98Redbird

Hey guys, I've got a 2001 cherokee sport with 72,000 miles on it. Coolant had a muddy look to it, and the reservoir was empty, so I assumed the head crack. However, the the top end and crank case oil showed no signs of coolant entry.

So as a precaution, I decided to go ahead with the replacement head from either alabama (Promaxx now I think) or clearwater cylinder head. I'm just wondering, while I"m in there doing the head swap, what else would you guys recommend that I service/replace, just to be proactive. I am going to be using this for long distance trips so I want to make sure that I'm hitting all of the maintenance items while it's apart.

Thanks!

Orlo

Cooling system. Radiator, electric fan, fan clutch, thermostat and hoses. It's cheap insurance and you'll not have to worry about them for years. Good time to check all fluid lines that may be suspect too. My transmission and PS lines both started leaking within a year of each other. Replace any sketchy ones now while you have the room from the tear down.

How's the exhaust manifold look? They are notorious for cracking. You may want to do that as well since you're taking it off for the head.

98Redbird

^^ Ah Orlo, I should have mentioned, cooling system was one of the first things that I did. New radiator, water pump, thermostat and housing, all new hoses, etc...

Anything internal such as lifters/pushrods/rockers? Or could they go back in? I don't suspect any bent rods/or collapsed lifters, it ran fine when I started taking it apart.

Exhaust manifolds look okay from what I can tell. It's an 01 so it's got the funky precat setup, which from what I understand SEVERELY restricts what you can do with the exhaust system with the exception of catback...

My understanding was that for some reason the 01's didn't suffer from the manifold cracking issues as much as the 99 down?

Firestorm500

They traded manifold cracking for head cracking.

If the cylinder walls look good, not too much ring groove, and the oil pressure was good, you should be OK with just the head.

Fred/N0AZZ

If you didn't do the fan clutch replace it and use one from a GC for an upgrade to it, great time while its apart to do so.

vulcan1701

So my buddy was living on Marvel Mystery Oil to get rid of lifter tap so when we replaced his 0331 with a Clearwater head, we replaced all the lifters too. We got them for $2 each on rockauto.
You can test the pushrods by rolling them on a flat surface. If they're fine, the rockers are also most likely fine. The best thing is that there is no valve lash adjustment.
Also, use a lot of assembly lube on those lifter surfaces. You dont want to mess up the cam lobes.

t.mcginley.jr

With only 72k miles I wouldn't worry about the valve train honestly. I just installed a ~150k mile 1996 motor in my 00 XJ and didn't touch the valve train. Runs quiet and smooth. Yes the lifters can wear out, but with your mileage it's not an issue. In addition to the cooling system, I would get a new valve cover gasket, pcv valve, and spark plugs if you haven't already. And remove/clean your throttle body while you have the intake off.