Hey y'all - I'm trying to get better at understanding this box of bolts I call my rig and, after just narrowly avoiding a gauging at the mechanics for a new starter system, I'm thinking I'll start by doing a full tune-up of the engine.

What is everyone's opinion on the must-do, Top 10 tune-ups for the Cherokee and how easy are we talking to execute on, say, a 2000 Cherokee 4.0L with Chrysler 8.25 and a modest lift (3-3.5")?

I think this could be a cool thread for the less mechanically inclined, let's hear some votes!

 

plugs, wires(if equipt), air filter, fuel filter, oil change, coolant flush, diff service, T-case service, typical 4.0 litre oil leaks. U-joints. thats my top ten.

 

Grease everything with a zerk fitting

 

1. Spark Plugs
2. Spark Plug/Coil Pack Wires
3. Cooling System (replace thermostat, flush radiator, heater core, block, replace hoses)
4. Serpentine Belt
5. Oil Change and Replace Oil Filter
6. Throttle Body Cleaning
7. Replace Air Filter
8. Front and Rear Diff Service
9. Tranny Flush with New Filter
10. T-case Flush

 

For your 2000:
1. Oil
2. Oil Filter
3. Coolant
4. Thermostat
4a. COMPLETE cooling system overhaul (water pump, radiator, fan clutch, hoses, radiator cap) if you don't have any record of these components being changed. You have the 0331 head and with summer coming quick, you don't want that head cracking
5. Spark plugs
6. Air filter
7. Serpentine belt
8. Differential fluid
9. Transfer case fluid
10. Brake fluid (and check pads and rotors to make sure they're in good shape)

 

push/pull on every front end component check for loose stuff from the tires to the unibody. Have someone move the steering wheel lock-lock while you inspect every component. Again go from tire to unibody, watch yourself so you don't get pinched
track bar bracket to frame bolts
track bar ends
steering box to frame
steering box output shaft/pitman arm
draglink ends
steering stabilizer
tie rod ends
4 control arms, both ends

jack the front end, check to see if the balljoints (both upper and lower) drop out as the weight is lifted off the tires.
grab the front wheels, see if there's play in the hubs or ball joints. If you can push/pull the axleshaft and see the Ujoint move, the hub bearing is loose.

check the engine mounts (most likely the drivers side is shot) and tranny mount. Put a scrap 2x4/6 under the oil pan, and with a floor jack, see if you can lift the motor a little before the whole vehicle. For the tranny mount, you can just try and bench press the rear of the t-case, see if it moves any.

check the tire pressure while your at it, rotate the tires, inspect brakes, adjust parking brake cable, torque the lugnuts

wash the rig, grab a beer

 

Everyone here has terrific suggestions. Pay particular attention to the cooling system.

You've got a 4WD vehicle and these can have a history of anything from top-notch dealer or DIY service and maintenance to "only spend money on it if it breaks down".

With the Cherokees, you're really looking at a top 20, to be more realistic. I'd say a top 10 for typical maintenance/replaceable parts on the engine and trans, and another top 10 for suspension and axles. There are lots of bushings, ball joints, and tie-rod related stuff that should be checked.

Also, do yourself a favor and get familiar with www.rockauto.com as a source for lots of parts. I'm in the middle of refurbishing a poorly maintained 98, and getting my stuff at Rock Auto has saved an average of 40% over going to AutoZone or O'Reilly, even with the shipping.

 

I've been doing this in a slightly different order, lol. Your end point is my starting point.

 

o2 sensors?

 

How many high mileage XJ's out there still have the original cooling hoses still on them? It's a meltdown waiting to happen.

 

Great feedback, all! Now I just have to figure out how to do half this stuff...

Keep it coming and I'll ask a follow-up based on the one comment on RockHard.com: what is everyone's favorite source of these mechanical XJ parts?

 

I had to take mine back to the seller to show them a leaking hose when I got it - they replaced it out of pocket but would have been bad.

 

Rockauto.com

 

Carb and Choke Cleaner
Do a very thorough job cleaning the throttle body.

SeaFoam
Follow the directions on the can.

Cap, Rotor, Plugs, Wires. Air Cleaner.
Replace 'Em.

Rotate your tires and check the pressure.

Oil and Filter Change.

Drain and re-fill tranny

New wiper blades.
Front and rear, and don't forget to top off your wiper fluid.

Coolant level and condition?

What kind of condition is your battery in?
Is it No Maintenance or Low Maintenance?

 

x2