The 1999 Jeep Cherokee (XJ) holds a special place in the hearts of off-road enthusiasts and classic car lovers alike. Its rugged simplicity, combined with its surprisingly capable 4.0L inline-six engine, makes it a platform ripe for modification and performance enhancement. While it might be over two decades old, the XJ's timeless design and robust construction mean that with the right upgrades, it can still conquer trails and turn heads. This guide dives deep into the world of 1999 Jeep Cherokee performance parts, exploring everything from bolt-on upgrades to more complex modifications, empowering you to unlock the true potential of your XJ.
Why Upgrade Your 1999 Jeep Cherokee?
Unleash the Beast: A Guide to 1999 Jeep Cherokee Performance Parts
The 1999 Cherokee, while reliable, wasn't exactly a powerhouse straight from the factory. Upgrading performance parts can lead to a variety of benefits:
- Increased Horsepower and Torque: Enhance acceleration and overall power, especially crucial for tackling challenging terrain.
- Improved Fuel Efficiency: Certain upgrades can optimize engine performance, leading to better gas mileage.
- Enhanced Off-Road Capability: Lift kits, upgraded suspension, and improved traction aids can transform your XJ into a formidable off-road machine.
- Better Handling and Ride Quality: Performance shocks, sway bar upgrades, and steering improvements can provide a smoother and more controlled driving experience.
- Personalization: Modifying your XJ allows you to tailor it to your specific needs and preferences, making it a truly unique vehicle.
Section 1: Engine Performance Upgrades
The 4.0L inline-six is a legend for a reason, offering a great balance of power and reliability. Here's how to squeeze even more out of it:
- Cold Air Intake: Replacing the restrictive factory airbox with a cold air intake can improve airflow to the engine, resulting in a small horsepower gain. How-to: Installation is typically straightforward, involving removing the old airbox and installing the new intake using provided hardware. Considerations: Ensure the intake is properly sealed to prevent unfiltered air from entering the engine.
- Throttle Body Spacer: A throttle body spacer increases the intake plenum volume, which can improve throttle response and low-end torque. How-to: Simple bolt-on installation between the throttle body and intake manifold. Considerations: Gains are often modest and may not be noticeable on a stock engine.
- Performance Exhaust System: Upgrading to a free-flowing exhaust system reduces backpressure, allowing the engine to breathe easier and produce more power. How-to: This can range from replacing the muffler to a complete header-back system. Professional installation is recommended for optimal results. Considerations: Check local noise regulations before installing a loud exhaust system.
- Performance Chip/Tuner: A performance chip or tuner can remap the engine's computer (ECU) to optimize fuel and ignition timing, resulting in increased horsepower and torque. How-to: These devices plug into the OBD-II port and allow you to upload pre-programmed or custom tunes. Considerations: Research reputable tuners and ensure the tune is designed for your specific modifications.
- High-Flow Fuel Injectors: For heavily modified engines, upgrading to high-flow fuel injectors ensures the engine receives adequate fuel to support increased horsepower. How-to: Requires removing the fuel rail and replacing the injectors. Considerations: Requires proper tuning to avoid running too rich or lean.
- Cylinder Head Upgrades: A performance cylinder head with larger ports and improved flow characteristics can significantly increase horsepower. How-to: A more involved modification requiring engine disassembly and specialized tools. Professional installation is highly recommended. Considerations: This is a more expensive upgrade but can deliver substantial gains.
Section 2: Suspension and Handling Upgrades
Improving the suspension and handling of your 1999 Cherokee can dramatically enhance both on-road and off-road performance.
- Lift Kits: Lift kits raise the ride height of the vehicle, allowing for larger tires and improved ground clearance. Types: Coil spacers (simplest and least expensive), leaf spring shackles (moderate lift), full leaf spring replacements (improved ride quality and increased articulation), long arm kits (maximum articulation and off-road performance). How-to: Installation complexity varies depending on the type of lift kit. Professional installation is recommended for larger lifts. Considerations: Be aware of the potential impact on ride quality, handling, and driveline angles.
- Performance Shocks: Upgrading to performance shocks improves damping and control, resulting in a smoother ride and better handling. Types: Gas-charged shocks (improved responsiveness), monotube shocks (superior damping and heat dissipation), adjustable shocks (allows you to fine-tune the ride quality). How-to: Direct bolt-on replacement for the factory shocks. Considerations: Choose shocks that are appropriate for your driving style and the amount of lift you have.
- Sway Bar Upgrades: Upgrading to stiffer sway bars reduces body roll, improving handling and stability. How-to: Direct bolt-on replacement for the factory sway bars. Considerations: Disconnecting sway bar end links are recommended for optimal off-road articulation.
- Steering Box Brace: The factory steering box can flex under stress, leading to poor steering response. A steering box brace reinforces the steering box and frame, improving steering accuracy. How-to: Bolt-on installation that requires drilling into the frame. Considerations: Essential for Jeeps with larger tires and aggressive off-road use.
- Upgraded Steering Components: Replacing worn or weak steering components like tie rod ends and ball joints with heavy-duty versions can improve steering feel and durability. How-to: Requires specialized tools and knowledge. Considerations: Essential for maintaining safe and predictable steering.
Section 3: Drivetrain Upgrades
Strengthening the drivetrain is crucial for handling the increased power from engine upgrades and the stresses of off-road driving.
- Re-Gearing: Changing the gear ratio in the axles can improve acceleration, crawling ability, and fuel economy (depending on the situation). How-to: Requires specialized knowledge and tools. Professional installation is highly recommended. Considerations: Choose a gear ratio that is appropriate for your tire size and driving style.
