Symptoms
A ticking exhaust leak that's loudest from cold and may fade as the engine warms. Drivingline says it's more common on 1997–2000 trucks and is something you hear more than see.
The fix, step by step
- Modern Jeeper's TJ/LJ guide: photograph and disconnect everything, then remove the O2 sensors, which can seize.
- The intake and exhaust manifolds share one gasket, so both come off.
- The hardest bolts are under the intake beside the exhaust tubes, so use extensions and wobble sockets.
- Clean the head face with a detail pad, not a grinding wheel.
- Fit the new gasket and manifold, put the intake back on top, then tighten the remaining fasteners.
- Reinstall the O2 sensors with anti-seize and check the new manifold's clearance to the front driveshaft.
Tools & part numbers
- Extensions
- wobble sockets
- flex-head ratcheting wrenches
- O2-sensor socket
- anti-seize
- Loctite.
Where to buy the parts
OMIX 17622.12 4.0L exhaust manifold kit, 91–99 XJ/ZJ & TJ (1997–99 TJs only per the listing; check fitment for 2000–06)Quadratec ↗Amazon ↗
TJ exhaust partsQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Jeep Wrangler TJ parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.