I just bought this '88 xj 4 door 4x4. I have multiple questions regarding a number of different things.

First, the jeep has trouble starting. I have to give it some gas or it will just crank?

Next question, this jeep has vacuum on the front axles, in order to remove all that non sense can you just pull the axles and replace them with 1 piece axles or does the whole front end have to be swapped?

Next question, my other 3 x j's were 92's I've noticed quite a bit is different in this one compared to the 92's I had as far as the fuses under the hood this one is full of relays. The throttle body is a different style, the gauge's are different and suck! Lots of different stuff and what's looks to be a lot of just 'extra junk'.

Will everything from a 92 swap over to this jeep? Is there anything on this jeep that isn't a necessity that can be elimimated?

 

That era Jeep has the Renix fuel injection system. Longer cranking times are normal for it.

Here's a cheap fix on the front axle.

http://comancheclub.com/topic/17377-cad-fix-1/

A swap to 92 stuff would be a pretty big project and not worth the effort.

Click on the link in my signature for some cheap and easy tips to get it up to snuff.

Post 1 is mandatory as is post 2 in your case. Post 5 is a good one also. Check your CPS output per post 7 when you get a chance, but the poor grounds could be the root of your issues.

 

My current 88 and other Renix XJs I've had cranked through all 6 cylinders before lighting off. Guess they wanted to confirm crank position.
As far as having to give it throttle, maybe TPS out of adjustment or bad at the bottom.

 

Buy a perma-lock, I have done that with mine and it works just fine, i got mine for 44 bucks off Amazon. and have had no problem with it over the last 6 months.

 

Can the gauge cluster from a newer Cherokee be swapped into one of these old ones?

 

87-89 I know for sure. Not sure about 90. 91 up, no.

 

As has found the long crank is normal, but can be shortend(at least feels like) with a good CPS and A good MAP sensor.

 

A drilled CPS, ground refreshing and upgrade will reduce cranking time somewhat.

 

Drilled as in "clocked"?

 

See post 6 in my link.

 

I had a lagging start as my CPS was dropping under .3, then the with the new at .4+ she fires pretty quick. It did seem to make a difference.

 

I'm going to try a CPS tomorrow as I'm having another issue with dying and having to give the jeep gas to get it to start. I'll let you guys know if that does anything for me.

 

It's always a good idea to listen to Cruiser. Your CPS signal neds to get through that c-101 connecter. (as well as a bunch of other crucial stuff). Jeep has a bypass kit to rout the CPS around that connecter btw.

I'd clean the connecter and check the CPS before I installed a new one myself.

 

I'll definitely clean the connector and check it first.