Didn't notice any issues when I test drove it, they showed up here at the house.

1. Leaking oil
and 2. Cluck sound from front end on full lock.
I was waiting for the garage door to open, had it on full lock fully stopped waiting to make a right, when I accelerated I heard and felt clucking in the front.

Here are 2 pics from the oil leakage;

 

oil leaks tend to be just part of owning an xj (at least for me they have been!)


Lots of resources on how to diagnose issues for your XJ. I'm guessing your tie rod ends are probably worn.

 

Engine rear main seal leak. No worry though. My Jeep Comanche MJ aka xj leaks out the rear main seal . Maybe valve cover leak in the rear of valve cover.

 

oil filter adapter is a common place too.

 

Adapter O Ring -gasket is a yes too. I really don't think Xavier should be too concerned about it at this time, as in don't stress over it. Now that I think about it, I had to remove oil filter adapter to change motor mounts years ago and never replaced gasket at the time. Heck I need to go look at it, oh I'll do it later. :icon_rolleyes:

 

Thanks for making me feel better Earthworm and AIC.
I've been reading a lot about the clunking, I know nothing about fixing cars so I'll have to take it to a shop when money allows it.

The jeep will be sitting in the garage in the mean time,
the important thing for me was to snatch it up ASAP since clean XJ's are hard time find (I looked around almost 3 months).

I'll keep the thread updated, see you guys in a month (when I have more money) haha

 

Clunking could be an axle u joint which are easy enough to replace. Oil leak could be the mentioned adapter or rear main or the valve cover as it can leak and run down.

Feel your pain on the cash front, I just bought back my 98 XJ and it'll need some serious rust repair before winter. At least both side rockers and driver side floor.

 

Post on VJC, see if anybody is willing to teach you how to work on your XJ. Offer to drive to their place and bring pizza/adult beverages. You'll be amazed at how awesome they can be in that regard. Parts on rock auto are cheap, autozone isn't too bad if you are not buying much.

 

Thanks for your input fasterw, I did read about that on the jeep forum.

When the time is right, I'll ask for help on VJC AIC.
I can do photoshoots of their fams for free if they're willing to help.
I'll share some examples of my work their for them to see.

ttygl.

 

If the XJ is a 3rd vehicle is it basically a toy as that is what mine is. Cherokees are the perfect car to learn to work on and fix. Prior to owning mine I had no idea what I was doing car wise. After tinkering around with mine enough I'm not afraid of doing any work on it. Well... besides the lift I'm gonna put on.

 

We were able to take out the XJ on its first dirt road experience couple days ago.
We've been here in the past with the Patriot, but hit a dead end when we came across a rut. The rut was and still is pretty deep.

There were some rocks in the middle I had to remove before I crossed it.
I think somebody placed them there on purpose for them to hit the front differential, I'm assuming they don't want ppl back there.

I didn't think I had to engage the 4x4, but did when I realized I wasn't going anywhere ... once engaged, I hit the gas and got over it.
I felt the XJ's power, there were 100 thoughts that ran by head in a matter of secs, all of future experiences we'll have thanks to this vehicle.

My wife got all excited, you can hear her soon after. The excitement came from many things;
1. she thought we were stuck and we got out of it.
2. first 4x4 experience
and 3. she's happy that we have a vehicle that will be taking us on awesome adventures.

The dirt road is not even a mile long, close to a city, but yet feels like you're in the middle of desert (which we are, it's Phoenix lol).

Apologies if I sound like a little kid at a candy store, just excited about our new toy. Yes, it was a simple rut, big deal lol :doh:

Here's the vid;
Monsoon lightning strike at 00:09 & 00:23 secs.
Short trail begins at 1:40
Rut at 3:00
and the rest of the video is just crusin' through the easy trail.

 

Congrats on the XJ! It will open up a whole new world to you with all of the great trails here in AZ.

It sounds like you don't have much mechanical experience, and that's ok. Just look at your XJ as a tremendous learning opportunity.

I've been into cars since I was very young and I never had enough money to pay someone else to maintain/repair them so over the years I had to learn to do it all myself.

Now that I have enough money to pay others, I still choose not to. Not only have I found that if I take my time (and put in love) I can do a better job than a shop, but I also get a good deal of satisfaction doing the work myself and knowing I built the rig I'm wheeling.

Either way you've got some great resources available locally (AIC, me, VJC, etc) if you choose to take advantage of them.

More free (unsolicited) advice :

If you don't already have one, put together an "off road kit" and keep it in the back of your rig. People overlook this stuff all the time but it can come in handy not only to keep you rolling down the trail, but can also save your bacon (especially if you're wheeling alone, which isn't recommended).

There are tons of articles out on the net on what a kit should include but things like a recovery strap, spare water, pry bar, machete, full size spare, a good jack, blanket, shovel, knife, and some basic tools are highly recommended.

If you can't afford a winch, you can pick up a come-along which are cheap and easy to carry but can also be effective in getting you out of tight spots.

Recovery points are one of the most important modifications and should be squared away 1st thing.

