Hey all this is the third and hopefully last post on fixing this jeep. its a 94 jeep cherokee 2.5 2wd SE.
anyway I plan on taking a road trip for a family event this summer and with the few issues I have with this jeep prior to the harmonic balencer issue I had a few weeks ago I think it will make it. the trip will be 2500 miles one way so almost 5000 miles, I know a oil change is a must. but do you all think with it having 174,000 miles on it. So far it needs the Exhaust gasket and manifold since i have it off replaced and one of the belts is making a squealing noise as I've mentioned in previous posts. I do on the other hand need to do a few extra things like fuel system clean, rear differential needs the fluid changed as well as the transmission. the jeep does great on the highway, maybe not gas wise but it is comfortable but it does make a loud kinda noise at high speeds or anything above 65 but drives fine. It used to leak oil out the top but thats been fixed since.

 

How's your cooling system? I'd definitely consider at least getting some fresh coolant in it. Maybe replacing some of the components if it has been a while. That is quite a far trip. You do have a good maintenance plan so far though

 

The cooling system I believe is fine, unfortunately my jeep doesn't have a gauge to monitor the cooling system only a light which only comes on when you first start it like all cars.. I believe it was flushed when the Harmonic Balencer went out as they charged me for coolant. But just in case i might as well do one myself before I head out. Thanks for the advice.

Was going to take some pictures today but its pouring outside and my camera doesn't like rain lol..

 

its stock? change the fluids that need to be changed, dont beat on it too hard and you'll be fine. you drive it every day right? then you know whats wrong with it if anything.. dont worry too much about not having the full gauge cluster, you'll be stopping for gas often enough that you won't be able to travel long without checking it out. keep an eye on the oil and coolant, and have a good trip.

 

Thanks for the advice.. sad that we can't get good gas mileage in these things even with a 4 cylinder motor. I had a 6 cylinder 4.0 before and was able to go 412 miles on one tank. my dad had the same engine just in a 95 grand Cherokee and was able to get nearly 500 some how. both were stock. but with this 4 cylinder so far i'm only getting about 350 miles on mixed highway and city driving and taking it easy.

thanks for the great advice everyone! I will use it when I take a trip in it. But this trip I think because of the short notice and the attention i want to give my jeep I wont be able to take it :-( plus renting a little KIA with good MPG sounds better wallet wise.. I know my jeep will be mad at me when i get back lol

 

But what if you get there and find you need the ground clearance of the Jeep? Forget the Kia lol

 

I would replace the upper and lower radiator hoses. Last thing you want is to blow one out in the middle of a highway somewhere. I did a trip like this in mine, I replaced the water pump, thermostat, lower and upper radiator hoses. Changed all the oils and took it nice and easy (nvr above 65) and I didn't have one hiccup. Oh get road side assistance if you can, I added it with my car insurance (Geico) and is only $14 for 6 months. Ended up Locking my keys and dog in my jeep the first night, they came out and popped the door, no charge. I also recommend replacing the rear drive shaft u joints. Or take a spare at least. Breaks, check those and the fluid. Other than those, Best of luck to ya.

 

Just seen the comment about renting a car. For that distance they will require you rent it for at least 3 or 4 days. At $100(give or take) a day plus gas its cheaper to drive the jeep. Just saying when I did my trip back at the end of January I was thinking of renting but after figuring the price of the rental plus gas it was better to just take the jeep.

 

I would love to take my jeep but because its kind of a surprise trip I won't have time to do all that. It will be coming with me next trip as when i took my 92 to oregon before (although that was 450 miles) it was a nice comfortable trip. also i have roadside with my phone service and they have been great especially when i blew the harmonic balencer on the highway. I would take it now but I want to be sure that I wont have any problems down the road. anyway about the rental car. the total for it will be around 350 for the week. estimated gas money wise would be around the same. I did an estimate with the jeep gas wise and its around 700 but with fewer stops compared to the kia's 6 stops. I've never rented a car so if anyone has any tips that would be much appreciated!

 

Thanks for the tips tho!