The thing that's confusing is the gauges don't go thru the initial cycle they usually would as in, when the key is turned, they bounce up and back...fuel gauge does nothing and the tach does nothing while cranking. The battery has plenty of power, cranks the engine nice and strong. The skim light on the dash goes off and then turns on steady lit as well I noticed.
In hopes its not the pcm malfunctioning but idk what could have caused that in three days of it sitting ....

 

Since everyone was so helpful with advice I thought I'd follow up and let you know how it went:

Once I was able to finally get the bolts off, (PB Blaster, torch, breaker bar) the replacement control arm wouldn't fit. After some head scratching, I realized the upper contorl arm was also bent, making the distance between the connection points too close together to fit the replacement lower control arm in.

I ended up taking it to a local repair shop. I have written off many of the repair shops in my area over bad experiences. I tried a new place and to my surprise the mechanic was knowledgable and helpful. He put the truck on the rack, confirmed my diagnosis, and pointed out a coulple other issues on the other side. I ended up with 2 new lower control arms and one new upper. He did a alignment after as well. Truck drives better than it ever did. $280 for the repairs (I provided one lower control arm) and $90 for the alignment with a 1 year guarantee.

Sucks I had to spend $370 but it is a sweet 94 Grand Cherokee Limited and it was a little beyond my skill level.

Thanks again to all who took the time to respond to my post.

 

You're very welcome and it does suck that you had to dish out the money, but at least it's up and going again and handles alot better now. I had one totally fall apart while driving down the road...hit a bump and it collapsed, at 60mph.. Not fun but I got the jeep under control and pulled over...was able to limp it home and repair it. Good suspension makes for a far better ride lol

 

So I have 2 nearly identical '96 ZJ V8s. One has A/C(not working) and the other does not have any of the AC system. How hard would it be to swap the components from one to the other, and what should I just buy new if it's possible?

 

Does the front bumper cover of a 1996 fit a 1993? I'd like to replace the warped one on my 93 and add fog lights at the same time.

 

IIRC, 96 was the year they updated the front end. So you'd have a gaping hole underneath your grille. If you went that route, might wanna grab the header panel, grille AND bumper cover... then you'd have an updated entire front end.

 

Thanks! Just the info I needed and couldn't seem to find on my own.

 

Glad to help....

and yes, just as I thought...

1993-1995:



1996-1998:



See how the grille is a little bit taller and swoops down into the bumper like that? I prefer the 96-98 style myself. Shouldn't be too hard of a swap. Just have to make sure you get all the pieces. Definitely easier than swapping the 97+ front clip onto the 96- XJ

 

It's obvious now that you put the two side-by-side. I didn't think to try that. I'll have to see what my local parts yards have.

 

So now that we can talk about emissions, here's my story. So I have a cheap ZJ that I'm fixing up and using as my DD as I plan to tear into the XJ. As I got it from the PO the cat was empty and just recently from there back rusted through and fell off. The O2 sensor bung is no longer there and I'm patching it up so I don't wake the neighbors @ 6am. Is there a temporary way to get the ECU to ignore the downstream sensor so the CEL doesn't stay on? I'd like to have that as an indicator that something else is wrong. If I keep this vehicle I'll probably buy a replacement CAT and weld in the bung for the DS O2. Thanks!

 

Three weeks ago I saw my headlights flash on/off late at night when the car was parked. It has happened randomly since. Five days ago I went to start the car but the battery was dead.

 

A previous owner removed the front drive shaft so that my 95 Grand Cherokee is basically a 2wd. I believe this was done to improve the gas mileage since it was not taken off-road. Is this OK? Is there a negative effect on the transmission because it can not sense the front wheels. It drives great.
Thanks

 

If it has the V8 and 249 TC your VC is now totally toast.

Edit: also if you put it in park it may not be parked in the same location when you get back.

 

Thanks, How much will a Vc set me back if I reinstall the front drive shaft?
OMG never mind, looks like a 242 swap in my future.

 

It's entirely possible the drive shaft was removed because to VC is shot. With my WJ, I don't notice any difference in fuel mileage between 4wd or 2wd anyhow because I'm still turning all the gears in the front axle in either mode. I have the 242 and love it. I went shopping for a 4.0 with the 242 and found this cream puff!