Hey people, I just wanna say I am so stoked that I finally got my first Jeep Cherokee. I am in the process of giving her its once over, bumper to bumper.I bought my 98 4d, 4wd sport for a whopping 3 grand , with 87000 miles,( i feel it was a great deal ) she was a little rough around the edges but the over all condition is great, it was just dirty in away I couldn't except..I am looking forward to servicing this one and I have already gotten lots of info from this forum...I dig it!!! I hope to be able to keep things posted on my progress....Any suggestions on what maybe of most importance to take care of first??
Thanks,
shaner

 

Most important thing to do to a new Jeep... LIFT IT!

No but really, just go over it with a fine tooth comb and address any major issues. It's coming up on a scheduled radiator/thermostat replacement if it hasn't already received it. Check and/or change all your fluids, check belts, ball joints, etc. Check all your steering and chassis grease fittings and lube it up where needed. Other than that, the usual tune-up stuff wouldn't hurt it - new plugs and wires, new air filter, etc.

Best of luck to ya, and Welcome to CF. Keep us posted on your progress.

 

True thinks lifting is is the first thing. I think that fluid changes and assessment are the primary job, then
BTW Welcome to CF from South Texas.
Blue

 

Hey, I said "No but really." Meaning do all that other crap first, THEN lift it. Geez Blue.

 

Welcome to the forum, glad you got your first jeep yesterday

 

Thanks guys, I plan those very things listed...minus lifting...My wife needs to drive it too and lifting a two year old up in to it doesn't appeal to her
she gets to win sometimes ,I do know the radiator has been replaced but not sure about the thermostat, I'll probably do it just for piece of mind. What about water pump are those a pain to do or an easy project, also is there a timing belt or chain?..But anyway, my first major purchase for it is going to be the service manual, or does anyone have an idea for something similar....I had a cd rom disk for a Yamaha motorcycle I had, I just looked up the part, printed it and got down and dirty on the repair....anyone know of something like that for Cherokee ?
Thanks
shaner

 

Just buy a Haynes manual from Advance Auto. It'll be your bible in the garage.

The water pump would be next on that list, and it's not a hard install. Just changed mine about two months ago.

 

Thanks, I'll be picking one up one of those manuals today!!

 

My wife lifts out three year old into ours all the time!

 

We replaced the one in my 98 twice in less than a year. Do yourself a favor take the radator out if at all possible(wish we would have) or have real small hands. It is a 4.0, right.

 

Welcome from W.V.

 

Thanks again guys!! yeah Alien it is a 4.0 and as I was inspecting it today I did notice that removing the radiator will make the water pump change easier...Its a bit cramped in there. I'm eager to start the " rehab " for my XJ, I feel so bad for her, she hasn't had the love I'm gonna show, We gave the interior a complete detailing, I'm mean a serious washing inside, we had to empty the carpet cleaning jug three times before the water starting looking some what clear....I'm just stoked That I finally have a car I can personally work on, all those others I have had, they just pack those dang motors in there so tight and use so much plastic it was rather intimidating, or just an big OL pain to do it yourself..ya know...
I'll have a picture soon, maybe I'll do a b-4 and after...we'll see.
Holla,
shaner

 

i cant wait to see what you have in store for it.

 

You think it is cramped in there you should try doing with the radator in and with my big hands. I personally think if you can sucker someone like a buddy into doing it for you, DO IT.

 

Welcome from Salem Va. You do realize you will become a Jeep addict and there is nothing you can do about it. HaHa