I decided to start this thread in order to keep track of my Jeep as it progresses..... The first phase is to get it reliable on-road (i.e. maintenance stuff). Once that is done, I can move to the "extras" (ie lift, wheels, etc). I'm new to this platform and new to SUV's in general. If you see anything on my list that you have experience with, and want to offer any tips, please feel free to help. This is a build diary of a 1998 Jeep Cherokee.

1.Radiator replacement -DONE
2. NSS cleaning
3. No rear reverse lights (hopefully gets fixed with NSS cleaning)
4. Sometimes does not crank over in park, must start in neutral (hopefully gets fixed with NSS cleaning).
5. Drum brake pads replacement.
6. tuneup (what splark plugs do you recommend???)
7. "Duck" sound, when it's cold outside, and I turn the steering wheel. (hopefully just a bushing that needs lubing).
8. moderate amount of play in the steering wheel. (??????)

Current Picture (for reference):

 

1. Easy
2. Definately do it (I learned the hard way)
3. See #2
4. See #2
5. Prob. gonna be looking at new drums too. Keep a hammer handy, the shoes like hanging up on the rust ring inside the drum. Could always do the Grand Disc swap...
6. Champions. RC12YC. .035" Gap (Which is like EVERY Mopar ever made... lol)
7. & 8. are probably linked together hand-in-hand. Prob TRE's and other "perishables" up under the front.

 

well at least you have a solid platform to work with, thats a nice xj so you wont have much work, that is till you get the lift bug, then your screwed

 

Thanks BTG, While it's on the lift, I'll check out the tre's.

Thanks for the complement Anthony, It is very nice, but not perfect. With that much mileage, I'm sure it needs a little TLC. The body is beautiful though.

I have a Optima battery from another project, that I might swap into the XJ, depending on how much CCA it requires.

 

How many miles does it have? I know mine had one set of UBJ's and LBJ's replaced around 70K (they were supposed to do the U's on the axle, but I just found out they never did) and the typical Jeep water pump at 100K. I got a '98 too...'cept yours is nicer. And straighter. And ya still got the fender flares.

 

157k, but runs very strong.

 

Ah hell...it's just getting broken in... Well, except for the suspension/steering parts up front. That reminds me...I need to do that too...

 

When I bought my daughter's XJ last year, it was in pretty bad shape, though it was rust free. But I did have my hands full every once in a while over the past year. I think I have it reliable now.

1. Not too bad
2. Pretty easy too.
3 & 4 Ought to be fixed with 2...
5. Drums are just a pain. But not hard. Check your parking brake cables while things are apart... Also, check the condition of the rubber brake hoses.
6. Stock champions are just fine. If condition is unknown, plugwires, distributor cap and rotor. Engone oil, trans and transfer case fluid, and diff lube should all be changed. Air and oil filter...
7 & 8 Check to make sure your power steering fluid is full. If it looks or smells burnt, changing it out can be no fun.

Its all doable, even if you don't have a garage to work in.

 

Thanks guys! I replaced the radiator last night, and attempted to remove the NSS but that thing was rusted on there. Rather than break it, I decided to leave it as is until i can find a replacement switch (anyone have used one that they want to get rid of?).

 

Penetrating Fluid. That's the ticket. If you're gonna work on a Jeep, keep a good supply of PB Blaster (or whatever your personal preference is) on hand. Never-Seize also....

 

I'll try blasting the MF'er again with some PB blaster.