Janus

Hi Guys,
In my "quest" to find my next 4X4 I have the following option: a father's friend of mine have stored its 1988 Jeep Cherokee with 180 000km since 2002 in its garage. He told me that the truck was running fine before he stored it. Although he mention that there is oil vapor coming from the head vent so it may leak through the
valve bushings. Otherwise the truck seems fine. I m a little bit on a budget and if the truck is cheap to buy I wonder how much should I spare in order to get it back on the road without worrying of breaking down in the middle of nowhere Have you already been trough this process before?

What would be the pricing for:

Change all the fluids
Change all the rubber hoses and lines
Plugs and distributor
Re-greasing what need to be re-greased, lol
New suspension + lift kit
Set of off-road tires
Engine rebuilt if the piston seals have seized
New brakes
optional new undercoating paint job
Did I forget something?

How much of this work could qualify into backyard mechanics 101 and what need to be done by a pro mechanics?
Also, what kind of gas mileage should I expect with the 4L 20mpg? Because if the engine is dead I might try to swap it to a 2.5L. How much better is the small engine for gas? Is it sufficient to run a set a big tires in the off-road? I m not looking to do anything crazy, just being able to cruise the nasty forest road of british columbia.

Besides do you know a respectable mechanics for Jeep around vancouver area?
Thanks

BlueXJ

Everything you listed except the engine rebuild can be done in your backyard but better done on some type of pavement. As far as costs you are on your own because there are several different types and brands of most everything you mentioned from plugs to Lifts and they all vary in pricing.
You also mentioned tires those are capable of mounting in your backyard but I would have them mounted by the tire shop of your choice.

mkrebs86

That oil leaking through the "head vent" is probably you PCV valve which the 4.0 liters were notorious for. this isn't really much of a problem. a pcv valve is maybe $7 at the local parts store. you may not have to raplace all hoses and lines. just inspect them for dry rot, cracks and replace as needed, definately change the fluids, you probably just need to do plus, maybe cap and rotor and wires but not necessarily. that stuff is very simple and you can do in your garage and it should cost you very minimal amounts of money.

BlueXJ

'88 was a Renix thus no PCV only a vent to the airbox. Valvecover had two little vents and those fumes were routed to the air intake. The only real problem is when there are so much fumes that they soak your air filter. That is refered to as "Blowby" and it is expensive to fix. Can need a new engine or a rebuild.
PM "TrueBlueXJ" for insights to the 2.5L 4 banger.

fdulax13

i wouldn't recommend swapping the engine to a 2.5L. Those engines are very underpowered, esp if you planning on lifting it and putting larger tires on. a better air intake system, and upgraded exhaust system (headers, cat, muffler and pipes) will help with gas mileage and increase the hp.

Kyle

X2 forget about a 2.5 swap you would be better off trying to fix ur current motor.

Janus

Thanks Guys,
I m going to try hunting various Jeep mech. and start getting quote.

okcjeeper

Also if it's been sitting without being started or having the oil changed, drain that oil first and put a new filter and fresh oil through the engine to help lube things up a bit before turning that motor over..

Kyle

I would also recommend some seafoam to help clear things up a bit.

okcjeeper

good call Kyle I hadn't considered that..

BlueXJ

When you get these things done then get back to us and let us know if you got it running and what you still need to know.