What do I need to know about this cherokee? Now Pics!

[CherokeeNewbie]

I'm a toyota man and I've never had experience with Jeeps so this is all new to me ... please bear with me. I've stumbled onto a 1982 Jeep Cherokee that the owner claims was not built by AMC because it was bought from the US government. I think it has a 6 cylinder engine and thats basically all I know. It hasn't been cranked in around 8 years, but ran fine when it was parked. First of all, what all do you recommend doing before I attempt to crank it. And second, what have I gotten myself into? What should I look out for? What exactly do I have? Thanks alot for the help!

[ September 29, 2003, 05:39 PM: Message edited by: CherokeeNewbie ]

[FSJ Thing]

Welcome aboard!

First off, It's a good chance it was built by AMC if it's got a Straight 6. But for us to be shur, go ahead and post the VIN code, or look up the vin code in the tech library on the main page (you get there by clicking the "international fullzise jeep association" at the BOTTOM of the screen. With the VIN we'll be able to tell you alot more about it, such as what year it is and what engine it's got.

Before you crank it, give it a real good look over for anything obvious, like wires that have been chewed up by mice, or stuff living in the air cleaner, or that the plugwires are hooked up right and dfinitely look to see if anything obvious is missing. Obvious stuff. Pull the spark plugs(replacing is optional, but not a bad Idea) and put about a tablespoon of Marvel Mystery Oil in each cylinder a good 8hrs before you plan to crank it.I'm not plugging a brand name here, it's just what alot of guys here use and I use it too) Change all the fluids and filters. Charge the battery and install it in the Jeep. Make sure that there are no shorts by initially smelling for smoke the first couple of minutes after you put the battery in, and then let it sit for a couple of hours to make sure the battery holds it's charge(I.E., no drain means no shorts). That's all I can think of, but if I missed anything, I'm sure someone will point it out. Once you do all this stuff I've listed, I say give her a try! If she starts great! And if not, come on back here and will trouble shoot until you get her running!

[PlasticBoob]

Oh no, a Toyota owner? You're going to be in for one big, huge, expensive shock! Welcome to the board. ;) If it's for the government, you might want to talk with Stuka - maybe it was made by AM General, which was still a part of AMC, I think. Also, I must give you the obligatory speech on the ammeter. I believe that year truck has one. IT WILL MOST LIKELY CATCH FIRE eventually if you do not bypass it. Go to the search page and type in "ammeter bypass" for more information. The easiest way is to pull the dash and attach both ammeter wires to one post on the back of the ammeter.
Can you get any pics of your Cherokee? The wolves are ready to attack hehe :D

[Stuka]

If its an AM General version it should have come with a sticker on the front of the glove box. Although this sticker may be missing, it will look something like this:

http://www.tribal.org/~brandon/fsj/images/photos_mine/cherokee/large/warranty.jpg

The other AMG ones I have seen have had this sticker.

The engine will be a 258 i6. Great engine, but the carb that it came with is utter crap. The Carter BBD is one of the worst carbs I have ever had the displeasure of working with. Put a Weber 32/36 or a MC2150 and it will make the engine run *WAY* better.

Before you start it change the oil, flush the cooling system (it will have scale build up), may want to spray some mystery marvel oil into the cylinders, then rotate it by hand a few turns to be sure it doesnt have ring lock.

Otherwise, welcome to the forum smile.gif

[CherokeeNewbie]

Thanks for the warm welcome! I'm going to get the VIN and start playing with it Sunday and I'll definitely be back with more questions!

[Rande]

Check the frame under the rear door around the gas tank. Notorious for catching dirt, trapping water and rusting out. Many out here driving with patched frames.

Also, go to the "My Profile" section (you'll find a link at the top of the page) and fill in your location. You needn't be specific, but its nice to know where folks are. Your choice though.

Welcome to the addiction! ;)

Oops, just realized you said Cherokee (no rear door). Anyway, check beside the gas tank for frame rot.

[ September 27, 2003, 09:30 PM: Message edited by: Rande ]

[CherokeeNewbie]

OK, I got it home and here it what I've got based on the VIN decoder...
US Made
by Jeep Corp.
MPV
6cyl 258
4 speed manual floor shift/part time
cherokee 2dr station wagon 109" wheelbase
5975 - 6200
1982 model
built in Toledo plant
serial # 033066

I put a battery and solenoid on it and it cranked up as if it had been cranked the day before. This thing hadn't even been opened in 8 years. I'm pretty impressed. Everything is working and seems to be good for now. I'll eventually figure out what needs to be replaced and start there. Pictures coming...

[Stuka]

Cool smile.gif

Mine was built in toledo also, as where all FSJ's. It was sent to AMG after it was built afaik.

[ September 28, 2003, 10:12 PM: Message edited by: Stuka ]

[FSJ Thing]

Right on! Now that you've gotten the warm welcome, we'll introduce you to our pushy side!

PICS! WE WANT PICS!

[2nd Day]

Yea, wheres the pics!

