Ok, this is going to seem really minor compared to some projects people on here have going on but I managed to cross another couple of small jobs off the Jeep's list this weekend.

The liftgate now locks
The liftgate stays up on it's own &
The ignition now needs a key to turn.

I managed to find another '88 in the local junkyard that very conveniently had the keys in the ignition (the only one out of 30+ XJ's to have any keys at all with it). $45 later the 2 locks were riding home with me & were fitted today. I also fitted new liftgate struts - no longer do I have to hold it open with my head while I unload groceries.

As I said these are very minor issues but I can't say how nice it feels to know I can leave things in the car now.

 

Well if you dont start somewhere nothing will ever get done.

 

Let's hear it for the small jobs, I also replaced my lift gate shocks, re-installed my flares, fixed the front passenger seatbelt buckle, and replaced the armrest latch.

 

A couple more things off the list;

I finally located the problem with my windshield washers, after replacing the nozzles and hoses it came down to a broken tee-piece. My washers now spary the windshield instead of peeing on the underside of the wiper blades.

The missing fog lights have been replaced with a pair of the infamous Baja's...cheap & cheerful but they do provide some much needed extra light.

After my home rad flush failed to clear the system out properly I had a pro flush done..my heater now produces actual heat instead of luke warm air.

and finally, the power steering leak has been drastically reduced (I won't say fixed until some more time has passed).

 

Hey.. the back hatch struts were the first thing i ever did... it was inspirational !!!

 

Heres my list is short form.

Replaced:
Headlights, corner lights and front running lights.
Headlight bezels.
Fan clutch.
Battery.
Intake.
Hub Assembly (bad wheel bearing).
Blower motor resistor.

Fixed:
Sealed the windshield leak.
Wiring problem for the drivers lighted vanity mirror.
Transmission does not leak anymore.

I still have more to do, but soon she will be factory fresh.

 

Mine need to be replaced right now but the broom handle is getting the job done while I find another set. The prior set only lasted 6 months from AZ.

 

Be CAREFUL with the broom stick... I ended replacing two back windows because of my broom stick fix. A pair of struts at $25 would have been better than a pair of back windows at $100 a piece....

 

It is good to see you doing the little things. Those are the things that make your XJ a nice rig to drive again. I had an 85 that I did similar things to as soon as I got it.

 

I've only had this one for a couple of months - I paid $1300 for it & have put another $700 in it since (good job I talked the PO down by $700..hehe). As 4.3L XJ said these are things that make my XJ more enjoyable to drive.

Still on the list, in no great order;
Figure out clunking noise when at stop signs & fix (in drive, foot on brakes),
Check/Replace brake pads/shoes as needed,
Figure out the engine noise & fix (or wait for it to break & drop a used motor in),
Mount up some driving lights (deciding between under the bumper or on the roof).

After I've got all my basics covered & she's a reliable stocker I'll consider putting a mild lift kit in (can't put anything too wild in or I won't be able to insure it in SK).

That's the plan for now anyway.

 

My first job was replacing the speedometer cable. I was so excited I could see how fast..or slow , LOL....I was going.

 

Small jobs are awesom. Sometimes you can pound out quite a few in a short time as long as you have the parts and tools ready to go.