Reconditioning an 89 woody

[t_g_farrell]

I'm not a noob to working on cars but I am a noob to jeeps in general and this 89 grand cherokee woody my niece bought last year. Shes going to drop it by so I can go over it and freshen things and tune it up. I'm looking for typical things I should make sure not to overlook.

At present I'm planning on getting the following:

1. Haynes manual
2. Hoses (radiator, heater, fuel, and brakes)
3. Fluids (oil, diff lube, coolant, brake fluid)
4. Carb kit for rebuild
5. Filters (air, oil, fuel)
6. Plugs, wires, cap and rotor (points?)
7. Vacuum lines (thx ricbee)
8. tranny fluid & filter (thx addicted)

Heres all the info I have on the truck:
1989 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Woodie

4X4 Dark Blue
A/C, Cruise Control
Tan Leather interior
Trailer Towing Package
New White Wall Tires
Excellent Condition inside and out
Garaged

I will say this, I've seen the jeep and it is a really nice example for being 20 years young and its got a full leather interior that looks almost new. This thing was babied since it was new. When I last saw it, it ran a bit rough and was hard to start cold. It sounded to me like it needed a good tuneup more than anything.

I'll monitor this thread for any and all information. Once I get it in my garage (if it fits) I'll snap some pics to share with you all.

Thanks in advance.

[jeepjseries]

seems like a good start as far as parts check other things too the haynes manual will tell you what to check or replace. No it dosent have points just worry about distributor cap and rotor button.

[t_g_farrell]

I don't have the vin yet. Sounds like its electronic distributor then. Thanks.

I'm asuming its a carb on there, is that right?

[ricbee]

Don't waste your money on the stock dist cap&wires!Do a search here for the'TFI upgrade'& upgrade that ignition for a couple dollars more than stock.Also that carb will need rebuilt(it's easy!)& vacuum lines replaced.

[addicted]

Don't forget the trans fluid, filter and t-case fluid.

[t_g_farrell]

Updated the list, thx guys.

Read up on the TFI upgrade and found this site with recommendations for parts and what not. Is it fairly accurate? Looks like a very worthy mod in this go around.

http://fsjeep.homestead.com/TFI_Upgade.html

[t_g_farrell]

Is there a special lube to use in the diffs or additives I need to add?

I know some 4wd diffs require special fluids or additives, so just wondering on these as well.

The vehicle gets here on Halloween weekend, I hope its not too scary! I'll get some pics up then. I'm about to do a huge order on rock auto for a bunch of stuff as well. Definitely doing the TFI upgrade for sure. Thanks for all the advise so far. Keep it coming.

Tim

[addicted]

Synthetic lubes are always good. The only additive you might need is in the rear diff if it has a limited slip. Then you will need a limited slip additive to keep it from chattering around corners.

[t_g_farrell]

Ok got the vin and heres what it comes out as:

Year: 1989
Manufactured in the U.S.
Jeep Corporation
MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle)
5001-6000 GVWR
Grand Wagoneer
Laredo/Grand
4-Door Wagon
5.9 Litre V-8
Toledo #2 Plant

One question I had was does this thing have the 85 amp alternator or how
can I tell without seeing the vehicle?

Also is there a description of what the option package Laredo/Grand would include?
I guess I can look on kbb.com to figure it out.

I was looking at ording hoses and belts and whatnot when this became an
issue. The belts differ based on whether it has the 85 amp alternator or
not.

[mdill]

The "big" alt not sure what your parts books are listing (I thought the big one was 93 amps) is rare, so the standard belts should be fine, the hard part is geting a matched set, accept nothing else, don't buy a non matched set for the alt/AC/Fan.

Add to the list new power steering hoses, fuel line, (some 1/4 most 5/16 and a little 3/8)

Mike D.

[t_g_farrell]

The "big" alt not sure what your parts books are listing (I thought the big one was 93 amps) is rare, so the standard belts should be fine, the hard part is geting a matched set, accept nothing else, don't buy a non matched set for the alt/AC/Fan.

