Just another Jeep

[Somecallmetimm]

After a break from Jeeps I finally repented from my evil ways and came back to the family.
I was tossed between replacing my Forester with a JK or getting a third car beater to have fun with.
The end result is my Cherokee...

This is my first XJ. I picked it up for a mere $1200. As with most cars that price range, there was a short list of things that needed attention along with a long wish list of upgrades

Current status

1997 Cherokee Sport 4.0 , automatic, selectrac.

Stock and most everything works

The beast the night I bought it.

New jeep by Tim, on Flickr

Since picking it up, I've replaced the radiator, steering box, ignition switch and done some long needed maintenance and cleaning.

20180308_175530 by Tim, on Flickr

The stock 15" tires and rims were replaced with a nice set of 16" rims and fairly new tires I scored off a 5.9 ZJ which was getting bigger upgrades. The spare tire and rim have never touched the ground!

The first thing I did after paying the previous owner for the jeep, I ripped the bumper rails off. They were badly faded and warped. Under the old plastic guards were 21 years of grime and 2 sided tape.

Found this little eraser wheel and started in on the unwanted goo.

20180308_183212 by Tim, on Flickr

The end result.

20180308_185606 by Tim, on Flickr

Over time it'll receive a small lift, more aggressive rubber, better storage options, a winch and some armor.

 

[Whaler]

always glad to see another XJ on here, cheers

 

[Somecallmetimm]

This is the first time I've needed to do any paint on a project. I don't really want to do the bed liner route, because of the weight, fading issues, and the fact that once it's on it won't come off easily. Although i may do a roll on liner on the top, the rest of it may just receive some sanding and clear coat if I can get it looking half way decent.
Looking into water based paint as another option. I understand it's pretty easy to work with... in comparison.

Any input is appreciated!

IMG_3093 by Tim, on Flickr
IMG_3094 by Tim, on Flickr
IMG_3088 by Tim, on Flickr

 

[Somecallmetimm]

Ran into starting issues, ended up being worn parts in the column.
Got that squared away and now I'm working on replacing the oil pump.

Joys of an older vehicle.

 

[ipconfig]

This is the first time I've needed to do any paint on a project. I don't really want to do the bed liner route, because of the weight, fading issues, and the fact that once it's on it won't come off easily. Although i may do a roll on liner on the top, the rest of it may just receive some sanding and clear coat if I can get it looking half way decent.
Looking into water based paint as another option. I understand it's pretty easy to work with... in comparison.

Any input is appreciated!

IMG_3093 by Tim, on Flickr
IMG_3094 by Tim, on Flickr
IMG_3088 by Tim, on Flickr

I bought an 87 with major paint issues. I sanded it down and shot it with Tractor Supply paint for about 50 bucks. It isnt professional but will server my purposes fine.

 

[Somecallmetimm]

Not bad for a $50 paint job!
That's likely the route I'll go. Branches happen. Even in Kansas.

 

[stoicalpear]

Looks like a great starting platform.

 

[ipconfig]

Not bad for a $50 paint job!
That's likely the route I'll go. Branches happen. Even in Kansas.

That's my thought process, why spend a grand on something I plan to move tree limbs with. It gets too beat up I will shoot it with some more paint.

 

[Somecallmetimm]

So I got a new oil pump installed, and now I'm dealing with starting issues. I"m pretty sure it's either the fuel pressure regulator/filter or the pump. So time to drop the tank.

I also am enjoying a perk from work. i manage a fleet of survey vehicles, and we just swapped an older truck out of survey service, so I pulled the 15 year old organizer and broke it down. In other words, "Free Wood". I plan on using it to build a small drawer system for the back.

2018-04-07_05-59-07 by Tim, on Flickr

 

[stoicalpear]

I am interested to see what you make from the wood. I have been toying around with some different ideas for storage in my XJ. I cant really commit to any one design as I have so may factors at play (dog, kiddo, lots of gear, weight just to name a few). Sucks to hear the starting issues. What all is it doing? Some quick tips prior to dropping a take... Have you checked fuel pressure at the rail? Also, if the crank position sensor fails it will not start.

 

[Somecallmetimm]

The problem will be properly diagnosed before any work gets done. Right after I got it, starting wasn't an issue, now it will only start on occasion, and it takes a lot of cranking to get it there. I got it started earlier today, but then it just shut down. It turns over no problem, but doesn't start.

As far as the plans for the back. I'm not 100% sure how things will be configured. Another perk of the job is access to great drafting programs. So once I take a few measurements of the back of the jeep, i'll put together a plan. It'll likely just be a 2 drawer system with the top of the platform lower than the top of the back seat. Something the dogs can chill out on, and low enough to load a cooler and other gear on top.

 

[bangthuy001]

The car looks pretty cool! But it looks a bit old

 

[Somecallmetimm]

it's old enough to vote and drink. Much younger than my last 4x4...

 

[IslandVelocity]

Good to see another XJ. Mine is a 97 too. Been slowly over the last year getting it up to snuff.

 

[Somecallmetimm]

Got pix?

I got the fuel pump done last night, killed a few spiders in the process.
Sitting over the last 3 years took its toll. The rear brakes are next. Completely blew out the left cylinder.

Pix of maintenance are boring, so none exist. I hope to get it on the road this weekend and take some photos of it on dirt, it's natural habitat (IOW not my drive way!!!)