Just bought myself an XJ
 

Hey guys,

As my username indicates, I just purchased a 1990 Cherokee Pioneer off of someone private party style, and I wanted to introduce myself to the group and hopefully draw on everyone's wisdom when it comes to Jeep ownership. I've owned one Jeep before but it was a 2004 2x4 so it doesn't really count (Plus it was a Grand Cherokee, but it did have the 4.0L). I have been a Jeep admirer and knowledgable fan for a while though, it's just that I finally got the gumption to buy a proper trail rig. I look forward to hitting some trails soon.

My first problem to solve: apparently the PO or the PPO lost the door key, so right now I have but one key for this thing. Still trying to get the door panel off so a locksmith can make me a new key. It seems, based on threads I saw already, that for my year XJ I just grab the manual window crank handle and just tug it until it pops out, but does anyone have anymore advice on that?

Also any general tips/tricks/FAQs would be good. Happy to be here.

what part of CA are you from?
and yeah you just get a good grip on it at the base nearest the crank and give it a good tug. shouldnt break
I got a thing for the pioneers so I hope to see some pictures and a build thread soon
welcome to the forum!

also. FAQs would be anything about lifts, tires, add a leaf, shackles, 3in lift fitting 33in tires, removing doors, etc.
everyone is encouraged to search the forum before asking questions.
enjoy :cheers:

There is a few screws on the door panel that need to come out, the armrest and the piece by door handle are connected with screws. The door panel is attached with plastic push pins, so if you have an interior panel puller tool that would make removal easy but a screw driver could work instead. (That's how mine is, it has manuel windows and locks, yours may differ slightly.)

I got the door panel off, no problem. Yeah, I did pretty much yank on the window crank and it popped right out, didn't break. I was glad for that! The locksmith was able to make a key without taking out the driver door lock cylinder though (he used the globe box's cylinder!) so it was wasted time, kinda, except now I can get that door trim off again if I need to. It all went back on, no problem.

It was hilarious by the way, the lock in the tailgate was unused for so long, it was freezing every time we locked it until he sprayed it with WD-40. I just realized that I'll have to make sure to keep a few cans of that in the house now just for times like that, right? Don't old Jeeps run on duct tape, WD-40 and 4.0L American steel and iron?

The next mechanical thing it needs is new o-rings to fix the leaky fuel injector issue these things are apparently prone to. In the meantime, I'm not gonna like, catch on fire or anything right? This thing will need plenty of external TLC down the road too but nothing hugely major.

Mine did that leaking fuel injector thing, wasn't a hard fix. It's fuel leaking on a hot engine, I wouldn't drive it again until you fix it.:furious:

I forgot to answer this: I live in North County San Diego. Lots of trails but they're all 30-60 minutes out of town! You know what I liked most about this Pioneer? 5 speed, manual windows, manual locks, manual mirrors. Having power for any of those just means chasing electrical gremlins later, right? Upside/downside. Thanks for the welcome. :thumbup1:

wd-40 huh, better buy a couple cans of PB blaster as well

Yeah I've never used it but I've heard of it plenty in reading Jeep threads! I'll get some.

Is this the best repair manual for my year/model XJ?

i dont know if its the best but you can get that at any advanced auto, autozone or napa, its what i use

I've got that manual and it's a pretty good one but if your willing to spend the $ a factory service manual is the best one.

Is there a good way to know for sure which 5 speed I have? I've been getting conflicting info as to whether mine has the Peugeot BA-10/5 or the Aisin-Warner AX15. Does the VIN tell me anything on this?

Email Chrysler with your VIN and ask for a build sheet. I got mine within 24 hours of asking.

