bubu1313

Hello, I just picked up at auction a 1989 Cherokee laredo 4.0 with 245000 mile on it for my sons first car. Something he has wanted for a long time. The engine run great, drive pretty good, only a few minor problems with it:
rusted rocker panels
a little play in the steering wheel
lights for the gauges work but not for the clock ect
4x4 indicator lights don't work
passenger power window don't work
power locks don't work and missing key fob, yep 1989 with keyless entry
rear windsheild wiper motor
horn don't work

This weekend i plan on doing a little work on her, new oil and filter (valvaline high millage) new antifreeze (valvaline high millage) new plugs wires cap rotor, new shocks, see if i can tighten up the steering box a little, engine idler arm pulley,exhaust flange gasket, and check the diff fluids, brakes, trace the horn problem ( has power in and out at steering wheel no power to either horn i replace 2 relays under front dash didn't help)

any suggestions or comments would be great. thanks

foreveryoung001

A fun little project. I'm rather new to jeeps myself, but will say, welcome.

A couple of thoughts... for the power window problem, check the wiring between the door and frame, inside the rubber boot. I had some issues with the power windows on my '96 and tracked it down to the wires that got worn from the door opening and closing.

And for the loose steering... I've noticed on my jeep, and my daughter's '90, the steering does feel quite a bit looser than on my other vehicles... but I did have to replace tie rod ends on both XJ's and that helped quite a bit with the loose steering. I'd start there.

Enjoy the project.

Travis88XJ

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/showth...657&styleid=16
Also since you do have a Renix engine go through crusier54 tips, helped a bunch on my 88 Cherokee

belvedere

The Maxlife will be fine. I recommend a Wix (or NAPA Gold) oil filter...stay away from Fram. Use regular copper plugs (Champion or NGK). I like NAPA Belden wires and Echlin cap & rotor, but if you don't have a NAPA nearby, be sure to get quality wires and cap & rotor with brass (not aluminum) contacts. It would be a good idea to change ALL the fluids.


Be sure to listen to any advice from cruiser54...he is the Renix expert.

1976Mustang

Some play is perfectly normal in these old Jeeps, the "Inverted Y" system they use tends to have plenty of slack in it. Jack the front end up so the wheels are free and rock them side to side, make sure none of the linkages are clunking or jiggling around.

For the lights, just gotta tear into the dash and check all the bulbs. Taking the cluster and clock out is really easy, no stupidly hidden screws. Just gotta the the dash face out (4 screws), then I'm sure you can figure it out from there.

Anything past that, just start with the basics; Check fuses!

Listen to everything Cruiser has to say in that guide for sure, and I second Belvedere's advice on the Wix filter (Napa Gold filters are just re-branded Wix filters.) Honestly all filters are good, just stay the heck away from Fram. And don't use motor flushes is something I learned.


Oh and you're the first person I've seen come here new and know what the dome for the remote locks was lol. Mine used to work, but the remote was so intermittent that I got fed up with it and tore the dome out to make space for other stuff.

rnmcguire

I would recommend Shell Rotella T oil vs the Valvoline. Way better zink levels which is important for the 4.0L.

1976Mustang

This^ If ou can find it. I've been having trouble finding that oil in the right weight around here. I ended up just pumping bulk Motorcraft oil last time, I work for the local QuickLane so I get $12 oil changes
But my engine seems pretty happy with it, it's a synthetic blend.

BlueRidgeMark

Agreed on the Rotella. Find it wherever dieselheads hang out, Tractor Supply (there's one in Aberdeen), or even WalMart.

There is a TON of good information on oils in this thread:

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/rot...essing-188168/

bubu1313

thanks for all the advice, a wise man listens a dumb man already knows all.


my son already has big plans for his jeep, takes me back to my first car. He sits in it day dreaming all the time.


We only had the jeep for a week now and already put over 200 miles on her and she does run great, just little minor thing to do. but with 245000 miles on her I am impressed. and my son doesn't even have his learner's yet, but that will happen this week.


There is one problem that has come up, Now I want one! well back to the auction.

cruiser54

Welcome!! We're here to help.

The "pink link" below is a great starting point for learning your way around the Jeep. Mostly free, too!!!

bubu1313

today went rather well, changed the oil and filter, changed the brake fluid and bled the brakes, removed the lower rad hose and dumped the antifreeze reconnected and removed the top hose refilled and filled the pressure tank, new plugs wires cap and button, new idler arm pulley, new shocks front and rear (the rear bolts were a breeze to get out) new Bluetooth radio, cleaned the PVC valves, cleaned the intake, new fuel filter, and she runs even better than before. only thing is the temp at idle is a little high about 225 before she would stay at 210, the electric fan doesn't kick in till then and drops her down to 220 then off again. I think I will check the pressure tank again after she cools off. Anything else I should check and at what temp should the electric fan kick in?

cruiser54

Yes. Go to Napa and get a 703-1396 cap for your coolant bottle. Fan comes on at 218*.

MikeTassjeep10