My venture into the unknown...

[BIGdaddy]

Hey, no problemo.

I did the following on my rig when I got it:

-plugs
-plug wires
-cap
-rotor
-oil
-oil filter
-serpentine belt(very easy)
-injector cleaner
-fuel filter
-radiator/new coolant
(radiator sprung a tiny leak on plastic side tank a couple weeks ago. I checked with the previous owner. The broken radiator had been in there for 10 years. A very respectable life span, in my opinion, so I felt fine about the $130.00 spent on a similar plastic/alum one. It's been running daily for two weeks with MUCH better cooling charactoristics and no problems)

 

[IH8RDS]

Good choice in a very dependable platform. I bought mine new in 99 and it has been a very reliable 4X4. :victory:

A few things I have done:
Lebaron hood vents
Rear disk brake conversion
Finnaly swapped for an 8.8 rear axel (your 35 will be fine see Big Daddys link)

 

[BIGdaddy]

Looks good. I'm borrowing my pa's '90 XJ for the next few days. And while I am surprised by how small it is, I do enjoy driving it.

I still can't wait to go back to the real thing tho.

yeah, that surprised me too. it fits my family of five with a ton of storage in the back, though...

I had a fullsize jeep for a while. THAT was a nice rig. I HAD to sell due to finances at the time, though. sucks.

 

[shadow images]

Have you check to see if you have a dana35 my 94 came with the 8.5. I bought mine for a $1000 and have put way more into it.

 

[BIGdaddy]

Have you check to see if you have a dana35 my 94 came with the 8.5. I bought mine for a $1000 and have put way more into it.

Hey buddy, I think you mean chrysler 8.25. and yeah, some of them came with it, but before 1997, the axle is a 27 spline and about the same strength as the d35. after 1997 its the same basic axle, but the spline count goes up to 29, and the housing is a bit thicker/stronger alleviating carrier and spider gear issues due to case spreading...

so to break it down..

1990ish to 1997
-d35

-chrysler 8.25 27 spline

1997-up 2001
-chrysler 8.25 29 spline. stronger housiing.

 

[AZBaobab]

You know... I hadn't even thought to look at which axle I had.
I'd heard that some came with the 8.25, but had just assumed mine had the D35. I'll have to look into that. I was checking out OX locker's site, and they don't have anything for the 8.25. ABR does though, but with the onboard air, I'm looking at a pricier set up that route. Eitherway, I've got plenty of other stuff to take care of before we get there.

I didn't know this but pre-97, not only are they both 27 spline, but both are also 1.16" shafts. So, if one swaps out the diff, is there any difference besides the housing?

 

[troy]

Looks like a good buy to me for $900. I picked up a '98 with 152K on it about 4 years ago with the intent on it being a winter car for the wife. It is now my main vehicle and has 218K miles on it. No work to the engine or trans, just fluid changes.

It has easily been one of the cheapest cars to own and maintain, that I have ever owned. Especially if you do all your own modifications and repair.

Good luck.

 

[BIGdaddy]

Fix your seat belt!! XJs are awesome. Light, compact, and capable. The profile is more like a small wagon than an SUV.

In case you want a front skid plate, today I found the only source of OEM front skids (well I asked on NAXJA and someone posted it). $52

http://www.moparpartsamerica.com

Part # 82202851

what exactly does this skid plate protect?

 

[T.Low]

Ummm... You'll miss your Cruiser.

I've owned more then a few Cherokee's and while fun they're nowhere near the rigs that Cruisers are. the rattles alone will drive you nuts in a year or two. Plus the milage with the 4.0L is horrible for such a light truck. For $900, it's hard to go wrong, but you'll spend at least 3 times that much making it reliable and trail worthy.

Why didn't you just buy another Cruiser??? Buy in might be higher, but you get so much more. Sorry if that sounds harsh but this type of desicision just doesn't make sence to me. Sell a 92 Cruiser and buy a Cherokee??? Huh. Well to each their own I guess but...

Good Luck

Dave

Nothing says "Congratulations on your new purchase" quite like this post here. If it doesn't give you a small case of "Buyer's Remorse", it might just give you a case of "Original Poster's Remorse".:Wow1:

 

[winkosmosis]

what exactly does this skid plate protect?

The protects the steering arm if you aren't lifted too high, and protects the alternator from splashing water and mud. It would improve aerodynamics too and possibly improve cooling at high speed by creating negative pressure behind the radiator.

But nevermind that link-- they're out of stock and will never get more because they aren't made anymore. They had to cancel my order

 

[BIGdaddy]

The protects the steering arm if you aren't lifted too high, and protects the alternator from splashing water and mud. It would improve aerodynamics too and possibly improve cooling at high speed by creating negative pressure behind the radiator.

But nevermind that link-- they're out of stock and will never get more because they aren't made anymore. They had to cancel my order

well thanks for nothing!!:sombrero:

too bad, thanks for the link and info anyways...

 

[Root Moose]

You know... I hadn't even thought to look at which axle I had.
I'd heard that some came with the 8.25, but had just assumed mine had the D35. I'll have to look into that. I was checking out OX locker's site, and they don't have anything for the 8.25. ABR does though, but with the onboard air, I'm looking at a pricier set up that route. Eitherway, I've got plenty of other stuff to take care of before we get there.

I didn't know this but pre-97, not only are they both 27 spline, but both are also 1.16" shafts. So, if one swaps out the diff, is there any difference besides the housing?

Look at the rear axle - if the diff housing is flat and parallel to the ground then you have a 8.25. If you have a Dana 35 it will be round.

Do you have ABS? If so you definitely have a Dana 35.

The 27 spline 8.25 can be upgraded to 29 spline using the 29 spline axles parts. At that point I'd be more inclined to swap the whole axle though.

 

[winkosmosis]

Look at the rear axle - if the diff housing is flat and parallel to the ground then you have a 8.25. If you have a Dana 35 it will be round.

Do you have ABS? If so you definitely have a Dana 35.

The 27 spline 8.25 can be upgraded to 29 spline using the 29 spline axles parts. At that point I'd be more inclined to swap the whole axle though.

Also, on the 8.25, even though the housing is octagon shaped, the cover is round. So don't be fooled!