A guy I know stopped by my work the other day in an XJ , said it was his daughters and that she wanted to sell it . Don't need it really but who could say no to a rust free XJ for 1500.00 . I drove it home , only has 300k . It has a clunking noise , I think I'll ignore it .
XJ's have joined my list of "used to own, sold back when they were cheap and now want one and can't afford it". As usual, a well done episode Jamie. I enjoyed it muchly. - Ed on the Ridge
Love this channel. Dead Dodge Garage, DD Speed Shop, Pole Barn Garage, Budget Buildz, and Junkyard Digs are without a doubt, better than anything on the television. And Vice Grip...
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my fifty years in the car hobby ,with the benefit of hindsight is whatever you’re interested in buying spend a bit more money to buy the best you can it’ll always be better in the long run! Thx Jamie
Absolutely. That’s something I have spent some time preaching, and a great rule to live by. It’s also a rule I ignore all the time… in any case I’m happy with my purchase here. But I really wanted a more decent one.
Obviously this Jeep has been neglected. My 04 gr. Cherokee I got in 08 has been ultra reliable. It’s still on its original steering parts, ball joints, water pump, alternator etc. I replaced the front driveshaft, rear axle seals and some window regulators. The usual brakes, fluids and shocks of course, but at 200k it still makes me scratch my head how reliable it’s been. Another great video Jamie!
We have 3 XJ in our family still and owned another 3 never had rust . I brought 2 new TJs then another and still have it . She covered 440 ks for a 98 5 speed . Great 4x4 that put many brand X to shame no problem 👍🏻💯🇦🇺⛽️.
Your videos are getting so good that I watch them even if I am not remotely interested in the particular vehicle. (similar to anything Steve Magnante does) Keep up the good work, your channel is picking up subscribers quickly.
I bought my 2000 Jeep Cherokee XJ brand new. I drive it daily in the winter. I drove it today. It's a great truck. Mine needed a new cylinder head at 145,000 miles. Otherwise it's great. Also no rust, I'm sorry. I replaced the windshield washer pumps last weekend. They're under the drivers side fender liner, which is plastic and held in with stupid clips.
Nice. Sounds about right. Yep… I need to do the washer pump. Then figure out this cruise control deal. Did wipers and adjusted headlights today. Can actually kinda see now.
i have a 99 and with 233,000n on it runs great. With no overheating and normal noises from the engine. one of the best engines to own if you take care of them.
Love an XJ that you don't have to worry about rearranging the sheet metal or scratches and dents; great to have fun with, punching through the woods. I've driven three into the ground, but always was good about maintenance and oil changes and keeping everything working. Sheet metal doesn't count -- mechanical operation does. Enjoy, and keep up the off-road videos! Love your channel.
I love that song you are whistling. I used to listen to it all the time as a boy. Early 1960s. Johnny Hortons, "Battle For New Orleans". Flip side of the 45, no not the gun, "Pretty Eyes".
Back in 2002-03 I had a 2001 XJ. I really liked it, but I commute 35 miles to work so I needed better mpg and the part-time 4wd isn't the best for partially dry, partially icy roads in the winter. So, a new Subaru it was, and I absolutely love the "no-brainer" all wheel drive system and the mpg. And Subies are very trouble-free, at least for me. Still, I wouldn't kick an XJ out of my driveway if one showed up looking for a new home and the price was right.
I’m commuting mine 50 miles each way right now… I really like it. But my Subaru is definitely better suited for the icy road conditions. It did fantastic in the snow last year. It basically didn’t care about the snow at all.
Add some 2" coil spring spacers and a add a leaf in the back and you'll have plenty of clearance. Make sure you get a full length add a leaf. The short ones ride rough and will eventually fail your springs.
Uncle Tony and you are 20 years behind me 😂. I have had Valiant’s and C body Plymouth called a Dodge Phoenix. When I started the family the mopar’s went and family friendly had come to mind so jeeps are on the menu. I don’t have any rust like you have though 😢
This looks like my son’s 2000 Cherokee Sport but ours has no rust. Our Cherokee has just over 200,000 miles and we are the 2nd owner having bought it in January 2004 from the Dept of Interior fleet with about 70k miles on it. It has served us well through all the past 19 winters in Montana. Alas, I believe it needs a freshened up engine and a few months ago I talked my son into letting us rebuild the 4.0 engine this winter in my shop. We were both elated to do another father-son project. Unfortunately, my 26 year-old son passed away on October 9 from “heart complications” post-Covid vaccines. I am not sure I can go forward now on this “father-no son” project. I already sold his 2 other cars. Doom & gloom abounds.
I would say that your son would still want you to finish that jeep. Regardless of what you choose I am sorry for your loss. those covid vac's are still taking their toll.
