What Upgrades Does Our Jeep Cherokee XJ Get Next?

[@bspizzledizzle]

The XJ is the reason I started following this channel. Even though I didn't buy the same lift, your install videos still helped me install my own lift kit.

[@markstafford5154]

Xj life❤️

[@justinkeane5174]

Xjs are the best

[@ChaseFraser]

What lift did you go with?

[@bspizzledizzle]

Chase Fraser I did a rubicon express 4.5 inch super flex kit with the mono tube shocks. Great balance of cost, ride quality, and off-road capability 👍🏻

[@anthonyhandy3042]

@@bspizzledizzle How do you like that lift kit? I'm looking at what I'm sure is the same kit. In the middle of rebuilding a 94 XJ. Unfortunately it has a lot of rust on the underside, worse than it seemed at first. Replacing 3 of the 4 floor pans this coming week.

[@ScottyBennitone]

XJ has to be one of the best, if not THE best , SUV of all time IMO.

[@sanaaaboulhosn]

Imo? Wats zat

[@vgullotta]

"We're gonna step back and watch, just in case it explodes", sounds like every Jeep mod I've ever done lol XD XJ looks great!!

[@TrailAdventuresTV]

I love seeing these types of videos. It’s important that we pass our skills and knowledge on to our sons and daughters. With every turn of a wrench they gain more confidence in themselves. Good stuff Brad. David from Trail Adventures USA

[@TrailRecon]

So few folks know how to actually repair mechanical things today, I think it's essential to pass on what little knowledge to my sons that I can.

[@Motorep146]

I couldn't agree more! My dad was a machinist mate in the Navy so I always had the chance to tinker on something around the house. Sadly most kids today can't even change a flat tire!

[@denim_joey]

I’ve been a follower for a while, but I’m working my way through older videos and this was the first time I felt the need to comment on a video from a few years ago. It’s awesome anytime you show you and your sons, wrenching in the garage. I didn’t get that opportunity with my dad, but anytime I’m working on ANYTHING around the house, I always make sure to include my daughter. She’s only four at the moment, and honestly, she slows down any project she’s apart of, but I love how she lights up whenever she’s helping daddy. Thanks for all the work you put into these videos, Brad.

[@anthonyquiles5779]

Pro tip: when ever you deal with an airbag you want to place it on the floor with the bag side facing up. If it ever explodes, it won’t turn itself into a projectile. Glad to see the XJ!

[@ainnovate88]

My two sons and I just purchased a 98’ from a family friend today. We are very excited to start the project. Thanks for documenting you’re journey with the XJ it has inspired us to follow suit.

[@TrailRecon]

Congrats! You guys will make some great memories turning wrenches together.

[@james8369]

Your XJ vids are what inspired me to get one myself

[@TrailRecon]

That's awesome!!

[@Whiteandsonsgarage]

James how do you like it? Thinking about getting one

[@james8369]

CHEAP JEEPER I’ve had mine for almost 2 years now and I love it, so much fun to be had in these jeeps

[@Whiteandsonsgarage]

James nice, definitely thinking about buying one and doing a budget overlanding build

[@jodiwright4920]

Love it when the XJ is the star of the show! You probably already researched this before you replaced your steering wheel. Wheelskins makes a great steering wheel cover that looks almost like factory when finished. Thanks for all you do and have a great Holiday!

[@TrailRecon]

We looked at a few steering wheel cover options and we just preferred the OEM look and feel.

[@PatMtHome]

I love how this is not only knowledge you're passing to your son, but also enjoying a hobby you both love. I grew up without a father to teach me how to turn wrenches and had to figure it out on my own. I can't wait till I can show my son a thing or two. Good stuff!!

[@scottmichael3745]

Been watching this series 3 days now, but that was 3 years "your" time. Dang your boy grew up fast! You must be proud dad. . You did well. God bless.

[@jamesreich5373]

Hey Doc, former Marine here, Semper Fi!! I am about to start my own XJ project, a 4 door 99 in the same baby blue yours started as. I just want to say thank you for the inspiration and help that your videos have given me. This will be my first project car and I am so excited to get started! RAH!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you and thanks for your service!

