Second Jeep, 1st XJ
11-23-2009, 05:52 PM
#1
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Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Renix
Second Jeep, 1st XJ
Hello all, thanks for takng a moment to learn a lil about me...
Although I have always been drawn to Jeeps, but had my first about a year ago, a '96 ZJ... I have been famous for years (I'm 30 now) for finding cheap vehicles, performing repairs and clean-up, and moving on to the next. I picked up the ZJ for $1600 non-running, changed the crank sensor and did a tune up, cleaning, etc and etc. Sold it in July for $2500. Missed my Jeep, so I started looking for a chance to get the Jeep I've always wanted - XJ!! Browsing craigslist I saw a '89 for $500, non-running. I gave the guy a call and offered $300, and he took it. A car dolly and 30 minute drive later it was in my back yard.
It was rough, but there was a lift installed (brand??) and 31x10.5x15 mounted.
A new battery and some TB cleaner got it cranking and starting, but wouldn't idle. Some careful work with a multimeter, a new ground and bypassing the resistor on the fuel circuit and I drove it to the store! Whoo Hoo!! I have a grand total of $543 spent to date. Next up is basic auto maintenance, oil, trans, etc and etc, then on to the wheeling!!
Any suggestions on routine maint that I may miss? Also, any good links for identifying options, axles, t-case etc?
Thanks!!
Although I have always been drawn to Jeeps, but had my first about a year ago, a '96 ZJ... I have been famous for years (I'm 30 now) for finding cheap vehicles, performing repairs and clean-up, and moving on to the next. I picked up the ZJ for $1600 non-running, changed the crank sensor and did a tune up, cleaning, etc and etc. Sold it in July for $2500. Missed my Jeep, so I started looking for a chance to get the Jeep I've always wanted - XJ!! Browsing craigslist I saw a '89 for $500, non-running. I gave the guy a call and offered $300, and he took it. A car dolly and 30 minute drive later it was in my back yard.
It was rough, but there was a lift installed (brand??) and 31x10.5x15 mounted.
A new battery and some TB cleaner got it cranking and starting, but wouldn't idle. Some careful work with a multimeter, a new ground and bypassing the resistor on the fuel circuit and I drove it to the store! Whoo Hoo!! I have a grand total of $543 spent to date. Next up is basic auto maintenance, oil, trans, etc and etc, then on to the wheeling!!
Any suggestions on routine maint that I may miss? Also, any good links for identifying options, axles, t-case etc?
Thanks!!
Last edited by JeepsterXJ89; 11-23-2009 at 05:54 PM. Reason: spelling, doh!
11-23-2009, 06:19 PM
#2
I like it in the dirt
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Alberta Canada
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Year: 2003
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Welcome to the CF from Shawn in Alberta, Canada.
Link to the write up section.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/
Link to the write up section.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/
11-23-2009, 07:05 PM
#6
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Year: 1989
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got it, got it, point taken... pics to follow tomorrow, too dark for anything productive tonight, plus wife isn't too happy with me spending too much time wrenching, had our first baby (a son) 5 days ago! woot!! 
11-23-2009, 07:32 PM
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Congratulations on the little one firstly and Congrats on the cheep Jeep. In the process of working up a 500 dollar Jeep myself.
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11-24-2009, 03:08 PM
#8
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Year: 1989
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pics, as promised
This is pretty much how I picked it up, no idea hwat happened to the rear bumper/hitch, and the interior smells a bit like a barn, but nothing a little cleaning can't fix!
11-24-2009, 03:30 PM
#10
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Year: 1989
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no worries, if things go to plan (and the wife doesn't catch me) there will be new bumpers front and rear, maybe one with a built in hitch for a bike rack, but that would be about it... any advice on regualr service items to check out, jeep hasn't been running for a year (per the previous owner) and I am trying to knock out the basics first now that it is running/driving...
11-24-2009, 03:34 PM
#11
I like it in the dirt
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Year: 2003
Model: Grand Cherokee
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The first thing i hasd to do with mine was change the tstat and tstat housing. Then all the rad hoses. Next is the rad, going to an open system. Have done injectors and next is TPS, when i can find somewhere that isnt asking over $280.
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