cyberbackpacker

Have a new to me 93XJ, aw4, 4.0l, 231 that I am flying out to buy and drive back to Michigan (rust is a PROBLEM so easier to head west to dry lands and no road salt in the winter).

What tools would you bring in a checked piece of luggage, to then use on a 1,200 mile road trip in a newly purchased rig? Would you do any tuneup type things immediately before driving it?

No mountain driving, but near 5200' elevation.

The last time I made a drive this long in an XJ was 17 years ago. And I had owned the XJ for about 4 years and knew it front and back.

So, what would you put in your suitcase to have for the drive home.

First thoughts:

3/8" short and deep well socket set.
Torx sockets
Spark Plug socket
Vice grips
Hose line clamps
Crescent wrenches
Needle nose
Vice grips
Jumper cables
Battery terminal brush
Spark Plug gap tool
Screwdriver set
Breaker bar
18V impact driver and assortment of bits?


Thanks for any advice!

doublechaz

I like a set of open/box wrenches, but you have that covered with sockets and breaker for almost every fastener. I've done road trips with a lack of vehicle trust. Past what you mention I might add torque wrench in 3/8, a puller, flashlight and multi meter. In my case I took a couple vehicle specific tools like the stupid wrench for reaching the hold down bolt on a Mopar distributor, a tool I made for holding the harmonic ballancer while turning the crank nose bolt. Of course the FSM.

Ralph77

We just went through this about a month ago with somebody else. LOL.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/pic...answer-262336/

I am just going to repeat what I said in that thread.

"I am almost under the opinion no matter what you bring you still won't have what you need if something goes sideways on the trip home.
If it were me I would keep it simple.
I would bring my Craftsman suitcase tool set.
Also a AAA card and wad of cash."

LOL.

DustyWagoneer

HAHA!
Truedat!

Also bring an inverted torx bit for the starter. Starter bolts are a Torx head bolt.
Starters always seam to go out on road trips when you buy a vehicle.

cyberbackpacker

Thanks all! I did search but my search-fu wasn’t triggered by that thread title you posted @Ralph77

Duct tape, flashlight, gloves, zip ties all added— I always carry gloves and a flashlight but better to write it down so it doesn’t go overlooked.

AAA might be a good idea to explore too.

The plan is to leave Wednesday and be back by Friday.

Thanks again.

Ralph77

Well my search fu skills, while awesome (LOL), did not get used here.
Remembered the thread cause I posted in it.
But just to be clear. Said by a member on another forum.

"Your Search Fu is strong Master......."

MLOL.
Good luck with the trip and stay safe.

cruiser54

Take it somewhere and have all fluid levels and condition checked. Like a safety inspection also.

BlueRidgeMark

I'd also change the oil myself, and inspect what comes out. If you see ANY sign of coolant, call off your trip.

Oh, one other thing I'd take - more time.



Sure hope that other guy made it. He seemed pretty sure of a vehicle he'd never laid hands on.

MrTodd

I did make it back! Mine was an uneventful 455 mile trip from SE Oklahoma to S Texas. Luckily, the seller was extremely cooperative with the demands I had prior to arrival. Also, I had a friend from the area meet me at the airport and drive me to the seller. My friend was able to shop for the supplies I needed/wanted for the trip and had them ready when we went to look the XJ over. I hope to start a new thread soon with all I've been doing to it since purchase.

I can't wait to hear how the OP's 1200 miler went!

MrTodd

Lynn Gräber

I just did about 1600 miles from Nashville to Orlando. Then over to Sarasota/Tampa, then back to Nashville. Everything went great. I am even at 250k miles on a 0331 head. Of course I watch the coolant level like a hawk and change the oil myself every 3k.

I carry a full change of fluids and a pretty complete tool set. Also been carrying a belt and a few extra bolts and nuts of various sizes.

I did have a few funny moments/scares.

The first, on my way down shortly after a torrential downpour, white smoke started billowing out of the AC vent. Scared the **** out of me. Kept smelling to see what it was, nothing. I guess it was just condensation from so much FL humidity and my AC blows so cold.

Second, I stopped at a gas station and did my usual checks underneath to make sure nothings leaking abnormally. I see an almost steady stream coming from the oil pan. Looked on the ground, a huge oil puddle. Come to find out, it was just water from my condensation drain splattering the engine and running down and mixing with the small oil leak the pan does have. Kinda like when you have a bleeding cut in the water. haha.