[@GoatOffroad]

Thought you forgot about the XJ !!! That’s okay Brad we’ve picked up the slack for you with my XJ build ! 🤣😂 . Seriously though..great to see it on the channel again. Watching yours was one of the main reasons we got an XJ! ❤️🐞

[@furious7515]

Just binge watched the XJ series! Absolutely fantastic!!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you, so glad you enjoyed it!

[@gregj.gotham4402]

Good job DAD your teaching your son very kindly while given great directions to watch what care must be used as in watching the wires as taking off the steering wheel. Great job young man. That noise maybe a pulley mostly the adjuster for the belt tensioner. Smart young child ya got Dad. Get a squirt oil can I mix break fluid, power steering fluid an a oz of tranny fluid to make penetrant oil mark the can so you know what ya have.

[@ryanpandolfi4551]

Watching these videos in order again really make me excited for when my daughter is old enough to start wrenching with me on my xj

[@mikehoffman3690]

Great to see the father son garage time. You mentioned a working son in college. Bet you are so proud.

[@HIYAHHHHHHHH]

MORE XJ CONTENT!!!!!!!!!

[@steveflaim2656]

Its just fantastic that you can do this stuff with your son!!

[@trjnsd6874]

Reminds me so much of my old '95 ZJ ! Bought it with 32,000 on the odometer. It got "totaled" 19 years later by a Peterbuilt rear-end collision, with 336,000 miles on it! Never had the head off the 4.0L engine, but all the squeaks and oil leaks drove me crazy. Change out those idler pulleys while you have that new belt - you'll be glad later. Nice to have your son working with you. Life gets too busy. TrailReconRocks!

[@TrailRecon]

336K miles is seriously impressive! Thank you!

[@tylersargent8972]

I had acceleration issues with my XJ too. It would jolt forward like it the gears were slipping every once in a while. I left it alone because it wasn’t too bad, and progressed into my Jeep randomly not starting. It ended up being my CPS (crank position sensor). I replaced that and it fixed all my issues!

[@stevend9124]

If you take care of them those engines run forever 👍👍👍👍

[@jackmerola6483]

This series is definitely my favorite! It reminds me about me and my dad. He has a 08 JK and I have a 00 XJ. One easy upgrade I found for the XJ is a JCR off road center console bracket, the original is plastic and often is broke in XJ's. It makes the center console nice and sturdy. One other upgrade I recommend is maybe a rear spartan locker, definitely the XJ a true off road beast.

[@franciscovasquez4555]

Great to see a young person learning how to do preventive maintenance great content

[@deansipe8334]

Love this video Brad! Great to see some garage wrenching, especially when it includes your son and you passing on some knowledge!

[@blamebush911]

You guys inspired my XJ build. I built mine pretty like exactly like this one except when it was still blue and had the Cooper tires on it. Glad to see another video of it!

[@JLeezy864]

The xj was the whole reason why I started watching. I love the content. Keep it up.

[@BenTheJeepGuy]

Love seeing the father and son team! I held onto my XJ for the past 17 years and will continue to do so just so I can hopefully have the chance to do the same one day! From one (very small) KZbinr to another, keep it up! If you ever need XJ advice feel free to reach out! I have dealt with almost every issue under the sun between my XJ and many friends' and families' XJs over the years, I would love to help and keep you from dealing with those costly shop bills! Keep those XJ vids coming!

[@joshflanery1352]

Been watching the xj build since day 1 I have a 2001 (98k miles that I picked up dirt cheap) added the same bumpers and similar set up all around! Love this build and can’t wait to see more videos on it in the future.

[@RMTCTL]

When I replaced my alternator, I found that it was easiest to loosen the bolt in the center of the tensioner pulley from underneath the Jeep rather than from above. It seemed like there was a bit more space for my hands to grip the wrench. I also removed the temperature sensor connector to get a straight shot at the long tensioner pulley bolt. Just don't forget to hook it back up!! Great XJ video series! I love how you and your son work on that old rig together.

[@Colorado4x4]

Beautiful XJ! Great to see some older Jeeps on here!!

[@mattr2773]

Acceleration issues could be TPS Sensor(typically go out) or MAF sensor .

