Waking the bear-1988 Cherokee

[PacificEd]

When I replaced the rear u-joint, I had also installed it in a spare driveshaft that I thought was is good shape. Ever since I installed it, it seemed like it had some vibes and harmonics that didn't feel or sound right. Nothing bad but just not as smooth as before, especially over 55 mph.

I decided to swap back to the original driveshaft and install a new u-joint in it. My son, Jack, assisted me and we installed a new joint and another flange I had on hand. He was great help and I explained the process as we went. We also greased everything on the driveshaft really well. Hopefully the XJ will be good for a while.

I also installed a new set of wiper blades.

Sorry no pictures of the work done today.

 

[Ghost]

How old is Jack now? Keep them busy with Jeeps and they won't have time or money for anything else.

 

[PacificEd]

How old is Jack now? Keep them busy with Jeeps and they won't have time or money for anything else.

Jack is 12 now. He seems to want to help work on stuff now. We are in the process of getting two early 1992-1996 Ford F-150 4x4 trucks. He's asking a lot of questions about when they will be here and what it will take to get them running. Hopefully one will become his first vehicle.

 

[Ghost]

That sounds awesome.

 

[PacificEd]

Ok, with the Crawl coming up it looks like it's time to do some much needed general maintenance.

Oil and filter change
Grease everything
Replace front axle seals - probably won't get this done
Check fluids in differentials and t-case
Alignment and tire rotation
Rear axle seal - just weeping a bit

Install new 1997-2001 style mirrors

Other than that, I'm not sure it needs much else.

 

[PacificEd]

Since we've decided to tow the XJ (for the first time ever) to the Crawl, I let some of the to-do list slide.

High2by came by and we changed the oil, greased everything, removed the front sway bar and rotated the tires.

I still need to check and top off the differential fluid but I can't find the large hex sockets to get the plugs out of the Solid diff covers. I need to swing by the auto parts store and grab a new set.

Other than grabbing a few spare parts and loading the tools, the XJ is ready to go.

 

[Ghost]

Awesome! Looking forward to see you guys.

 

[High2by]

I'm looking forward to coming back to a Crawl! It's been a few years.....

 

[PacificEd]

I found a few more grease fittings I missed earlier. I got the special large hex socket for the Solid cover to check the differential fluid. Topped off the gear oil in the front and rear and added just a tad of ATF to the transfer case.

 

[High2by]

I put a new tire on the trailer……that’s about it.

 

[PacificEd]

It looks like I need to start disconnecting the battery since the old girl is sitting a lot. My battery was dead the other day and now I've got my CTEK charger trying to recondition it back to life. Hopefully it will work. My fingers are crossed...Haha!

I also noticed it now has a decent leak in the power steering system. I'm betting it is the main shaft seal where the pitman arm attaches. I do have a Grand Cherokee I may need to rob a steering box off of. That box was from a 2001 XJ so it should be just fine.

 

[Anak]

I have gotten to where I don't even leave the batteries in my rarely used vehicles. I keep the batteries (probably a half-dozen of them) in my shop where I can just rotate them on a trickle charger.

 

[mewz99]

You still dealing with that low voltage gauge? Found this a while back, basically just suggests running a direct line to the gauges from the battery instead of using a hot line that is shared with blower, lights, etc.

Renix voltage gauge fix!!!

After reading a few threads about volt gauges on renix era jeep always reading off, i decided to fix it.So if you have 30min ,some wire and a relay you can do asimple fix. Background: I have a 1990 Laredo 79,000miles bought it from the orignal owner back in october. Has all option there you...

www.jeepforum.com

 

[PacificEd]

You still dealing with that low voltage gauge? Found this a while back, basically just suggests running a direct line to the gauges from the battery instead of using a hot line that is shared with blower, lights, etc.

Renix voltage gauge fix!!!

After reading a few threads about volt gauges on renix era jeep always reading off, i decided to fix it.So if you have 30min ,some wire and a relay you can do asimple fix. Background: I have a 1990 Laredo 79,000miles bought it from the orignal owner back in october. Has all option there you...

www.jeepforum.com

I'll have to check this out. Thanks for the link.

 

[PacificEd]

It looks like I will need a new battery now. I don't drive the XJ very much and like a idiot, I left it connected and it has drawn it down and killed it.

I also noticed that I have a new puddle that seems to keep growing under the power steering box. I've got to dig into that and see if it is a leaking box or a bad hose/connection. I do have a box to replace it with so it won't be a huge deal.