Darkwolfe

Hi from the UK guys, had my cherokee a few months, done a couple of things to it but essentially it's stock... more or less.

When I went to buy it, it was either a 5 hour drive or a 3 hour train ride, so I had to call the guy up to check out the condition and really push him about any faults as i did not want to have a wasted journey. It was up for £1250 and over the phone haggled to £950 which I was pretty pleased with as it had (supposedly) no faults and 89,000 miles with full dealer history.

Got there and it all looked good, sounded great so I took it for a test drive. First thing, a drone from the front axle. Then I tried shifting into 2wd and the thing just groud to a halt, felt like windup, maybe the linkage was out or the transfer cash messed up somehow. On further inspection the drivers window made a noise at the limits of travel and the passenger side from didn't work. So much for an accurate description.

Now I did notice one thing, the front tyres were of a different size to the back. Meaning of course the transfer case would have stress on it constantly and it should not have ever gone near part time 4wd. But i decided it was not to be and got dropped back at the train station. Horror though the train back was £180! as I had not prebooked, although i could wait overnight and pay £32 to get back tomorrow.

I decided on neither, rang the guy back and said i would give him £500 if he filled it with fuel (£90), he accepted.

So I drove it back some 450 miles with no problems, save for the heater not working and it being -6c outside. Oh and the radio having no reception.

Next day I crawled underneath, damn the truck is low. found the linkage and transfer case to be OK, it was the different tyres causeing it wind up. Also found the U-joints on the front axle siezed and collasped. So bought some new tyres, 31-10.5-15 and threw them on. New u-joints and also some new springs and spring spacers for the front plus longer shocks. Flushed out the heater core and fixed the antenna. Front axle was still making a noise and i guessed at a wheel bearing as it was a little notchy, not be though as it's still noisey.

The tyres are just a stop gap though, as was the lift kit as I want to go to 33s and need to put some lower gearing in.

Today I got some 96 stock axles with 4.10 gears (yes I know 4.88 would be better), so here's a question for you, should i swap out the complete front and rear axles, or just swap the 4.10 gears into my axles? Looking for the easier option as they are both open and high pinion dana's

Here's some pictures and a video, while you think over an answer to my question

ol"blue

Welcome to CF. Looks great. Unless you're schooled in setting up new gears, it might be a better idea to swap complete axles.

martyinco

Welcome! Great looking jeep you found yourself! Love visiting the Uk, many fun times I've had

markbradleyf1

Hello and welcome mate!
Thats a very nice looking Jeep; looks like a bargain really despite the little faults
Im loving the hood vents!

The Black

Welcome to CF. Good looking XJ. I would just swap axles if you could.

Darkwolfe

Thanks for the reply fella's, nice to feel welcome. Looks like i'll be swapping the axles out then as I have zero experience. going to clean them up a bit first though, what do you think about putting new bearings in?

As for the hood vents they are something that came on the Orvis models here in the UK, they are none functional and just stuck on . I have thought about hacking holes in the hood but their placement is all wrong.

Finally, Martyinco and the UK comments. I love the US, I lived in NH just North of Nashua`for a few years(97-02), spent my summers on the beach in Hampton and my winters in the white moutains Skiing. Good times.

Darkwolfe

still not done so much to the truck however I have bought a few bits to go on. 33" tyres, 4.10 axles, new exhaust, under protection, snorkel and I think that's it. Just need to fit it as some point but in the interim here's some pics of the truck after some mudding.

91 limited owner

Welcome from Wisconsin.

bullettooth2008

Hi from uk also (Essex) jeep looks great i liked those bonnet vents to, i to had a train journey from southend on sea to sheffield. The joys of Ebay.
worth it long term wouldnt look back now.

Darkwolfe

Sooooooooooooooooo, i've got a few bits to go on and it has a 3 1/2 lift at the momement but i cant help but think it needs and adjustable panhard rod to centre the front axle. Anyone know of a good place to source one i the UK, or a place that will ship from the US for a reasonable price?

Or maybe even a guide on how to fab one?

thanks

1ATony

Welcome to the site.