Hi,
Never had a Jeep before, but I just had to have one to play.
Just got mine today off CL for $750, 1990/4.0_L6/AT/AC/4WD/PW, etc. It's got a lot of miles, but seems to be OK. New battery, tires, rear main seal, starter. I'm going to have to 'clean' it first, so I can see what's what.
It's got a blown head gasket on which I'll be spending some happy time with. Thank you all right off for all the info available here.

My name is Dylan, but everyone calls me Bob, among other things.

 

Have fun! Your about to get but by a bug that's gonna keep your pockets empty but keep you smiling , most of the time lol

 

Dylan, but they call you Bob? Gotta hear that story...

Nice jeep! Welcome to the site!

 

Welcome to CF Bob/Dylan. Nice Jeep, and a great deal. Hope you enjoy your XJ and the site.

 

Welcome to the Forum Bro (Bob) you will love it, very helpful. Not a bad deal, when you are done you will have one heck of a sweet ride.

 

Is it lifted yet?

 

Ha, as you can see from the pic, I got it lifted about 2 feet! No sweat at all! Just cost me 60 bucks from U-Haul.

 

 

Well, I'm really a systems guy, not a mech. But, my son and I got the head off. $285 for a complete head rebuild. Shop said it was in good shape. The IAC on the Throttle Body (TB) was so dirty. The interior of the intake had this gunk on it, like wet black coal dust (that was in the TB also) which took me 4 runs with engine degreaser to remove 'most' of it. The TB took me over an hour of spray, clean, spray clean, repeat and a whole bottle of injector cleaner to make it nice again. I think the previous owners were of the 'ignore it' until it breaks. I'm cleaning the piston heads next. They also have a huge amount of build up on them. I'm going to tape any openings to prevent any junk getting into the engine. I got some pics and will post in the 'build' section once I get it back together and running. Oh the joys! At least I'll know what's under the hood when I get through with it.

I'm loving all the info here at the forums, it helps for every step I take, someone else has been there, done that...

 

Installed new head and gasket after cleaning everything. Still had over heat problem with hot water and steam gushing out of system. Installed new radiator, fan clutch, water pump, and magic, stays at 195 to 200F now.
I'm happy. It's a bit sloppy on driving, and I get this boat rocking feeling front to back. So, the suspension is showing its age.
I'm happy, I have a new toy. That was my first cylinder head install, an adventure! Success, no extra screws/bolts, except for the ones laying in the engine compartment from the previous owner.