified Track Bar mount.
Front RC Control Arm Drop Bracket.
Ruff Stuff Short Arm Single Himes.
RC Extended Sway Bar Links.
Dana 30 Rock Crusher Diff Cover.
Ruff Stuff One Ton OTK Steering.
6" Lift Drop Pitman Arm.
Ruff Stuff Front and Center Frame Stiffeners.
Rear DIY Frame Stiffener and Rear Frame Tie in Kit.
6" x 2" Box Rocker replacement with Tube Slider.
Modified Factory Bumper with Side Sliders.
Rear Tow Hitch Tire Carrier that bolts into Rear Frame Tie in Kit.
Modified upper Shock Crossmember for Rear Shocks
Rear Axle Chrysler 8.25 29 Spline with modified High Clearance Shock Mounts.
Rear Shocks 6.5" Trailmasters.
Rear Leaf Springs 5.5" Rubicon Express
Rear RC Shackle Relocation Bracket.
Stainless Steel Braided Brake Lines front and back.
Warrior 9500lb Winch.
Front Bumper - Ebay Custom Made.

[@JackFalltrades]

"Plus it looks very shiny." 😀

[@promiscuous675]

Thank you.

[@4x4adventure_pl]

The Cherokee XJ's performance in this video is proof that you can have a capable offroader without breaking the bank!

[@countryside_guy]

He broke the bank a long time ago lol. Over £30k I think he said a while ago in another video and that was back then. A lot has been done since then so that number could be billions now lol.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Probably around 30k I think. If you factor in materials, paint etc. Parts that have been and gone. It's a big old money sponge. Didn't have to be but ten years of working on the same vehicle can accumulate

[@countryside_guy]

@@WorkshoptoWilderness It makes you happy so ***k it I say.... Just don't let Samantha know!

[@fog360]

I’ve just found your new channel and subscribed, great to see you well old friend

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Thanks for subscribing and for watching 👀

[@Nic-po7yl]

Love your channel ive been inspired by you for years

[@charlestatem3099]

That look and hesitation after the " you have to have an extra long flap " had me rolling. 🤣

[@JackFalltrades]

I know what you mean about rattles. I had a noise that was driving me crazy, that turned out to be one of the little buttons in the garage door opener control. Yeah. Sometimes as small as that can drive me crazy! 😀

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Its the worst isn't it!

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Its time to work on the 1999 Diesel XJ and get it ready for a 10 day trip up North. The leaves are falling already in Lappland so I can imagine its going to get a lot colder there further up we go. I've got a lot to do on the 1999 before we leave and most of all I want to make sure its mechanically sound. This is a montage of work dressed up in voiceovers because I didn't have time to explain everything while I was doing it. Hope you enjoy the Video and thanks for watching!

[@JackFalltrades]

Great to see you again, Mike! 😊

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Thanks for watching

[@edwinvriezen1905]

Hey Mike, we are traveling the north of Sweden right now in our 01' Cherokee XJ overlander with also a Wildland rtt! I love watching your channel, tack

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Ah fantastic! Hope your having a great trip. Were are you going? We leave on the 3rd and head up about as far as Gällivare, mainly just fishing and camping. Im layed up with a fever at the moment. We live in Asele so I would say welcome if your around but I am not sure how well I will be if your close by. Thanks for watching mate!

[@edwinvriezen1905]

Hope you feel better soon, we are currently driving the Vildmarksvagen en will end that route in Vilhelmina. Then the plan is to go further noth towards the Artic circle. Jokkmokk for instance. We would love to say Hi if your feeling up for it. And take a picture of the XJ 's together! If you still under the weather we could also meet you on the trail somewhere and dont worry we are not the kind of people that overstay our welcome;-) just say hi.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Ah nice, I'm heading north for ten days come Sunday. Probably only as far as jokkmokk this time. Spending some time around the rivers fishing. We can keep in touch and meet up if your up that way the middle of next week?

[@togray619]

Mr. Mike, your fabrication skills are A-one! Have you ever thought about going with a Toyota instead of the Jeep?

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Toyota would be cool but I don't think I would anymore. I've kind of gotten into XJs and it's easier for me given the parts and prices. But who knows!

[@cherokee7824]

Это не jeep это самолёт 👍👍👍

[@kingturd35]

Gotta say that’s a nice clean,strong,long front facing shaft. Can’t say it’s the biggest I’ve seen for sure not the girthiest

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Its definitely a long skinny.

[@muldfox]

Great video as usual! It's just something about shafts and flaps that makes me come back here. I saw that you sorted out the broken Patreon link in the last video, but it's the broken one in the description again, on this video, haha. Anyway! I will contribute there from now on. Thanks for all the videos and insight you share, immensely entertaining and informative. Thanks Mike!

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Really appreciate the support. Haha I broke the link again... thanks for letting me know. I shall fix it for good. Thanks for watching 👀

[@user-uy5bj2vp7e]

i can't wait to see this on some obstacles

[@stuartb9194]

Sorry to see Samantha going down on you again

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

🤣

[@williammrdeza9445]

Have fun this winter, Mike! Looks like you are ready to roll. It will be interesting to see how the 4L Jeep transforms over the next while.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Thanks mate! I'm getting through the 4L build slowly but its basically driving now. Just a noisy fuel pump which makes me nervous about taking it for a ride.

