Hi all, my '01 cherokee has the dreaded cracked head/low oil pressure and I'm replacing the motor with an ATK crate motor. While I have the old one out is there anything I should do in the way of preventative maintenance? Are there any problems that almost always rear their ugly heads on these cars that I can solve preemptively while the engine bay is empty? I welcome your suggestions and thanks!

Indeed.

Examine the brake line that runs along the firewall from the brake proportioning valve to the right brake hose. If it even thinks its rusty replace it. That goes for the short brake line from the valve to the left brake hose as well. That long one make you talk to Jesus if you had to change it with the engine installed.

Look at the slotted nut on the track bar ball joint end. If it's rusty, replace it while you can get a nice long box end wrench on it.

Check the front differential vent hose at the differential. Sometimes the hose will deteriorate at the vent fitting on the diff. Replace the hose even if it does look good.

If this is a rust belt XJ, do your derust work in the engine bay and front steering/suspension gear. Use POR 15.

Clean and paint the engine bay, it always looks good. Motor mounts

Better yet, it's a good way to find problems that were hidden under grunge and engine.


Better to find them now, then have them announce themselves some time down the road.

+1 on the motor mounts, and throw in the trans mounts while you're at it. It will never be easier.