Modified renix was running now no start

[Lamaarc]

Hey gang. 1st post here. I recently picked up a highly modified 89. A previous owner (she got around a bit) rewired everything and it’s definitely a bit of a mess. Maybe not my smartest decision but here we are.

Was running just fine for the test drive and voyage home. Been sitting for a few days and now will crank but no start.

I have a mystery connection hanging down now that I don’t remember seeing hanging down before. I’ll post pics because it’s hard to describe but it’s coming off of 3 hardlines down the frame rail, 3 plugs connect to it and end in a big plug ?

 

[Lamaarc]

Also this is my engine bay. Don’t roast me I didn’t do it. Was told that one of the previous owner rewired it to bypass a lot of renix’s problems.
Only xj I’ve owned was a 91 so most of this is lost on me. I know I was opening a can of worms by buying this thing but I couldn’t help myself. If anyone recognizes some of these “fixes/work arounds” or if there’s more info I would love to hear as much as I can.

 

[phydeaux33]

The mystery connection underneath is for the old 4 wheel drive on the original front axle, I can see from the photo that the axle has been changed at some point. All of those hard lines can be removed, just make sure to cap the connections on top of the transfer case and the vacuum line that feeds it. Under the hood is another story that all just needs traced.

 

[Lamaarc]

I appreciate the reply phy. I believe I traced it through the engine bay and out ontop of the transfer case. This was ziptied at the top of it. I don’t believe it was connected to anything. Does this look familiar? Any reason they would keep this if it’s not needed? Incase the old stuff was to be put back?

 

[Lamaarc]

Also just for my learning; what did you see that makes you believe the axle was changed?

 

[phydeaux33]

It doesn't have the central axle disconnect that the vacuum lines control to put it in 4 wheel drive. That is the connector that would go to the transfer case.

 

[Lamaarc]

It doesn't have the central axle disconnect that the vacuum lines control to put it in 4 wheel drive. That is the connector that would go to the transfer case.

So it’s a 91+ d30?