I have a 2000 XJ, in preparation for putting together a roof rack i decided to get more cross bars.

The ones i have now look like this : https://www.cherokeeforum.com/member...-rack-bars.jpg

I found a zj with the exact same looking cross bars, so took them off and ran home to put them on.

Much to my surprise they are ~5 inches too short. Did i find the one model of zj with shorter cross bars, or is there a way to extend the bars to fit?

I read that they should be compatible so i did not bother measuring at the junk yard, just did the old arms apart... yeah that stretch feels the same.

 

Nope grab some XJ bars. Earlier model year works fine if you don't mind the look.

 

Roger. I thought since the grand cherokee was more of a luxury suv it would be wider, and I could just remove the bar from the clamps and cut it down.

Thanks

 

If you want to look really tough, put a basket up there.

 

Im buying EMT conduit tomorrow
Need the basket to bring extra gas cans/chilli cans when i go camping

 

Chili cans, or the contents thereof, create gas.

 

I havent seen a biofuel mod for the XJ....

 

3/4" tubing from the driver's seat to throttle body should do it. Natural gas enrichment. Just don't get too excited... Wouldn't want to hydrolock.

I think the ZJs have a narrower roof on account of their "sleeker" appearance. Remember boxes were king in the '80s when the XJ was conceived; come the '90s it was all about turtlenecks and Will Smith's hair.

Not sure where I'm going with this...

 

Yeah I went back to the JY today and measured all the grand cherokee just in case, their roof rack is ~8" narrower. Found an older sport with the triangular style buttons, exchanged them, just got to fix two of the buttons and I'll be good to go