Just so you know 97+ has a larger strip than pre 97 so if you get ones for 96 or older you will likely still have a leak issue

 

To further explain, my leak was at the top of the passenger door. Water would only run down the inside of the door when the vehicle was parked tilting toward the passenger side. To check yours, roll down the window, open the door and place a dollar bill or similar on the chassis side of the frame, close the door. Slide the bill fore & aft you should feel at the very least a slight drag, if not try bending the frame a little to see what happens.

 

Most are closed cell PVC and not designed for outdoor use, an extruded EPDM seal like OEM is the best bet. It's really not that expensive if it lasts for another 20 years.

 

Update: I have ordered the seal but it won't be here until after Labor Day... I also have now seen better success with my vegetable oil and seal re-position efforts. I have driven the truck and have left it outside in the heat and sun vs. garage for the last two days. It has rained two nights in a row and NO Water Intrusion... I am already committed to the purchase of the new seal and will change it but I also plan to chase the door seal with a garden hose deluge of water again just to see the results. I still am unsure of the permanency of the no cost fix of cleaning the weatherstrip, rotating it in the opening and wiping it down with a thin coat of vegetable oil BUT I am gaining some confidence that it does improve the water tightness and also improves with heat and time.

I will still update on the quality, fit and results of the new aftermarket seal I have order.

 

The seals came and I am very impressed with the fit and quality.

The seal fits perfect and the door fits tight and is quieter from a wind noise standpoint.

Two Thumbs up for rockeriders-jeepstore
http://www.rockriders.biz

 

Which kit did you go with and from where?

 

I see nothing XJ related on their site. Wish I had an extra pair of hands, so I could give them 4 thumbs down. I guess this works too

 

Whatchutalkinboutwillis?


1997-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4 Door Front Door Seal Driver or Passenger Gasket
http://www.rockriders.biz/servlet/th...okee-XJ/Detail

 

Another option.

http://teamcherokee.com/door-opening...kee-1997-2001/

I will be purchasing these within the next week or so.

 

Categories on the left side of the page, about half way down, "Grand / Cherokee" link. Then about middle of page the rubber strips are listed.

I originally found them on eBay from this seller.

You are right that the site does not have an XJ specific section and it appears they cater to other models and the Cherokee XJ is sideline.

 

Another update on my door seal and water leak adventure.

The door seals are working great and I am glad I did both sides.

After a heavy rain, I still had a little bit of water... After much time, watching for water and having a helper continue to hose down the truck, I found I had TWO original sources for my driver's side water leak. The largest being the door seal but when the seal replacement didn't cure 100%, I had to keep digging. Found out that my windshield seal was ever so slightly leaking. It had been replaced by the previous owner and was an aftermarket. $200 later, I have a new windshield and a dry truck on the driver's floorboard.

Now the next water leak bad news, after all this work, I re-installed all of the interior. A few days after getting back on the road, I went through the automatic touchless car wash and I now have a small leak in the passenger footwell. It drips down about the middle of the floor mat from the dash area. I can't duplicate it with a garden hose or natural rainfall but the car wash is making it leak on occasion. I am thinking perhaps the leak mentioned by others, around where the fresh air airbox meets the firewall/cowl. It kinda looks like the water came from the bottom of the airbox. I guess I will just have to keep an eye on things and see how it goes.