1badz

I posted earlier in the introductions section and I was told it was more appropriate to post here for my question(s). I have 2.. First one is, what is normal operating temparature for a cherokee? In the city when I come to long stops (parking somewhere, red light, drivethru) the temp is at about 215-220, but when I get moving, the temperature drops below 210. Is this normal? I live in south florida where the damn sun is always shining (except for the unexpected freeze warning 3 days ago lol).

My next question, what exactly is needed (if someone can list it for me) to do a 4WD conversion? I am pretty handy with tools and have some mechanical knowledge in engines and suspension (built my camaro from ground up), so I will be doing the 4WD conversion myself. I just need to know what is needed. Thanks in advance!

Oh, here is a vid clip and pic of my camaro.. (currently working on getting pics of the jeep).

BuckB91XJ

I would say your engine temp. is normal for a stock XJ in that hot of a climate. When I was in central Ca. for 8 months including a summer that was when I installed my CFS 3 core radiator and 180 degree T-stat. Haven't had any cooling issues since, except when waterpump gasket started leaking. Fixed that and all has been good, even when idling for long periods in traffic and crawling around on trails in 100+ degree weather..

okcjeeper

Yea I'd say you are fine. As long as you don't get above 220 at long idles with hot exhaust pumping through that radiator then you should be all good. If you want you can install a 3 row CFS radiator which will help quite a bit.

As for the 4wd conversion the main thing is having a trany,transmission and all wires and such along with a front axle and drive shaft. There have been a couple guys who have done it on here. What year is your jeep? My suggestions would be to get a trany and t-case along with the wiring from a year model similar to yours preferably the same year to guarantee compatibility. So let us know what year model the jeep is and we can give better info.

1badz

It's a 92 Lerado high output

BuckB91XJ

Any 91-95 HO model 4WD XJ would be a perfect donor for your 2WD 92. Everything will pretty much bolt right in.

prerunner1982

I dont know about the temp... My 93 XJ hardly hits 210.. even in Oklahoma with 100+ degree days and only one cooling fan. I would make sure your cooling fans are kicking on correctly...
As far as 4wd conversions.. the XJ Cherokee is probably one of the easiest vehicles to do this swap on. The major components needed would be front axle (bolt), trans and tcase, and front and rear driveshafts. With a few odds and ends that might be neded (speedo cable, shifter & linkage, etc) The best idea as previously mentioned it to get a complete donor vehicle.

Also... Welcome to CF..

1badz

I appreciate the info and the welcomes.

I am converting to electric fans real soon so hopefully this shouldn't be problem for long. Also, I heard that these cars are prone to overheat easily, is this true? Also that their cooling system is sensitive due to the coolant bleeding process. I own an LT1 camaro, so I know all about the importance of proper bleeding lol - is there a real trick to it?

prerunner1982

I have heard the same thing but I think it may come from people that dont realize that 190-210* is proper operating temp and think it is running hot. I have heard that bleeding the cooling system is a PITA and have been dealing it with myself here lately.

funkle95xj

My XJ also seems to run at a very similar temp, although it's never really gotten above 215. I also live in south Florida and my Jeep has always run at these temps, I would say it's fairly normal. Nice Camaro by the way, and where are you located in FL?

1badz

Ft. Lauderdale

96 XJ Sport

Mine was doing the same exact thing even after new rad and t-stat, but a new fan clutch solved the problem. I'd guess yours is shot and a new one or the electric fan conversion will solve it.

1badz

Hopefully.. we'll see. It was also a bit low in the reservoire tank.. not sure if that could affect it

kamokid

i live on the east coast of FL, and its doing that too. What i did to try and get it to run cooler though is let it idle for a good 10 min, then inside your jeep turn the heater on full blast... wait a few min and CAREFULLY AND SLOWLY open up the radiator... Fill it up, and then close it back up. With the heater on more antifreeze goes to the back over by the heater.. Im not sure exactly what happens, but i know it works cuz now i run under 210 all the time... Im in Fl too

1badz

thanks for the tip