1998 Baby Blue XJ build, feedback appreciated
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 36
Likes: 1
Model: Cherokee
Got the water pump, intake/exhaust gasket, thermostat, thermo gasket, new hoses and clamps, gonna do 150k extended life AF mix with water.
Will get the ATF and look at the tcase number to get the right size plugs since the shop said they didnt know which size until they could see it up close?
Great link for the Tcase
Headlight Harness have to order online since the stores dont have them.
As for lift, there is no lift yet, I have the 2 inch kit from the previous owner. Lifting is not a priority to me and if I ever get around to it, the 2 inch kit will be the extent of my lift. I just need a long living Daily driver that looks cool and will be reliable for many years to come, have 2 boys, 6 and 1, and we love camping, so does the wife so she is supportive. I play alot of disc golf and softball so those take up more of the money
But sure I want ideas... Just know I'm focused on Daily driving mechanics first...
Will get the ATF and look at the tcase number to get the right size plugs since the shop said they didnt know which size until they could see it up close?
Great link for the Tcase
Headlight Harness have to order online since the stores dont have them.
As for lift, there is no lift yet, I have the 2 inch kit from the previous owner. Lifting is not a priority to me and if I ever get around to it, the 2 inch kit will be the extent of my lift. I just need a long living Daily driver that looks cool and will be reliable for many years to come, have 2 boys, 6 and 1, and we love camping, so does the wife so she is supportive. I play alot of disc golf and softball so those take up more of the money
But sure I want ideas... Just know I'm focused on Daily driving mechanics first...
Honestly I don't know why the rec. a 10-30 for us..Run Rotella or Delo, both better than Mobil1 and about 10 bucks cheaper to.
Hoses should/could be done while doing the cooling system.
Tcase drain & refill. It uses ATF, so grab your favorite brand and go to work. Also see the circle silver tag, look what it says on it, either 231J or 242J, the write is for both..but that way you know what your working with.
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f12/b...hange-1009078/
Bushings..your lower control arms have bushings on either end, they mount to the axle & to the body..you should be able to grab a light and look at them fairly easy.
Check the bushings on the axle..obviously you can't see the whole thing, but you can get an idea if they need replacing or not.
Click this link here, theres a picture showing you what everything under the jeep is
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/tig...8/#post1218013
My question now is, do you plan to stay at 2" of lift for some time or do you plan to go higher?
If you plan to stay at 2", and be honest, no shame here. But I fyou plan to stay there, then I'll give you a few ideas.
Hoses should/could be done while doing the cooling system.
Tcase drain & refill. It uses ATF, so grab your favorite brand and go to work. Also see the circle silver tag, look what it says on it, either 231J or 242J, the write is for both..but that way you know what your working with.
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f12/b...hange-1009078/
Bushings..your lower control arms have bushings on either end, they mount to the axle & to the body..you should be able to grab a light and look at them fairly easy.
Check the bushings on the axle..obviously you can't see the whole thing, but you can get an idea if they need replacing or not.
Click this link here, theres a picture showing you what everything under the jeep is
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/tig...8/#post1218013
My question now is, do you plan to stay at 2" of lift for some time or do you plan to go higher?
If you plan to stay at 2", and be honest, no shame here. But I fyou plan to stay there, then I'll give you a few ideas.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 516
Likes: 0
From: Southern Cali
Year: 1986
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 2.5L turbo, 4.0L tb swap, ported head ect
Got the water pump, intake/exhaust gasket, thermostat, thermo gasket, new hoses and clamps, gonna do 150k extended life AF mix with water.
Will get the ATF and look at the tcase number to get the right size plugs since the shop said they didnt know which size until they could see it up close?
Great link for the Tcase
Headlight Harness have to order online since the stores dont have them.
As for lift, there is no lift yet, I have the 2 inch kit from the previous owner. Lifting is not a priority to me and if I ever get around to it, the 2 inch kit will be the extent of my lift. I just need a long living Daily driver that looks cool and will be reliable for many years to come, have 2 boys, 6 and 1, and we love camping, so does the wife so she is supportive. I play alot of disc golf and softball so those take up more of the money
But sure I want ideas... Just know I'm focused on Daily driving mechanics first...
Will get the ATF and look at the tcase number to get the right size plugs since the shop said they didnt know which size until they could see it up close?
Great link for the Tcase
Headlight Harness have to order online since the stores dont have them.
As for lift, there is no lift yet, I have the 2 inch kit from the previous owner. Lifting is not a priority to me and if I ever get around to it, the 2 inch kit will be the extent of my lift. I just need a long living Daily driver that looks cool and will be reliable for many years to come, have 2 boys, 6 and 1, and we love camping, so does the wife so she is supportive. I play alot of disc golf and softball so those take up more of the money
But sure I want ideas... Just know I'm focused on Daily driving mechanics first...