And oh yeah: If it breaks, upgrade it!

 

It sounds like you don't have much mechanical experience, and that's ok. Just look at your XJ as a tremendous learning opportunity.

Yup, 0 to none mechanical experience.

I've been in touch with AIC since I joined the Patriot community,
he's been guiding me and providing a lot of useful information, I cannot thank him enough.

Thanks for mentioning items I overlooked for my 'off road kit'.
Next moves is to make a list, prioritize items and buy them as the money becomes available.

I will also be taking the XJ to Knuckle Busters for a diagnostic.
Don't know if you read that I have some clunking on full lock.

We don't trust the vehicle yet, we don't know how reliable it'll be so we need to be extremely cautious of where we go and do.

We're more into scenic drives and exploring the back country than actual wheelin', we have 2 small children so safety is our number one priority

Make sure you check the engine oil and tranny fluid on a regular basis considering oil leak.

Yes indeed, thank you for the reminder!

 

It's a whole new Adventure driving the Jeep Cherokee XJ vs the Jeep Patriot. Kinda like night and day. You'll be able to go where you want to now stress free once you get to know your Cherokees strengths. Not any weakness compared to the Patriot, offroad anyways. Have Fun. Make sure you check the engine oil and tranny fluid on a regular basis considering oil leak. Like I stated before, my Jeep Comanche truck same as Cherokee XJ but a bed on it leaks oil the same way. I've owned it for 28 years, bought it brand new. Nice Video by the way.

 

I don't drive my XJ much, so I've gotten in the habit of checking ALL my cars once a week, usually friday just after I get home from work so I know I'm good for the weekend.

 

AIC, we'll be driving the XJ for trips, maybe just like you, here and there, it's our toy car.

3rd time taking it out on the trails today.
I finally got to use 4L ... well, what can I say besides WOW !!!

We went up up a steep fairly easy hill ... the descent on the other side was intimidating however, so I flipped a U.
There were lose rocks and dips, I told myself "let's do this!!!" ... as soon as I felt slippin' at the beginning, I had a change of heart because of my kiddos.

We went back down the hill which we came from, no probs and decided to hit up another hill nearby, same issue, except this time it was going up.

The hill became intimidating once we were in front of it, lose rocks and deep dips.
I have no experience doing these sections so I backed off.

On the way back down, I benefited from 4L, never hit the brakes and the XJ just cruised along like a walk in park!

I know the XJ can do it, but lack of experience and my kids on board, I decided to call it quits.
If it was myself with another rig, I would go for it no doubt.

I took video that I might share, but not worth it, I'm just a noob that didn't decide to go onward haha

I learned a lot today which I'm thankful for :smiley_thumbs_up:

 

Xj's are fun rigs.. had a 90 and a 91.. only difference was 91 had the high output 4.0l.. 90 had a 4.0l also but less in means of aftermarket parts... the 4.0 is a stout motor.. had 3 including my 93 yj.. very easy to work on or if it's your first run around on a motor very easy to learn. . So much room under the hood..

 

Everyone is getting a real Cherokee...lol I might buy one later this week too...:smiley_thumbs_up:

 

Here's a list of items I will be buying in the near future.

1. Tow Hooks $85;
C4x4 XJ Tow Hook w/brackets
http://www.jeepinoutfitters.com/products/c4x4-xj-tow-hook-brackets

I read this article regarding tow hooks vs a hitch, what do you guys think?
http://www.hrja.org/towpoints.htm

2. Hi-Lift Jack $74;
Hi-Lift Jack HL484 48"
http://goo.gl/vlR1uz

This Hi-Lift also acts like a Come-Along
What height do you guys recommend? 36, 42, 48?

3. Full Spare
My XJ came with a spare, but it's not a full sized spare.
Since I already have a 15inch rim ... would you guys recommend buying a new tire or used tire?

4. Air compressor $57;
Viair 00088 88P Portable Air Compressor
http://goo.gl/343pJh

5. Deflator $41;
ARB ARB505 E-Z Deflator
http://goo.gl/FgpZTf

This item seems extremely expensive to me for what it does, are there any other cheaper alternatives?

6. Recovery Strap $40;
Smittybilt CC330 3" x 30' Recovery Strap - 30,000 lb Capacity
http://goo.gl/5rU8n1

7. D-Rings $25;
Rugged Ridge
http://goo.gl/2Z4MGk

8. Tire Repair Kit $40;
Safety Seal
http://goo.gl/iQrrRT

9. Roof Basket $110;
Rage Storage Rack
http://goo.gl/7iZkuT

 

As far as using the hilift as a winch we had a heck of a time getting my buddies LJ unstuck using it. We had 3 people, one to hold it from swinging wildly and 2 to pull the lever to advance it one notch. It was brutal.

Here's the deflater I got, extremely well made and handy but currently unavailable? it was $15 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CJHU9W/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_IFOSvb1CAGAVF

I just got that DC air compressor haven't used it yet but looking forward to testing it this weekend maybe.

I also have the 20' 20klbs version of that strap. Good for the price.

