Outer Limits 4x4 Board

noelb1 wrote:Allright I've come over to the dark side from owning many sierras to buying a 1997 XJ Cherokee , Bought it cheap $1500 with a few months rego and a blown auto apart from the gearbox everything works and is in good condition , $330 later for the bits to rebuild the tranny and I have a fully functioning cherokee.

So far I have fitted 2" Ironman lift using foamcell shocks , Dual battery system with Gel battery in the boot with some accessory plugs for the fridge and reversing spotlight.

A couple of q's for the cherokee owners .

1) the operating temp for the motor seems to be around 95-100*c traffic/highway doesn't seem to make much difference is this correct?
2) I seem to be getting between 12-15l/100km on e10 is this about right? and what are you getting?
3) Anything I need to keep an eye out for IE preventative maintenacne
4) will 31s affect the gearing /fuel economy too much?

Ill post some pics up when I find the camera ( just moved house)

noelb1 wrote: They run a double cardan joint in the tail shafts which can flog out along with unis....check them regularly.

GUtripper wrote: ↑Sat Jul 14, 2012 12:49 pm

noelb1 wrote:Allright I've come over to the dark side from owning many sierras to buying a 1997 XJ Cherokee , Bought it cheap $1500 with a few months rego and a blown auto apart from the gearbox everything works and is in good condition , $330 later for the bits to rebuild the tranny and I have a fully functioning cherokee.

So far I have fitted 2" Ironman lift using foamcell shocks , Dual battery system with Gel battery in the boot with some accessory plugs for the fridge and reversing spotlight.

A couple of q's for the cherokee owners .

1) the operating temp for the motor seems to be around 95-100*c traffic/highway doesn't seem to make much difference is this correct?
2) I seem to be getting between 12-15l/100km on e10 is this about right? and what are you getting?
3) Anything I need to keep an eye out for IE preventative maintenacne
4) will 31s affect the gearing /fuel economy too much?

Ill post some pics up when I find the camera ( just moved house)

Weighing in at a ton or more less than a cruiser or patrol they are very underrated by non jeep owners.... Can be made very capable quite easily.

Ironman....... There are literally a hundred ( well, almost) brands of lift kits coming out of the US. Ironman wouldnt rate.

Economy seems about right. You could improve it further by fitting a Warn freewheeling front hub kit to stop the front wheels dragging the diff and tai shaft.

Things to watch out for? Reverse lock out switch fills up with goop Offroad and may stop functioning, it can be pulled apart and cleaned. Keep up the oil changes ESP in the rear diff, the wheel bearings run directly on the axle shaft and will flog out if oil runs short or gets old. Temps are high due to a big engine in a confined space, but make sure radiator and thermostat are keep clean, and run good quality coolant. Keep and eye on the clutch fan too. Temps can be reduced by lifting the rear of the bonnet (longer bolts and washers under the hinges) and trimming a touch off each side of the rubber seal along the top of the firewall. Easier and cheaper than cutting vents into the bonnet.

They run a double cardan joint in the tail shafts which can flog out along with unis....check them regularly.

Check out mags like JP out of the US.
Get to know http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com.au" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;, also check out wooders garage in Sydney, also do a search on 'Go Jeep' and you'll find that site full of tips and mods and maintenance ideas and a good game.

calebhawley wrote: ↑Tue Jun 13, 2023 10:50 pm

I tried all these improvements back in 2012. Do you know what I decided? I sold the Cherokee It was too old. Bought another car, a new one, and since then I've only changed the oil, changed the brake pads once.