MCain

Hello Cherokee Forum!!!

I just purchased a RED Jeep Cherokee 4.0L HO. Very excited because this is my first owned car, my last three have been bmw x5 mercedes c350 and saab, all leased with parents as cosigners. Since cutting the ball and chain i cannot afford any of those more expensive cars so i went and purchased a car i can fix up and OWN!!! I paid 800 bucks for the jeep which i think is a steel considering that's what i paid for my tv lol. It had 156k miles and was registered in AZ. The car came with 3 radial mud tires and one radial tire. The mud tires are super load and cause a hell of alot of vibration. (I need to trade these in for normal tires if i can)

I took it into the dmv in west hollywood they told me i needed a smog check and inspection. would cost me $170 for the registration and inspection plus 60 bucks for smog test. None of this bothers me since I paid 800 BUCKS!!! for my car Yay!!! Of course i got for a smog test and it failed miserably and the verdict was i needed a new catalytic converter and o2 sensor. I did the smog check in korea town and they quoted me $400 for the parts and labor. I didn't bite, instead called a friend had him refer me to a mechanic in tujunga and dropped the car off there yesterday. This guy quoted me 400 for the same thing plus I had a leak in one of the high pressure tubing connecting oil to the power steering motor which he would do. Also change air filter gasket on engine block, cap on engine block, and the bulkhead and tubing coming out of the top of engine block. All this plus checking brakes and doing an oil change for $525. So all in Im $1325 with smog test and registration still to do. So lets say $1525 all said and done. I got a call this morning saying the front brakes and rotors need to be replaced he quoted me $175. I told him i wanted to do some research possibly order some parts online that he could install later. So i guess my question to all you Elite car enthusiasts is what did i do wrong and/or what should i do next?

The car had some cosmetic damage on the front passenger side. The front side panel, bumper, grill, and the part right above the grill that has jeep logo on it need to be replaced. I was told to go find these parts at a junk yard? The interior needs work as well the material above my head needs to be redone (forgot the name), was told to go into a shop and get it redone for $100 bucks. (seems reasonable)

Im thinking about putting new shocks or suspension? I would love some advice on what do get, as well as the front rotors and brakes.? I wanna work on the working order of the jeep before i get into all the other bells and whistles.. I would appreciate and advice anyone can give.. Look forward to learning from all u!!! I will post a few pics later today after i pick up the car.

MCain

Oh Btw my favorite part about this car are the large windows it has i turn my head and it feels like a convertible with all the glass around me.

sguiffre13

welcome. are you looking to lift? if so you have many many options out there

MCain

YES! Im looking to lift and upgrade engine interior lights exhaust... just not sure what i should do 1st. I am thinking start from the inside out???

sguiffre13

well it depends, i did little stuff on the interior and went big on the suspension first because i was eager to wheel

Xj88

If you've never owned a lifted 4x4 don't go with a huge lift until your familiar with the driving characteristics. Id recommend rustys offroad 3 inch lift kit...cheap and worth every penny...before you start lifting look into recovery points and make sure all components of the vehicle are in reliable conditions.

MCain

I want to make This.(my car)






Into thiss..




Step 1. I was told by the mechanic who did my cat and minor engine work that he would do a complete engine tuning and cleaning for $300 bucks? how does that sound to you guys? Car needs new front brakes and metal brake thingys in the front...lol

Step 2. First thing i have to do is change these tires out for something a little more road worthy.. These tires are sooooo loud. I was told a junk yard would trade me for these..?

step 3. Im thinking shocks ??? anyone have a good website or company they can point me 2?

Thanks any comments or help would be great

By the way the ride right now is horrible.

MCain

Should i consider a new engine??? I just dont knowww

Xj88

What are you wanting to do with your jeep? Do you want to just daily drive it with some small off roading or do you want to do extreme wheeling

MCain

I want daily driving and minor to med off roading..

Xj88

You on a budget? Or can you drop 1000+ ?

MCain

no budget within reason...

Xj88

Well I can suggest 2 things, a 2 inch budget boost would be sufficient, you could put 30 or 31 inch tires on a Cherokee with a 2 inch bb

MCain

I'd like the ride to be comfy no head jarring ya know?

Xj88

Or you can go with a 3 inch rustys offroad list kit, it will include new front and rear shocks and will give you a more comfortable ride than the budget boost