The Cherokee is up on jack stands. I pulled the wheels, stripped the caps and tires and dropped the rims at the paint shop today for blasting and fresh paint.

While it's on the stands I will put in the new cables I got from KWIP, flush the cooling system and replace the original water pump,thermostat, radiator and hoses.

It will also get all the fluids changed: Front and rear diff., brake, transfer case and transmission.

I tried to contact The radiator barn to ask a few questions about the radiators but couldn't get a real person on the line after multiple attempts. Any opinions on 2 or three row rads? Also, the description says all metal. Does that mean all aluminum or some other type metal for the tanks?

The dealer has a water pump in stock for $124. Anyone have an opinion on OEM vs Auto Zone/Napa?

 

Don't forget a new fan clutch, while u r at it. We went with a new parts store water pump, about $35, lifetime warranty.

 

I have no complaints with the parts store water pump I have. Its not a dealer pump but works well so far.

 

Roger the water pump opinions. I'll probably go with the parts store pump if they are trouble free. Thanks for the heads up on the fan clutch as well. I'll post photos of the work.

 

I went with a rebuilt one from O'Reilly @ $26 a year ago, it failed last week. This time I went brand new from NAPA for $44, looks much better.

 

I just put a 2-row all-metal radiator I bought from them in my XJ. Works great, along with the flush I no longer have overheating issues apart from running 220 during stop-and-go traffic in Texas heat.

I did some research ahead of time and didn't feel a need to go with a 3-row. My understanding is that they are meant for slow rock crawlers.

You'd probably be better off spending the price difference replacing your mechanical fan to a higher-flowing electrical one.

 

I just ordered the three row from RB this morning. This is the first I've heard about the electric high flow fans. Where do I find the info on the conversion?

It's $86.00 for a new fan clutch from the dealer...which they have to order. Might be better off with the electric?? Anyone with an opinion please jump in.

 

The parts store fan clutch is about $35 also. It'll take a big honkin' efan to move as much air as the belt driven fan with a good clutch.

 

Me too!

 

i think the autozone one is beter. i see a little beter flow

 

I appreciate the advice guys! I went with the dealer water pump because it is "assembled" in the USA. Also got the thermostat, gaskets and a new oil filler cap while I was there because mine was broken.

At the autos parts store I got the serpentine belt, trans and transfer case fluid, transmission filter, fan clutch, upper and lower hoses, oil and oil filter. I guess I'll have to wait for the heater hose purchase until I get them off to see what I've got. Looks like there's a bunch of them. The dealer didn't have any of the above in stock. The radiator is supposed to be here tomorrow via UPS...can't wait to get started.

 

Heater hose is 3/4" and 5/8". We just measured and bought bulk heater hose from the parts store and re-routed it away from the valve cover.....valve train runs hot enough, no extra heat needed.

 

Great idea! It appears you have one hose guarded for wear but the other appears to be rubbing on the AC compressor fitting. Obviously could be the angle of the photo.

I'm definitely going to use the alternate routing based on your advice and photo.

 

It's the camera/photo angle.....one more thing to look at/check and that's the metal coolant tube feeding into the water pump. Ours was major rusted/flaking away (outside).....went with a brass nipple 5/8" hose barb X 3/8" MNPT from the local hardware store....no more rusty.....ever.