New to jeeps

[pocahontasxj]

HEEELP!!!!!!!

Hey guys, I'm a UCSB Mechanical engineer student. I've been looking for an xj for a while. Finally two days ago I saw one posted in Monterey for $1000. I quickly jumped on the opportunity and had my friend drive up there. The xj's interior and exterior are both in rough conditions, but the drive train seems to be ok. It is a little high mileage (200k 1992), but since I already drove all the way up to Monterey and the guy was going to give it to me for $800, I decided to take it.

There are a few things I need to work on, but I do not know much about jeeps as this is my first one, and I am on a tight budget since I am a college student.

I was hoping that some expert from the Santa Barbara area would take a look at my jeep and help me work on it. If anyone is in the area and wants to help me out, please reply.

below are some pictures

What I know needs work(most to least important):
ticking/knocking noise (hoping for flexplate bolts)
creaking steering
reinstall handbrake
rewelding driver door hinge
fix dash lights
trunk shocks
electronics(power door locks/ other switches)
... more small stuff

mods I'm looking at in near future(after fixes):
3inch lift
33 tires
....

I'm going to have to slowly fix one problem at a time, but if someone with experience and welding equipment/ tools could help me out, that would be a big help.

Thank you.

 

[Nimrod]

Welcome and GL with the build. And go Gauchos!

 

[Jays siik xj]

Cool. I remember my first Jeep... I think. LoL.
Welcome. If you stick around long enough you'll meet some cool people.

 

[HappyDog]

I'm nearby and have done a bunch of stuff on my Cherokees.

I wrench but don't weld.

PM me and my wife and I can meet with you and help assess your new acquisition.

--HappyDog

 

[xcm]

Welcome, sounds like youve got a plan.

 

[Johnnie Walker]

Welcome!
I am not that close to you. I live near the Oceano Dunes, but I have lots of misc parts and such.
Pending what is exactly wrong with your power accessories, I believe I have door switches and such.
The "ticking" could be lifters or something related, which is a common issue on these.
Least expensive place for hatch lift supports is probably amazon. Otherwise, probably around 40$ +/- at your local parts store. They might even offer some sort of student discount.

 

[HappyDog]

Two clubs you should know about are

http://www.santabarbara4wdclub.com/
which can also be found at
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Santa-Barbara-4-Wheel-Drive-Club-4X4-FUN/214721728662318

as well as
http://ci4x4.webs.com/

ci4x4 is based in Oxnard-Ventura area.

Both clubs have fun and interesting people, outings, and lots of expertise.

The next meeting of the Santa Barbara club is Tuesday at Rusty's on Carrillo. The formal meeting starts at 7pm, but you should come about a half hour early to chat people up and get info.