'90 Renix Build "The War Wagon"
 

Well I decided it was time I started a proper build thread here, if nothing else but to help me keep track of where I am on my various projects. I'm happy to introduce you all to my newest obsession, my 1990 Cherokee Renix 4.0 paired with the AX15 five speed manual transmission that I have nicknamed the War Wagon. It's got a little over 260k on the clock but generally runs well and overall is in great condition. I live in Colorado so rust is a given on any older vehicle but this one came from California and I have yet to find even a trace of surface rust anywhere on her! The body is straight as can be aside from some very minor damage on the roof that I assume came courtesy of a hail storm somewhere along the line. From all indications and the pile of receipts I came across filling the glove box it's been very well maintained and is for all intents and purposes bone stock. Downsides are pretty well limited to what should be expected from a nearly 30 year old vehicle with a quarter million miles. Motor mounts are gone, and I mean really really gone which explains the banging noise from the front end when first accelerating from stop. Suspension is trashed and my leaf springs are inverted the wrong way so those will need replacing as well as some kind of oil leak somewhere on the bottom side of the engine. I'm holding my breath that that just traces back to the oil pan and not the rear main that I've heard have a bit of a tendency to go out on these. The biggest issue I have been fighting that is holding up progress on all other fronts is a major loss of power in colder weather and engine bucking/stuttering. Once I get my power problem under control my most immediate plans include motor mounts (I've been looking at Brown Dogs), suspension rebuild, and some interior creature comforts. I have a bad gut feeling that a new heater core may be in my future but I need to do a full open cooling system swap with a new thermostat and thorough system flush before I condemn myself to ripping out the entire dash. I don't have any good scenic pictures of my rig yet because I've been having so much trouble keeping everything running correctly in the cooler October/November weather but hopefully I can get that all straightened out soon and will be able to go on some nice leisure drives for some good photos! I don't want to make this introduction too long so I'm going to start a new post below with my current progress combating my low power issues so please feel free to read on and chime in with any advice you may have. I very much look forward to becoming a part of this awesome community that has helped me so much already in my first foray into the Jeep world!
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