Add to the list new power steering hoses, fuel line, (some 1/4 most 5/16 and a little 3/8)

Mike D.
Are the power steering hoses special parts/fittings on end or just regular high pressure hose with some sort of clamps? Sorry for the noob question but the truck isn't in front of me yet.

EDIT: Nevermind I see they have special ends for fittings.

So its a dual belt setup then? Was going to order these from rockauto but maybe I'll go to NAPA instead. Thanks for the heads up.

[t_g_farrell]

Ok, so I worked on the jeep yesterday and changed the oil, filter, diff lube, transfer case fluid and greased everything up. Next up is the tranny fluid and the coolant along with hoses.

Plans are to delete most of the emissions (air pump, CTO etc). The air injection manifolds are not repairable and not seeing much value in trying to source replacements. Then go with a TFI ignition upgrade and full tuneup.

No pics yet, but I'll post some up soon. This truck is in excellent shape, its almost like new working on it. The only rust (other than the air injection manifolds) is along the left lower edge of the intregal gas tank shield where its perforated and coming apart from that corner. I wonder if a new/another tank will be required if I want to fix this since the shield is part of the tank?

[men in black]

Welcome aboard :thumbsup:


:worthless:

[Brizio]

Welcome!

[t_g_farrell]

Ok, I have one poor picture so far of me working on it in my garage.
This things huge, I have to put it in there at an angle to close the door.

I removed the air pump and air injection stuff and will be replacing hoses
and rerouting vacuum lines to finish the emissions delete. Picked up an 89
SHO taurus eletric fan to replace the clutch fan and also a TFI coil to use
the the TFI upgrade at the local pull-a-part here in Charlotte.


http://lh6.ggpht.com/_yHWw1b7rWdc/SzIjTVkaqvI/AAAAAAAAALg/bM3E7TpB8L8/s640/IMG_6741.JPG

[Brizio]

Nice color!

[t_g_farrell]

Yeah, its a really nice blue and I think original. Theres a couple of really minor areas where the clear coat is lifting but nothing worth fixing for now.

For anyone who tries the electric fan upgrade in the future, an 89 Taurus SHO electric fan won't clear the front pulley bolts :( Back to pull-a-part to grab something with 3.5 inches or less to clear the bolts.

[FSJ Guy]

The gas tank skid plate is a separate piece from the gas tank. The tank itself is plastic. In between the tank and the skid plate is a plastic mat. Don't mistake the mat for the gas tank bladder!

If the tank isn't falling out and your niece isn't going to go 4 wheeling soon, the tank is probably safe for now.

BJ-s Offroad makes replacement upgraded skid plates for your Jeep. If your frame rail is really rusted badly, Auto Rust Technicians make a frame repair kit. It requires removing the gas tank and welding. No sense replacing the skid plate to a rusted out frame rail.

For cooling options, click on my sig link and check out my ebay radiator install and fan clutch upgrade.

Oh, and WELCOME TO THE MADNESS!!! It won't be long before you start looking for one of your own... :D

[t_g_farrell]

So I replaced the fan clutch mounting studs with hex head
bolts but the clearance was still lacking. I did some more
research and it looks like a dual fan from a Plymouth/Dodge
minivan 95-99 or a chrysler new yorker late 90s will work.

I'm taking my tape measure this time :)

[t_g_farrell]

Nabbed a 93 New Yorker dual fan setup and it will fit perfectly.
Just add some brackets and drill a few holes to get it on there.

Not worried about the tank skid plate at this point but
thanks for the advice.

[crazy8s]

Looks identical to my 89, only yours is way nicer. Nice jeep.

[t_g_farrell]

So installed that new yorker dual fan setup and its keeping things cool.
Slight trimming of the tabs to make it fit but it covers the entire radiator
with the shroud. Looks factory the way it mounts up.

