New to my XJ & wrenching - How to choose parts and what to prioritize?!

[myXJpeg]

Originally Posted by four_shot

^^^This is damn good advice

It is such good advice that it goes over my head and feels like "future me" has a lot to learn

[XJI6191]

We all have a lot to learn (& not just about Jeeps) but do not be put off by this well intended, sound advice from people who know far more about such things than I. However, to put it into perspective, I have been running 3 XJ's over, I suppose, the last 10 years (still have them, though one is devoted to keeping the others going) & have only replaced one sensor - & I do not recall it being a big deal, although, in fairness, by the time I needed to harvest the sensor from the parts Jeep, the head had already been removed which, of course, improved both access & lines of sight. Also I was fortunate enough to be doing the job at home, albeit out in the street - because the parts Jeep is on the driveway).

[asymptonic]

Can +1 the CPS. It stranded me in Big Bend National Park in my 10th year owning the Jeep, and at that time I had a poorer understanding of the whole rig. Since it was a while ago I was able to get a CPS sent to Alpine after about 3 days and that's all it took. Fast forward to today, I have a spare set of all the easy sensors plus a fuel injector or two under the back seat, and have been above and below the girl enough to know how to deal with at least that situation (and the 3ft of extensions). Instead of getting stuck for a few days I still hope to one day get one step ahead of bad luck. We'll see. My luck seems to pick new problems every time though....

[Rob Mayercik]

Say, has anyone ever posted pictures of a CPS with the slots added? This tip sounds like a great thing to add to the FAQ section, particularly with a picture for those who haven't "had the displeasure" of doing this job yet (such as myself - I've owned my XJ for 25 years, and I've either never replaced that sensor or only had it done while it was in the shop for something else).

[XJI6191]

Originally Posted by Rob Mayercik

Say, has anyone ever posted pictures of a CPS with the slots added? This tip sounds like a great thing to add to the FAQ section, particularly with a picture.

That would be interesting - although, hopefully, never become useful.

The only things that have ever left me stranded were relays* (usually the fuel pump) & split trans. cooler lines.

* also, in my experience, the most common cause of no start.

[Woodswanderer]

Speaking of crank sensor: the NTK is good to go, albeit a bit short on the wiring. They could have added an extra 1”-1.5” more slack 😏


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[myXJpeg]

Lots of great advice here, it seems! Sorry for my hiatus, traveling for work a lot.

That said, can any of y'all recommend good tune up parts? Rad Cap, spark plugs and wires, distributor and rotor of choice?

[jeep ride]

Napa echlin distributor cap belden plug wires whatever dist cap you get make sure it has brass/ cooper contact's as opposed to the aluminum contact one's.

[Goose_XJ88]

Fuel mileage: have you checked if injectors are stuck open allowing too much fuel?


For a stock "build"/restoration of longevity, here are the things that I would do.

-Full gauge cluster swap and find someone to match mileage (Might need new "gauge" sensors vs dummy sensors; older ones require that at least)
-ZJ Drag link (Or other aftermarket one. Stinkyfab used to sell an aluminum one)
-Steel Steering box spacer (Get one that comes with bolts)
-Steering box brace (Ironman4x4fab, Boostwerks, or BadDadFab)
-d30 reinforcement https://www.trailforged.com/product/...nforcement-kit
-Front and rear tow points (Rear hitch works) (if you wheel alone, bumper and winch suggested)
-Recovery kit (Shackles, straps without metal ends, tree saver, gloves, etc)
-Budget boost 1”-2” spacers for up front add a leaf to back or shackles
-frame stiffeners front to back (For longevity)
-DIY 2x6 sliders (More clearance than Traditional sliders)
-Close fitting steel bumpers for stronger than stock protection.
-235/75 R15 tires
-Stinkyfab engine side brackets
-Jeepcables battery cable upgrade
-K-Suspension (or DIY) E-fan switch override
-Lots of 3d-printed multi switch options for the factory location (up to 7 switches) https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shapeways.com%2Fpro duct%2FBDNRXBXAF%2F97-01-jeep-cherokee-xj-7-switch-bezel-no-power&psig=AOvVaw1_TnjCyhHipoPcDK7LV4iG&ust=167640 7074857000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CA4QjRxqFwoTC KCm-5Ktk_0CFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE
-Putco Headlight harness
-Amazon LED Trucklight look-a-likes ($100)
-Raybestos Brake pads
-Cheap Gas tank skid (IRO was cheapest when I bought)
-Gojeep gas tank mod http://gojeep.willyshotrod.com/HowtoFuelTank.htm
or ZJ Gas tank for late model (or combo and get 25 gallons) https://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1131307
BPE Front: JKS uppers and IRO lowers. Gives you a bolt in eye/eye for the shock.
Builder parts look at Ruff Stuff, Total Metal Innovations, Barns 4WD.


If you do an LED Bar, don’t put it on the roof. Bumper mount is much better. Roof has a ton of wind noise on the road and it reflects off the hood and blinds you.


More later down the road stuff:
Stinkyfab Motor mounts with engine side brackets or MORE bombproof mounts with SF brackets
StinkyFab trans mount
Stinkyfab trans skid

[myXJpeg]

Originally Posted by Goose_XJ88

Fuel mileage: have you checked if injectors are stuck open allowing too much fuel?

I have not yet. I was considering getting 4/12 hole injectors and not even bothering with cleaning the old ones I have. But maybe some injector cleaner in the meantime is warranted!?

Digesting your list now!

[myXJpeg]

And my 99 SE came with all the OEM skids because it was government/university fleet vehicle I assume

[Goose_XJ88]

Originally Posted by myXJpeg

Digesting your list now!

LOL I know, I can be a little overboard on building for longevity. haha

[Rob Mayercik]

Originally Posted by Goose_XJ88

-Lots of 3d-printed multi switch options for the factory location (up to 7 switches) https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shapeways.com%2Fpro duct%2FBDNRXBXAF%2F97-01-jeep-cherokee-xj-7-switch-bezel-no-power&psig=AOvVaw1_TnjCyhHipoPcDK7LV4iG&ust=167640 7074857000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CA4QjRxqFwoTC KCm-5Ktk_0CFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE

Goose,

Might be worth noting that the above is for the "late model" (97-01) rigs, like you did with the ZJ fuel tank mod.

Rob

[flyin_ryan]

Originally Posted by Anak

I would recommend taking that tip one step farther: Slot both CPS sensors.

You can improve the situation if you slot the bolt holes.

wow this is a great idea