Ever noticed how door seals tend to deteriorate on older vehicles? Older XJs/MJs are no exception to that. Jeep introduced new door seals with the 1997 Cherokee model (as part of the interior overhaul). Those door seals are thicker and provide a tighter seal. Can those new seals be installed on an older XJ/MJ? Yes, but...

The Parts:

Left: '97 or '98 XJ door seal (here a used one).
Right: older XJ/MJ door seal (here '89 XJ).

The only parts needed for this upgrade are the door seals from any '97 or newer XJ. Either a 2-door or 4-door model. However, here is the catch: I highly recommend to only upgrade the front doors, not the rear doors (on 4-door models). Further, I have not attempted to upgrade the rear hatch seals, since it did not appear to make any difference.

As said, I recommend against the newer door seals on the rear doors because the rear doors will need a lot of force to be shut correctly with the newer door seals installed on older XJs. If I were to install new door seals again, I would simply replace those with stock door seals. No such problems with the front doors, however. Does it make a difference? Not sure either. I needed new door seals since my originals were partially torn. I came across a couple of '97 and newer XJs on a local yard and pulled the door seals for a few dollars. I have no idea what the dealer cost is on those, but if new (front) door seals are needed, one might as well get the newer ones. Cost difference should be marginal.

Part numbers:	Description:	Years:
5517 6146	Front Door, WEATHERSEAL, Full Door to body, 2-door XJ	1997, 1998
5517 6148	Front Door, WEATHERSEAL, Full Door to body, 4-door XJ	1997, 1998
55176 148AB	Front Door, WEATHERSEAL, Full Door to body, 4-door XJ	1999*
55176 148AC	Front Door, WEATHERSEAL, Full Door to body, 4-door XJ	2000*
		2001**

No part numbers listed here for the rear door seals. Most times the rear door seals don't require replacement, since there's typically less wear. If replacement is required, check with your local dealer and replace with same year as your XJ. Driver's side and passenger side seals are the same, i.e. interchangeable.

* No part number for 2-door models in parts book! No idea why there are different part numbers for '99 and up.

** I don't have a part number for this. Most likely same as 2000.

The Tools:

No special tools required. A Philips screw driver should do.

The Procedure:

Summary:
A nice little upgrade. Not recommended for the rear doors, since the rear doors need to be slammed hard to properly close. Front doors work fine. I didn't notice any difference between the old and new seals. Water will enter during deep water crossings not as easily through the door seals, but will enter anyway through various other openings. Dust sealing properties might be improved but it is hard to tell. Would I do this again? Yes, certainly, but only on the front doors.