Howdy!

So this past weekend, I became the proud owner of my first ever 4x4. 5 days before my 34th birthday. Better late than never as they say! I sold my daily driver for 3k , picked this up for $1300, and will use the rest on repairs and such.

It just so happens said 4x4 is an XJ... 1996 Cherokee. A large reason I decided on an XJ was because after lurking here for several months, I saw how awesome they are, and how great the community is.

She isn't pretty right now, but she runs great. Seriously, I drove 175 miles home in her. The 4.0 high output REALLY impressed me. The 4wd worked good in the 15 minute easy test I gave it. 156k on the odo, so I know there is still some life left in her. The interior was in VERY good shape. No cracks in the dash/door ect. Only a few stains, and no rips in the seats. Carpet is very nice.

She goes to my buddy's shop for body work and paint sometime in the next week... needs a new fender and flare on the front passenger side, and have some dings pulled. Other than that, and a nice coat of custom paint...some new rims (plain black steel) and 235/75/r15 tires. Not sure on which ones yet. Comparing models and pricing now before I decide... And some window tint.


Future plans are...

Get the AC replaced.
Bumpers front and rear.
High quality lift of some kind.
Different fender flares.
Larger wheels and tires.


I'm sure I will upgrade the suspension, engine,axles, ect ect along the way as well. I am still learning, so before I go all crazy I want to have an idea of what I am doing.

Anyway, thanks for reading my ramblings. I look forward to learning a lot from you folks.

 

Welcome to the forum!

 

What's are your plans. Maintenance-wise?

 

Thanks for the welcome.

Maintenance wise...

Oil has been changed recently, but I am still checking it every day.
Radiator water looks clean and fresh. I may flush it anyway.
Belts and hoses all look in better than average shape.
Transmission... I'm going to talk to my local transmission shop and get their opinion. I have no idea on how often, if ever, the tranny has been serviced. I have always heard, and even experienced that if you don't service it regularly, it's better to NOT service it. But, since I know very little about these vehicles, any input is welcome.
Driveline will be greased, u-joints and yokes checked.

Other than that, I am in new territory. If you have any advice, please feel free to share. I am here to learn as much as I can.

 

Spark plugs and wires are recommended to be replaced, make sure it's copper core, a lot of guys here recommend champions or ngk brand.
And when you replace the distributor cap, make sure it has brass terminals, they perform better and last longer