Ok, on Saturday I picked up an 87 Cherokee with a 7' Meyer snow plow on it. It's in sad but salvageable shape. Actually, it's all there and with a little work it can be a nice rig again. Truth be told, a lighter, poly plow would be a better fit, but for now sticking with the blade that's on it. At any rate, the front springs are broken, door handles on pass side are shot, no low speed heater fan and there is a terrible oil leak coming off the middle of the oil pan (more than one drip/sec.). and there is other deferred maintenance and mechanicals I will repair/fix. I've got the tools and the place/knowhow. I have owned and maintained a Grand Cherokee 4.0 for years and know it quite well. My main goal is to make it through this winter with the plow. Afterwards, I might put the plow on my 1/2 ton PU.

First off, for the springs, I ordered a pair of standard height heavy duty springs .578 wire size. I don't plan to drive this much on the road with the plow on it, just do our driveway which is rather long. What's your thoughts on these? Any common issues on the blower motor low speeds not working? Also doesn't blow air out the drivers side.

As for the oil leak, I need to address it asap. I just drove it home and haven't had a chance to degrease it and zero in on the source. I know valve cover leaks are common. Anything else I need to look at? It's not the plug, it's leaking higher up ahead of that ...and a little behind it.

My brother has had a few of these Cherokees. He explained that the rear axles are an issue. Any other look-outs? Please advise.

Thanks in advance.

Jeepwalker

 

I went out and checked out the oil leak. It's significant. I put a 9-14 cake pan under it to catch the oil dripping after driving it home. There is a significant amount in the pan. Looks like most of the oil is leaking down on the driver's side of the engine, from up above. There are some pools of oil along the bottom of the drivers side valve cover. Doesn't seem like it could leak this much from a leaky valve cover. Any other possibilities under there (2nd oil pressure sending unit)? It's a low rider with the broken springs. I'll need to put it up on jackstands. Probably wait until I change the springs. Your thoughts?

Jeepwalker

 

could be the oil filter adapter they alll seem to leak. tons of write ups on here.

 

Um, that's on the other side (passengers) of the engine..

Jeepwalker

 

you probably need a new valve cover gasket