- Lockers: Lockers lock the wheels on an axle together, providing maximum traction in off-road situations. Types: Lunchbox lockers (easy to install, but can be noisy on the street), selectable lockers (can be switched on and off), automatic lockers (engage automatically when wheel slip is detected). How-to: Installation complexity varies depending on the type of locker. Professional installation is recommended. Considerations: Lockers can affect on-road handling, especially in slippery conditions.
- Slip Yoke Eliminator (SYE): A SYE kit replaces the slip yoke on the transfer case with a fixed yoke, which allows for a longer driveshaft and reduces driveline vibrations, especially with lifted vehicles. How-to: Requires removing the transfer case and disassembling it. Professional installation is recommended. Considerations: Essential for Jeeps with significant lift.
- Heavy-Duty Axle Shafts: Upgrading to stronger axle shafts can prevent breakage under stress, especially with larger tires and lockers. How-to: Requires removing the axles and replacing the shafts. Considerations: Invest in high-quality axle shafts from reputable manufacturers.
Section 4: Brakes and Wheels/Tires
Stopping power and traction are just as important as horsepower.
- Upgraded Brake Rotors and Pads: Upgrading to performance brake rotors and pads improves stopping power and reduces brake fade. Types: Slotted rotors (improved cooling), drilled rotors (reduced weight), ceramic brake pads (low dust and noise). How-to: Direct bolt-on replacement for the factory rotors and pads. Considerations: Choose rotors and pads that are appropriate for your driving style and the weight of your vehicle.
- Stainless Steel Brake Lines: Stainless steel brake lines expand less than rubber lines, providing a firmer brake pedal feel and improved braking performance. How-to: Direct replacement for the factory brake lines. Considerations: Ensure the brake lines are DOT-approved.
- Larger Tires: Larger tires increase ground clearance and improve traction in off-road situations. Considerations: Choose tires that are appropriate for your driving style and the type of terrain you will be encountering. Requires proper lift and fender trimming to avoid rubbing.
- Aftermarket Wheels: Aftermarket wheels can improve the appearance of your XJ and can also be lighter and stronger than the factory wheels. Considerations: Choose wheels that are the correct size and offset for your vehicle.
Table: 1999 Jeep Cherokee Performance Parts & Estimated Prices
| Part | Description | Estimated Price Range | Installation Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold Air Intake | Improves airflow to the engine. | $100 - $300 | Easy |
| Throttle Body Spacer | Increases intake plenum volume. | $50 - $150 | Easy |
| Performance Exhaust System | Reduces backpressure and improves exhaust flow. | $300 - $1000 | Medium |
| Performance Chip/Tuner | Remaps the engine's computer for optimized performance. | $200 - $500 | Easy |
| High-Flow Fuel Injectors | Provides more fuel for heavily modified engines. | $200 - $400 | Medium |
| Lift Kit (2-3 inch) | Raises the ride height for larger tires and improved ground clearance. | $300 - $800 | Medium |
| Performance Shocks | Improves damping and control for a smoother ride. | $200 - $500 (set of 4) | Easy |
| Sway Bar Upgrades | Reduces body roll for improved handling. | $200 - $400 (set) | Medium |
| Steering Box Brace | Reinforces the steering box and frame for improved steering response. | $100 - $200 | Medium |
| Re-Gearing (Front & Rear) | Changes the gear ratio for improved acceleration or crawling ability. | $800 - $1500 | Hard |
| Locker (Rear) | Locks the wheels on an axle together for maximum traction. | $300 - $1000 | Medium |
| Slip Yoke Eliminator (SYE) | Replaces the slip yoke for longer driveshaft and reduced vibrations. | $200 - $400 | Hard |
| Upgraded Brake Rotors/Pads | Improves stopping power and reduces brake fade. | $150 - $400 (set) | Easy |
| Stainless Steel Brake Lines | Provides a firmer brake pedal feel and improved braking performance. | $100 - $200 | Medium |
Important Considerations:
- Budget: Performance upgrades can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Set a budget and prioritize the upgrades that will provide the most benefit for your needs.
- Driving Style: Consider how you will be using your Cherokee. If you are primarily driving on the street, focus on upgrades that improve handling and ride quality. If you are primarily off-roading, focus on upgrades that improve traction and ground clearance.
- Compatibility: Ensure that the parts you are purchasing are compatible with your 1999 Jeep Cherokee.
- Installation: Some upgrades are easy to install yourself, while others require specialized tools and knowledge. If you are not comfortable performing the installation yourself, seek professional assistance.
- Reliability: Choose high-quality parts from reputable manufacturers to ensure reliability and longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What's the best first upgrade for my 1999 Cherokee?
- A: A cold air intake and performance exhaust system are good starting points for improving engine performance.
- Q: How much lift can I install without making major modifications?
- A: A 2-3 inch lift is generally considered safe and can be achieved with coil spacers, leaf spring shackles, or full leaf spring replacements.
- Q: Do I need to re-gear if I install larger tires?
- A: It depends on the size of the tires. Re-gearing is generally recommended for tires larger than 31 inches.
- Q: Can I install a locker in the front axle of my Cherokee?
- A: Yes, but it's not recommended for daily driving due to the potential for poor handling. A selectable locker is a better option for the front axle.
- Q: Where can I find reliable performance parts for my 1999 Cherokee?
- A: Reputable online retailers specializing in Jeep parts and performance upgrades are a good starting point.
Conclusion
The 1999 Jeep Cherokee is a truly iconic vehicle with immense potential for performance enhancement. By carefully selecting and installing the right performance parts, you can transform your XJ into a powerful, capable, and personalized machine. Remember to research thoroughly, consider your budget and driving style, and prioritize quality and reliability. With a little effort and dedication, you can unlock the true beast within your 1999 Jeep Cherokee and enjoy years of exhilarating on-road and off-road adventures.
0 comments