Hello from Michigan!
12-19-2008, 06:12 PM
#1
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Location: Wayne, MI
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 242ci
Hello from Michigan!
I just bought an 89 Cherokee Pioneer 2 door I6 5 speed 4x4 for $800 to get me through winter, and have fallen in love with it. She needs a bit of work, and through some internet searching, came across this place. I'm sure I'll be posting frequently through these winter months, as I've already started digging into the seemingly infamous "Death Wobble" problem. Between that and the leaking hydraulic clutch line, the truck is amazing (aside from sagging headliner). I can't ask much from a working 4x4, sub-$1000 truck with 140k on it. This is my first Jeep, and it's worlds better than the few Bronco II's that I have had in the past.
Now on to a few questions I have already come up with.
How can I tell whether I have the BA10 or the AX15 Trans, and would 35x12.50R15's fit on the stock wheels? I have some from my Ranger that I would love to see on this thing. If they will squeeze onto the rims, what kind of lift would I have to throw on to fit 'em under the truck? I can cut fenders and all that, and have some old hubcentric wheel spacers somewhere that I could put on for clearance.
Thanks guys!
Now on to a few questions I have already come up with.
How can I tell whether I have the BA10 or the AX15 Trans, and would 35x12.50R15's fit on the stock wheels? I have some from my Ranger that I would love to see on this thing. If they will squeeze onto the rims, what kind of lift would I have to throw on to fit 'em under the truck? I can cut fenders and all that, and have some old hubcentric wheel spacers somewhere that I could put on for clearance.
Thanks guys!
12-19-2008, 08:38 PM
#2
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Location: South Side Chicago
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Year: 1992, 2- 1998 (All 3, 4 Doors)
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L in all
Welcome from Chicago!!! 
There's a write up somewhere of somebody reclothing their headliner (lord knows I need to find it too)...
Don't worry, they ALL need a "bit" of work, join the club...
As long as you have 15" rims, yeah, why not. Hell if you still have them mounted on the Ranger rims, bolt those right on...
I'm gonna guesstimate you're looking at around a 4 1/2" lift to stuff the meats under that thing. As for trimming, I have no clue how much, if any you need to shave...
There's a write up somewhere of somebody reclothing their headliner (lord knows I need to find it too)...
Don't worry, they ALL need a "bit" of work, join the club...
As long as you have 15" rims, yeah, why not. Hell if you still have them mounted on the Ranger rims, bolt those right on...
I'm gonna guesstimate you're looking at around a 4 1/2" lift to stuff the meats under that thing. As for trimming, I have no clue how much, if any you need to shave...
12-19-2008, 09:51 PM
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Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 liter RENIX I-6, DIY Cold Air Intake, 2.5 FM Exhaust, 3 Core Radiator
Welcome to CF from Brian in Washington state!!
If you have the OEM 5-speed that 89 XJ came with, you don't have an AX-15. AX-15s weren't offered in XJs until the 91 year model. You most likely have the other 5-speed tranny you mentioned. 35x12.50x15 tires will fit your stock rims. The 89 XJ came with 15x7" rims. You will need to use a 1.5" wheel spacer to keep a 12.50" wide tires from rubbing inside on the rear springs and front lower control arms when you turn. You will need a 6.5-7" lift to make 35" meats fit. You could make a 4.5-5" lift work without too much fender trimming. I've heard of guys fitting 35" tires work with a 4" lift and excessive fender trimming. It all depends on how much fender trimming you really want to do.
If you have the OEM 5-speed that 89 XJ came with, you don't have an AX-15. AX-15s weren't offered in XJs until the 91 year model. You most likely have the other 5-speed tranny you mentioned. 35x12.50x15 tires will fit your stock rims. The 89 XJ came with 15x7" rims. You will need to use a 1.5" wheel spacer to keep a 12.50" wide tires from rubbing inside on the rear springs and front lower control arms when you turn. You will need a 6.5-7" lift to make 35" meats fit. You could make a 4.5-5" lift work without too much fender trimming. I've heard of guys fitting 35" tires work with a 4" lift and excessive fender trimming. It all depends on how much fender trimming you really want to do.
12-19-2008, 09:58 PM
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Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 liter RENIX I-6, DIY Cold Air Intake, 2.5 FM Exhaust, 3 Core Radiator
The first thing I'd look at for DW is the track bar. Make sure it is tight at the frame and axle mounts. I mean torqued to OEM specs and make sure the balljoint at the top frame mount is not worn and loose and that the bushing at the bottom axle mount is not worn and loose. Inspect all other steering componants I.E. tie rod ends, upper and lower ball joints and the steering arm and sector shaft in your steering box for wear and tightness. Check front wheel balancing and front end alignment. Check for even wear and same size tires on the front end. Check for warped rotors and worn or improperly adjusted front wheel bearings. Since it is a "new to you" vehicle. It would be a good idea to inspect you upper and lower control arm bushings, too. I hope this all helps.
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12-23-2008, 05:36 AM
#10
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 242ci
12-23-2008, 11:39 AM
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Year: 98
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Engine: 4L
The first thing I'd look at for DW is the track bar. Make sure it is tight at the frame and axle mounts. I mean torqued to OEM specs and make sure the balljoint at the top frame mount is not worn and loose and that the bushing at the bottom axle mount is not worn and loose. Inspect all other steering componants I.E. tie rod ends, upper and lower ball joints and the steering arm and sector shaft in your steering box for wear and tightness. Check front wheel balancing and front end alignment. Check for even wear and same size tires on the front end. Check for warped rotors and worn or improperly adjusted front wheel bearings. Since it is a "new to you" vehicle. It would be a good idea to inspect you upper and lower control arm bushings, too. I hope this all helps.
Good info thanks buck!
welcome!
yeah the XJ is waay better than a BRONCO II!!
12-23-2008, 06:13 PM
#14
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 242ci
Finally got some pics of the old beast today. They suck, since I took them with my cell phone camera. I parked on the mound of snow they plowed into a parking spot at work, and thought it was picture worthy 
I hate the Bronco II rims that are on there, but I had them laying around with halfway decent 28s on, so I swapped them out for the winter.
I hate the Bronco II rims that are on there, but I had them laying around with halfway decent 28s on, so I swapped them out for the winter.
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