I agree with the power valves and the jet size as well. Probably a hotter heat range spark plug too. I had one I tuned that was lean on the front cylinders and rich on the rears. So we ended up playing with plug gaps and I think the front carb got tuned a little richer and the rear got tuned a tad leaner on the jetting.
Your videos are the best man. I love xj's. Ive had a 94 grand zj limited with the 5.2 and it was a beast...i still have my 98 tj with the 4.0 also...have had it since 2009 and dont drive it in our mn/nd winters because it would look like yours if i did
Right! Why didn’t I think of that? The left rocker is actually still fine though. And they do make replacement rocker panels… so I’m considering my options.
Love the channel!! Your video of the 5.9 timing cover gasket helped me through my first one on my 98 ZJ. Also have a 2001 XJ in the family. Engine swap, new front suspension, track bar, steering components, sway bar bushings, front springs, and tires. I have eliminated the death wobble and now chasing a vibration in the rear above 70mph. Maybe I'll do the driveshaft u-joints first. Thanks for the great videos. Careful flexing with the larger tires. That's how the fender flares can get popped off.
I popped the right one off partially the first time I turned the steering wheel 😅 it’s fine, it cracked but didn’t actually break the ear off. Nailed it.
Just got a 2004 Honda CR-V. Bad fuel pump and a bent rear upper control arm. Looks like a tie rod. Got it for $1200 and it has a 5 speed manual and it is AWD. Already had a aftermarket stereo with Bluetooth. The 2.4 V Tec K engine is powerful too. And it gets 25mpg. Can even tow a small trailer. Love my daily CR-V. Your new Jeep reminds me of my fixer upper
Those are too fancy. Haha. The CR-V is a solid unit. The Jeep is a little more dumb and I like it that way. It’s a downsized truck, while the CR-V is an upsized car. That’s not to say the Jeep is better - actually the opposite is likely true for several reasons - but it’s the language I speak. 25 MPG would be nice…
Yeah. The CR-V is basically like a tall car. I love it though. Great MPG and has some power to it compared to my 2.2 S-10. Your jeep has the looks though. My Ram gets 13 MPG. So I needed a daily. Keep up the good content.
. . . aaand the bulb grease rant was epic . . . Also pro tip: don't keep the opened little packages of this kind of crap in your glove box. I personally have a Mason jar in the garage with opened packages of bulb grease, disc brake grease, anti-seize etc. Someday a chemical reaction will probably occur.
Probably… I worked at O’Reilly for years and was give or take obligated to sell that stuff with bulbs. I would often install said bulbs, and would ask if they wanted to keep the extra grease. If so, it got wrapped up in something.
Ive been binge-watching your channel im gonna be bummed out when i reach the end. Luckily I have short term memory loss for real. Then i can happily start over. Cheers from British Columbia Washington's hat lol
I have a 2003 Durango that the power locks became possessed like the ones in your Jeep. It turned out to be that water was getting into the body control module. You may wanna check that in your Jeep.
Makes a lot of sense, and I will keep that in mind. I am going to check door wiring first, because when a front passenger leans on the arm rest, they start locking and unlocking. And punching the door often makes it stop.
I enjoyed this one, and I was only a couple of inches off on my guess of a broken flex-plate. I also enjoyed the fact that my Suburban has like 200 lbs less rust than your toy, lol Merry Christmas to you and yours!
I've been in the market for one of these myself, except I'm allergic to anything with more than 2 doors. Finding a 2 Door XJ with an automatic is near impossible. I'll probably find another SX/4 before I find a 2-door Cherokee. I might argue that Chrysler had it's best years after acquiring AMC. After all, many folks decided to make the move to Chrysler from AMC and showed the Chrysler boys how to do things on a budget. Where Chrysler people would be tasked at designing a switch; they would claim it would take 3 years and 2.9 million dollars. The folks that came over from AMC asked "Why not just buy one from a supplier that suits our application?" They Chrysler folks had no reply. Chrysler also kept a LOT of AMC parts like the door handles, the pedal pads, the 4 litre and even looked at AMC's head design from the V8's. That's where we get the Magnum V8 from. Compare them to an AMC V8 head sometime. Isn't it funny though about the Jeep Curse? Every company that tries to take them over winds up going tits up. Kaiser, AMC, Chrysler, Stellantis....
Oh yeah. Although frankly, Chrysler was perfectly good at almost going out of business repeatedly before they bought Jeep. Haha. The four door makes perfect sense for me, having a kid to load in the back. That calculation changes when the damn rear doors randomly won’t open…
Iv'e often heard it suggested that the 4.0 Jeep engine has a relationship with the Australian Hemi six engine, which was actually designed in America, and that the 4.0 Jeep motor is based on what AMC had in Ramblers, I wonder if all three are related? ,however the Hemi 6 doesn't suffer from the problems that you mentioned with the Jeep motor .A neighbor of mine had an early to mid nineties Jeep with the 4.0 ,and I remember him saying it was too thirsty for his liking.
