Ok so I just got a cherokee and want to do the maintenance on it. this is the first jeep i've owned so i don't know nothing bout changing oils or any of that stuff on it. what do i need to do? what parts have fluids that need to be changed? what kind of fluids do they use? and how do i change it in each part? thanks.

 

anyone?

 

Oil change for the 4.0 is 6 quarts and a new filter with each change. Your 89 should use 6 qts. like my 94. filter choice is up to you, you can go with whatever brand you like its a wide range of opinion around here. I used to use a Fram filter but these days ive gone to the Motorcraft FL-1A filter that is run on the Ford's. Motor oil choice is also a matter of opinion, I use Valvoline 10w-30 here in NC. Auto transmission should get a change of fluid although its a bit tougher to do than the motor oil. I get mine flushed by a local garage, and you use ATF. Your decision on whether you do it or have it done. Pull the transmission oil stick and check to see if its dirty brown or burnt smelling. It should be red and not have a burnt smell. Front and rear differentials take 90w gear oil, but you have to pull the covers off to drain them and then seal them back with Permagasket or some other silicone gasket sealer. Not a quick change there but not too bad. Fill them to spec from your manual. Transfer case should be changed every 30000 or so, and if its not been changed in a while it should be changed. Use ATF also in the transfer case. Always fill everything back to spec. from your manual. Overfilling any of these is always worse than not having quite enough fluid (half a quart low on oil is better than half a quart too much). Coolant should be flushed and changed regularly, i always say no more than 50000 on coolant. Refill with a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and Distilled water you can pick up for around a dollar a gallon at the grocery store. Good luck and have fun!

 

Thanks! is there an online manuel that tells me how much gear oil to put in the transfer case and diffs? My jeep didn't come with one

 

where is the fill hole located? i'm gonna go buy the gear oil tomorrow. will oil come out of the diff if i take off the pinion yoke?

 

x2

My Chilton manual shows 2.5 pints of 80w/90 gear oil in the differentials.

 

In my opinion stay away from the front and rear ends for now, and the transmission its a waste of your time right now since you dont know where to start yet. We've all been there. For starters get a jeep manual at a local auto parts store, and do an oil change. Its simple you will need to get an oil pan for draining the oil, a new filter, get a decent one like Fram or Napa Gold, or sport for a K&N if your want. Then Get 5 quarts of good oil not semi synthetic or synthetic just plain good oil. I use Valvoline 10w30. Remember a good oil rag. Then follow the manual. may I suggest using the manual for the transmission and front and rear ends. Or you can ask, I would be glad to help!

I apologize if you do know how to change oil but the question seemed to say you didnt......I would however use a manual, since its a good investment for future repairs.

 

The reason i want to do the full tune up is cuz it's a old jeep and i have no idea how well it has been maintenanced.

 

In that case change all the fluids

oil
antifreeze
transmission
front and rear ends

 

The best thing i've read here is to get a good jeep manual...Chilton or Haynes, either one. I personly us the Chilton...you CANT BEAT IT! You will use it every day that you "tinker" with the jeep. Most all auto parts stires will have it. Good luck and enjoy your new toy!

 

Front Dana 30 Differential (Rear Differential is same procedure)

remove all bolts on the lower half of the differential cover, loosen the rest. pry the differential cover from the bottom with a small pry bar to let the gear oil drain out. once drained, remove remaining bolts.



scrap off any gasket/rtv off the differential housing and cover.



put some rtv on the outer edge of the differential cover



place the differential cover back on the differential housing. remove the fill plug (to your lower right) with *i think* a 3/8" ratchet and extension. fill the differential with gear oil until it runs out of the hole. replace the fill plug and tighten down. do this on a flat level surface for best results.

 

Dont they make a gasket for that front diff? RTV is evil.

 

i'm sure they do. RTV isn't evil if used properly. no issues ever with it for me.

 

i'm gonna go to autozone this weekend to get everything. hopefully it doesn't snow to much.

 

what's rtv? it looks like silicone to me