Right now its wired to be constant on with a 40 amp relay triggered by
the orange lead that goes to the solenoid for the charcoal canister hose
into the carburator. I'm thinking of getting an electric fan switch that goes
on at 200F and off at 185 and replacing the CTO on the thermostat with it.
Anyone whos done this have any recommendations on one that works best,
or temp range that works best. I'm all ears.

I also removed the air pump and air control crap and capped the air tubes
on the manifolds. Rerouted and replaced a lot of vacuum lines. I basically
kept the EGR and Thermac stuff functional on the air cleaner housing and
the charcoal canister functional. Runs sooo much better, even my wife
noticed that it was smoother and quieter. Replaced all the coolant lines
as well.

I did a complete rebuild of the rear brakes and replaced the rubber line to
the axle. So the brakes aren't spewing fluid anymore. What a mess on one
wheel, it was soaked in brake fluid. Tip of the day, carb cleaner cleaned off
all the gunk with ease compared to brake cleaner. Of course you have to
let it dry completely before re-assembly but since I was replacing all the
hardware and springs plus new shoes this worked fine.

Next up will be the carb rebuild, TFI upgrade and front brake line replacement.

Now that it runs and stops reliably I'll try to get it out and clean it up some
and take some pics.

Every week I get a little closer to done :)

[t_g_farrell]

So I took it out for a drive yesterday. Runs a lot better but needs a
carb rebuild (idles too high and such) and the ignition is iffy, some misses.

Only one issue came up, the radiator developed a pin hole leak which only
leaks once the engine gets good and warm and up to temp. So I'll
have to pull it and see if it can be reconditioned or needs replaced.

BTW, where should the temp on the guage normally sit? Mine sits just above
the blue part of the scale.

[rockin wagoneer]

thats about where it should sit on there thats were both mine sit so its ok. beatiful jeep by the way

[crazy8s]

The temp gauge sits just above the blue on mine also once it's warmed up.

[t_g_farrell]

So I fixed the radiator issue, I then installed the TFI upgrade and
rebuilt the carb. Man what a difference. Its smooth and runs great.

I still have to tune the idl mixture some but so far its a lot better now.

Theres some hissing from under the dash and if I fool with the 4wd
switch it changes its sound bit. So I'll have to get at the 4wd and
hvac controls to fix those vacuum lines up in there. Didn't try shifting
into 4wd as I didn't want it stuck in 4wd until I get to the leaking cabin
vacuum lines.

Why in the world did they use vacuum for the 4wd and HVAC controls?

New question, are there some cabin lights that should be lit when the
door(s) are open? I see a switch on the door but no lights come on
that I can see? Should the red reflectors in the door panels light up
at all?

[Uncle Buck]

I asked the same question about the 4wd set up. The only thing I can figure is that these vehicles were all about luxury wrapped up in a 4x4 vehicle. And the flip of a switch was part of the luxury package. And quite frankly I am sure in the mid to late 80's that the cost of an electronic controlled flip of the switch 4X4 systems was very expensive. I think it was done to help cut costs. I mean a vacuum motor and some vacuum lines were very cheap, and it did the job just fine when everything was new.

Just my opinion. Nice jeep by the way.

[t_g_farrell]

Yeah you gotta love those bean counters in the automotive industry.

Thanks, its my neices' jeep, I'm just the caretaker. In 2 weeks I hand it
back to her refreshed and dependable. At least thats the plan.

[710 Burner]

You gotta admit though, the vacuum system is more reliable than the electric systems I have seen. You can gunk it up with mud and oil and it keeps on working.

[t_g_farrell]

Did a few things this weekend. Replaced the front brakes lines.
Changed the auto tranny fluid and filter.

Also fixed the electric locks so they all lock/unlock from the driver or
passanger side lock button. Just needed some cleaning and lube of the
lock mechanisms and cleanup some switches. Fixed some slow windows
as well. Same story.

Fixed the drives side door switch and now all the interior courtesy lights
come on when the drivers door is opened. Still didn't get the compass
and temp display working. And then theres the rear wiper and the
wind shield washers. The front spits a little fluid but thats it. I think
they need new motors or better connections. Little things yet.