There are absolutely bottom end design similarities between the two, but there is no actual direct relationship to the Hemi 6. The 4.0 is a descendant of the AMC engine, however. In fact, it *is* the AMC engine, but dressed up with some modern parts. They are definitely not known for fuel economy…
And yes - the basic Hemi 6 design was penned here, but abandoned and handed to Chrysler Australia. It was a good fit for their market. I hope to get my hands on one some day.
@@DeadDodgeGarage Well ,as luck would have it ,just a couple of weeks ago I came across a man who's got at least two of them for sale ,amongst a whole lot of other VH Valiant stuff, a possible problem for you though is that it's 7,700 miles from your house, the purchase and shipping cost might not be too bad though considering our dollar's only worth half ish of yours. I dont think they are very easy to find these days in NZ , probably much more plentiful in Australia.
@@DeadDodgeGarage I'd like to reccomend a you tube video that you may enjoy ,so I will ,and it is , "Bathurst race 3 2016 in car /Team Pacer / Touring car masters " it's the best Iv'e come across for hearing the awesome sound of a Hemi 6, I think this one had over 500 horsepower from memory, the same car now runs a Dodge nascar motor with 700 plus HP.
@@DeadDodgeGarage that was my case as well, no airbag light and horn was working! And yet my cruise control wasn’t working, I replaced the clockspring and it fixed the issue.
In 2001 we were looking for a new replacement vehicle and one of the first I wanted and tried was a Cherokee. I was set to buy one. Then I sat in one and couldn't sit up head straight. At least 2" lacking in headroom even with the seat adjusted down/back. I'm sure I tried a bucket seat model if they had one, same issue. Was heartbroken. Grand Cherokee and Durango were too expensive. We ended up with a 2002 Liberty instead because it had headroom, legroom, side to side room. I ended up liking it a lot. But it wasn't the Cherokee I had wanted for years... I do want to pick up a set of Jeep wheels still en-tired at the salvage yard at some point to use as rollers for the Challenger.
That Cherokee actually looks like it has a small lift on it. You sure it's stock? Even with the stock sized wheels and tires, it looked lifted a bit. The fender to tire gaps looked just a bit large. I think the offset on those "new" wheels is really the issue with the rub that was.
No I’m actually not sure now. Especially seeing the Old Man Emu shocks, it was obvious someone had done some tinkering. Springs looked stock, but I am not sure now if the coil insulator I was looking at was stock or not. No block or anything in the rear. Yes, the absolutely ridiculous offset is the real problem. But… they’re so cool…
@DeadDodgeGarage Yes sir, 100% looks cool! I have an 89 Comanche that I've replaced the cracked cylinder head on (and lots of other stuff, too) and now it sounds like it has a slight rod knock at 3k rev and decelerating. Might just drop the pan and replace the rod bearings, see what that gets me. The old 4.0's are pretty stout, and torquey!
can you call the 4.0 a mopar? I mean they are just a 258 amc really without the 0.2 liters and minus a carbutater. I think just about every Manufacturer has a six now that is "indestructible" Mopar has its leaning tower of Power, Ford has the 240-300 six, and (spit) Chevrolet has the 292. I think the versatility of the XJ is what makes it so popular its way more spacious inside than a Wrangler with pretty much the same footprint and drivetrain. They make a great daily especially for guys and Gals that live up here in the North and need all the tractions come Nov-Mar.
I totally agree - that’s what makes them great. No I don’t really see them as a Mopar. I mean Chrysler made money off of them, and by this time the electronics were Chrysler stuff. But it’s really AMC stuff.
Warren Ohio, the salt capital of the rust belt, about an hour from Cleveland and an hour and a half from Pittsburgh, everything rusts out there in no time at all. It's a place where car floors are replaced with stolen stop signs and yield signs. Working on cars there is a totally different experience cause everything is rusted solid. You seem to have a nice jeep, it looks really nice for where it came from. Many times I've seen a car hit a bump/pothole and entire car bounces off the frame and drops back on and the driver just keeps going. Ohio has no inspections. Cleveland has a exhaust gas check, but that is it. Cars can be really dangerous there.
🇺🇸👍 looks like your work paid off, plus you had yourself a little adventure to go with it. What’s the long term future hold for this Jeep ? I guess only time will tell. 👍❤️
No idea, but I love it and have been driving it every day. 350 miles on it so far. I think it’s probably going to hang around for a while. I am making small improvements daily. Making the tires not rub would be a nice idea.
