txinga
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Woodstock, Ga
Request advice: Recently acquired '95 XJ gratis, repair list may be too long
My wife and I recently acquired a '95 XJ with 188k +/- on the odometer, gratis. It's got the usual 4.0 HO, don't know about the model tranny. It also has all the usual leaks; valve cover, rear main, probably the oil filter adapter, the tranny pan, oil pan, water pump, radiator. This was the list as determined by a reputable repair shop (I know, an oxymoron ). Anyway the bill if done by the shop runs aroun 1300 or so. Here's what I was thinking: (Your comments gladly welcomed)
1) Replace the coolant system. Radiator, water pump, hoses, thermo. About $220 in parts when I checked on partsamerica.com. I figure it's probably the most critical, gotta keep the Jeep cool in the Georgia sauna.
2) Do the oil leaks as I get around to them. I notice a lot of people post that they don't worry too much about them, just add oil. I figure I'd do the oil pan, oil pump and rear main at the same time. I think I can do them anyway. The valve cover shouldn't pose a problem either and it'll give me a chance to see if there is sludge buildup while I'm there. Parts aren't much here, just gaskets, oil pump and a lot of time.
3) Tranny. Yikes, this one I'm not sure of. Getting the pan change done shouldn't require too much effort should it? I don't know if the previous owners took care of it or not. If I get the thing fully flushed it might fail, right? No more friction in the juice is what I understand. Not sure what to do about this one.
4) Exhaust. Will need a cat I'm sure. Thing rattles like it's full of rocks. $350 or so?
I mean, it is a free Jeep. Just needs work. Someone told me I should just take it in to get the engine and tranny rebuilt and/or replaced. I don't know about that. This won't be a DD, just for going camping or tooling around in. This is a nice Jeep with some age but don't we all start showing our age after awhile. Engine is strong. This vehicle outruns our other vehicles with no problem. 4WD seems to be in good shape also. I read that thread of the 200K + club going on and I would love to be able to put 50 - 100K more on this one.
Thanks for your time and I appreciate any help y'all can throw my way.
Tommy
My wife and I recently acquired a '95 XJ with 188k +/- on the odometer, gratis. It's got the usual 4.0 HO, don't know about the model tranny. It also has all the usual leaks; valve cover, rear main, probably the oil filter adapter, the tranny pan, oil pan, water pump, radiator. This was the list as determined by a reputable repair shop (I know, an oxymoron ). Anyway the bill if done by the shop runs aroun 1300 or so. Here's what I was thinking: (Your comments gladly welcomed)
1) Replace the coolant system. Radiator, water pump, hoses, thermo. About $220 in parts when I checked on partsamerica.com. I figure it's probably the most critical, gotta keep the Jeep cool in the Georgia sauna.
2) Do the oil leaks as I get around to them. I notice a lot of people post that they don't worry too much about them, just add oil. I figure I'd do the oil pan, oil pump and rear main at the same time. I think I can do them anyway. The valve cover shouldn't pose a problem either and it'll give me a chance to see if there is sludge buildup while I'm there. Parts aren't much here, just gaskets, oil pump and a lot of time.
3) Tranny. Yikes, this one I'm not sure of. Getting the pan change done shouldn't require too much effort should it? I don't know if the previous owners took care of it or not. If I get the thing fully flushed it might fail, right? No more friction in the juice is what I understand. Not sure what to do about this one.
4) Exhaust. Will need a cat I'm sure. Thing rattles like it's full of rocks. $350 or so?
I mean, it is a free Jeep. Just needs work. Someone told me I should just take it in to get the engine and tranny rebuilt and/or replaced. I don't know about that. This won't be a DD, just for going camping or tooling around in. This is a nice Jeep with some age but don't we all start showing our age after awhile. Engine is strong. This vehicle outruns our other vehicles with no problem. 4WD seems to be in good shape also. I read that thread of the 200K + club going on and I would love to be able to put 50 - 100K more on this one.
Thanks for your time and I appreciate any help y'all can throw my way.
Tommy
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