DIY Maintenance- what am I missing
CF Veteran
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,289
Likes: 0
From: Springfield Virginia
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Rotate the tires, change the valve cover gasket of you're willing you won't have to worry about it later. Also the o-rings for the oil filter, those damn things always leak.. Radiator cap since its $5
CF Veteran
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,289
Likes: 0
From: Springfield Virginia
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Mine started leaking at 163k. It's about a 30-60 minute job and it's just preventative. It's probably not necessary for you to do just yet it all depends on what you want to do
Ah hers isn't even to 120k yet. I'll keep an eye on it but for now, I'll prioritize the other stuff. Trying to not spend TOO much since I already blew a freakish amount of money on her this year.
Here are some ideas:
I am going to work through this list on my own XJ..
Seal rust (floorpans, doors, rockers, etc)
Flush coolant
Differential & transfer case fluid
Replace transmission fluid
Replace power steering fluid
Bleed brake fluid
Cooling system: Radiator, cap, water pump, thermostat, all hoses (Did I miss anything?)
Fan clutch
Oil filter adapter (leak)
Alternator
Cleaning IAC and Throttle body
Temperature sending units (2)
CPS/CKP sensors,
Replace TPS (throttle position sensor)
Transmission cooler
Replace distributor, plugs, wires, coil, coil pack, distributor switch plate
Starter
Headlight upgrade (harness also)
New tires
O2 sensors
Check suspension (Front Lower Steering Stabilizer, FrontSway Bar Bushings and End Links)
Vacuum lines?
Fuel Filter, Fuel pressure regulator, Fuel pump....
CCV hoses?
Bulbs?
Fuel pump
Valve cover gasket (leak)
Battery
Front U-joints
Front wheel bearings
Front brakes/rotors.
Muffler and catalytic converter
New front and rear wipers
Battery cables and terminals
Air filter
Front Left Window Regulator
Bypass Lock button for passenger windows
Serpentine belt
I am going to work through this list on my own XJ..
Seal rust (floorpans, doors, rockers, etc)
Flush coolant
Differential & transfer case fluid
Replace transmission fluid
Replace power steering fluid
Bleed brake fluid
Cooling system: Radiator, cap, water pump, thermostat, all hoses (Did I miss anything?)
Fan clutch
Oil filter adapter (leak)
Alternator
Cleaning IAC and Throttle body
Temperature sending units (2)
CPS/CKP sensors,
Replace TPS (throttle position sensor)
Transmission cooler
Replace distributor, plugs, wires, coil, coil pack, distributor switch plate
Starter
Headlight upgrade (harness also)
New tires
O2 sensors
Check suspension (Front Lower Steering Stabilizer, FrontSway Bar Bushings and End Links)
Vacuum lines?
Fuel Filter, Fuel pressure regulator, Fuel pump....
CCV hoses?
Bulbs?
Fuel pump
Valve cover gasket (leak)
Battery
Front U-joints
Front wheel bearings
Front brakes/rotors.
Muffler and catalytic converter
New front and rear wipers
Battery cables and terminals
Air filter
Front Left Window Regulator
Bypass Lock button for passenger windows
Serpentine belt
Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: Portland OR
Year: 96
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4 liter
Motor mounts.
Motor shifts under torque and the fan wrecks radiator if mounts are worn. Ask how I know lol. Cheap, easy and silly not to do.
Trans mount as well.
Motor shifts under torque and the fan wrecks radiator if mounts are worn. Ask how I know lol. Cheap, easy and silly not to do.
Trans mount as well.
Here are some ideas:
I am going to work through this list on my own XJ..
Seal rust (floorpans, doors, rockers, etc)
Flush coolant
Differential & transfer case fluid
Replace transmission fluid
Replace power steering fluid
Bleed brake fluid
Cooling system: Radiator, cap, water pump, thermostat, all hoses (Did I miss anything?)
Fan clutch
Oil filter adapter (leak)
Alternator
Cleaning IAC and Throttle body
Temperature sending units (2)
CPS/CKP sensors,
Replace TPS (throttle position sensor)
Transmission cooler
Replace distributor, plugs, wires, coil, coil pack, distributor switch plate
Starter
Headlight upgrade (harness also)
New tires
O2 sensors
Check suspension (Front Lower Steering Stabilizer, FrontSway Bar Bushings and End Links)
Vacuum lines?
Fuel Filter, Fuel pressure regulator, Fuel pump....
CCV hoses?
Bulbs?
Fuel pump
Valve cover gasket (leak)
Battery
Front U-joints
Front wheel bearings
Front brakes/rotors.
Muffler and catalytic converter
New front and rear wipers
Battery cables and terminals
Air filter
Front Left Window Regulator
Bypass Lock button for passenger windows
Serpentine belt
I am going to work through this list on my own XJ..
Seal rust (floorpans, doors, rockers, etc)
Flush coolant
Differential & transfer case fluid
Replace transmission fluid
Replace power steering fluid
Bleed brake fluid
Cooling system: Radiator, cap, water pump, thermostat, all hoses (Did I miss anything?)
