goldenbeagle
Adventurer
Nice base for a new rig. Keep the pictures rolling.
Brand New To Me 1990 XJ (build and Question thread)
- Thread starter wikun
- Start date
Cityslicker
Observer
here's my 2cents... Go buy a wrecked xj around the same year as your own, and then you'll have parts.
You WILL need parts.
new rads are expensive, the cheap ones never ever last. buy one out of a pic n pull.
your going to have to replace the front wheel bearings, get good ones from Napa and keep the receipt they have a warranty and they WILL fail. Xjs eat front wheel bearings.
I bet the front pinion seal is about done. if not already, keep gear fluid in the trunk.
rhino line your rockers. if they aren't rusted out already.
If you are going to lift it, 3' is the highest you can go without having to really get into new steering components, above 3 and if you don't do everything right you will get THE DEEEEAAAAATTTTHHH wobble.. and it blows.
if you treat that engine good, you will have it forever. they are the best engines ever made.
good buy.
have fun!
You WILL need parts.
new rads are expensive, the cheap ones never ever last. buy one out of a pic n pull.
your going to have to replace the front wheel bearings, get good ones from Napa and keep the receipt they have a warranty and they WILL fail. Xjs eat front wheel bearings.
I bet the front pinion seal is about done. if not already, keep gear fluid in the trunk.
rhino line your rockers. if they aren't rusted out already.
If you are going to lift it, 3' is the highest you can go without having to really get into new steering components, above 3 and if you don't do everything right you will get THE DEEEEAAAAATTTTHHH wobble.. and it blows.
if you treat that engine good, you will have it forever. they are the best engines ever made.
good buy.
have fun!
Cityslicker
Observer
congrats let just empty every pocket begin
x2
BIGdaddy
Expedition Leader
Agreed on most points here. I am sitting at around 2" on 29's and being a daily driver for me, my XJ goes just fine wherever I point it. I haven't had to do much at all as far as the drivetrain since the lift.
These rigs really do well with around 3.5" and 31's. Most BIG dawgs usually talk about the 31" tire days when trails were challenging, fishing holes were fun to get to, and Monday drives to work after a weekend of wheeling were assumed. They become parts breakers at much more than a 33" tire without major modification.
wikun
Observer
Sorry about the delay in posting. I have been busy here. Also thank you all for the help and advice. First I would like to elaborate. I am doing a complete budget build on this rig. I have been "studying" for years and off roading with my buddies in their rig. Budget building is a challenge. Anyone can buy kits and pre-fabbed parts, no offense. So this is my budget beater build.
Key points -
1. Never scrimp on safety items and maintenance items.
2. Have fun wrenching
3. Have fun wheeling
That all leads me to this post.
To answer some questions, I have a np242 transfer in the jeep. I wanted to open the case and check the case. No slap or anything, just wanted to pull it open. I have however shifted my schedule around though. Sat. and sunday was maintenance days. Oil, tranny, all cooling hoses(until i switch over), clean the vehicle in and out, grease joints. Monday was junk yard day. I pulled the springs off of a V8 cherokee, and the rear springs from an 89 Dakota. Pictures coming tonight....
I am going to try to swap the front in this weekend. I have to wait until monday to buy more stuff.
On a side note. I am looking for an exhaust manifold for my engine, if anyone knows of one. Please let me know. I have a tick on acceleration and cruising speed. I have isolated it to the header.
Key points -
1. Never scrimp on safety items and maintenance items.
2. Have fun wrenching
3. Have fun wheeling
That all leads me to this post.
To answer some questions, I have a np242 transfer in the jeep. I wanted to open the case and check the case. No slap or anything, just wanted to pull it open. I have however shifted my schedule around though. Sat. and sunday was maintenance days. Oil, tranny, all cooling hoses(until i switch over), clean the vehicle in and out, grease joints. Monday was junk yard day. I pulled the springs off of a V8 cherokee, and the rear springs from an 89 Dakota. Pictures coming tonight....
I am going to try to swap the front in this weekend. I have to wait until monday to buy more stuff.
On a side note. I am looking for an exhaust manifold for my engine, if anyone knows of one. Please let me know. I have a tick on acceleration and cruising speed. I have isolated it to the header.
BEVAN
Adventurer
Gotcha...I have this one...I love it -search APN header on NAXJA for more info..I believe there is a good writeup on it there also.
http://www.ineedparts.com/index.php?target=products&product_id=15343
wikun
Observer
Well I got some work done on the Jeep today. I got the front bumper off, the front diff drained and the RTV is setting now, and the vacuum tank from the front passenger side bumper has been relocated. This past weekend I promised you guys some pictures, but my buddy needed my "expertise" working on his '53 chevy pickup...lol
This is the jeep with no bumper.
