X-J

Hello, new guy here
I just brought home >
1988 XJ 4.0 4WD Auto Command-Trac, Runs and drives 4WD works
Very dirty under the hood
Engine replaced?rebuilt at 90,xxx
from 1st owner. looks like salvage yard replaced.

I have a 1995 4.0 2WD Auto I bought new
Now has 309,XXX miles , rebuilt @ 248,xxx

Things look different than my 95, I have been researching "renix jeep" and reading about it.
Now i need to fix this 88 up.
Exhaust, coolant leak, wires, vacuum hoses, strange noises, shocks, this and that, and will probably update the list . but for 500 bucks... So I will have some question soon ...
*Part time light comes on part time
*rear end noise when turning
*No coolant bottle
*wires & vacuum lines outa control
*how to fix electric fan sensor (its on a toggle)
*push button start -
*i don't really love country music

76ANTHONY

hell for 500 bucks you could do a little j/y shopping and spend another 500 bucks and have a nice jeep xj in my opinion. looks ok so start there. engine, BUY A BOOK. you really need ta get it under control so its easier for you in the future. the exhaust leak, well a new header is only about 200 bucks or less depending on where you get it. the rear end, open it up and check it, if it looks good add new fluid and go. as a matter of fact, change all fluids, engine oil, coolant, trans and transfer case. just my opinion. looks like you got a deal in all honesty...good job..

BlueXJ

First Welcome to CF from Texas.

Now how do you put fluids into the cooling system without the coolant bottle?
If you have the OEM radiator there is a sensor on the side and it plus the A/C will turn on the aux. fan. If someone changed to the newer style radiator that is why you have the toggle because there was no place in the new style for that sensor so the PO put in the switch.
Read this>>>http://www.lunghd.com/Tech_Articles/...Thermostat.htm
The part time light should come on when the 4WD part time is engaged. That is normal.

Could the rear noise be brakes or some gear noise? Describe it better please.

X-J

Thanks,
The coolant hoses have been re-routed and
There is a "T" connection with a cap kinda like your "flushfill" yes , pouring a gallon of coolant pissed me hoff
-
OEM radiator with sensor intact. -
Just finished finding a crack near the top of the radiator
-
A/c on - no fan
engine hot - no fan
toggle switch - fan on/off - wire has been spliced in.
no i haven't tracked down the wires/connectors yet
I will read your article on thermostat and see if I can convert to the new style radiator and have the fan come on auto. I'm glad you gave me a link because that is my next Q. thanks
-
When I got the jeep running (starter) and on the way home I wanted to check to see if the 4wd worked on some dirt hills next door
-put it in 4H no light
-4L no light - is there a light for 4L ?
-back to 2 no light
backed up and got back on pavement , guess what ?
-Light came on for a few minutes and back off, stopped gathered up tools and my buddy got in my 95 and started to leave and it came back on for a few and back off and stayed off all the way back home 25 miles.
-
Noises from the rear - making slow turn in either direction with NO brakes applied is a light shhh/whissing sound like ...
make a shhhh sound

BlueXJ

Rear noise might still be brake related or could be a wheel bearing but I doubt it.

The OEM cooling system has the fill at the missing tank and that is an expansion tank so it is needed. The tanks are cheap look at one of our vendors Gerroffroad. He has them for sale at the cheapest prices around.

X-J

Im thinking open system radiator like my 95.
i read your thermostat article, and it sounds like i can just buy a 92 new style open radiator & hoses for a 92 and drop it in hook the hoses, trans lines up and go,
-i was wondering if the top support is different that i could not do this.
-im going outside to compare now,
-and then hook up the thermo fans later.
thanks, i like your articles.
-
im sure the brakes need to be looked at because they arent very good at stopping ..

X-J

Bought a 92+ radiator upper , lower hoses
there is a threaded hole for a sensor on the new one
-same place as the old style is. see pic
-
the hood is going to come in contact with the newer upper hose because of the a/c lines/fittings - see pic
-
Last pic is my 95

BlueXJ

As far as exchanging the parts you mentioned yes it is done all the time and the header will accept either radiator. I am just old school and think the closed system works fine if kept maintained.

76ANTHONY

IS THAT PINK i see??? still think it looks good for 500 bucks.

X-J

I ran out of light and didnt get to finnish the project.
looks like I'm going to need to go back to the old style upper hose for hood clearance.
-The new style will unclutter and free up some space to work.
& it looks like i will be able to use the old style sensor in the new radiator.
Thanks again bluexj for your jeep pages, very helpful .
oh yeah > forgot to buy radiator cap

X-J

No, the red paint is faded, the 95 engine is painted hemi orange.
-if it was pink, i would have to wear shades and keep my hat low.

76ANTHONY

faded red

X-J

Well I got the radiator installed , but I had to bend the transmission line outa the way for the electric fan to fit.
-
The new radiator fits fine, and it also has the threaded hole for the old style sensor.
Ready-Rad
432335
1r2802
-
I tested the coolant sensor with my meter and didn't get any reading on ohms, so i guess i need a new sensor.
-dose anyone know how to check the sensor ?
Hopefully that's what was wrong with it so i don't have to mess with the toggle switch some one installed, i don't know why you would bother putting in a toggle and not checking the sensor

X-J

thanks for your help