NOTE:
General assembly - loosely assemble center section (page 1); loosely install side brackets on vehicle (this page);
install center section assembly (page 2-3); tighten all fasteners to proper specifications (page 1)
FOR 1997-2001 JEEP CHEROKEE
VEHICLES WITH STEEL FUEL TANK SHIELDS:
1. Loosen the tailpipe clamp from the tailpipe.
2. Remove the 12mm bolts fastening the shield to the
chassis rails if present. Loosen the
remaining bolt in the tailpipe hanger bracket.
3. Lift the side brackets to the frame, with the
flange on the right side under the tailpipe hanger
bracket.
NOTE:
It may be necessary on some models to
bend the heat shield in so the hitch can be
installed. It may be necessary to open the holes
in shield with a 1/2” drill.
4. Install the supplied 12mm bolts with 1/2" lock
washers, and 1/2 flat washers. Snug up the bolts.
5. Install center section per
SIDE BRACKET LOCATION 2. (See page 2.)
6. Adjust the tailpipe for clearance.
Tighten the tailpipe clamp.
REFER TO SIDE BRACKET LOCATION
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPER BOLT
TIGHTENING SEQUENCE
TOOLS REQUIRED
3/4"(19MM) SOCKET 19MM SOCKET
1/2” DRILL
TORQUE WRENCH SAFETY GLASSES
FOR 1997-2001 JEEP CHEROKEE
VEHICLES WITHOUT STEEL FUEL
TANK SHIELDS:
1. Remove the two nuts holding the exhaust hanger
to the frame. Unscrew the rearmost stud out of
the frame, if present on passenger side.
Remove existing 12mm bolts from passenger side of vehicle.
2. Insert a 1/2” carriage bolt through 1/4” bolt plate and attach the
pull wire. Pull the bolt into position through the opening in the end
of the frame on Driver’s side. Start with the forward bolt hole first.
See the diagram above.
3. Lift the side brackets up to the frame. Loosely install 1/2” lock washers, flat washers, and nuts
on the carriage bolts. Install 12mm hex head bolts with lock washers and flat washers into the three
locations of the passenger side. For some vehicles, the third hole needs to be drilled.
If hole requires drilling, use the pull wire to install a 1/2” carriage bolt with 1/4 bolt plate through end of frame.
Loosely install 1/2 flat washer, 1/2 lock washer, and hex nut on carriage bolt. See the diagram above.
4. Install center section per
SIDE BRACKET LOCATION 2. (See page 2.)
5. Reinstall the exhaust under the hitch bracket. Install the 12mm bolt with a 1/2” lock washer and flat washer through the exhaust bracket,
the hitch bracket, and into the frame. Replace the factory nut on the other stud if present.
REFER TO SIDE BRACKET LOCATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPER BOLT TIGHTENING SEQUENCE
1/2” FLAT WASHER
1/2” LOCK WASHER
1/2” HEX NUT
VEHICLE FRAME
HOLE MAY HAVE TO BE DRILLED
ON SOME MODELS
EXISTING 12MM
BOLTS
(STUD MAY
BE PRESENT)
EXISTING NUT PLATE
IN FRAME
REMOVE EXISTING
12MM BOLTS
1/2” FLAT WASHER
1/2” LOCK WASHER
EXISTING
NUT PLATE
IN FRAME
VEHICLE FRAME
USE THIS HOLE
FOR CENTER
SECTION ASSEMBLY
12mm X 1.75 X 40mm
HEX BOLT
1/2 x 2” CARRIAGE BOLT
1/4” BOLT PLATE
* INSTALL THIS BOLT FIRST
USING THE PULL WIRE
INSERT CARRIAGE BOLT
AND BOLT PLATE THROUGH
END OF FRAME
USE THIS HOLE
FOR CENTER
SECTION ASSEMBLY
12mm X 1.75 X 40mm
HEX BOLT
LOCK WASHER
FLAT WASHER
12mm X 1.75 X 40mm
HEX BOLT
INSTALLATION J
12
