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I've been working on a master plan to convert it. I've never rebuilt an engine before, or trans, axel, etc. I want to do that. So the idea I'm having is to buy a donor Cherokee with an intact drivetrain for <$1000. Rebuild everything over say 1 year then do the conversion when everything is done.
There's been a few candidates on CL lately but there's a master plan before the master plan. I have a house with a garage but it's only a 20x20. I park in the garage and want to keep it that way (and organized). My BIL in Charleston rents a warehouse with some friends and does all his projects in it. So that's the first master plan. Find a small warehouse I can do auto work in with a few friends.
Been thinking of the best donor Cherokee to look for, year wise. My guess would be 98 (my year) or 99. But a 00 or 01 should be good too, yes? I know the head issue but that's ok. So looking at 98-01 right now unless anyone recommends something else. And I did find a 00 for $600, which is perfectly priced.
Another thought, if I want to upgrade the front and rear brakes and steering components from a ZJ, should I just be looking for a ZJ? I searched a bit but I have no idea if the axels would be a direct swap, among other things.
I changed the radiator hoses and serpentine belt last night and everything was fine on the test start up (didn't turn on the AC). This morning the AC compressor is screech crazy. It's never done this except the occasional squeak that sounded like moisture on the belt, but it could have been from the compressor I suppose. 2 squeaks and done, never prolonged.
Any thoughts? Belt too tight/loose? I can't imagine the coincidence that the compressor went out at the same exact time I changed the belt.
So it was the idler pulley. I assumed it was the AC compressor because the noise only happened when it was on, but I guess the drag with the compressor engaged threw the idler off and made it rub or whatever. I ended up taking the idler pulley fully off, wiped it down, and inspected it. No visible scoring and the bearing looked good. Put it back on, tightened the belt up (after reading it likes a tighter belt), and torqued the pulley to 35 ft-lbs. No more noise.
Anyone have an opinion on a 96 or 97 being good or bad as a donor car? I haven't found many 98-01 in the price range I want, but there's a decent looking 96 for a good price nearby. Just worried compatibility wise, but should be ok since it's still OBD2? Plan would still be to rebuild the entire drivetrain and swap it over, including engine.
The white one is the donor. Same year as my red one, but it's a turd. Lots of rust, gauges don't work, missing the head board and a bunch of panels, drivers seat bracket is broken (gangsta lean when driving). But the engine and trans feel strong. It's going to be a good drivetrain donor.
02-10-2017, 09:38 AM