What are you talking about plugs? Are you saying the drain & fill plugs? Those don't need replacing, although I would add a small amount of thread sealant to ensure you don't get leaks.
If you are talking spark plugs then Champion copper plugs are what works best..they cheap to..don't get wrapped up in the iridium crap.
Headlight harness
http://www.eautoworks.com/Putco-H4--...s-PRD7540.aspx
I would toss your lift on..take about a day to do for the first timer.
My advice since you staying at only 2", is to upgrade to WJ lower control arms. They have better bushings & are boxed in completely..so better bushings & stronger. Do that vs replacing your control arm bushings.
I may be able to get you a set cheap to, we were parting a blown up WJ and the arms may still be there!
I basically did the same as you but bigger...redid the whole inside, bedlined floors, reinstalled brand new carpet, rebuilt motor, rebuilt trans/transfer lol. Rebuild axles and a 3" & 31's to finish it off.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 36
Likes: 1
Model: Cherokee
Alright, thought it was mentioned earlier I needed new plugs, since I had to get a new one for the rear differential a few weeks ago. Spark plugs been done...
Ordering Headlight harness this week.
the lower control arms sounds interesting, let me know.
Lift be done after all motor work is finished. Will take me a while since my buddy is leaving this week for vacation for a month!
To Do list
Thermo, coolant, water pump
intake, exhaust gasket
valve gasket (have it from previous owner, easy to do this?)
tcase fluid change
lighting harness and headlight change
Find out where all the oil is coming from
Ordering Headlight harness this week.
the lower control arms sounds interesting, let me know.
Lift be done after all motor work is finished. Will take me a while since my buddy is leaving this week for vacation for a month!
To Do list
Thermo, coolant, water pump
intake, exhaust gasket
valve gasket (have it from previous owner, easy to do this?)
tcase fluid change
lighting harness and headlight change
Find out where all the oil is coming from
What are you talking about plugs? Are you saying the drain & fill plugs? Those don't need replacing, although I would add a small amount of thread sealant to ensure you don't get leaks.
If you are talking spark plugs then Champion copper plugs are what works best..they cheap to..don't get wrapped up in the iridium crap.
Headlight harness
http://www.eautoworks.com/Putco-H4--...s-PRD7540.aspx
I would toss your lift on..take about a day to do for the first timer.
My advice since you staying at only 2", is to upgrade to WJ lower control arms. They have better bushings & are boxed in completely..so better bushings & stronger. Do that vs replacing your control arm bushings.
I may be able to get you a set cheap to, we were parting a blown up WJ and the arms may still be there!
I basically did the same as you but bigger...redid the whole inside, bedlined floors, reinstalled brand new carpet, rebuilt motor, rebuilt trans/transfer lol. Rebuild axles and a 3" & 31's to finish it off.
If you are talking spark plugs then Champion copper plugs are what works best..they cheap to..don't get wrapped up in the iridium crap.
Headlight harness
http://www.eautoworks.com/Putco-H4--...s-PRD7540.aspx
I would toss your lift on..take about a day to do for the first timer.
My advice since you staying at only 2", is to upgrade to WJ lower control arms. They have better bushings & are boxed in completely..so better bushings & stronger. Do that vs replacing your control arm bushings.
I may be able to get you a set cheap to, we were parting a blown up WJ and the arms may still be there!
I basically did the same as you but bigger...redid the whole inside, bedlined floors, reinstalled brand new carpet, rebuilt motor, rebuilt trans/transfer lol. Rebuild axles and a 3" & 31's to finish it off.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 36
Likes: 1
Model: Cherokee
Correct me if I am wrong, lower control arms helps the axle stay in place and the stock ones can bend under duress causing steering and alignment issues while a better stronger one keeps me straighter longer?
As for the fog light issue, I wanna do Hella 500's, but obviously that wont fit in that small rectangular area where the stock foglights are now and I dont see holes in the front bumper, does that mean we drill into it? Is that what everyone else with the front aux lights does?
As for the fog light issue, I wanna do Hella 500's, but obviously that wont fit in that small rectangular area where the stock foglights are now and I dont see holes in the front bumper, does that mean we drill into it? Is that what everyone else with the front aux lights does?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 36
Likes: 1
Model: Cherokee
Today did Water Pump, thermostat, new heater hoses, radiator hoses, coolant. Cleaned out throttle body. 25+ year mechanic looked underneath and said wow that is so tight, looks like a new car, not a 205k mile car. All the parts we replaced today were all original. Drove my wife out for a date and wowwwww, I can feel a HUGE difference! And yes I know about the air pockets and will be watching the coolant levels for the next few days.
Didn't do the gaskets but will get around to the valve, intake/exhaust gaskets when I have a few days since will want to machine the parts etc.