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks, will have to look into that.

[@elsydeon666]

@@eligiol While The Office reference is funny, it can be counterproductive.

[@Tigerchains]

@@TrailRecon I had a similar issue with my Cherokee and it was the Throttle Position Sensor like a few others have hinted at. Hope it helps and fixes the issue

[@fsb_-bf3th]

These have MAP sensors I believe Matt

[@fsb_-bf3th]

@@eligiol I'm confused lol.

[@MrBilliford]

Love seeing the XJ back in the garage! I have modeled mine heavily off what you and your son have done. Keep up the great work!

[@jeremiahthurow5749]

Just some good old fashion father son time. Thanks for sharing and keep up the great content! Hope to do this someday on my son's vehicle.

[@ponch19821]

Check all your vacuum lines under the throttle body. If can pull any off without no effort. Like sneezing on them and they come off. Want to hose clamp them. Had a weird high idol when putting in park after driving and it would shot up. This was with my 01 WJ with the 4.0L similar the the XJ. Found I had vacuum lines loss and popping off in that area under the throttle body. Once I put hose clamps on all those lose vacuum lines. No more idol not reach fault code.

[@appleguy1986]

Yes indeed, I had the same situation with my XJ as well. Rought idle at times.

[@YouTuber1g]

I almost bought a new steering wheel for my WJ but I realized that you can buy a sew-on leather kit for only $10 on amazon. Was much easier and works just as well

[@davedynamite1298]

Can’t wait to see the Xj out with you guys on the trail!

[@holdthatdown6695]

Three steps to getting rid of that squeak. Step one serpentine belt. If that doesn’t work move on to step two which is the idler pulley. And if it’s still squeaks you move on to step three which is the harmonic balancer. I had the same problem in my xj. I started by changing the serpentine belt and I got rid of the squeak for only a couple of days then it came back, changed the idler pulley and that seemed to work then it came back. When you hear the squeak you say “I hope it’s not the harmonic balancer“. I should change step one to just Change the harmonic balancer and save yourself a couple of bucks. LOL The harmonic balance or is not that difficult to replace if you do it from under the jeep nothing has to be removed to do the swap. Unless you have a factory skid plate/Splash guard. I was one of your first hundred subscribers and I can’t believe how much your channel has grown. Great work Brad! There are so many mods and upgrades for the XJ you could start a second channel based just on that. Never stop showing that XJ love! #ThatXJLife

[@fsb_-bf3th]

That old school craftsman impact hell yeah!

[@byronbrasher8118]

That was hilarious the way you two carried on with each other. I loved it.

[@onefastcyclist]

That serpentine belt can be trying, but the order that it is threaded over the pulleys should be considered so it's convenient to reach the smooth one your forcing the belt over to finish. The BEST diff cover I've seen on an XJ has OX cast on the back with a short cable leading to an electric solenoid to activate the locker! Good luck on the OBD code.

[@geekytechycool]

Love the XJ! I miss mine for sure, even with the JKUR I find the need to own another one.

[@johnathanolsen6959]

I can't wait to see it on an overland trip! I just got a stock 2000 xj and I'm learning so much from your channel. Thanks!

[@amunizpaneto]

Father and son time priceless🔥💪🏻

[@TrailRecon]

Absolutely priceless!

[@willb3018]

Just found this a few days ago and viewed the whole series. Very well done. And on budget. 😉

[@jeepinbanditrider]

Why pull the clutch fan shroud then leave the easily removable efan assembly? Future tip when working on any XJ around the front or dricers side of the engine. Remove the efan and airbox. Its less than 5 minutes to remove both and they open up an absolute shit ton of free space to work in. Saves you a lot of time even doing small jobs.

[@jasonduplessis3408]

XJ is the only reason I subscribe 😁😁😁 So great!

[@Josh-ye9ol]

nice to see the XJ back. I know them check engine lights suck. mine came on right before I was going to send to the body shop to get the cancer out. Now she hesitates when she shifts. I am still trying to run that one down.

[@tomsmith2215]

the sew on kits of leather steering wheel wraps are a nice choice too. for that application would have been good. i did it to my 04 4runner, stitched one on and it looks pretty nice!