I have 2 d-rings from tractor supply company and these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H90NJ4S/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_jQOSvb1AHE844 I like both but the amazon ones were cheaper if you buy in pairs.

Full size spare would be a good idea used would be fine imo. I've read the Cherokee could use some stiffening but probably unnecessary unless you're planning on wheeling hard core. Rock rails should help too.

 

As far as using the hilift as a winch we had a heck of a time getting my buddies LJ unstuck using it. We had 3 people, on to hold it from swinging wildly and 2 to pull the lever to advance it one notch. It was brutal.

Wow lol

Here's the deflater I got, extremely well made and handy but currently unavailable? it was $15 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CJHU9W/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_IFOSvb1CAGAVF

Ebay has it for 15 bucks, but 5 dollar shipping.

I have 2 d-rings from tractor supply company and these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H90NJ4S/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_jQOSvb1AHE844 I like both but the amazon ones were cheaper if you buy in pairs.

Cool thanks, added to my list.

Full size spare would be a good idea used would be fine imo.

A used tire is what I was thinking as well, cheaper and would only be used in case of an emergency.
I also added a tire repair kit to my list.

 

Get the 48" Hi Lift and mount it on the roof rack. You can use the Hi Lift to raise the tire off the ground and stack rocks under it if you get stuck. The Hi Lift is worth every penny IMO........

 

I got a free full sized spare tire from a VJC member. its older but it holds air. its meant to get me from a dirt road to a paved road, and no further. if it gets me further then I consider it a miracle. Call around to the small mexican tire shops that sell used tires. you can usually get one SUPER cheap. or post on VJC. there were a couple of guys giving away tires recently. not sure what sizes they had.


I have a come-along for if I ever get stuck off road:
http://goo.gl/sli4ua

I haven't ever had to use it, but its a lot cheaper than a winch and takes up a lot less space. research a high jack, you have to make sure you have some sort of point to hook it up to on the jeep. if you do not then its pretty worthless.

I have a bottle jack that I use and a block of wood if I ever had to change my tire off road:
http://goo.gl/t1No92

I got a 4 ton as it was just a tad bigger than the crank bottle jack that came with my XJ, so it fits under the rear seat, not taking up any more room, and the 4x4 block of wood goes next to it. a 2 ton is far too small and a 6 ton, while it wouldn't need the block of wood, is far to big. and I just always have it with me, where a high lift will be too much of a hassle.

(don't forget to use my amazon and ebay links )

 

You can buy Hi Lift jack accessories on Amazon. They make a bumper attachment and assortment of goodies for the HI Lift. They even have a video too.

 

I'd recommend a small shovel as well. It's something I'm looking at getting for my JK along with an ax.

 

Yeah, shovel, ax/hatchet, and a folding saw in case you have to cut a tree out of the trail or make a fire(lighters are a good idea too).

 

Earthworm
As AIC mentioned, I need to make sure I have a point where I can set the Hi-Lift on, otherwise it'll be useless.
I thought about this when I came across the Hi-Lift and haven't checked the XJ yet.
Sliders would do the job, but don't plan on getting a set anytime soon.

AIC
I was looking into that come-along as well, but scratched it off since the Hi-Lift acts like one.
RCguymikes experience has me thinking twice about using a Hi-Lift as a come-along haha.

I would feel weird asking for a freeby on JVC.
I'll probably just end up buying a used tire at a Mexican tire shop.

I was going to say that the bottle jack might be to small,
but then realized that you would use the block as a supporting system to give you the extra height.
Definitely cheaper which I like lol.

I always use your Amazon link, but didn't know about your Ebay link, where can I find it?

I'll start ordering stuff next pay period :smiley_thumbs_up:

 

RC & the_jeep_now
Not sure I would need an ax or a saw out here in AZ.
I think a machete and some snake repellent would be better haha.
I do have a shovel, well my recovery boards act as one, so I technically have 2 shovels

Thanks for the feedback guys, I appreciate it.

 

I use a come-along I've had for years. i bought it when I was building fences for people, and since I don't do that anymore, I have repurposed it. to be honest I have never used it... so it is doing its job just by being in the jeep with me, along with all of the fluids I bring with too. I have thought about getting a high lift, but you have to have a jacking point, which if you don't have sliders or a bumper that is set up/strong enough, then you have to use an adapter, that fits like onto your wheel, well if you have a flat tire, that wouldn't do you any good at all. The bottle jack and block are just good to have if you have a flat anywhere not just off road.

I wouldn't ask for a freebee I would post up on there "looking for cheap full sized spare tire". you might get one for just a couple of bucks, even better than the tire shop, and VJC people like to help out, especially new jeepers. and somebody might have a recommendation of a reputable place to get a tire from in your area if nothing else.

I have a tree saw I bring with me... when I remember too:
http://goo.gl/WkDfL1

that is something I have used a bit when I had the patriot, and after I scratched it up the first time pretty good... good for hacking away branches that encroach on a trail.

Ebay link is here:
http://goo.gl/f95g2C