Radiator seemed to have a small leak or so, put in bars leak in the radiator as well.
Did not flush the coolant since it is obvious that the system was original and all the rust anywhere would be still holding everything together and a flush would have loosened things up. Also tightened the bolts on the valve cover, that helped a bit too...
Didn't do the gaskets but will get around to the valve, intake/exhaust gaskets when I have a few days since will want to machine the parts etc.
Radiator seemed to have a small leak or so, put in bars leak in the radiator as well.
Did not flush the coolant since it is obvious that the system was original and all the rust anywhere would be still holding everything together and a flush would have loosened things up. Also tightened the bolts on the valve cover, that helped a bit too...
Banned
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 516
Likes: 0
From: Southern Cali
Year: 1986
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 2.5L turbo, 4.0L tb swap, ported head ect
Correct me if I am wrong, lower control arms helps the axle stay in place and the stock ones can bend under duress causing steering and alignment issues while a better stronger one keeps me straighter longer?
As for the fog light issue, I wanna do Hella 500's, but obviously that wont fit in that small rectangular area where the stock foglights are now and I dont see holes in the front bumper, does that mean we drill into it? Is that what everyone else with the front aux lights does?
As for the fog light issue, I wanna do Hella 500's, but obviously that wont fit in that small rectangular area where the stock foglights are now and I dont see holes in the front bumper, does that mean we drill into it? Is that what everyone else with the front aux lights does?
Correct, and I will have some new Hella 500's for sale shortly. THey are Hella 500 black magics with a 100W bulb upgrade.
But ya, get your lights FIRST! Then place them where ever on the bumper you like and drill said hole..then they just bolt right on. Jeeps came that way from the factory.
Some people perfer the lights directly next to each other, I think its best to spread them out a bit and get more coverage out of them.
And correct the arms are stronger with better bushings..the bushings would last longer & ride better/smoother.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 516
Likes: 0
From: Southern Cali
Year: 1986
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 2.5L turbo, 4.0L tb swap, ported head ect
You gotta think you will have a 2" lift as well.
I would say JK shocks honestly..they are budget friendly & are good for 2-3" of lift..but they are also valved very nicely for the XJ's.
I have a set of front JK shocks that are litterally brand new..I could deffinetly get them to you for less than 80.
I'd do 40 + shipping for them.
I would say JK shocks honestly..they are budget friendly & are good for 2-3" of lift..but they are also valved very nicely for the XJ's.
I have a set of front JK shocks that are litterally brand new..I could deffinetly get them to you for less than 80.
I'd do 40 + shipping for them.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 36
Likes: 1
Model: Cherokee
Alright... now call me a dummy, I am wanting to learn more about what it takes to do a 2 inch lift since i have the parts, because when the mechanic looked at my front and rear ends, he was amazed how all the bushings and bolts and everything was so tight and there was no play anywhere. Now if I take a bunch of stuff apart to do a cheap 2 inch lift, I might lose all that tightness and security and some parts will actually fall apart when taken off?
86-chief, you seem to want to sell me control arms, shocks and what else
86-chief, you seem to want to sell me control arms, shocks and what else
Banned
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 516
Likes: 0
From: Southern Cali
Year: 1986
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 2.5L turbo, 4.0L tb swap, ported head ect
Alright... now call me a dummy, I am wanting to learn more about what it takes to do a 2 inch lift since i have the parts, because when the mechanic looked at my front and rear ends, he was amazed how all the bushings and bolts and everything was so tight and there was no play anywhere. Now if I take a bunch of stuff apart to do a cheap 2 inch lift, I might lose all that tightness and security and some parts will actually fall apart when taken off?
86-chief, you seem to want to sell me control arms, shocks and what else
86-chief, you seem to want to sell me control arms, shocks and what else
Haha I get alot of parts often, so I sell alot of stuff. And I'll be honest, I'm probably offering it cheaper than you can get it elsewhere
No you won't lose anything or have stuff fall off...I'm guessing you have a shackle in the rear right? If so, you may look into the junkyard and get a S10 main leaf and use it instead..would be alot better & hold weight way better!
Key is when you get everything on your jeep, snug it up, but not tightened all the way, set it down on its own weight, then tighten it up. That way everything is wearing correctly and your not buggering the bushings up & such.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 36
Likes: 1
Model: Cherokee
check engine comes on when the tempature is less than 40 degrees outside and the code is a small evap leak. Does it everytime the tempature is below 40, regardless of warm up.
also sometimes when hit a pothole, feels like i lose total control of the jeep for a second...
also sometimes when hit a pothole, feels like i lose total control of the jeep for a second...
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 36
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Model: Cherokee
After yesterday, I realize my leafs are shot to shet... I need new leafs, now going to a junkyard for S-10 leafs sounds interesting, I would prefer to stay with something newer and made for Jeep XJ's... suggestions?
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