Ok, here it is.
Engine needs something, I am thinking a big part of that is the vacuum and compression. The oil has a gasy smell to it (Not sure). Battery needs a good charge, will find out when I get a chance to get a good charge on it. It is hard starting, and needs warming up to idle, idle is rough. Shakes a little. Transmission feels tight and so does the Transfer case. Had to put it in 4 low to get it on my trailer, wouldnt budge up it in 4 high or 2 high, no power. Got it home and started up with charger and drove around the farm a bit. Definately lacking power. As I said lacks proper vacuum.
The lot that had it said the vacuum hoses were gone and they tried to figure it out. Said they got enough on it to get it to idle and gave up. Would that cause the complete lack of umph, or am I right in thinking compression.
The electric windows are anemic when rolled up or down, some barely moving. All lights and gauges work!
I think it is manageble. If I get that engine running top notch, I would be happy as is.
That being said, plans for the rest is new seals on windows and doors, windshield, take out the headliner and carpet and paint a liner in (Wifes idea), fix dash, install stereo, lift enough for 31" tires, and a few other ideas.
Cannot wait!!

 

My XJ is also a 90 Laredo. Would you be interested in my original dash bezel? It's grey with silver edges. I might have a pic of it. Feel free to check out my slow zombie build on it.

 

Maybe it's just me but that almost looks like a HO motor not a renix. It looks like the coolant temp sensor is on the t-stat housing instead of the back of the head like it is in renix engines. This might be because the original cap broke but the oil cap looks different also. Those are just some small things I noticed could be nothing but a modification from a PO.

 

Goo catch. That dip stick is also from a HO and not Renix. OP, can you get a pic of the oil filter? Renix ones are up and down but HO is sideways.

 

Hey guys, just got in from picking up another goodie. Before I got this Cherokee, I really had my heart on another one, but it was outside my budget. We talked a bit about some trading, but it didn't seem to work out. Well he got in touch with me today and we worked things out. Now I got a 1996 with manual transmission. Funny thing is, I got home and the wife was not even interested, till I told her it was a manual and she wanted to go right outside and drive it around. Best trade I ever made right there.

Anyways, too dark for a picture but the oil filter points back to the firewall instead of down toward the ground if that is what you are talking about. Same as the 1996.

 

Definitely sounds like you got a HO engine, but I noticed the closed cooling system bottle. Does you radiator have a cap on it? If it does, then some more conversion work has been done. If it doesn't have a radiator cap, then you still have a closed cooling system.

 

My '91 HO is up and down.

 

Hi guys, i havent figured out how to post a new forum so i thought i would reply to a fairly relatable topic.
I just bought a 92 Jeep Cherokee laredo with the inline 6. Few small easy issues but the big one i cant figure out is i have absolutely no heat? Or ac. Or anything at all coming from the vents? any info or tips or ideas would help as winter is here in Michigan!!!

 

You mean "new thread". There is a button for that.

 

Looks like a PO has swapped in a HO engine. Thermo housing, dipstick and valve cover confirms a HO motor, but looking at the photo it still has the closed system and a reinx intake. Crusier54 has the write up how to put a HO motor in a renix.