I have a '95 bone stock Forest Green Cherokee with 74,000 miles on it (mostly highway). I've had the brake lines, radiator and A/C compressor replaced. When checking out a new Wrangler Unlimited and almost swallowing my tongue at the price, I decided to put ~$3,500 worth of upgrades into my '95 XJ instead. BEFORE I invest anything, what are the obvious things I should have my mechanic check out on the vehicle? I don't want to sink $$$ into it if there's any hidden time bombs I don't know about. It drives really well now, but I want any potential 'deal-killer' problem areas closely examined prior to the start of any project. If it checks out, I'd like to add the following:
- new blackened wheels
- new tires
- 3" lift (open to suggestions)
- ARB 73" X 49" Roof Rack
- ARB Bull Bar Bumper
-Warrior Products Knight Guard Black Side steps
- KC Lights

 

compression, oil pressure, cooling system test (pressure and for exhaust), fuel pressure, tranny fluid and filter, diff fluid change, brakes and inspection, tune up, supension inspection. most common issues you want to address before spending money on upgrades from what i see in the forum are cooling, long starts due to fuel pressure or needing an ign tune up, clunks or sounds due to worn suspenison parts or diff trans tc problems, or no starts due to cps, cks, etc.

 

Sounds like a good starting list. What about specific areas of the body that might be prone to rust?

I'm gonna have it up on a lift tomorrow...

 

Floors under carpet. Quater panels. The area under the doors. Do a search for 'rust' and look at all threads that have a pictue or attehment icon.