This is the engine bay before the vacuum tank relocation. (going in the lower left corner)
This is where I put the tank. The test sockets and spark coil had a factory plastic plate on the top. Removed it and mounted the tan.
I am going to cut a piece of aluminum out and run it between the mount post and the tank and run it to the other side to make it a bit more stable. Tomorrow
........Next on the list of things to do are the headliner :
And the seat switch and random other things :
Also I found out that I have the limited slip in the rear. :wings: Does anyone now what ratio that one has?
More to come. The exhaust manifold is getting ordered tomorrow with all new pipes and cherry bomb muffler.:sombrero:
This is the jeep with no bumper.
This is the engine bay before the vacuum tank relocation. (going in the lower left corner)
This is where I put the tank. The test sockets and spark coil had a factory plastic plate on the top. Removed it and mounted the tan.
I am going to cut a piece of aluminum out and run it between the mount post and the tank and run it to the other side to make it a bit more stable. Tomorrow
........Next on the list of things to do are the headliner :
And the seat switch and random other things :
Also I found out that I have the limited slip in the rear. :wings: Does anyone now what ratio that one has?
More to come. The exhaust manifold is getting ordered tomorrow with all new pipes and cherry bomb muffler.:sombrero:
wikun
Observer
Well I sent in for the build sheet for the jeep online at the Jeep website and this is what it returned:
"Thank you for contacting the Jeep Customer Assistance Center regarding
your 1990 Cherokee.
In response to your email, we are pleased to provide vehicle build
information as you requested. As per our records, your Cherokee
(VIN:*************) was equipped from the factory with the
following:
Sales Code Description
*XL Leather Trimmed Bucket Seats
ADL Skid Plate Group
AHT Trailer Tow Group
APAS Monotone Paint
ARP Limited Decor Group
BGK 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes
CACP Low Back Bucket Seats
CDBP Reclining Front Seats
CFMS Rear Folding Seat
CKBP Floor Carpet
CKNP Cargo Compartment Carpet
CKTP Cargo Tie Down Loops
CKVP MOPAR Third Row Cargo Bins w/Table
CLEP Front & Rear Floor Mats
CSAP Spare Tire Cover
CSCP Cargo Compartment Cover
CSRS Passenger Assist Handles
CUFP Full Length Floor Console
CUNP Overhead Console
DGB All 4-Speed Automatic Transmissions
DGSS 4-Speed Automatic AW4 Transmission
DHPP Selec-Trac Full Time 4WD System
DHSS Floor Mount Automatic Shift Lever
DJHS Dana M30/181MM Front Axle
DMDS 3.55 Rear Axle Ratio
DRMP Dana 35C/194MM Rear Axle
DSA Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle
GAJP Sunscreen Glass
GBBS Tinted Windshield Glass
GCBS Front Door Tinted Glass
GECP Front Left Side Sliding Window
GFAP Rear Window Defroster
GNAS Rear View Day/Night Mirror
GNCP Sun Visors w/Illum Vanity Mirrors
GRKP Left Power Mirror
GSKP Right Power Mirror
GTKP Power Mirrors
GVBC All Vehicles W/Power Mirrors
GXMP Remote Keyless Entry
HAAP Air Conditioning
HGDP Deluxe Insulation Group
JAYP Instrument Cluster w/Tach
JCAS 85 MPH Primary Speedometer
JGBP Digital Clock
JHAP Var Intermittent Windshield Wipers
JHBP Rear Window Wiper/Washer
JJAS Cigar Lighter
JPAP Power Windows
JPBP Power Locks
JPTP Power Front Driver/Passenger Seats
LAJP Headlamps On Warning Chimes
LBBP Courtesy Lamps
LBCS Glove Box Lamp
LBDP Ash Tray Lamp
LBEP Cigar Lighter
LDBP Cargo Compartment Lamp
LDHP U/Hood, Removable/Rechargeable Lamp
LHDP Headlamp Off Time Delay
LMAS Halogen Headlamps
LNJP Fog Lamps
MBPP Body Color Front Bumper
MBQS Body Color Rear Bumper w/Step Pads
MCAP Front Bumper Guards
MDAP Front License Plate Bracket
MFKP Body Color Grille
MHAP Black Windshield Moldings
MMCS Upper Door Frame Moldings
MMGS Belt Moldings
MMKP Body Color Drip Trough Molding
MTAS Rear Fascia Skid Plate Applique
MWGP Roof Rack
NAE California Emissions
NBKS EVAP Control System
NFAS 20 Gallon Fuel Tank
NHBP Auxiliary Transmission Oil Cooler
NHMP Speed Control
NMCP Heavy Duty Engine Cooling
RAAC All Radio Equipped Vehicles
RAFP AM/FM Cassette Radio
RCGP 6 Speakers
RDCP Power Antenna
SBAS Power Rack and Pinion Steering
SCGP Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
SFCP Front Perf Tuned Shock Absorbers
SGCP Rear Perf Tuned Shock Absorbers
SUAP Tilt Steering Column
TAAC All Tires
TBB Full Size Spare Tire
TBLS Inside Mounted Spare Tire
TRMA P225/75R16 BSW On/Off Road Tires
WJRP 16X6.0 Aluminum Chrome Wheels
WLZC All Aluminum Wheels
YAAS Build To U.S. Mkt. Specifications"
You guys check it out and see if you see any speaking points...
