Cherokee Cooling Issues
I am having an overheating issue with my XJ Cherokee. It’s okay if it’s lower than 70 degrees F outside in the desert (Ocotillo Wells, Anza Borrego, California, outside San Diego), but once it warms up hotter than that, my XJ has trouble staying cool to the point where I might as well try hiking. Are there radiators out there that provide better cooling from say a Chevy, Ford, Dodge, Toyota that I could find at a junk yard? If so, which one should I look for to fit in the same space. My XJ is a ’95, by the way. If not, what’s the best thing out there for keeping her cool short of icing the block like drag racers do? Thanks so much for your help.
Matthew Sratton
Via email
Matthew, your problem is an old and familiar one for many 4.0L Jeep Cherokee owners. First off, the engines in those vehicles are set to run a tad lean from the factory, making them run a little hotter (than if they were run richer). Secondly, there is not a big area to shove a radiator in the front of an XJ Cherokee, so the engineers had to work within design parameters. And unfortunately, Cherokees came with tiny single-row radiators.
For years, the aftermarket has been offering two- and three-row radiators for XJs, and they only cost a couple hundred dollars. I can almost guarantee that a new radiator will solve your cooling issues. I got mine from 1-800-Radiator and it was delivered straight to my doorstep.
Best Bumper Builds
I have a ‘92Chevy Z71 and was looking to add a front bumper to it. I want to build something custom and not use bolt-on bumpers. I do some trail stuff, but I like driving fast, too, so I don’t want a giant deer killer in the front of my truck. Any suggestions?
Dan Garcia
Athol, Idaho
It sounds like custom is the right way for you to go, Dan. Perhaps try using a winch in a custom-built tube bumper. Put a winch cradle between the frame horns, and then use tube to go off both sides and to make a light hoop with.