gunsanroses91

hello all! i have a few questions on my 1989 cherokee laredo. any help is appreciated

how do i figure out if i have the 80amp or 100 amp alternator? i read that the towing package has the 80 and the model with everything has the 100 amp alternator? i do have the towing package, i think.

I've been reading a lot about the cooling systems overheating because of the coolant tank not holding enough pressure? i don't have one at the moment. the line its supposed to be connected to is just hanging there not connected to anything. and the old one didn't have a cap. how come mine isn't overheating? or am i missing something?

ill be going on a road trip soon and wanted to know if i can just swap smaller tires on? as i am lifted 4" with 32" tires. wondering if theres anything i should worry about like track bar or anything?

also looking to make the ride a little better, but i am unfamiliar with the cherokee's suspension so the only thing i can think of is new shocks that will work with the lift? it has skyjacker 7000's that look pretty old

thanks! and sorry for all the questions!

xjshake

As far as alt. I don't know but the cooling I would make sure your temp sending unit is working... Mine used to say it was running 150 when it was actually running 215.... A coolant reservoir and cap is a MUST have item unless you have a open Flow coolant system.... Long arms combined with good shocks aid in ride quality , also google steering geometry and make sure you have good angles on steering components

gunsanroses91

oh well thats good to know. know a good place to buy a resivor tank with cap? i checked auto zone for one and it was 44.99! is there an easy way to tell if i have a closed loop cooling system? i thought i read that 87-90's were but i could be wrong.

hmm now I'm very interested in getting the long arm upgrade. does it really make the ride better? as in 600+ dollars worth better? haha id definitely be interested in the rough country ones then. only problem is installation looks pretty hard.

XJ.89.Limited

Long arm suspension is NOT recommended for road use. Get a coolant bottle and cap from ebay, rockauto, or amazon. $25 tops. The system may have been converted to the newer version to help in cooling. Is there a cap on the radiator? If so, it has been updated. A picture of the engine compartment would help in figuring out that dilemma.

lukeincolorado

My Xj is my dd and i have rustys 4.5 la kit and its fine on the road..

gunsanroses91

i do have the pressure cap by the radiator, so this must have been converted then.

XJ.89.Limited

I just heard that the long arm kits let the body roll more and it's easier to flip around turns. And yes, your system was updated. Don't worry about the cap then.

gunsanroses91

hmm more research i guess! lol it already feels like its gona tip over if i turn to fast.

thanks!

anyone know anything about putting smaller tires on or finding out about the alternator?

also should i do any major maintenance before my road trip in august? like oil pump, water pump, fuel pump, timing chain?

lukeincolorado

Yeah its a little looser than stock but as long as you have sway bars you'll Be fine

my89xj

I just put a new 100 amp on my 89 xj, and it's working out just fine.

gunsanroses91

i don't have sway bars! its on my list of things to pick up though lol I'm going to have mine rebuilt with 130ish amp i think. i have 1000w inverter being put in.

xjshake

The deal with long arms is when you hit a bump the axle will move up instead of shoving your control arms into your unibody... Sway bar is highly recommended though... Take a pic of your engine bay and I can tell you if it is open or closed coolant system

gunsanroses91

i thought i read somewhere that sway bars transfer more vibrations into the frame? first on the list is soundproofing to if I'm just crazy lol

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/my-jeep-build-133037/

second pic down. thanks!

xjshake

[QUOTE="gunsanroses91"]i thought i read somewhere that sway bars transfer more vibrations into the frame? first on the list is soundproofing to if I'm just crazy lol

The list will always keep going... Your correct on the sway bars making for a rough ride but they have two sets of bushings to help counter act that.... Im not saying dont run sway bars but i wouldnt run a sway bar in the rear... Leaf springs are pretty good at fighting body roll... To each is their own

XJ.89.Limited

You definitely have an updated cooling system.