[@johnincampo7813]

Just FYI I had the same squeaking with my serpentine belt and it turned out it just had loosened over time. Tightening it got rid of the noise. Serpentine belts on XJs need to be tighter than most!

[@gregpena9874]

I was going to say the same. This video could have been a 3 minute video lol

[@bryanhernandez9188]

Great Father/Son project. Nice job Team TrailRecon!

[@TrailRecon]

Always a good time! Thanks!

[@mungabrown6543]

Cool to work with & teach your son. Enjoyed!

[@TimRoyalPastortim]

This XJ needs to head out for one of your epic trips

[@bosse641]

Good to see the XJ again. ....the finest SUV of all.

[@bolivo100]

Great father son project.

[@RayCast5858]

Saw you at SEMA this year and asked you about it! Got a selfie w you! Thanks for listening! God bless!

[@jaxonmarkey9081]

I miss this series

[@Mightymouse2400]

I know its simple and you might have done it, but check all electrical connections in the engine bay. I changed my belt and the check engine light came on and there were no codes showing up from the reader but all it was was knocking an electrical connection loose.

[@BackroadExploration]

Real like the direction of where things are headed for the XJ. They are such cool fun rigs.

[@WesPsWorld]

Love all your videos but More XJ Please! LOL

[@barnesnorth]

Check the wire harness for the the TPS. Mine had bare wires and would short out, cause acceleration issues, but wouldn't throw a code. I had a bad harness on the O2 sensor and that caused problems too.

[@agelectronics1]

3:53 Hey! One of my favorite bands in the background on the shelf there!

[@w0nt0nj0n]

Quick way to check those squeaks whether or not it’s pulley or belt would be to spray sections of the belt while it’s running with water. Glad there was some knowledge and experience being passed down.

[@Spunky_72]

Good job guys! I just wanted to let you know when you remove the airbag...face it upwards. Reasons being is if it somehow deploys it won't go rocketing and hitting someone.

[@braxtonbowring]

He should make his own channel with the xj!!! Would love to watch you both!

[@murphtahoe1]

The XJ looks awesome. What a great transformation! I have the same belt tensioner on my 98’ TJ and the engineers must been drinking heavily the night before the designed it! Total pain in the butt. The idler pulley they switched to made changing belts soooo much easier. Those diff covers look pretty cool and should look and function great on the XJ. Have a Merry Christmas 🎁🎄

[@GabrielGarcia-kx1qz]

Yes finally !!! Now we just need to see it on a trip with the wrangler

[@rtesta]

XJ's love squeaky belts. I had to get a gator back belt for when it gets wet so it doesn't slip

[@benvillegas2343]

Saw this thing at my gym ! Looks amazing in person, great build ❗️

[@soulsurfer8797]

Cool back to your roots vid of doing DIY’s. Consider doing hood Louvers for a pre-summer Mod to tackle before it gets hot again.

[@michaelkirkwood5393]

Brad get that boy a lift! 🤣🤣 glad you guys are getting father son time!! also I started posting a few videos! Not where I want them to be yet but we will get there! Check them out!

[@TrailRecon]

We've kept the lift mild since it is his daily. I always enjoy spending what time I can in the garage with my sons!

[@michaelkirkwood5393]

TrailRecon oh gotcha! It would also be cool to see both of you guys go out and do a trip with both Jeeps! Family time is always the best time!

[@brett3152]

Love the XJ videos! Be sure to throw the old belt under the seat or with the recovery gear, so you’ll have a trail spare. If not for your XJ, maybe someone else’s. I will find the occasional clean steering wheel in bone yards. I had no idea they went for so much on eBay. I’ll be grabbing them from now on!

[@elsydeon666]

I would have taking the electric fan off too for more room. It's a 5 minute job, but makes working in that area so much better. XJ engine bays are TIGHT. As for your Check Engine Light, did you disconnect any sensors? If you disconnect the front temperature sensor, it'll force the PCM to engage the electric fan, and light the CEL. It's a "get home" function Crank sensors are known to go bad as well, causing misfires and CELs. The second O2 sensor has to be there on 49-state cars or else it'll light the CEL. It doesn't actually care what the reading is, just that the sensor exists. CA smog XJs may be a bit different. Other than that, a new cap, rotor, quality aftermarket plug wires, and plugs are never a bad idea. It's cheap and probably never been done.