[The Anti-Chrysler]

It's always good to hear from a new member bringing a dormant FSJ back to life!!! As with the rest, I'd really like to see some pics!! smile.gif

[CherokeeNewbie]

OK OK! I get the point. Here's a link to the pics the way it sits after I got it home.

http://deepsouthcruisers.com/webmaster/jeep

[Bob Barry]

That's one sweet Cherokee! Dirty, but that has a LOT of potential.

Oh yeah; I see it has the AM General sticker that Stuka posted.

[PlasticBoob]

JERK! :mad: OOPS I mean you're lucky. ;) Wait and see, I'm going to print one of those stickers so I can be special too! Can someone give me the whole text? LOL tongue.gif Seriously though, that's really cool! smile.gif

[ September 30, 2003, 01:59 AM: Message edited by: PlasticBoob ]

[Grantshire]

Good looking Cherokee! Dirty, but good looking. If it is an Alabama car it should be pretty rust free. My 74 came from Decatur and was caked in Alabama red clay/mud (deer hunting vehicle) but has its orignial paint job and virtually no rust inside, outside or underneath. What are your plans for it?

[Bob Davis '80 Chero]

Great find! With some washing and TLC you'll have a great truck. Welcome and thanks for the pictures. I don't recognise the graphics, does anyone know if this was a factory or dealer option? I would doubt the govement would do something like that.

[The Anti-Chrysler]

I think the big theme as in the last few posts, is a good cleaning is in order - but, she looks real solid, and has GREAT potential. Guys like me in New England would go ga-ga over a vehicle with little rust like that, so in respect you're pretty lucky to have such a nice rig to start with. I look forward to seeing the progress!!

[Bob Barry]

This is a perfect candidate for something I've always dreamed of doing; without doing anything else to it, take it to one of those $100 detailing places and see how good it comes out when it's cleaned and polished. If the place has any kind of pride, they won't turn it back over to you until it's looking like it rolled out of the showroom.

OTOH, if they money-grubbing not-very-nice-guys and do a hal-fassed job, just be picky and have them re-do spots until you're satisfied. smile.gif

[Stuka]

Yeah, great rig. Cool to see another one witht he sticker :D

I would efinatel take a before and after picture and send it to a detailers shop hehhee.

[Bob Barry]

Originally posted by Stuka:
I would efinatel take a ...OK, Stuka; what the hell language are you speaking???

;)

[FSJ Thing]

Originally posted by Bob Barry:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Stuka:
I would efinatel take a ...OK, Stuka; what the hell language are you speaking???

;) </font>[/QUOTE]Translation: "If'n I tell"

I can't remember where, but I've heard this before. It's kinda like saying "If you want my opinion"

[CherokeeNewbie]

It cleaned up surprisingly well with a pressure washer. Unfortunately the aftermarket paintjob is coming off to reveal the original US Forest Service Seafoam Green that was its original color. More pics coming tonight...And I'll get a closeup of that AM General sticker for a full text record :)

[CherokeeNewbie]

A few clean pics are up now...its time for the next project. How to fit 35s on it :)

http://deepsouthcruisers.com/webmaster/jeep

[ffej]

I thinks you'll need a lift before you stick those 35's on it. Try BJ's off road for some nice lift kits..There's also Skyjacker..they make a pricy..but cool lift for these things. Good Luck..I'd love to have a rust-free FSJ :D

www.bjsoffroad.com (http://www.bjsoffroad.com)

[ September 30, 2003, 05:06 PM: Message edited by: ffej ]

[Stuka]

Originally posted by Bob Barry:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Stuka:
I would efinatel take a ...OK, Stuka; what the hell language are you speaking???

;) </font>[/QUOTE]I need a new keyboard :(

[tgreese]

Great find, Noob. You can go lots of places in it just the way it is. Should get pretty good mileage too (for an SJ :D ).

If it were mine, I'd clean it up, paint it seafoam green, and go explore some mountain trails! Seems ideal for some wide-ranging car camping.

My truck had the same paint problem as yours does with the power washer. My truck actually looked worse after I came back from the car wash. Lots of the rattle-can touch up paint was blasted off by the washer, leaving odd colored primer patches and a motley appearance. Makes repainting more difficult, because you need to strip off all the peeling paint that's not well-bonded to the underlying paint.

regards :cool: Tim

[ September 30, 2003, 07:05 PM: Message edited by: tgreese ]

[qmichael]

Change the oil and coolant pull plugs like they say and put some m/m oil in it, works great. You can turn it over by hand several times or try to pull the wire from the coil off till it spins freely and then put it back on. The 258 is a fine motor the carb bites. There is a pic of my 85 on CT meet/event page its blue. Welcome, there is alot of knowlage floating around on this board.

[jeepguzzi]

The stripes look alot like the ones on my J10. It was also repainted.

For those of you that don't know, Stuka is using an Apple Macintosh computer. His keyboard is the sticky Carmel Apple version, however.

[CherokeeNewbie]

This is the Superlift description
74-90 4" Lift J-Series w/leaf springs, eliminator shocks, pitman arm, rear block kit, bushings and u-bolts. $483
What kind of clearance will this give me for larger tires? Should I also put on a body lift. I would like 35s but a good 33 is fine if it is significantly cheaper to clear 33s.
Thanks for the help.

