As I mentioned in the intro section, tonight I picked up a 1988 Pioneer 4wd. It has 80k original miles and was owned by a 91 year old man. It has NOT been driven much in the last several years. Couple issues I noticed that I would like some input on.

First, engine has a slight miss, I plan to do a basic tune up (plugs, wires, rotor button, cap etc). I also think it could be contributed to the old fuel. Exhaust smells of stale fuel. Plan to put in some fresh fuel and some treatment (probably run some Marvel Mystery oil through it too).

Second, when turning on the headlights (they work fine) I get a pretty good bit of feedback through the stereo speakers... Ground issue? Issue with power to light source on head unit (aftermarket)? What are your thoughts?

Third, brake pedal is very low. Master cylinder is full. Either pads or real low or possibly air in the system? I thought air but pedal doesn't continue to sink once it 'catches'.. Maybe rear brakes way out of adjustment?

Fourth, upon acceleration, am hearing a thumping sound underneath.. Possibly exhaust hitting or maybe a bad trans mount?? It sounds similar to the sound and old car of mine used to make when the hangar bearing was bad and the driveshaft had slop in it.

I'll leave it at that for now. Enough right! Haha...

Glad to be here guys. I appreciate your input and hope to contribute to the site as well.

My plans are to make it a reliable driver and do some light off road worthy mods (tires, shocks, maybe a small lift down the road, etc.) Who knows where it will go once I start..

Here is a pic right before getting it. Definitely needs a good cleanup.. Can you say 'paw paw' Jeep!

 

nice find

if the gas is that old, drain it and refill. change the fuel filter

you could take out the head unit and check the wiring on it

change the soft brake lines

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/cr...x-tips-153657/

 

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/cruiser54s-mostly-renix-tips-153657/
Go to this place perform all fixes, you and your Jeep will appreciate it.
Clean looking Pioneer. For the other stuff prepare to get dirty, and welcome to the forum.

 

Thanks guys. Links seem to have some great info.

Any other input on the 'thumping' sound I'm hearing on acceleration? First thought was exhaust but thinking it may be something else, maybe driveshaft/yoke/mount related. Anyone else experience anything similiar with a stock suspension one?

 

Fixed vacuum issues, replaced air filter, CCV tube assembly, and a few other minor things..

Installed these wheels and tires (235/75/15's) as I'm still on stock suspension and will be that way a while. Also have some new shocks and a receiver hitch to install..