!987 Cherokee Wagoneer - 18,00 miles
 

Just picked up a sweet XJ from an eBay auction here in Massachusetts. It seriously has only 18,000 original miles. I joke not. Drives like new...barely broken in.

Some surface rust on the bottom of the doors, but the rocker panels are fine. It was driven regularly for 23 years...just infrequently and only for short trips. It was a one-owner vehicle.

The frame/body are solid, but the axles and suspension have a fair amount of rust on them. Brakes and tranny are tight and sweet. She purrs.

The known issues:

The paint is in bad shape...it hasn't peeled, but it is really faded. In the pictures in my photo album (check my profile to the left) you'll see that it looks like the side walls are covered with a line of road-salt. That's the topcoat (I think) that has faded off.

The rubber window seals are cracked and need to be replaced at least in at least a couple of places.

The head liner is falling down.

The rear bumber is rusted through and needs to be replaced. It's right-side cap needs to be replaced.

Passed inspection just fine :)

SooOoOOoOOOOo....

#1

Here I am wondering what this vehicle may need. The mileage is virtually just past the break-in period, but the age of the veep is 23 years.

Any comments on what I should check and/or watch out for in terms of parts that wear out over time (not mileage)...you know...things that need to be updated every few years regardless of miles driven, etc...?

#2

Looking to haul a sailboat & trailer with her...about 4,500 pounds. So I am considering upgrades to be able to accomplish this well. First thoughts include a transmission oil cooler and a set of 225/75/15 highway tires. I don't expect to offroad much if ever. She has a 2" receiver hitch mounted under the chrome bumper. Any ideas?


Thanks,
Sprockett

sounds good :worthless:

things to look out for with age are tires(if not already changed), serp belt, and brake hoses and other rubber parts

congrats.

very nice find what axles?? could have dana 44

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'll check the serp belt and see what it's condition is. Tires are basic highway tires...a bit old. I should replace them before towing this spring/summer with some good heavy duty highway tires.

I'm not sure about the axles, foster; I'm new to jeeps. Always was into german and jap cars until now. What took me so long?!?!?! Anyway, how can I tell what axles are on there. I don't have a manual or anything for this vehicle...

Left turn signal acted up today. You turn it on and the dash light left turn arrow just stays on and doesn't blink. Grounding issue? I'll have to investigate later. I'm at work now.

Initial gas mileage / mpg tests indicate ~20mpg on about 80% highway and 20% city. I can't help but think about a few aerodynamic mods that could increase that a bit. That's my eco-modding and flight/glider background talking.

Sprockett

What did you pay? Just wondering. I got my 89 with 200k miles for 400 bucks. But what did you have to pay for something low mileage like that.

It was $3,600.

-sprockett

http://www.my4by.com/drivetrain-and-...s-c-53_62.html

This shows alot of axle covers the dana 44 or dana 35 were options for your xj i dont think chrysler 8.25 started till like 91 or something but i might be mistaken