"Thank you for contacting the Jeep Customer Assistance Center regarding
your 1990 Cherokee.
In response to your email, we are pleased to provide vehicle build
information as you requested. As per our records, your Cherokee
(VIN:*************) was equipped from the factory with the
following:
Sales Code Description
*XL Leather Trimmed Bucket Seats
ADL Skid Plate Group
AHT Trailer Tow Group
APAS Monotone Paint
ARP Limited Decor Group
BGK 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes
CACP Low Back Bucket Seats
CDBP Reclining Front Seats
CFMS Rear Folding Seat
CKBP Floor Carpet
CKNP Cargo Compartment Carpet
CKTP Cargo Tie Down Loops
CKVP MOPAR Third Row Cargo Bins w/Table
CLEP Front & Rear Floor Mats
CSAP Spare Tire Cover
CSCP Cargo Compartment Cover
CSRS Passenger Assist Handles
CUFP Full Length Floor Console
CUNP Overhead Console
DGB All 4-Speed Automatic Transmissions
DGSS 4-Speed Automatic AW4 Transmission
DHPP Selec-Trac Full Time 4WD System
DHSS Floor Mount Automatic Shift Lever
DJHS Dana M30/181MM Front Axle
DMDS 3.55 Rear Axle Ratio
DRMP Dana 35C/194MM Rear Axle
DSA Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle
GAJP Sunscreen Glass
GBBS Tinted Windshield Glass
GCBS Front Door Tinted Glass
GECP Front Left Side Sliding Window
GFAP Rear Window Defroster
GNAS Rear View Day/Night Mirror
GNCP Sun Visors w/Illum Vanity Mirrors
GRKP Left Power Mirror
GSKP Right Power Mirror
GTKP Power Mirrors
GVBC All Vehicles W/Power Mirrors
GXMP Remote Keyless Entry
HAAP Air Conditioning
HGDP Deluxe Insulation Group
JAYP Instrument Cluster w/Tach
JCAS 85 MPH Primary Speedometer
JGBP Digital Clock
JHAP Var Intermittent Windshield Wipers
JHBP Rear Window Wiper/Washer
JJAS Cigar Lighter
JPAP Power Windows
JPBP Power Locks
JPTP Power Front Driver/Passenger Seats
LAJP Headlamps On Warning Chimes
LBBP Courtesy Lamps
LBCS Glove Box Lamp
LBDP Ash Tray Lamp
LBEP Cigar Lighter
LDBP Cargo Compartment Lamp
LDHP U/Hood, Removable/Rechargeable Lamp
LHDP Headlamp Off Time Delay
LMAS Halogen Headlamps
LNJP Fog Lamps
MBPP Body Color Front Bumper
MBQS Body Color Rear Bumper w/Step Pads
MCAP Front Bumper Guards
MDAP Front License Plate Bracket
MFKP Body Color Grille
MHAP Black Windshield Moldings
MMCS Upper Door Frame Moldings
MMGS Belt Moldings
MMKP Body Color Drip Trough Molding
MTAS Rear Fascia Skid Plate Applique
MWGP Roof Rack
NAE California Emissions
NBKS EVAP Control System
NFAS 20 Gallon Fuel Tank
NHBP Auxiliary Transmission Oil Cooler
NHMP Speed Control
NMCP Heavy Duty Engine Cooling
RAAC All Radio Equipped Vehicles
RAFP AM/FM Cassette Radio
RCGP 6 Speakers
RDCP Power Antenna
SBAS Power Rack and Pinion Steering
SCGP Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
SFCP Front Perf Tuned Shock Absorbers
SGCP Rear Perf Tuned Shock Absorbers
SUAP Tilt Steering Column
TAAC All Tires
TBB Full Size Spare Tire
TBLS Inside Mounted Spare Tire
TRMA P225/75R16 BSW On/Off Road Tires
WJRP 16X6.0 Aluminum Chrome Wheels
WLZC All Aluminum Wheels
YAAS Build To U.S. Mkt. Specifications"
You guys check it out and see if you see any speaking points...
bldeagle10
Explorer
do you have a link to the build sheet request form page? im having a helluva time finding it for some reason
wikun
Observer
1) This is the link to the build request page on the jeep site :http://www.jeep.com/wccsapp/universal/J/index.jsp?appStr=wccs&titleStr=Contact+Jeep&familyStr=brand&franchise=J&actionURL=/wccs/brand_forms/us/webform.jsp&promotion=null&category=U
In the first part they want you to put in the last 8 of your vin, but in the "Please enter additional information to assist us" are I put my full vin.
