Psyched! My first Cherokee!
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 9
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From: Vermont
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Psyched! My first Cherokee!
Hi all. I'm Ira and live in Vermont. Always wanted one and now I have one, finally, at 49! Bought a rust-free (from Georgia) 1995 Cherokee Country 4.0, power everything BUT it's 2 wheel drive (!!!) with 257,000 miles at the end of May and I've been fixing it up since.
At first glance, it seemed very well-maintained. Clean interior, seemed to run OK for the miles... Wow, was I ever wrong! It was wickedly neglected. It's been one thing after another, finding all kinds of sneaky hidden secrets
but I'm winning the battle. Death wobble---gone. Massive electrical problems are all gone, too. In 3 weeks, I've replaced: brake/wheel cylinder passenger side rear, plugs/cap/rotor, air filter, track bar, ignition switch, multiswitch (wipers/signals), neutral safety switch. I'm grateful to all the helpful posts that enabled me to fix so much in a short time. I'm finding my Cherokee pretty straightforward to work on. I'm an OK shadetree mechanic, def not a pro.
Lots of work left to bring this puppy back from neglect. Next on the agenda: fuel filter tomorrow if the rain takes a break, Lube Locker diff gasket, fresh fluid, and wheel bearings soon, valve cover gasket, rear brake shoes, door seals ? (bad leaks both sides up front), find out why the door locks are sluggish...
I've taken a bunch of pics. Here's a couple. The spark plugs, cap, and rotor were the worst I have ever seen. One random plug I chose to measure the gap on measured a huge .086, more than twice the spec.
Later!
At first glance, it seemed very well-maintained. Clean interior, seemed to run OK for the miles... Wow, was I ever wrong! It was wickedly neglected. It's been one thing after another, finding all kinds of sneaky hidden secrets
but I'm winning the battle. Death wobble---gone. Massive electrical problems are all gone, too. In 3 weeks, I've replaced: brake/wheel cylinder passenger side rear, plugs/cap/rotor, air filter, track bar, ignition switch, multiswitch (wipers/signals), neutral safety switch. I'm grateful to all the helpful posts that enabled me to fix so much in a short time. I'm finding my Cherokee pretty straightforward to work on. I'm an OK shadetree mechanic, def not a pro.Lots of work left to bring this puppy back from neglect. Next on the agenda: fuel filter tomorrow if the rain takes a break, Lube Locker diff gasket, fresh fluid, and wheel bearings soon, valve cover gasket, rear brake shoes, door seals ? (bad leaks both sides up front), find out why the door locks are sluggish...
I've taken a bunch of pics. Here's a couple. The spark plugs, cap, and rotor were the worst I have ever seen. One random plug I chose to measure the gap on measured a huge .086, more than twice the spec.
Later!
Junior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: lawndale,ca
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
not bad i paid 1000 for mine i should of gone a lil lower but it does run pretty good and it has 4x4. i didnt do enough price checkin before i got it but im in LA so stuff cost more here anyway
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Vermont
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Nice rig you got there. Usually, a rustfree vehicle will go for good money here in Rustland but I got mine cheap because A) the miles scared people away and/or B) 2WD Cherokees are freaks in Vermont.
I know Lawndale, BTW. I lived in SoCal from '88-93. Home was in Covina and Azusa, worked in Santa Fe Springs.
I know Lawndale, BTW. I lived in SoCal from '88-93. Home was in Covina and Azusa, worked in Santa Fe Springs.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: lawndale,ca
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
cool! you gonna do anything to yours like lift n tires or what not.. your locks sound like they need some wd40 i saw a few threads about that problem but spray all of them
If you live near any large junk yards you can convert it to 4x4 in time 
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Junior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: lawndale,ca
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Vermont
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Thanks. Believe it or not, I actually prefer the 2wd. I just sold my '89 Toyota shortbed 4X4 that I had for 5 years (loved it) because I needed something that seats four. I used to require 4X4 to get to my job in the mountains but I no longer have that commute. Where I live in VT is relatively flat. Plus, I love the simplicity of the 2wd front end. This Cherokee aint gonna see much trail action, just some dirt roads. It's mostly gonna be a highway road warrior, local pleasure drives and travelling to see friends and family as far away as Florida. I'd like to see this beast hit 400,000 miles. I have an uncle out in the LA area, 88XJ. So maybe even as far as Cali!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Vermont
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
cool! you gonna do anything to yours like lift n tires or what not.. your locks sound like they need some wd40 i saw a few threads about that problem but spray all of them
Undecided about the wheels. They are kinda rare and kinda cool but I may get bored with them.
Will upgrade stereo maybe. Currently has Kenwood head unit with decent sound but may go for a crunchier system. Front speakers sound too awesome to be stock but the rear ones sound like crap. I like my rock LOUD! Korn & Linkin Park gotta thump.
Thanks for the WD40 tip. Will research it and tear into doors.
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