[@emtjc8465]

love the xj build. i have one as well. keep an eye on the harmonic balancer mine just separated, but it was an easy job to replace it.

[@geoffgero6081]

I’m here for that 1984 record

[@frankansley7941]

Enjoyed the video. I just knew the noise would be the water pump. Have a great Christmas!

[@roseapple8786]

Finally. Great job. Can hardly wait to see what's next.

[@barfy-man3628]

Have you seen what Matts off road recovery does with an Xj? They are such awesome Jeeps.

[@maggiedonovan]

Best XJ. Thanks Brad, just signed up to be a founder!,,

[@roamingkiwi4wd]

Hey Brad! Sure does sound like the TPS sensor has issues. My dad had the same problem with his Jeep. He replaced the TPS sensor then still chased the problems for months up until realising the new TPS sensor was also faulty!. Good luck mate, hope it's sorted soon!

[@MrJoey1570]

Finally!! Been waiting on the XJ! I have a 2001!

[@cryptoenthusiast8218]

Need more XJ vids!!!

[@ElitePreacher]

I'm glad that got rid of your noise!

[@shellyd1811]

We need more!

[@dustoffer9870]

I really enjoyed this one. I'm really looking forward to turning some wretches with my sons when they're old enough to help out! DUSTOFF!

[@HondaFamily88]

Nice father-son video.

[@Overland_History]

Let’s put an OM617 Mercedes Diesel in it like my XJ, Brad! 😉

[@TrailRecon]

I wish!

[@jeremy8715]

Or a 1.9 tdi.

[@peeyoobikhunter2312]

Or a 6.4 litre hellcat, don't muck around go full tilt and you won't look back.

[@rickmarquart3277]

Great video! Merry Christmas TR family 🎄

[@brett3152]

FYI - Since you didn’t mention it. Starting in 99, the steering wheel buttons have a different resistance setting. 97 and 98 are interchangeable, as are 99-01. If your cruise control stops working, you may have installed the wrong year steering wheel. So don’t throw away the buttons - you can use your old buttons with the new wheel.

[@TrailRecon]

Good knowledge, thank you!

[@demoscottgaminglounge6315]

You need one of those camper tent pop ups on your xj and new headlights and tail lights

[@leoleonard6726]

The power steering pump has the belt tensioner built into the bracket for future reference.

[@seanfreitag2641]

Can’t wait to see where the xj goes, any wj content soon?

[@aflacemery]

I need to do the steering wheel on my xj too, great video as always!

[@froggy-man]

nice brad and justin! very cool!

[@mmorales281]

Main reason why I followed you bc if this XJ.

[@Dfts83]

Something I learned with serpentine belts if you forget the pattern, the smooth pulleys have the back ( flat) side of the belt and the pulleys with shoulders and grooves has the bottom ( notched) side.

[@dobrzpe]

you're a better man than me, brad. i *SO* woulda yelled "BOOM" when he was messing with connecting/disconnecting the airbag wires... =:)

[@giovaniarroyo9122]

More XJ videos please!

[@craftsmancollaborative]

Plans for a RTT/Extended Sleeping setup? I'm building my cherokee into a pop-top overland styled setup. The xj platform has just the right amount of space for such a build.

[@just_b_chillin1632]

Remember when this was a “budget build” lol

[@TrailRecon]

3 years later and any budget intentions have gone out the window.

[@Whiteandsonsgarage]

You Roxx I loved the good budget build

[@j.sallinen25]

The budget? What budget?! We don't need no stinking budget, it's an XJ nothing more to say!

[@phill1491]

No Jeep ever stays budget lol

[@DJ-fn3jm]

@@TrailRecon Do you have a list, either that you can post or a link, of ALL the XJ upgrades or work and the costs? I have watched almost all of the videos but like you said there have been a bunch and it's been like 3 years. Just wondering if there is a "snap shot".