Knowledge, input & opinions NEEDED!
 

Greetings all,

Let me start by saying thanks for takin the time to read this post. Next, I am a moron. In essence, this is ALL new to me...so feel free to dumb it down for me to understand. :dunno:
In March, I spent $3,000 fixing the family mini van (wait for it), bunch of issues with suspension & stuff like that. Why you ask? Well, I always WANTED a 4X4, I always take my kids shooting (its a must when you live in AZ) & to get to a safe spot, you have to go off the pavement. :thumbup: Due to this choice ov using the minivan off road, the expense of fixing it (although, truth be told I only got stuck ONCE that I needed help out) My wife AGREED to let me get a 4X4!
OK, so I bought an 87 Cherokee XJ for $1,000. All I "know" about it it its a 4.0 straight 6. Beyond that...(this is where I show my ignorance) no clue. The XJ was promptly named BUNNY by my son (who knows WTF he was thinking) . I KNEW I would have to spend money (more than most cause I don't know how to myself) & am OK with that.

Stop 1: the place that does the work on our minivan & car.
1. safety 1st! they did a once over for me & $1506.50 later, the following was done: Coolant flush freeze plug, R&R freeze plug (no idea the difference) R&R radiator hoses, thermostat, pull block drain & competely flush system, thermostat housing, R&R wiring short, (Im thinking R&R is remove & replace), rear brake package (which means they were FUBAR) pads, cylinders, drums, master cylinder & brake flush!
Stop 2: Emissions test! result, oxides of nitrogen in grams/mile;5.11 for Bunny...pass is 4.50 so...FAILED (I actually expected it to fail MUCH worse than that)
Stop 3: O'Reilly's auto parts. Bought the Chiltons & was told a tune up was in order & should pass emissions then. (special ME moment here) I changed the distributor, plugs, wires, oil & filter! :rockon: Added sea foam to the gas. Going to take it for emissions next week.
stop 4: shop for "what needs to be done" (this is the part I am REALLY in need of help) Here is the list:
Power Steering: gear box, pump, pressure line, return line, PS flush.
Suspension:Sway bar links (2), Trak bar bushings (2), sway bar bushing, 4 shocks & both outer tie rods.
Oil leak:oil filter housing gasket, Rec valve cover gasket set
Flushes:transmission, transfer case, rear differential, & front differential.
Misc: EGR vacuum hose (but it seems plugged up/capped off) & the fan shrouds (stock) are zip tied on.

With all this (getting it emissions is 1st, SAFE is 2nd, running well 3rd, ACCESSORIES last) I dont mind spending on quality. I went older cause I really want to learn to do stuff myself as well as rather use the money on a solid truck, than newer & pay for all the "will need fixin" later. (may not have been my brightest idea). Now, I dont know how much of that I can do myself, but ... I am willing to turn a wrench & cuss trying to do it myself.

My question is: should I just go with a 3 inch lift & 33's since most my suspension is screwed anyway? Also, what is a fair & reasonable price for the above issues? My shop wants $2,600 & honestly...I seen the parts at NAPA that would reduce my cost 2/3's! LASTLY, radiator...Im running around 210 degrees just driving normal around the area to see what else it may need...should I consider an aluminum radiator? (saw a flex lite, looks bad ***...but not REALLY wanting $1,000 in that when I have so many other NEEDS).

So there you have it. I am sure I went all wrong in how I did this, but Im $3,000 deep & honestly...I love the bunny & cant WAIT to go riding trails with the family! It will be a once a month used truck, WILL be the means to get to the rocks as well as 4 wheel them. so all terrains are a must. Shop told me the engine is not the original (no clue what it is from since the ID is behind the block) no idea about the rear & all the other cool things asked on my profile. Yes, I am THAT much of a newb.

And.......GO!:boxing: (thanks in advance for any help)

google is your friend just type in what you are curious about with year and model in the search and many times you will find all the answers you want including videos on youtube as well

if you do your research you will see that 210 is pretty normal for these jeeps just make sure elec fan is working

also yours is considered a renix era jeep there are several folks on here that are very familure with them and their differences and quirks, the first username that comes to mind is cruiser54 he has many tips located on his page here is his info https://www.cherokeeforum.com/members/cruiser54-42565/

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/cr...x-tips-153657/

cool beans. its a start. I am SO looking forward to learning & doing this project with my son. Thanks for the feedback. Youtube is my enemy...the more I see, the more I just want to drop Bunny off at a shop & just let them FIX IT ALL! :brickwall:

I just put 2 pics, just the outside.

the elevated hood in the rear is a heat reduction trick however it lets water in so might want to take the washers out of the hinge bolts, also get rid of those crappy headlights they suck, you can upgrade the harness and put stock sealed beams back in or since it sounds like you have a little more money then many folks on here there are led lights that are DOT compliant but are very pricy
http://www.headlightrevolution.com/T...p/tl27450c.htm

http://www.headlightrevolution.com/J...p/jw-8900b.htm

those are a couple of options prices are for a single light

that plastic submarine looking thing is your vacuum storage tank, its pretty important might want to look into getting a bumper back on there

Hey Kennzz05 & thanks for your time. I live out in AZ where we get MAYBE 30 days of raid a year, & the heat is pretty bad in summer. Thats why it has that spacer. The headlights are aftermarket, but NOT as COOL as the ones you linked! I may look at that after gettin em safe & offroad ready. I am glad you brought up the submarine thing...no CLUE that was a vacuum storage tank. I will look into moving it. Going to take some pictures today to give the overall of it.

Pictures
 

& here we go. A little better visual with where I am starting.

just more under the hood n stuff.

wondering if I am in over my head =D

OK, just ordered PS gear box, pump, pressure & return lines.
Still trying to decide on 3 in or 4.5 in lift (going with the X Series), 33 12.5 or 33 10.5s (firestones @ luke are TOO good to pass up).
Pulled off liner & started getting carpet up in back. Will most likely just add dynomat or something like that
Emissions later today (HOPE I pass) then to the 4 wheel shop for the lift kit.
I know I will have to cut fenders for the tires...but on the rear, its tacked together & I think I have to cut into that...is there another way? or something I can do?

Also, has any one heard of mounting seats in the rear cargo area? (back to the mid row seating?) Just a thought for now...

As always, input is appreciated. Looking forward to putting this together (cause I have a feeling the amount shops are going to want to charge will be beyond what I think is fair or reasonable)