Would headers replace the stock exhaust manifold?

[terryeaton]

I was told by a shop my exhaust manfiold is cracked, it's leaking and loud. Quote for like $600 to replace it stock; if instead of get some aftermarket headers for my 1998 XJ, would I still need to replace the exhaust manifold or would the headers replace that?

[dboat]

headers would replace the stock manifold. just be careful as some headers are more prone to cracking as well.

[terryeaton]

Thanks! Could you recommend some good ones? Also they are a fraction of the cost of replacing it with a factor stock one... go figure.

[Only In A Jeep]

Will all depend on the jeep. A little more detail would help a ton.

[mmmmbeer]

You say it’s a ‘98 XJ so I assume it’s a 4.0 I6.
It’s such a long engine and with the natural heating and cooling cycles it’s tough to keep the 1 piece exhaust manifold from cracking, which is why they went to a 2 piece design on later engines. Unfortunately the 2 piece manifolds won’t fit the earlier head. I’ve tried a couple different headers but they eventually ended up with the same problem.
What I’m using now and what’s lasted the longest is an oem replacement manifold, but the #1 and #6 tubes are corrugated flexible pieces that allow for some movement.
I don’t remember exactly which one I bought but it’s very similar to this.

https://www.autozone.com/emission-co...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

[stickerhead]

Not sure if they make it or if it will fit is using a long tube header but it requires re-doing the one down pipe. I know you can do it on a TJ