[tomd]

A couple things, superlift sucks from what i hear (super stiff), and don't get blocks, get a system with all new leaf springs (front and rear), while it costs a good bit more, it is a much better setup. I'm sure others will chime in with their points.

[bigun]

oh yea blame on the key board not the6 pack of cervasa or the quart of tequela you have been nursing all afternoon

[tgreese]

Hey Noob - you thinking about lift kits already? If you have experience with off-roading, then lift if that's the kind of vehicle that you want. If not... here's my opinion

The 258 is a good engine, but not a big engine. Usually you'd lift to add really big tires, and those will make your gearing taller than it already is. I'd drive the Cherokee for a while and see if you really want less grunt and more top speed.

Radically lifting the Jeep can affect the handling on the road for the worse. One advantage of Jeeps is they have a lower center-of-gravity than other vehicles in their class. This gives Jeeps very good on-pavement and dirt-road handling while providing high capability over broken terrain (ie rocks). Look under your Jeep - smooth, nothing hanging down, lots of ground clearance. A big lift would spoil that and add new mechanical problems (driveshaft angle, steering).

IMO the big lift is, in most cases, for show, not go (I'm not referring to anyone specific on this board). Jeeps are amazingly capable in their stock condition, but it takes an expert driver to exploit all that capability. If you're new to this, IMO your wasting your time and money radically modifying your 4x4 if you aren't experienced off-road. Additionally, at some point, the law of diminishing returns sets in and you start sacrificing lots of that pavement/dirt road capability for really minimal improvement in the rough.

So, the gist of this is, get the Jeep to stock or near-stock conditin and driveit-driveit-driveit. Bash the fenders, get stuck, get unstuck, test your limits. Have fun - you don't have to build the ultimate machine to have fun.

best regards :cool: Tim

[Stuka]

T fit 33's with no trimming your going to need a 6" lift from either Rusty's or BJ's.

[CherokeeNewbie]

tgreese,
I see your point and agree to an extent. I do have offroad experience and this jeep has one purpose...going offroad so that my Tundra doesn't have to. I'm not into rockcrawling or mudbogging but around here, a truck that has trouble excepting 31s is not going to make it to the trail, much less through it. The body is too straight on this cherokee for me to start hacking the fenders. To be honest, I'd love nothing more than to keep my center of gravity where it is and hack til I fit 35s.

[tgreese]

Yes, I see your point. If you got a bargain, you might consider taking a profit and buying a WT Cherokee (the one with built-in flares). Just a thought.

best regards :cool: Tim

BTW somebody around here made a neat addition of TJ (?) flares to the rear, and used WT fenders on the front. The WT fenders just bolt on, and you could sell your stock fenders to get some of your cost back.

[ October 01, 2003, 09:03 AM: Message edited by: tgreese ]

[crispyboy]

I have to agree with tgreese -
skip the lift and I would spend money on a good paint job.

[CherokeeNewbie]

Fortunately I've got a 2002 Tundra with a smooth DOHC V8 and beautiful paintjob. Its all the daily driver I need. But I can't drive it in the woods...the black paint doesn't take well to scratches. Therefore, I have a Jeep. Now...

I could put WT fenders on the front and cut-to-match TJ flares on the back. I wonder what that would let me clear. That 3" body lift for under a $100 bucks is sounding good...and I don't even like body lifts.

[ October 01, 2003, 09:38 AM: Message edited by: CherokeeNewbie ]

[FSJ Thing]

I like your Chero and somewhat agree with the last couple of post and I'll tell you why. I usta race and wheel old dodge trucks and the biggest tires I ever ran was 35" thornbirds. I absolutely loved it and after I killed my last dodge a couple of years ago I got WagoThing. I went all out with him too. I had 38.5 Swampers, 11" of lift, and I hacked the fenders till I could fled without any rubbing. I put in a Ford 9" rear with 4.86 gears and 44 with lockout hubs from a 78 bronco with 4.88 gears. I wanted to make a rig that was twice what the wheeler than any Dodge I ever built was. What I would up with was an underpowered, oversized, redneck limo that I couldn't get a chick in to save her life. Granted, I thought the thing was cool as all heck, but I went through three axles (two front, one rear) and couldn't drive it on the highway because the Wyoming wind would blow the sucker right off the road! If you wanna see a pic of him, go to www.fullsizejeeps.com (http://www.fullsizejeeps.com) and select the 1984-1992 GrandWagoneers and look for any pic that starts "thing***" ie, Thingbutt, Thingface, etc. I loved that Wag and was going to start lowering it when the fates decided I should have it at all anymore. later this month I'm going to gete my new J-10 from Slewfoot in Utah and I'm going to be a little more sensable this time. I won't put any more than 4" of lift with 32s or 33s. Whatever you decide to do though, I'm sure everyone on this board will be more than helpful, even if what you're doing isn't what they'd do. I know I will be! Good luck!

[jeepmandan]

Originally posted by Stuka:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Bob Barry:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Stuka:
I would efinatel take a ...OK, Stuka; what the hell language are you speaking???

;) </font>[/QUOTE]I need a new keyboard :( </font>[/QUOTE]It's that funky Mac keyboard smile.gif