Fan clutch
Oil filter adapter (leak)
Alternator
Cleaning IAC and Throttle body
Temperature sending units (2)
CPS/CKP sensors,
Replace TPS (throttle position sensor)
Transmission cooler
Replace distributor, plugs, wires, coil, coil pack, distributor switch plate
Starter
Headlight upgrade (harness also)
New tires
O2 sensors
Check suspension (Front Lower Steering Stabilizer, FrontSway Bar Bushings and End Links)
Vacuum lines?
Fuel Filter, Fuel pressure regulator, Fuel pump....
CCV hoses?
Bulbs?
Fuel pump
Valve cover gasket (leak)
Battery
Front U-joints
Front wheel bearings
Front brakes/rotors.
Muffler and catalytic converter
New front and rear wipers
Battery cables and terminals
Air filter
Front Left Window Regulator
Bypass Lock button for passenger windows
Serpentine belt
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 864
Likes: 4
From: Arlington, Texas
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
First off, kudos on maintaining your ladies XJ. If she ever has any doubts about what a righteously great guy you are for doing that, we'll all vouch for you.
Second, everything you plan to do are great preventative maintenance items, and will definitely contribute to her continued relationship to you and that Jeep. However, many of these won't really be "noticeable" ,per say, to her. It's great that it's done and well worth doing, but she likely won't discern much real difference from behind the wheel.
I would suggest, in addition to the items on your list, perform a headlight upgrade using the Putco harness from LMC Truck, AutoPal E-Code housings from Ebay, and Philips Xtreme bulbs. The whole project will set you back about $125 including tax and shipping. But I tell you, she WILL DEFINITELY notice that change, and appreciate it. And you'll feel better having contributed to her safety.
The change is nothing short of dramatic. While you won't actually get 3 times the lumens output of the stock set-up, the light produced will appear to your eyes to be about a 250%-300% improvement, and the beam shape and dynamics will be greatly improved to boot.
I guess new wheels and tires, or something like that, would wow her too, but for the dollars spent, I don't know that there is any other upgrade that provides such a great return every time you get behind the wheel at night.
Second, everything you plan to do are great preventative maintenance items, and will definitely contribute to her continued relationship to you and that Jeep. However, many of these won't really be "noticeable" ,per say, to her. It's great that it's done and well worth doing, but she likely won't discern much real difference from behind the wheel.
I would suggest, in addition to the items on your list, perform a headlight upgrade using the Putco harness from LMC Truck, AutoPal E-Code housings from Ebay, and Philips Xtreme bulbs. The whole project will set you back about $125 including tax and shipping. But I tell you, she WILL DEFINITELY notice that change, and appreciate it. And you'll feel better having contributed to her safety.
The change is nothing short of dramatic. While you won't actually get 3 times the lumens output of the stock set-up, the light produced will appear to your eyes to be about a 250%-300% improvement, and the beam shape and dynamics will be greatly improved to boot.
I guess new wheels and tires, or something like that, would wow her too, but for the dollars spent, I don't know that there is any other upgrade that provides such a great return every time you get behind the wheel at night.
Bimmer- WOW! Most of those sound like good "someday" projects for us but for now, the more modest maintenance list will have to do. Trying to get the house remodeled so we can sell it and buy a new one... with a SHOP. That's where I'll probably come back and do the rest of your list 
Solomon- I know the motor and torque axis mounts in the Saturn made a WORLD of difference (As did replacing the bolt I sheared off in the motor mount. whoops.) so thanks for mentioning that. I hadn't even thought of it.
Mac- Thanks! We're not TOO worried about big, dramatic changes to the car. She's the type who will appreciate fresh differential fluid
The headlights are a pretty great idea. I may see if there's enough cash to do that. I kinda blew my load on her engagement ring and Christmas presents so I'm trying to do cheap stuff but $125 for a new headlight setup is pretty damned cheap when I've seen people spend upwards of a grand to do that to a Supra... I'll add that to the tentative bit of the list. We just replaced her tires last month and took her wheels from Chrome to matte black so those are saying for the time being...
You guys kick so much ***!

Solomon- I know the motor and torque axis mounts in the Saturn made a WORLD of difference (As did replacing the bolt I sheared off in the motor mount. whoops.) so thanks for mentioning that. I hadn't even thought of it.
Mac- Thanks! We're not TOO worried about big, dramatic changes to the car. She's the type who will appreciate fresh differential fluid
The headlights are a pretty great idea. I may see if there's enough cash to do that. I kinda blew my load on her engagement ring and Christmas presents so I'm trying to do cheap stuff but $125 for a new headlight setup is pretty damned cheap when I've seen people spend upwards of a grand to do that to a Supra... I'll add that to the tentative bit of the list. We just replaced her tires last month and took her wheels from Chrome to matte black so those are saying for the time being...You guys kick so much ***!
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Laplata, MD
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Pics or you're lying......
Sounds like your in the running for "Boyfriend/Husband of the Year"!!!!
That's one lucky jeep to have 2 people that care about it that much.....
Sounds like your in the running for "Boyfriend/Husband of the Year"!!!!
That's one lucky jeep to have 2 people that care about it that much.....





