Well, after searching around for the last two months I finally found what I hope is the right Cherokee. It's a 1996 Sport 4 door, 4wd, 4.0, with 179,000 miles. It's not in the best condition, but the interior is pretty good, and it ran great when I test drove it. I paid $1000 for it and am picking it up on Monday. I will primarily be using this vehicle as a daily driver and tow vehicle for my boat, but it might see mud occasionally. Anyway, I had a few questions about towing and a few other newb things.

I will be towing a max of 4000 lbs over flat terrain and mainly short distances with the occasional 150+ mile one way trip. Is there any thing I can or should do to make this as smooth as possible(i.e. tranny cooler, brakes, etc)

I want to install a 3" lift and 31" tires. Will this affect towing substantially?

What are some things I should check for and/or replace as general maintenance once I pick it up? I'm planning on plugs, oil, and fuel filter. Anything else?

I'm really excited about owning my first XJ, and I can't wait to get under the hood on Monday. This forum really helped me make my decision, and I'm looking forward to becoming an active member on here and learning everything I can about this great vehicle. Thanks

Matt

 

first off all, congrats on the xj and welcome to the forum from Houston Texas. Im sure that the tranny cooler and updated breaks wil help. Other than that, just the usual repair and matinance will do just fine or the work you will be doing.

 

i'd make a point of checking a few other things too:

- make sure cooling system is up to snuff. you dont want to overheat with a boat on the back.

- check/change your diff oil, hope no metal filings come out when you drain it. do this for front and back diffs.

- also check every fluid in the car. ATF, brake fluid, check the transfer case. etc.

- welcome to CF from NJ, and good luck.

 

X2 Check all fluids especially coolant, hoses, fans, and I would change the thermostat and coolant anyway. Just did mine yesterday

 

welcome aboard and if you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask

 

Welcome to the family

 

Thanks guys. I just picked it up. The speedometer is not working so I'm gonna look into that. It does seem to run really well, so that's good. I'm gonna start all the general maintenance stuff and see what other problems I discover.

 

Yes welcome and great pick on that XJ!

 

post some pics just messing with you

 

Hi and welcome from NJ again, good luck with the XJ...Tj

 

I'll post some pics when I get it out in the sun tom. I've already ripped out the factory radio, and I'm going to put all new speakers in as well. I'm not looking forward to digging into the guages to get the speedometer out and clean up the contacts. I'm hoping that's why its not working.