[@Mr.Engineer.]

The piston gets far from as hot as the exhaust gases. High performance petrol engines can run 1000C and higher no problem and the manifold and turbo get glowing hot red.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I thought that to be the case because of oil, surrounding materials conducting heat. I don't think this thing could handle a 1000c for very long. Most advice points to 620c being the indicator to back off a bit. I'm sure it takes much more and longer to cause such damage but after all i'm just an armature and I'm learning all the time. Thanks for watching.

[@Mr.Engineer.]

@@WorkshoptoWilderness If your engine don't have oil squirters that constantly have a small spray of oil underneath the piston you should be more careful, but most engines have those. Really old naturally aspirated diesels might not however. One thing to look out for in a diesel compared to a petrol engine is the load is more constant, so 1000C up a long, long incline might not be the best, but if you see 1000C for a short moment accelerating I wouldn't be to worried. Of course the cooling system should be able to handle this and high load for longer periods, if not the cooling system have to be looked at.

[@hempseedaddict]

🙌🏼

[@Robdutton91]

I had a 242 in my 4.0 then I manual swapped it and kept the 242, no problems here aside from the transfer case shift linkage doesn’t line up right even with an Azzy’s linkage. Found out you can buy cable linkages which would’ve solved that issue. Full time 4WD also feels a lot nicer on the road than RWD, especially through the steering wheel

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

The Full Time 4WD is tempting for winter here. Road conditions are pretty risky so having that option it would mean the Jeep could be in Full Time all winter. Thanks for the info and for watching

[@Robdutton91]

@@WorkshoptoWildernessI kept mine in full time pretty much all the time, it was so much better on the road. And you’re welcome, I love the vids and the channel 👍

[@seanmacdonald8476]

242 are generally looked down in the rock crawling world, 231 reigns supreme for strenght but obviously if full time is your thing you have to make a sacrifice. Notable that the 242 SYE kits are significantly more expensive. Although in my opinion the hack-n-tap is much more on brand for the "built not bought" vibe of your build. I think it gets a bad rap for strength in the petrol world, maybe worth looking into whether or not the extra torque on the diesel is a factor. Enjoy the trip!

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Well that's good info, so the 231 is basically stronger with more part availability. I can imagine the hack n tap being weaker than an SYE. I should tie me over this winter until I source a SYE or make a decision on the 242. Thanks for the info and thanks for watching!

[@Robdutton91]

Everyone in the XJ world uses rock crawling as some kind of bench mark for reliability, in reality that’s a world away from what this Jeep actually does day to day. Driven on the roads and mild off roading the 242 is more than strong enough

[@seanmacdonald8476]

@Robdutton91 I agree that's why I specified. Regardless I wouldn't put effort in changing a stronger case. But that's just me

[@hangtough503]

I bet the oil leak and Samantha are related. 😂

[@eprohoda]

How’s everything going?. yeah-professional masterpiece-:))

[@jamesa7506]

Samantha has a puncture does she? Are you trying to give yourself more credit than warranted? We all know Meg just gave her the ol one,two with the kitchen knife! 😉👍

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

😅 your probably right! Assassination

[@russjowett2137]

Hi Mike great video! Love the humour. Mike I sent you an email a week or so ago. I’m guessing it got lost in your spam box. Let me know if you got it. Also I see a few XJ’S in the scrap yard over here. And more often older ones like your 4.0 renix. If there is some specific hard to get parts you are after. Let me know. I will try to get them for you.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I just found the emails in Spam. I've been having a clean out and discovered some. That brakes my heart to here them in the scrap yard, but in reality I live in Europe so they are rarer here so its probabaly very normal where you live. There are some parts that I am sure I will need. Once I get onto the dash I will know for sure. Its mainly the internal plastic parts that are very expensive here!

[@GadgetViper]

I'm so pleased you now have a perfect shaft, Samantha deserves nothing less 😅

[@erichimes3062]

Check your ball joints too! ✅

[@countryside_guy]

Add plenty of lube too.

[@JaffaGaffa]

Sam's got a puncture...C'mon. No more of this :) Anyway, great work on the Jeep

[@Lou1ouze]

Hey Mike, how did you fix the support bracket noise ? Gromit ? Those alu plates looks awesome no shit it took some time ! Cheers and have a great trip.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I wrapped it in an immense amount of insulation tape at the hood end so it's camped in place when the hoods down. There was no other way apart from making it sit inside a bushing of some kind

[@SarahSmith-hd8kd]

Lmao, this is a GREAT video! You had me rolling with the bit about the guy from the U.S.😂 Hey, on that note I feel bad man... I responded or at least thought I did with an extremely long email to you and i have been checking the email everyday actually and there has been responses. I will try to sent a completely new email thread and see if that helps reach back to you. You will be excited about the email content of that if it went or goes through finally🙂👊

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Your emails kept ending up buried in spam. I've added you as a contact so it won't happen anymore. Don't feel bad I was just joking haha. I have some admin time before work so I'm going to read and reply. Sorry about the delay mate 👍

[@SarahSmith-hd8kd]

@@WorkshoptoWildernessoh wow, lol... all good no worries. I will check tomorrow after I wake up and about late afternoon to see if there is anything new to discuss... but please reply and chat at your own time desires. Thanks man take care 👋

[@lukebrsm6210]

Awesome video Mike. Loved it. Great variety of jobs on the Jeep to keep the content interesting. Where are those EGTs coming from? Post turbo or pre turbo?

