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1989 Cherokee 2dr restoration

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Old Dec 28, 2024 | 01:25 PM
  #61  
JaketheSnake1's Avatar
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From: Maine
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: Renix 4.0 i6
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Originally Posted by BadBloodXJ
Was it worth it? Does it dampen the sound a little, or a lot?
I haven’t driven it yet since putting the stuff in. I will let you know once I drive it for a little while and see how much it cuts down on the noise.
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Old Dec 29, 2024 | 02:30 PM
  #62  
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From: Maine
Year: 1989
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Made a run to the junkyard and picked up all this for $60. Got some swaybar links that looked brand new. Also got a few other odds and ends that l need to button-up my jeep for daily driving.




I found this full overhead console from a 1991. I got it along with the full harness, the brackets, and the ambient temperature sensor. As I understand, they are worth quite a bit of money in good shape so I’m going to reupholster it.

Not sure if I’m going to install it in my Jeep, or just sell it for some extra cash. I believe these are compatible with 84’-96’ Cherokee‘s right? If anybody knows for sure the compatibility of these consoles please let me know.


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Old Jan 6, 2025 | 02:02 PM
  #63  
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From: Maine
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The interior is back together!...except for a couple trim pieces that I need clips for.
I cleaned the old carpet really well and it turned out good. The door panels are mint. The back seat is great, but the front seats are pretty stained which is why they have covers. I will get replacements soon.
I was able to pick up a set of Rugged Ridge mats brand new for $40. I pulled the badges of and super glued them so they don't come off, because I've heard they come off easily.

Somehow the PO managed to break the threads for the shift lever. I bought a new hurst **** for it, but there were no threads to screw onto. I ended up drilling a hole down the shift lever and tapping the hole the same as the inside of the ****. I bought a bolt that had the correct threads, cut the head off, and threaded it halfway into the tapped hole in the shifter. Then I could screw the new **** on like factory.









Eventually I will get carpet for the cargo area.





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Old Jan 6, 2025 | 06:33 PM
  #64  
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Year: 2000
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Looks great! Will this be a daily driver or weekend warrior?
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Old Jan 7, 2025 | 07:16 AM
  #65  
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From: Maine
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
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Originally Posted by gomnbvcx
Looks great! Will this be a daily driver or weekend warrior?
Thanks.
It's going to be my DD. It's my only car. I don't love having to put the miles on it, but I don't have a choice.
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Old Jan 8, 2025 | 09:45 AM
  #66  
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My XJ is a DD and it's had no issues handling the mileage...however, yours is 11 years older the mine
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Old Jan 8, 2025 | 10:17 AM
  #67  
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From: Maine
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Originally Posted by gomnbvcx
My XJ is a DD and it's had no issues handling the mileage...however, yours is 11 years older the mine
Oh, I not worried about it mechanically. I think it could go to 300,000 no problem. It is meticulously maintained.
It's the value. I believe I am going to end up needing to sell it when I done and don't want to rack up the miles.
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Old Jan 9, 2025 | 03:49 PM
  #68  
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From: Maine
Year: 1989
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I replaced the leaf springs on the rear. I used Dorman 97-547 leaf packs and they seem like a good replacement for the Upcountry suspension. They were $175 each.



Got these Dorman u-bolts. $15 a pair.


And used these off-brand shackles from Amazon for $35. They were really well made and I am glad I didn't pay $40 each for dorman.


Lots of anti-seize.





The springs raised the rear several inches. I guess it will settle. I am going to do the coils too, so I shouldn't have any noticeable rake.


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Old Jan 10, 2025 | 06:27 AM
  #69  
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Wow I can't believe the Dorman springs are that much these days.
Years ago when I was assembling pieces to do mine I want to say they were $100.
Instead I opted for OEM ones.
And thought they were super expensive at $170 each but I really wanted them.
And they don't come with bushings on top of that.
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Old Jan 10, 2025 | 06:36 AM
  #70  
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From: Maine
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Originally Posted by Ralph77
Wow I can't believe the Dorman springs are that much these days.
Years ago when I was assembling pieces to do mine I want to say they were $100.
Instead I opted for OEM ones.
And thought they were super expensive at $170 each but I really wanted them.
And they don't come with bushings on top of that.
You may be thinking of the 929301 Dorman spring everyone usually gets. Those you can get for $85 if you look hard. I wanted the HD springs though and a few guys suggested the 97-547. They turned out to be a good choice.
Some have had bad experiences with Dorman parts, but I feel like they always are OEM quality.
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Old Jan 10, 2025 | 07:08 AM
  #71  
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Could be.
Been so long since I researched this.
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Old Feb 9, 2025 | 11:05 PM
  #72  
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Great work.
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Old Feb 13, 2025 | 02:28 PM
  #73  
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Originally Posted by pa_robert
Great work.
Thanks. I need to update this thread, but I've been super busy. I've replaced most of the front suspension components, and will post pictures soon.
I've been super busy with work and trying to figure out the 2000 rpm vibration.
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Old Feb 19, 2025 | 04:21 PM
  #74  
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From: Maine
Year: 1989
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I fixed the misfire I've been having at and above 2000rpm. I replaced the CPS with a NAPA replacement which didn't fix the issue. Then I ordered a coil, distributor cap, rotor, and plug wires.
I got new wipers and a good belt too, because my cheapo NAPA one is squeaking.



The old coil was pretty crusty. Replaced with a Delphi unit that seemed to be very nice quality.




New SMP rotor and cap. The old rotor's metal tab was not sticking up enough it seemed.




I went with blue NGK wire which give it a little color pop.




The jeep runs amazing now, better than ever.

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Old Mar 4, 2025 | 07:28 PM
  #75  
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Nice job Jake. I'm getting close to starting a similar effort on a '92.

You ever sell your vent windows? I liked having them on an old Ranger and might consider changing out the XJ.
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