I just picked up a 97 Country 4x4 (my 1st jeep ever) and it has a couple small issues so I thought I'd join up here and learn all I can about the thing. Everything seems kosher as far as operation and mechanical. Keep in mind I am on a crazy thin budget with this thing and only want to focus on the critical.

The exhaust is aftermarket with no CAT anymore and a magnoflow muffler with no tailpipe so that has to be addressed as its so loud inside one can barely even think. This is also apparently causing an 02 sensor issue per a code scan.

There is a small leak in one of the tranny<cooler hoses but that should be able to be fixed with a simple splice.

The rear hatch was replaced and apparently came off a vehicle with power locks where mine has manual. The hatch tends to lock when I close it with any force then causing me to have to crawl in and pop the plastic loose and reach in with my hand and unlock it from the inside. Can the lock be replaced so I actually have a key that works on it? Also the rear wiper doesn't work but the defrost does.

The fan control rheostat doesn't seem to be any different from 1<2<3 but goes like a raped ape on 4. Is that normal?

Someone in the previous ownership chain also seemed to have a problem with the oil pressure sending unit too so they just unplugged it and installed an oil pressure gauge under the hood leaving me with a constant oil light on the dash. Should I try to re-rig the stock setup, relocate the pressure gauge to inside the cab or just leave it as is?

So far, I like the thing but it really is rather a heap...just looking to not be let down or stranded anywhere. Any and all suggestions are welcome...THANX

 

Welcome from Michigan! The O2 censor code is probably due to the fact that there is no cat.

 

@cherokee outlaw - Yeah, I figured as much too...just not certain how I want to address that particular issue.

Also, after decoding the VIN, I guess the thing is just an SE, not a Country. I originally assumed it was a Country because everything I saw elsewhere, the Country was the only trim package that came 4.0/auto.

 

Just put a piece of electrical tape over the CEL. My cat has a new (couple months) O2 censor and the CEL is still on.

 

The problem with the fan is most likely the heater motor blower resistor, at least thats what it was on mine. Like 10 bucks and just do a quick search here for write ups on it.

 

Hi and welcome from England.

 

Welcome from Michigan!
If your oil pressure is fine now, I would just move the gauge to the cab, so you can keep an eye on it.

 

welcome, and all of those small issues will be easy to fix and you will love the jeep

 

LMAO...it's sucking me in already!!! The fix/build list has begun and taken on a life of its own already. This should be quite an adventure. Thanx for all the warm welcomes.

 

Welcome to CF.