89rokee

has anyone here done a radiator conversion on a pre 92 cherokee? im about to start one and would like some tips so i dont end up with(extra parts)

4.3L XJ

BlueXJ has done it. PM him

Abovetimberline

Yea it is pretty simple,all you need to do is replace your radiator with a radiator from a 91 and newer,and replace the heater control valve with a 91 and newer.
Remove your coolant bottle and replace it with one that is an overflow tank,just a normal overflow bottle and run hose from cap to the tank. I did mine for about $50,everything came from the local jy.
Here is a couple of pics that show what mine looks like now.

littleredXJ

I did it on my 90. One of the best upgrades you can do to boost reliability. I bought a new 2 core all metal radiator and new hoses and got the heater valve and thermostat cover at the jy. Just look at the jy xj to see how it is put together. There are a lot of write ups on the internet about it if you get stuck.

89rokee

ok so i went with one guys inst. and replaced everything, plumbing electrical and radiator, so i had a problem with the ther. housing and the damn bolt hole got stripped, so i went and got the bit and tap to replace it, now today i go to pull the bolt back out and the damn hole on the head completley broke into pieces,(my brother torqued it too much) so now i have to get a two hundred dollar head to replace the one i wrecked, this is turning into the biggest headache

89cherokeeL

i did it on my 89 , i got it all out of a 96 bypassed the heater control valve though, it was the best mod ive done to my 89

CHASDB

If he just stripped the threads just get a heli-coil kit for a 5/16"-18 , If he somehow cracked the head you better take it into a shop or buy a torque wrench for sure.

89cherokeeL

yeah torque wrenches usually help in the installation process, i have a nice snap on one that hasnt failed me yet

89rokee

EVcherokee

Heres the whole process, parts and even part #'s

http://www.olypen.com/craigh/rad.htm

lsc91

It looks really easy but how about the temp sender in the t-stat housing? Where do you wire that to?

EVcherokee

There are three temp sending units on a renix XJ. One for the computer, one for the gauge and one(the one your talking about) for the electric fan. Read the article again, it mentions an adapter that moves it to the lower radiator hose or installing a manual switch. I've also wondered if a '91-on t-stat housing will work on a renix, or just drilling and tapping the renix thermostat housing to accept the sending unit. If you go that route, welding a boss on the housing would be a good idea.