I posted some first pictures if you guys want to see my 1990 Pioneer. I need to get shots of the engine and axles. I can take more on request, if there's something that should be examined closer by you experts. :icon_wink:

Sure LOOKS like I do NOT have the Peugot 5-speed but you guys tell me:

*X7 Cloth Low-Back Bucket Seats
ADBA Protection Group
AHLA Heavy Duty Insulation Group
ALN Spring Special White Appearance Grp APAS Monotone Paint
ARL Kicker/SRT Livin' Loud Audio System
AWJA Visibility / Protection Group
BAYP 105 Amp Alternator
BGAS Power Front Disc/Rear Drum Brakes
CACP Low Back Bucket Seats
CDBP Reclining Front Seats
CFMS Rear Folding Seat
CKBP Floor Carpet
CKNP Cargo Compartment Carpet
CKTP Cargo Tie Down Loops
CKVP MOPAR Third Row Cargo Bins w/Table
CLEP Front & Rear Floor Mats
CSAP Spare Tire Cover
CSRS Passenger Assist Handles
CUFA Full Length Floor Console
DBBC All Manual Transmissions
DDQ 5-Speed Manual Transmission
DHNS Command-Trac Part Time 4WD System
DJHS 230MM Front Axle
DMMS 3.07 Rear Axle Ratio
DRJS 175MM Rear Axle
EAAC All Engines
GBBS Tinted Windshield Glass
GCBS Front Door Tinted Glass
GEDS Tinted Rr Drs/Qtr/Liftgate Glass
GEHS Fixed Door Vent Glass
GFAA Rear Window Defroster
GNAS Rear View Day/Night Mirror
GNCP Sun Visors w/Illum Vanity Mirrors
GRZP Left Remote Mirror
GSZP Right Remote Control Mirror
GTZP Manual Remote Mirrors
HAAA Air Conditioning
HGDP Deluxe Insulation Group
JAY Instrument Cluster w/Tach
JCAS 85 MPH Primary Speedometer
JGBP Digital Clock
JHAP Var Intermittent Windshield Wipers
JHBP Rear Window Wiper/Washer
JJAS Cigar Lighter
LAJP Headlamps On Warning Chimes
LAPS Shift Indicator Warning Lamp
LBBP Courtesy Lamps
LBCS Glove Box Lamp
LBDP Ash Tray Lamp
LBEP Cigar Lighter
LCDP Map/Dome Reading Lamps
LDBP Cargo Compartment Lamp
LDHP U/Hood, Removable/Rechargeable Lamp
LHDP Headlamp Off Time Delay
LMAS Halogen Headlamps
MB2P Bright/Black Front Bumper
MB6P Bright/Black Rear Bumper
MCAP Front Bumper Guards
MCBP Rear Bumper Guards
MDAP Front License Plate Bracket
MFGP Body Color Headlamp Bezels
MHBS Bright Windshield Moldings
MMCS Rear Qtr Solid Window Insert
MMGS Belt Moldings
MTBP 4.7L HO Badge -- (WTF?)
MWAA Roof Rack NAAS Federal Emissions
NBKS EVAP Control System
NFAS 20 Gallon Fuel Tank
PB3 Intense Blue Pearl Coat
QB3S Intense Blue Pearl Coat
RAAC All Radio Equipped Vehicles
RAF AM/FM Cassette Radio
RCDP 4 Speakers
SBAS Power Rack and Pinion Steering
SCEP Alcantara Wrap Steering Wheel
SFAS Standard Duty Shock Absorbers
SGAS Rear Shock Absorbers
SUAA Tilt Steering Column
TAAC All Tires
TBB Full Size Spare Tire
TBLS Inside Mounted Spare Tire
TPFA P205/75R15 BSW All Season Tires
WJKS 15X6.0 Styled Steel Wheels
WLYC All Steel Wheels
WMCP Bright Wheel Trim Rings
YAAS Build To U.S. Mkt. Specifications

Build date was September 18, 1989 so that also makes me think I dodged the Peugot bullet (whew!). Also I haven't looked but I am pretty sure I have D35 axles, correct?

well you have one anyway... and looks like the ax15