2) The bins and table are long gone. My wife's C-RV has the table and we love it...the jeep though doesn't
Now onto today's post....
The parts ferry visited my house today with my new manifold, but when I opened the package, I found this....
Fail... They got the wrong header, although the gasket was correct...Unfortunately that was damaged also... I called them and they said they would get the problem fixed as soon as possible, so at least their customer service was pretty good. I won't say who they are until the problem is resolved, it is only fair to give them a chance.
Next I got a grinder and got to cutting. The first thing to go was the factory front skid plate. The bolts were free spinning and the thing wouldn't come out, it left me with no other option. I wanted to keep it, but that wasn't in the cards today.
Next, was the fenders. The passenger side was already crinkled, but I am going to straighten out the cuts by grinding flat. It was getting dark.
Next thing I noticed was that when I put my front diff. back together, I guess I screwed up the simplest thing in the world, putting it back together, because it was dripping oil. Can't really see it but you can see it is all wet, so we will have to pull it apart and try again. Might as well have set $30.00 bucks on fire in the backyard. :yikes:
Next are the tie rods...Not in great shape, so those will get swapped to ZJ tie rods...Those fit right? I am 99% sure that the 1995 Grand Cherokee tie rods will fit, just double checking.
So that is where we are today...I will post up pics of my junyard lift tomorrow. As soon as I bust apart the leaf pacs... Stay tuned.:ylsmoke:
In the first part they want you to put in the last 8 of your vin, but in the "Please enter additional information to assist us" are I put my full vin.
2) The bins and table are long gone.
My wife's C-RV has the table and we love it...the jeep though doesn'tNow onto today's post....
The parts ferry visited my house today with my new manifold, but when I opened the package, I found this....
Fail... They got the wrong header, although the gasket was correct...Unfortunately that was damaged also...
I called them and they said they would get the problem fixed as soon as possible, so at least their customer service was pretty good. I won't say who they are until the problem is resolved, it is only fair to give them a chance.Next I got a grinder and got to cutting. The first thing to go was the factory front skid plate. The bolts were free spinning and the thing wouldn't come out, it left me with no other option. I wanted to keep it, but that wasn't in the cards today.
Next, was the fenders. The passenger side was already crinkled, but I am going to straighten out the cuts by grinding flat. It was getting dark.
Next thing I noticed was that when I put my front diff. back together, I guess I screwed up the simplest thing in the world, putting it back together, because it was dripping oil.
Can't really see it but you can see it is all wet, so we will have to pull it apart and try again. Might as well have set $30.00 bucks on fire in the backyard. :yikes:Next are the tie rods...Not in great shape, so those will get swapped to ZJ tie rods...Those fit right? I am 99% sure that the 1995 Grand Cherokee tie rods will fit, just double checking.
So that is where we are today...I will post up pics of my junyard lift tomorrow. As soon as I bust apart the leaf pacs... Stay tuned.:ylsmoke:
wikun
Observer
Progress this morning...
Got the front sway bar removed..
And got the leafs cut open and ready to be put together with the rears to make my bastard pack, when they come off.
And then, just for fun, I chopped the front bumper and threw it back onto the jeep just to see. Not sure if I like it there.
This afternoon, I am going to install the front lift. Pics to follow...
Got the front sway bar removed..
And got the leafs cut open and ready to be put together with the rears to make my bastard pack, when they come off.
And then, just for fun, I chopped the front bumper and threw it back onto the jeep just to see. Not sure if I like it there.
This afternoon, I am going to install the front lift. Pics to follow...
wikun
Observer
Well, I installed the 95 V8 ZJ coils up front and wouldn't you know it, dissapointment. The problem is that they give me less than an inch of lift. SO that is a failure. It looks like I am going to order some lift coils. Junkyard boost advice, order lift coils up front and go with a bastard pack in the rear. It seems that that is the best option. I don't want spacers. I was hoping for close to 2", but even 2" isn't really what I was looking for. So, coils are getting ordered and I am going to assemble the bastard pack for the rear. I 2 leaf packs from an 89 dakota. Hopefully that will give me 3" in the rear and then 3" up front with coils. Picks of the front are worthless because less than an inch of lift looks completely stock. Today I am going to clean the jeep and install a CB radio on the console. Easy job.
bldeagle10
Explorer
no bueno! i really was thinking about doing a JY lift, ZJ coils and such then i got sold on OME and thats where im setting my hopes for mine. 3-3.5" of lift.