I have a '98 cherokee sport, 4.0 auto....
I'm looking at heading to North Dakota (from Oregon) for at least 6 months and want to try to make sure I have as few issues as possible on the way there and while I'm there. I'll make a quick list of what I have already done or am doing and just want to see what else I should do!

Things I have done so far;
New radiator (and system flush)
New water pump
New thermostat
New hoses (radiator and heater core and removed heater control valve)
New steering and track bar
New control arm bushing's and flex joints
New plugs, wires, cap, rotor and coil
Fresh rotella and mopar filter
New front brakes
New u joints
New sye and fresh transfer case fluid

Things I have waiting to do;
New 120 amp alternator
Regear axles to 4.56 and replace all seals/bearings
Install grand cherokee disc swap on rear (new pads and parking brake hardware)
New exhaust (cat, muffler and tail pipe)
New ball joints
Front end Allignment
Change tranny fluid and filter
New die hard platinum battery

Is there anything else I should look at/consider? What about sensors that could leave me stranded? Should I replace the cps or carry one with me? Just looking for things I may have missed!

My budget is getting tight but I don't want to run in to too many issues, and want to try to cover as many bases as possible. Any input, especially electrical wise is appreciated!

 

-fan clutch(replace it if your not sure how old it is)
-shroud in place
-auxilary fan working properly
-serpentine belt
-Cleaned IAC and t/b lately?
-Adjust trans tv cable
-maybe upgrade your headlight harness(things might get dark at the wrong time)
-front sway bar
-steering stabilizer

That's a start anyways.

 

Sounds like your Jeep is well maintained so I wouldn't sweat it to much. Just carry the basic tools,extra fluids and maybe some spare things (Belt, extra hose, clamps, An extra fuel injector,etc) for something truly unexpected

 

You can't expect even a new car to be perfect, you can only do your best. I like the idea of the fan clutch and would probably toss in a radiator cap. Maybe keep a crank sensor, crankshaft sensor, head light, serpentine belt and a few relays/fuses as spares. It will be a lot colder in North Dakota (and your travel route) in the winter than in the PNW so I hope that Rotella is the 5w-40/10w-30 and your heater works! Maybe throw in a blend door actuator and make sure your spare tire is aired up. If your ball joints are good I wouldn't bother with them, I'd be more interested in the sway bar links as they seem to break at the least convenient time and also look at the shocks. Carry a few gallons of drinking water and a blanket. You may want to make sure your rear skid plate/hitch bolts are not rusted solid in case you have to drop the tank to change a fuel pump. Check your vacuum lines for any that are marginal. Check your tranny cooler lines and power steering lines. Change the air filter and grease everything up before you leave.

 

Also forgot I have 2 new ntk/ngk 02 sensors, and a set of freshly rebuilt 703's to install as well.

Fan clutch is good, aux fan is good and working, belt will be new. I do need to clean the tb and check/adjust tv cable.
I don't run sway bars so nothing to worry about there, nor do I run a steering stabilizer however I may throw a stabilizer on before I go.

I always carry a decent array of tools, fluids, belt, and misc parts.

If I have enough cash I'll get the truck light led's before I leave, otherwise I'll install the putco harness and carry an extra headlight. Also carry EVERY bulb on the jeep lol

The main thing I'm concerned about is stuff like the cps, tps, map, iac etc because I have zero experience with these.... And I don't have the best luck with sensors

 

Thanks for the responses! I realize there is only so much you can do, I just like to be a little proactive than most I guess....

Radiator cap is new, and I have a spare. Also have a borderline overkill supply of food, water, emergency stuff and blankets/sleeping bag...

Later down the road I'd like to get a led light bar for the extra lighting but that will have to wait... Also have a full size spare, and slime/tire patch kit and a cool little power unit that has a compressor and can jump your car

 

And of course, I have 2 very nice halon fire extinguishers just in case...

 

do you daily drive your jeep? if so, how much each week?


I am making a trip to bfe PA in a few weeks in my jeep. I am not sweating it, at all. I DD mine 400+/- miles a week. I am and have been very strict on maintenance. the jeep has 0 issues. EVERYTHING (except my driver's side window) works as it should. my only concern would be a tire blowing out, so I will throw the spare back in it, along with a decent breaker bar and socket.

 

Yeah I drive it daily right now. Only about 50-100 miles a week. Made several 5-600 mile trips with no issues other than the crappy radiator I put in which has been changed out. Just wanted to see if there is anything I'm missing. I keep up on maintenance as well

 

My personal opinion is to not replace things that aren't broken before taking a long trip. It's more likely that the new part will fail than it is that the old one will. It's not a bad idea to carry a few spares. I've got a bunch of stuff but it if it doesn't fit under my rear seat, I don't take it.

 

Yep, agreed. Given the "quality" <cough> of aftermarket parts these days, it's a gamble.

I wouldn't worry about it, problem areas have already been addressed and highway miles are easy on the rig.
I rarely carry anything other than a credit card and phone number for Hagerty's unlimited towing. I can't guess what might break and can't fit an entire NAPA store in back.

 

I had to auto transport the cherokee on the back of the u haul because I was worried about my 98 making it. Even though it's my daily and I'm good on maintence, I still didn't have the money for a repair with all the moving costs. I'm gonna use this thread as a reference on things to check. Not trying to derail this thread, sorry in advance. Good luck on the trip man

 

In all honesty, you have probably already replaced more than the average forum member has over many years haha.
Like stated, you have covered the basics (cooling system being the nr 1), can't predict whats going to break or fail on a trip anyway, IF it would happen at all, and there is no end to the replacing parts show....just curious:how many miles on your jeep?

End with clean fluids, rock on.
Enjoy the trip.

 

219k miles. I think I'll just grab a couple sensors from chrysler and throw em in the tool box and call it good.

And I agree with not doing a bunch of stuff just before a big trip. That's why I'm trying to do everything now so I have at least a month/ about 500-800 miles on the newest items.

Thanks for all the input!

 

“If it ain't broke, don't fix it' is the slogan of the complacent, the arrogant or the scared. It's an excuse for inaction, a call to non-arms.”

Colin Powell