87YeepYeep

Sorry if I am posting in the wrong section but I just bought a 1987 Cherokee I think its an XJ but I'm not sure. My plan is to turn it into and off road car. Currently its leaking oil from what i think is the rear seal and its getting hot but not over heating. I could really use some guidance and what and where to look for problems. The previous owner Jerry rigged a lot of things under the hood so I have a big mess to clean up.

boxburn

If you can post some pictures up then that may help with working out what you have on your hands.

For your oil leak take a look at Cruiser's website linked here.
While you're there, also take a look at the homepage to find more tips that are mostly Renix era Jeeps such as your own.

87YeepYeep

Thank You!

lawsoncl

Oil from the rear of the engine can come from a few different places. If the back of the block above the transmission is oily, then look at the valve cover first. The adapter where the oil filter attaches is a common leak as well, and you'll usually have oil on the side of the block and the starter. Again a relatively easy fix. If you think it's the rear main seal, you can get a better look by removing the inspection cover on the front lower portion of the transmission bell housing and looking up with a flash light (check the the flex plate isn't cracked and the torque converter bolts are tight while you're there).