just bought a 84 4 door, 2.8 V6


what is this pump ??? below alternator that has a hose going to the air cleaner?


few little problems now, ( hits ) hard when you put into reverse ( wish it was a standard ) U joints appear to be in good shape, may be due to engine idles a bit high


has a carb that has VERSAJET on it....and good or need a upgrade ?


motor to small ( I have heard of the 3.4 upgrade but prefer to go diesel )


rear axle has a popping noise when turning.......can I do a 8.8 upgrade like my YJ ???


AC actually works ( on high ) which is great news here in southeast Texas


all in all, very little rust, not a bad starting point at all for a good build.

 

Congrats sort of! You have bought a renix jeep, the original and strangest Cherokee. I think this link should take you to a thread called Cruisers Mostly Renix tips. Read through it and it will educate you on a ton of things about your XJ.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/cr...x-tips-153657/

 

The Renix computer was first used on 1986 AMC 2.5 L four-cylinder enginess. The system improved the drivability of the Jeep Cherokee XJ models and the Comanche pickups over the first two months of production that were fitted with carburetors. The power increase was also noticeable. The Renix system was used through the 1990 model year. Unfortunately, the Renix system is now handicapped because there are few scan tools that can be "plugged in" to this on-board diagnostics computer.[7] The Renix control system prior to 1991 can be tested only with Chrysler's DRB tester, and the diagnostic test modes for 1989 and later engines with SBEC controllers differ from those provided for 1988 and earlier.[10]

The 84 V6 is actually a GM product. The I4 is actually a better engine and has almost the same power as the V6. 84 and 85 models had carbs, after 86 they were fuel injected and and V6 was replaced with the Renix 4.0 I6

The only problem you may have with engine swaps in the 84-85 models is that the engine compartment was a few inches shorter so there is less room, in 86 they enlarged the engine compartment to make room for the 4.0L I6 engine.

Springs, lifts, bushings, control arms are all pretty much the same throughout the years. Transmissions and transfer cases did change in the early years but otherwise most things are interchangeable.

The pump below the alternator is most likely the smog pump that pumps air into the exhaust system to make the catalytic converter work properly.

 

Snap-On MT 2500 will work on Renix.

 

pics aren't showing

84 is basically GM engine and management, pre-RENIX. Easiest swap is another GM V6. The Buick 3800 supercharger is cheap and readily available if you swap the computer, find a trans with usable bellhousing, etc.