Hey guys. I got some bad news that my grandma passed away yesterday evening Needless to say, i will be going up to Denver for the service in the next few days. I've been up there a couple of times in the past few months to see her and to go to my great aunt's (her sister's) funeral and my father and i flew. However, my brother asked me if i would be willing to drive up there in my XJ with him to save on travel costs. There are a few things i've been needing to address that are now concerning to me at the thought of a 1600 mile (round trip) journey. They are:

Need of an alignment. I will have this done before the trip

Passenger side sway bar link is broken

Transmission shifting hard and at high RPM. Does not slip and goes into all the gears, but still a concern.


I always carry with me all the essentials such as lots of tools, cables, tow strap, all different types of fluids, zip ties, duct tape, elec. tape, and a jack. For the trip i also plan on bringing water, MRE's, pistol (i'm licensed), and a blanket and pillow.

Is there anything i'm missing or forgetting? I assume we will be driving straight through, alternating driving and sleeping. This was very last minute and surprising.

 

Check out this thread. A little longer journey than yours, but the same strategy of preparedness still applies.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/dri...-check-119703/

 

Check the belt. Consider having a spare. Water. Check the trany kick-down cable adjustment. (I just push the button and set it with zero play) I'm not sure that's perfect, but it works fine. Balance the wheels. All fluids. Good to top off the diff's anytime. Check bulbs.

Also remember, you probably do three tanks in a month or so anyway, these will be easier miles.

 

I say go for it. get your alignment done, fix your sway bar link, adjust your kick down cable and hit the road. I've driven across the country countless times. AA is nice to have, though I've never needed it on long trips, only in town...

 

Sorry about your Grandmother. Also I noticed USMC at bottom of your post. Thanks for your service protecting the freedom of us all. And finally here's another post that may help some:

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/dri...-check-119703/

Definitely take care of that sway bar link, could be dangerous at highway speeds. With the transmission, I'm not sure if our jeeps have a vacuum modulator which is a cheap part which softens the shifts on older non-electronic transmissions. Might just need a throttle cable adjustment.

 

hey thanks for the quick replies. i replaced the TPS and adjusted the kick down cable. Helped out a little bit, but the tranny still shifts at about 2200 rpm and shifts pretty hard. I think i've got something electrical going on because when it does it's delayed shift, the last hundred rpm or so tacks out the oil pressure gauge.

How should i fix the sway bar? just go get the part from a dealership...or would autozone have it? i ask because i will be leaving either tmrw or friday probly. I don't know how long it's been broken. I just happened to be bored yesterday and drove over a couple of dirt mounds and was checking out the flex when i saw it.....needless to say the passenger side flexed a whole hell of a lot more than the driver's side...

 

here's the sway bar link:

 

parts stores should have the link. They probably come as a set, but judging by how that broke it wouldn't be a bad idea to replace the other link anyway.

 

This link explains how to adjust the kick down shift cable - easy and free! One thing not yet mentioned, be sure that your stereo is working. I love long trips.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/free-quick-fix-41821/

 

your tranny could be the shift solenoids. they are located under the pan.
they are cheap and very easy to replace.

 

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...81066_77048_0_

is this what i'm looking for? it's advertised as a sway bar repair kit. If the link doesn't work it's part number SL248 from autozone.....

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par.../N-j1sfeZ6o2gf

and there is what autozone calls 'Transmission Control Solenoid'....for $254?? P/N TCS64

 

Dont know about the TCS but i believe that sway bar link is correct. Also take some bungee cords and ratchet straps. Fixed a motor mount with a ratchet strap before. Can come in handy. Check all lug nuts and visually inspect tires and front brakes and clean your air filter... If you've got a spare belt take it just in case... Good luck and my condolences.

 

I think that repair kit is just the bushings for the link. Looks like the same part I purchased to replace my bushings.

 

not sure, but this is what they say on the site:

"The Duralast sway bar repair kits all come with a heavy duty bar/bolt that is upgraded over OE design."

 

called up autozone and had them peak in the box and the link with all the bushings and washers are in there, but they only have one. I think i will replace that one now and then the other one when i get back if they have one.

I have a $20 off alignment coupon so that will save me a little $$ there.

I'll flush out the pan again and add the 4 quarts or however much drains out, hopefully that will do something.

Other than that, it looks like i'm all set.......i'm anxious to see how horrible the gas mileage is. My dad was trying to talk us out of driving but i see it as a good thing. I'll be able to spend time with my brother and my XJ, and we'll have a capable rig when we're up there in the snow. Plus it will be cheaper than two round trip flights......ROAD TRIP!!!