i reently got a 85 cherokee it only has the 2.5L. i know it has less power then a 4.0 but for $800 i couldnt pass. anyways i was wondering what are some things i should look into first to do just a little off roadin.

 

Wayne check all the fluids and check the u-joints. Practise putting it into and out of 4WD and make sure you have some decent tires. Then go have some fun.

 

I suggest changing all of the fluids before putting too many miles on it, you have no idea how much the jeep likes its fluids changed.

 

I wish my 2.5L was 4WD

 

i didnt check the joints but i will. i gotta get some replacement parts for it too. it jas decent tires on it. i know i need to change the oil and the radiator fluid too. another question i have is what do i need to get to replace the exhaust pipe the has a hole it right after the muffler?

 

tailpipe and the clamp that goes right there unless you or someone you know can weld it up.

 

If you have a disconnect Dana 30(pass. side axle tube has a cast in housing w/vacuum lines attatched, about half way between knuckle and differential) I'd recommend making sure your axle actually "locks in" 4WD, quite common problem. Most of the XJ's of that era without fulltime 4WD are disco 30's and if left to sit or 4WD isn't often used very likely to malfuntion. You don't want to find out your 4WD isn't working once your stuck best to be sure it works properly before your stranded in the woods.

 

i was also checkin some of the suspension out and found out that the leaf springs are pretty flat and that i am also missing the rear pass. side shock. now would either of those things effect the truck overall or not? i also got new shocks today to just replace them for now but my question is should i upgrade the leaf springs or just replace them

 

If you plan to do a lift then replace the leaf springs at the same time. If you are not planning a lift then yes you can make a new stronger set from some Chevy S10 springs or Dodge Dakota rear leaves. Any thing you plan to do then you need to soak the bolts with PB Blaster a few times days apart befor trying to loosen those bolts.

 

cool thanks i guess ill get started doin that tomorrow. i also found out that the rear diff. is leaking a little. should i just replace the seal or is there something else i need to do to fix that?

 

You can do the seal replacement at your first real diff fluid change unless it is a bad leak. Take the cover off and clean both surfaces well. Put a bead of silicone around the housing. It need not be a thick bead. Replace the cover and refill with the appropriate fluid as recommended by your owners manual, GL-4 I think but don't have my book right here.

 

i went to take the rear diff cover off and found out all the torguez (however you spell it) screws are striped and i cant get it off right now. ill try later. but i cheked the front one and checked the fluid and it hardly has any so i was gonna replace the seal on that one too as well but when i took all the bolts out the cover wont come off. is there something im missing or what?

 

No some times you need to persuade it to come off. The BFH and a stout screwdriver may help.

 

well thanks so far you guys have helped alot. ill probably be back on sometime soon with more questions.

 

Look forward in seeing you around