Jeep Cherokee 1999 - Cracked Manifold - Replace with??

[MBPXJ]

I knew from the day that I bought the XJ that it already had the standard manifold crack. Recently the small leak got slightly bigger.

View from the bottom

View from the top

So the questions is, just replace with OEM manifold or upgrade to a "high performance header"? Does the extra horse power really justify the extra cost of the performance header?

I will likely want to replace the muffler at the same time, suggestions on what sounds good but does not drone too much?

Located in San Diego for any really good deals that only the ExPo community seems to always know about.

Thanks for the opinions!!

 

[xr8dxj]

VERY common problem. I would crack a manifold per year when I lived in Alaska (Something related to crossing glacial streams I reckon). Spring for a fancy-dancy header header if you like. Or go with a less expensive stainless header. I am not sure if my Borla header was truly worth the cost. Also, if you wheel it hard, as in drop/drag the XJ on rocks often, just get a cheapo muffler.

Take a look at your motor mounts too. At about 80k miles the driver side seems to break for some reason.

 

[TOI]

when i cracked my manafold i bought a rugged ridge "preformace header" then when i ripped a hole in my stock muffler i bought a cherry bomb glass pack, the header and the glasspack actually worked well together i had the deep throaty sound but it wasnt to loud or obnoxious.

 

[brushogger]

Weld it!!!

I went thru two in two years. I finally took it off and had it rewelded by a proffessional. No problems since. He beefed it pretty good though.

 

[pumapatrick]

After my warrenty ran out and (2) were replaced........I installed a Banks replacement........smog cert for CA

 

[OverlandZJ]

http://www.ineedparts.com/index.php?target=products&product_id=15343

Alot of guys are running the above linked header. It's supposed to be based off the Banks header and made of Stainless steel. I have installed a few and they seem to be holding up well.

 

[hondamnit]

this is a very common problem on the jeep 4.0's

if you put another solid manifold on there, chances are it will crack again, i would just go with one like this, i installed one on my 97 XJ and it worked awesome.

the mini flex sections will prevent the manifold from cracking again. should be the last manifold you will ever have to buy for the truck

 

[Maximus Ram]

I have like above sitting in the garage waiting to be installed as soon as mine goes..if not before. Found it on e-bay.
I like the header in the post above it also. Looks stout enough.

 

[winkosmosis]

this is a very common problem on the jeep 4.0's

if you put another solid manifold on there, chances are it will crack again, i would just go with one like this, i installed one on my 97 XJ and it worked awesome.

the mini flex sections will prevent the manifold from cracking again. should be the last manifold you will ever have to buy for the truck

My friend put something similar to that on his YJ. It prevents cracks in the upper parts of the pipes caused by different heating/cooling rates.



You should also get a flex section put in your exhaust piping... Otherwise there is nothing protecting the header from stress when the muffler or tailpipe hits something.

 

[OverlandZJ]

I like the header in the post above it also. Looks stout enough.

It's the header previously known as APN (Auto Parts Network) which no longer lists on their site. I found that updated link for the APN in a NAXJA thread.

I have no idea why APN no longer lists it on their site... they sold a ton of them.

 

[bigredcherokee]

I have one of the E bay ones on mine and it works great. At the time I just didn't see the need to put a borla or anyother header on the Jeep. THe stock headers work just fine.

 

[MBPXJ]

I did the swap out yesterday and when I turned the key the tac jumps to 4k and does not idle at all ....i'm going to double check all of the connections this evening after work but any ideas as to specifically where/what I missed?? I took pictures of everything before I started and thought that everything was put back correctly.

 

[xr8dxj]

Vacuum leak?

 

[OverlandZJ]

The link i posted mentions the trimming that is sometimes needed when working with the 99+ intake manifold. If not done you wont get a proper seal and experience a high idle issue.

 

[MBPXJ]

yes the problem was a vacuum leak. for some reason it just did not want to set right. i looked really carefully from the beginning to make sure that there was not any clearance issue, and there was not. it just did not want to set. but after going through the tightening pattern a couple more times it has finally stopped idling really high is back to normal.....just slapped on the craigslist find .... a ARB bumper for $300 :wings: ...... thank you so much for all of the help!!!!!