When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go hereXJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.
Better? Not sure. Many of the headers available are for the '91 and up. I believe you can use a '91- '96 (guys, help me out here), but you'd also need to replace the pipe that goes from the exh manifold to the Cat.
When mine cracked, I replace it with a Dorman. This was back in 2007 (so quality may have changed greatly). My driving is mostly short trips so mine goes through a lot of heating/cooling cycles. So for, so good.
Regardless of brand, make sure the flange is flat. Mine had some burrs I had to file off. Some of the mounting holds didn't line up. Dry fit the manifold and make sure all the bolts thread in. I used a round file to enlarge the hole as needed.
Check your motors mounts while you're in there. Often the cracks appear from the motor torqueing over too much due to bad mounts putting stress on the rear of the manifold.
Also while you're in there, check your Coolant Temp Sensor on the side of the block. If you have any doubts, now is the time to change it.
The cracks in #5 and 6.
Easy access to motor mount and CTS
Take a peek inside your ports. Look for signs of oil leakages, carbon buildup, etc.