That hissing was the 4wd vacuum switch leaking. Took it apart and the
small square oring that seals it was in pieces. I grabbed a plain ole round
oring and slimed it up with some vaseline. Now it seals fine, at least in 2wd
in 4wd it won't hold the vacuum. Oh well at least it doesn't hiss anymore.
I tried shifting into 4wd but it didn't feel like anything happened so I
put it back into 2wd.

Took it out for a spin on the highway to check the mileage. After all this
work you always hope it pays off. Well before I started it was getting
~8 mpg. After my test run at 65 for ~50 miles I got ~15 mpg. Woot!
Not bad, almost doubled the mileage and I still need to fine tune the
idle mixture. Sweet. I think someone is going to be very pleased with
that. Beside the fact that its quieter and has more power.

[joe]

[quote=t_g_farrellNot worried about the tank skid plate at this point but
thanks for the advice.[/quote]
If/when you do get to that point beware that is not a skid plate, that is the tank mount that holds the tank up.

[t_g_farrell]

Ok I have some pics for you all. Heres some teasers, the rest are at this
link: http://picasaweb.google.com/tgfarrell/Jeep#

Here you can see I did the TFI upgrade, removed the air pump and air
injection crap. Also added a New Yorker electric fan swap.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_yHWw1b7rWdc/S2GfIu7qZGI/AAAAAAAAAN0/lhJwwGypaI4/s800/IMG_0009.JPG

Its a great looking beast. Almost like new. Only 2 spots of rust can be
found. One is at the base of the right rear wheel well and the other is
the triangular brace that holds the left rear corner of the gas tank shield
on. Everything else is still factory black with very little rust.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_yHWw1b7rWdc/S2GfDmDfoPI/AAAAAAAAANk/ZlNy6Wth2s4/s800/IMG_0004.JPG

The interior is very nice. Only bad spots are the front leather seats show
some cracks, the rear cargo carpet is rotted and the head liner could use
a refurbish.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_yHWw1b7rWdc/S2GfFL5rNWI/AAAAAAAAANo/c13GI6Jn5RM/s800/IMG_0005.JPG

There are still some little things not fixed but I'm sure I'll be doing those in
another session later this year. The compass/temperature gauge doesn't work.
Ditto the cruise control. Theres some rewiring needed to get the rear
wiper working and the console mounted rear glass switch working right. The
exhaust has a leak or two and will need to be replaced. I'm not sure it shifts
into 4wd yet but the switch at least doesn't leak in 2wd position anymore.

Its been fun and an easy vehicle to work on. Me, I would rather get a wrangler,
like a TJ with the inline 6. I'll be handing this back to my niece
tomorrow. Tonight I will be putting a thremo fan switch on the fan and
fine tuning the carb a bit. Hopefully we can get to the 17mpg goal with
these changes. Seeing 15mpg now.

I'll resurrect this thread next time I get back to working on this jeep.
Thanks for all the help and for this site. I couldn't have done this without
the collected wisdom carried here.

Tim

[t_g_farrell]

Well 4wd works! We tried it out in the 5 inches of snow and ice this past
weekend and my fix to the vacuum 4wd switched worked and the 4wd light
comes on in the dash when its in 4wd.

Made the trip over to Raleigh and only got a little over 12 mpg but that was
with a lot of stops with an hour or so delay in the middle so that the choke
had to kick on again to warm it up. I also didn't fill the tank with the truck
in the same angle so it may have taken more gas to fill it up. Its a tricky
business getting accurate gas mileage.

So I'll claim 12 mpg city and >15 highway. Time will tell. My niece was
delighted with the way it runs now. I feel better with her driving it now
that it has reliable brakes, a tuned engine and new hoses/fluids all
around.

Now I have to start shopping for replacement exhaust parts and look into
the rear axle bearings. Theres noise from the rearend that sounds like
bearings to me.