New to Jeeps...

cdnxj

NAXJA Forum User
Hi there... I've just purchased a '91 "XJ" with 220,000 Kilometres on it or about 120,000 miles give or take. It's a 5 spd man, 2 dr Sport. No bells and whistles save for A/C. I've been reading your forum for about a month and have picked up alot of info. I was just wondering what sort of things I should be keeping my eye on an older Jeep? I have owned about half a doz' VW's and know my way around them pretty good, so I'd say I'm mechanically inclined. My buddy has a 90 XJ and he says that I should start replacing all the sensors ie. the CPS etc. What do you guys think? Also the seats in my truck are pretty weak... Would the buckets from a Grand Cherokee fit? The local wrecker has quite a few in his yard. Thanx in adv for any advice.

Marty

"Just remember... Wherever you go... There you are!
 
I wouldn't start replacing all the sensors unless you're having trouble. There's a good argument for doing the CPS, since these do fail from time to time, and they're a nuisance to do in an emergency. You can then keep your old one as a spare. The O2 Sensor might be a good candidate too if you don't know its history, but otherwise, these sensors usually either work or they don't, and you'll know when they don't. The 91 and up uses a different fuel injection system from the earlier ones, and it's pretty reliable. It will send you a code when something goes wrong.

As for the seats, I doubt if those from a GC would fit without some redrilling of the floor, mount changing and so on. On the pre-95 Cherokee, the seat frames and buckets often crack, but these can be welded back together usually. When in good condition, I think there are few seats on any vehicle as comfortable as those in a pre-95 Cherokee, so I would make an effort to repair them or replace them with similar ones. If yours is a very plain model, you might do well to find a more deluxe 2-door, with cloth or leather seats and the higher-line seat base, which adds a tilt feature. The seat back adjustment is also a little finer on the deluxe seats.

Check your air cleaner for oil fouling, and if you appear to have a lot of blowby, consider replacing the vacuum line to the valve cover. They tend to clog up, and the system is pretty sensitive.

On an older 2-door, keep your eye on the top door hinges, for weld failures. If the hinge is currently in good shape, make sure that the door check mechanism also is in good shape, and get into the habit of not flinging the doors open fast, which stresses the hinges. Also keep a close eye on floor rust, especially above the exhaust system. It can sneak up on you.

120 thousand miles is a nice healthy middle age for an XJ. Enjoy it.
 
I did what you are considering is a good thing. I called it my Service Life Extension Program (SLEP). I would replace a component every couple of weeks when I got paid. It would help to have the Jeep shop manual so you can what items/sensors are used by the engine control system.

I replaced everything, infact this past weekend I changed out the Idle air controller since it had 150,000 miles (240,000 KM) on it.

I first changed out the sensors that determined the condition of the air coming into the engine. The computer uses this to figure out the amount of fuel. I recommend you change these in this order:

* Manifold Air Pressure (MAP) Sensor - it should be on the firewall and connect to the throttle body with a tube.
* Inlet Air temp Sensor - This is in the intake manifold of my vehicle. I pulled mine out and it had PCV slime all over it.

After you change that you may want to change the Throttle position sensor. With the age and distance it a good thing to replace. It a wear item and I think yoiu are lucky you do not need to calibrate it when you installed it. The vehicle will calibrate it the first time you drive.

Another part you should change since you have over 100,000 miles (160K KM) is the crankshaft position sensor (CPS). If this fails then your vehicle will not run. Every other sensor has a work around in the computer if it fails but not the CPS.

I'd start out with those items.

I also recommend you change all fluids in the differentials, and tranfer case. There is a controversy about which gear lube to use in your transmission so do a search on that.

If you change the coolant then I'd suggest you install a new MOPAR 195F thermostat, not not buy the thermostat at your local parts store, get it at the dealer. If you want to change out radiator and fan clutch it may be a good idea, I'll tell you more if you like. You will have to pull out the grill to get the the drain on the radiator - just 8 screws on my 88 XJ. The petcock is on the passenger side of the radiator, connect a hose to the petcock and snake it to the ground so you don't dump coolant all over your chassis.

Do install a new fan belt, you do not know how many miles on that belt and rather change it than to have it break. When you have the belt off check all the accessories to make sure they turn and are not rough. You may consider having the crank shaft damper replaced since the rubber can fail and the pulley can walk into the timing gear cover or into the radiator.

Also like any used vehicle you may want to do a tune up. I got my cap, rotor, wires and spark plugs at the dealer. They are priced very competitive to parts stores on those items.
 
Thanks guys for your input... I like the strategy of replacing things as an upkeep plan. I like this truck and I want to keep it for awhile. We've got lots of places up here to go off-road, and I'm in the military so we can use the training areas as well... Thanks again for the help. I just installed some Silverstars lookin' better already!!!

Marty
 
I looked on www.rockauto.com and the MAP run like $39 and that a Standard brand component. Also check at your local parts store, think you sould get one for $30-$50 at the parts store.
 
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