XJ Expedition Basics

[brockmub]

OK, guys and gals, I'd like a little guidance on this one. I've been a member of a lot of different forums and have lurked here for a while, but just finally decided to join up. The reason is that I'm surprising my wife in June with a little road trip from Sioux Falls, SD to Imogene Pass to Puerto Penasco for a wedding anniversary/mission trip. Essentially, she has no idea where we are going and want to surprise her with a mini-adventure to whet her appetite for more.

Question is... What are the top things I should consider when preparing my 2001 Cherokee for the two week trip on Interstates, Mountain Passes, and Mexican Desert?

My wife is going to love a little adventure but would not exactly be thrilled at being stranded some where. Can you help a guy out? I love cshontz's build but am I naive to think I can do it with my stock gray XJ?

 

[computeruser]

Welcome aboard!

To answer your question: Preventative Maintenance!!!!! All the usual stuff - fluids, grease points, cooling system, belts/hoses, tire balance, brakes, wheel bearings, stuff like that. If you break something in an extreme situation or in an emergency, that's one thing. But to break something that is really a PM issue...that's no fun at all. If it is worn out, or nearly worn out, just replace it - you're going to have to do so sooner or later, and it is better to pick your time for addressing this stuff, right? So often folks focus all their energy on flashy accessories and "upgrades", when in reality all they really need is a reliable, well-maintained vehicle to get out and enjoy an adventure.

From there, organization. If you're going to be living and camping out of your vehicle (or just living and staying in hotels, frankly) then everything should have its place, should be boxed up and strapped down, and the vehicle should not be overcrowded with goods. Items should be strapped down for safety and to keep the annoying bouncing and rattling of cargo to a minimum. Where possible, take items that will serve more than one purpose, saving space, weight, and reducing clutter.

Good maps, a few planned destinations and a sense of the other cool or curious stuff along the route. Bring along your preferred soundtrack for the adventure (music, book-on-cd, whatever). Look at the route and see what other people have liked about the places you're going to pass through.

Recovery gear, tools, spare parts as appropriate for the destination, the route, and the vehicle. Find the right balance here, and pack accordingly.

I'm sure other folks will chime in with other ideas, but in my experience exploring by car on pavement and off, these are the things that I've found to be important.

 

[AFSOC]

:iagree: What he said...PM.

 

[XJINTX]

Extra gas... you can get pretty far between gas stops without trying and on you never know if the little town's station will be open or even have gas.

For Imogene and other "off the beaten path" trails you should be able to air up and down by yourself.

Maybe keep a list of the guys here that volunteer help and support if you are in their neck of the woods and need assistance.

 

[brockmub]

So far awesome advice! I'm sort of heading down that route already so I don't feel like such a noob. Probably should have stated what I already started doing to prepare for the trip.

A couple of summers ago, my brother and I took an off-road training from Mark Filonowich at the Iron Range Off Road Park in Virginia MN. Had a blast, got stuck, no major carnage other than a broken plastic center cap, and learned what the Jeep was capable of. Can't recommend him enough! For the course, we mounted recovery hooks on the front, then used the receiver hitch at the rear recovery point. (you might be able to see the hooks if you look closely enough)

There is also a small recovery bag that stays in the Jeep at all times, super helpful in winter, and you never know when you're going to need a hammer.

In the bag, there is always my 30' tow, large and small clevis, receiver pin, gloves, tape measure, crescent wrench, screwdrivers, hammer, pliers, and tape. Really should throw a roll of duct tape in there too. Not a big bag but what else should I drop in there? I keep my Leatherman in the glove box with my mini LED Mag.

Went through both differentials last fall, checked the optima battery, and all other normal maintenance points this Spring. However, the check engine light came on last week after a particularly rough initial start and idle. The Jeep seemed fine after that but the engine light was still on. So I ordered the....

ScanGaugeII. The Scan Gauge cleared the trouble code and showed me that there was a misfire on Cyl 3. Just going to keep an eye on that during the month before we leave.

Maintenance left to do...
1. Keep eye on Cyl 3.
2. Replace cracked front windshield
3. Fuel injector cleaning (might take care of Cyl 3)
4. Oil change
5. Coolant change

Thanks for the tips, keep them coming! I'm up for the adventure, but like being prepared!

 

[Root Moose]

There is a TSB for the misfire on #3 (if it is the same thing). Heat from the engine makes the fuel injector at that location too hot. The TSB kit has little insulators to wrap around the injectors to protect from heat. Amazingly it works in spite of the heat soak.