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Its pre turbo just in front of the exit of cyl 4. I think its pretty accurate because I have used two different brands and they both correlate. My cooling system needs some work though. The fan is busted I discovered today.

[@lukebrsm6210]

@@WorkshoptoWilderness I put the Jeep diesel poor cooling situation down to a variety of factors, not necessarily just one item. Fan issues, lack of radiator / cooling system capacity, cramped engine bay, poor VM engine cooling / coolant design, oil coolers hanging off the coolant system, and EGR coolers. I’ve had some success with a extra heavy duty fan clutch but it doesn’t resolve the issue completely.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Its not adequate but its probably solvable some how. I was thinking of installing a 2nd smaller radiator somewhere on the right side of the engine where I have some space. Couple it with a small electric fan. The problem here is winter, or not a problem because everything stays very cool. Perhaps some taps to divert it and shut off in winter, or a jacket for the 2nd radiator. 60/40 coolant makes a big difference I found. Someone recommended CAT coolant?

[@lukebrsm6210]

@@WorkshoptoWilderness can’t wait to see how you go with it!

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I will try but its a way off. Out of interest what coolant do you use? I heard the red OAT stuff wasn't good. That's what I use

[@shaunmccaw2911]

Hope samantha's flaps are okay 🤔

[@Eri-Lan]

Hello Mike, I have been watching your video's lately and wanted to ask if you know what engine mounts I need to get for my 1999 2.5 petrol that for whatever reason it has diesel engine mounts I figured you would know, as you are the diesel XJ guru. I have tried searching for diesel mounts, but I can't find them anywhere for sale not even the inserts, the closest match I have seen would be mounts for a KJ diesel.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I think these are them - www.renegade-station.de/en/Motor-Mount-Front-2-5-L-8474.html I've found that this website is the best for all jeep stiff in Europe. They have everything and the price isn't crazy at all. Shipping was three days to Sweden. They look different to the diesel which are also very hard to find

[@isaiahgonzalez68]

Have you had any issues with overheating in the XJ when offroading/going up inclines? I've added a triple fan set from mishimoto, brand new radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant flush, no leaks, and it is still overheating when going up inclines. What may I be missing?

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Not when offroading at lower speeds. It crawles all day and seems to be fine. When in deep snow and spinning the tires fast to get floatation up inclines temps can start to creep up and there comes a point when I have to let it rest a while. What coolant do you use?

[@isaiahgonzalez68]

@WorkshoptoWilderness I am currently using the green stuff from Prestone. What about you?

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

@@isaiahgonzalez68 I use the red stuff from Comma, but now I just use the red stuff that's here in Sweden Organic Additive Technology

[@cherokee7824]

Расскажи от чего шноркель??? У меня тоже 2.5td не могу подобрать

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I got mine from here - www.autoled4x4.com/en/snorkel-jeep-cherokee-xj-1985-2001-right-side.html

[@cherokee7824]

@@WorkshoptoWilderness спасибо👍👍👍

[@squidboy0769]

The last few videos Mike has gotten a bit salty. Who knew he had a sense of humor?

[@kennethmikaelsson7990]

How is it going with the dangler... Mvh Kenneth

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

The dangler? I must be missing something lol

[@kennethmikaelsson7990]

I am Kenneth from Dorotea and some years ago i drop t of a knife to you..@@WorkshoptoWilderness

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

AH its you! I've been holding onto that knife for years since loosing contact with you, wondering when I would bump into you again. You had an older Toyota yes? I made a couple of variations of dangler for that knife and they were disasters. I ended up enlisting a good friend of mine from Dalarna whos a knife maker to build one for it. Its strange because he visited a few months ago and he asked me if you had been in touch. I am not sure if he got around to making the sheath but I will call him tomorrow and find out. I stopped producing leather work some years back so unfortunately the sheath never got completed. Saying that though would you like your knife back? I apologise for loosing contact.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I just spoke to my friend in Dalana. He's here on the 12th and I will have your knife to return to you.

[@kennethmikaelsson7990]

sounds good.. Mvh Kenneth @@WorkshoptoWilderness

[@robertclarke7274]

Long flaps plus Samantha has a puncture your really having problems 😵

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Big problems!

[@joshuacarroll3387]

Is you bed named Samantha I’m confused heard you call someone or something Samantha a couple videos

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Its a stupid joke about a blow up doll called Samantha. Mainly due to the long dark winters when overlanding alone.

[@joshuacarroll3387]

@@WorkshoptoWilderness oh ok makes sense