 

[wikun]

Misfire

There are a few things that you could add to the list to do and throw in the bag. The engine scanner and code book is something that is always in the vehicle somewhere. This has been helpful on the trail or more particularly at base camp. Others need it and you have it. Second, with the misfire. You are right a great place to start is the fuel injector cleaning. And not just some tank additive. A full cleaning where they remove the injectors and clean them offline is best, but there are other quicker and cheaper alternatives, just ask your local mechanic. I don't remember what year you have so if you have a distributor cap, pop it open and check the points for burns or carbon that could make you miss and throw a code. Next the plugs. Let the engine cool and pull the plugs. Just a once over for peace of mind. And if any are showing wear, just throw a new set in. Other than the PM that you have mentioned, you should be good to roll. If you might get into some more technical stuff, you might want a new/spare yoke, or install a SYE. Some wheel bearing grease and diff oil. Other than you should be just fine. Oh and make sure you HAVE FUN:sombrero::sombrero::sombrero:

 

[shogun]

Maintenance left to do...
1. Keep eye on Cyl 3.
2. Replace cracked front windshield
3. Fuel injector cleaning (might take care of Cyl 3)
4. Oil change
5. Coolant change

Thanks for the tips, keep them coming! I'm up for the adventure, but like being prepared!

6. Brake Fluid change
7. Brake Pads check
8. spare fuel pump
9. spare serp belt

 

[brockmub]

There is a TSB for the misfire on #3 (if it is the same thing). Heat from the engine makes the fuel injector at that location too hot. The TSB kit has little insulators to wrap around the injectors to protect from heat. Amazingly it works in spite of the heat soak.

I will keep checking on Cyl 3 and look for a kit for wrapping the injectors. Thanks for the tip!

There are a few things that you could add to the list to do and throw in the bag. The engine scanner and code book is something that is always in the vehicle somewhere. This has been helpful on the trail or more particularly at base camp. Others need it and you have it.

I really like the ScanGauge so far... I think I'll keep it Velcro-ed to the steering column but I was thinking that maybe I should print out the trouble codes and keep them in my travel binder on big trips. Maybe if it gets mounted in a more permanent place, I'll get the additional cord.

6. Brake Fluid change
7. Brake Pads check
8. spare fuel pump
9. spare serp belt

How necessary are 8 and 9?

 

[cnskate]

I would bring an extra crank position sensor and the necessary tools to change it. Fuel pump too maybe? Fuel size spare, compressor, tire patch kit. Does your lady like heights? If not, she might not thank you for Imogene Pass:coffeedrink:

 

[shogun]

How necessary are 8 and 9?

I have had two pumps die on me, the first was intermittant and drivable until replaced. The second left me stranded for a half hour in the desert, luckily it started and we avoided a several hour walkabout. It died a week later on the side of the road, tow away. They cost about $100, and take maybe an hour to change.

The belt is cheap and given that it runs all the ancillaries, could ruin your day. I've never had one break, yet. Cheap insurance.

 

[brockmub]

I would bring an extra crank position sensor and the necessary tools to change it. Fuel pump too maybe? Fuel size spare, compressor, tire patch kit. Does your lady like heights? If not, she might not thank you for Imogene Pass:coffeedrink:

Actually she's on the flight team at the local hospital, so she might be more ready for this than I am.

Haven't heard about bringing a CPsensor before. I'll throw a fuel pump in, sounds like that's a safe bet. Not sure what a fuel sized spare is? But I do have a full spare already and I'll have a little compressor along. Never patched a truck tire before, but it can't be much different than my Tri-bike.:Wow1:

 

[jacobfreeman]

I am glad that you posted this thread.. I am getting ready for the exact same situation as you haha. Heading out on an 2 or 3 day expo trip! :smiley_drive:
Have fun!

 

[A7XJ]

Fuel pumps do not like heat. So if you happen to pass through AZ in the summer it might not hurt to have a spare. I replaced my serp belt and carry the old one as a spare. I have a few extra 2001 Jeep XJ factory service manuals, so if you happen to pass through mesa AZ on your way to mexico I'll be glad to give you one. They are an amazing help if you need to know how to replace or dianose anything on your jeep.

 

[SWbySWesty]

Can we get more info? Are you camping and being self-contained or are you posting up in hotels? The answer to that questions will direct what I'd recommend from my Baja and other trips