Jamie... My XJ - 1995, purchased New! Currently at 455,000 miles with one Timing Set at 350,000. Uses 1/4 Qt of oil in 3,000 miles changes. Rest of Drivetrain is also Original and going strong. Living in Texas, ...ZERO... Rust. Literally the MOST reliable vehicle I've owned from 1970 to Present.
U would like 2000 xj that I doing for someone that I work for on the weekends I put 3 inch rough country lift kit welded on patch panels head gasket welded on rear frame stiffeners repaired air conditioning 30 inch for tires not done with it yet should send a picture coming out pretty nice c
I actually am! I have a recording studio at home, and have produced records for myself and many bands over the years. I own semi-professional recording equipment… so I find it really funny to continue making these videos using nothing but the built in iPhone mic. Haha. Thanks!
@@DeadDodgeGarage I have noticed some equipment in the background of your videos! I’m an engineer also! Live mostly but I spent quite a few years in the studio! My other love apart from music is cars! Mostly mopars. I have a 1964 New Yorker wagon in survivor condition. Love your humor and the info you share! Also - The videos sound great! 👍🏼 😊
Another great video Jamie! For those haters that keeps saying that Jamie is trying to to act like VGG. Go watch and red green show and tell me how original VGG is. I watch both channels because I enjoy them. So all you hater’s just shut the hell up.
I love the channel, and the vast majority of your observations. But mechanics often feel differently than owners when it comes to seeing objectively. And so, I have to disagree with the idea that the AMC/258/4.0L wasn't as good as legend has it. My brother owned a German /Scandi garage for 35 years, was well known on the west coast for his vintage German engine rebuilds. Being Ausrtian/American, he held dual citizenship and kept a storage facility full of NOS parts for rare German cars such as the Adenaur limo, the 300SE (gull wing), and many 356C Porsche parts. People of means and - dare I say - distinction - would ship a crate of particles and goo to him, and presto, they would get their engine back good as new, sometimes better, after transferring substantial sums of shekels to him. And, if he recommended brand new headlight trim rings, they would salivate and say Yes. That said: I once asked him many decades ago, what vehicle he might recommend as I was in the hunt for something thatI would not have to work on much. He was the mechanic in the family, while I only did it with a grimace. His response was instantaneous; "get a Jeep - reliable, tough, simple." While he carefully collected German cars, his persoanl choice of daily driver was a Ford truck...or a Chevy truck.. Any American truck, in fact, cuz he "never has to open the hood." Now, this was in about 1977, so AMC was still in the game, spot welding the CJ series together and they were well represented on the road and off. I never noticed much hate towards the Jeep, compared to any other vehiceles at that time. They all had their issues. It was those days. Fast forward to about 2010, and my purchase of a 96 XJ, bone stock soccer mom approved with 155k on it. The usual piston slap, etc. We owned that Jeep for 8 years took good care of it service wise, but I used to get up onto the ridges around here a lot. We had zero issues with that thing until one weeked after packing all my camp gear into it soaking wet, the headliner just melted and came down like a collapsing tent. Humidity took it's toll. Igave it to my son and got a ... 95 Grand Cherokee in VERY nice shape, put a 3" puck lift on it, 30x9.50x15 KO2's (pizza cutters) on it and I haven't looked back since. It has the same knocky sounding 4L that I have come to trust more than any other vehicle I have ever owned - which includes over 40, all used. One that came close is the often maligned Aspen. I had a 77 Dodge Aspen SE wagon when my kids were little, and it was the most reliable and comfortable car I have ever owned - with a slant 6. It was near mint and had 65K on it when I bought it in 1984. That's one I do miss. I have no idea what the innards of my 4L look like, but compression is good and it runs as smooth as a sewing machine as soon as im above idle. It'll be going to the Black Hills this May, and back here to Everett, so, kind of like your epic trip from back east in that lovely old Charger. It will struggle up those passes with a full camp load and I won't go over 75 through Montana. I'll mount a Slow Moving Vehicle sign in the back window for grins-an- giggles. I think the 258/4L is every bit as good as they say. I think all American In-Line 6 cylinders are the best engines ever made in mass production. So does my brother, who loves the old 300 Ford. Neverthe less, I will sacrifice a chicken and do some mumbling into the campfire when May gets closer...
They're great engines, but as you've backed up my point about all the horrible noises they make, I think I can rest easy. Haha. You're absolutely right though - the mechanic's view is skewed, as they will probably only see the ones that have issues. I have long used my mechanic experience to help guide people in their automotive purchases. If I haven't ever had to work on them, or if the repairs are always simple and cheap - good buy. American engines (and vehicles in general from this time) were largely simple and straightforward. I'll take a rusty old American pile like this over a BMW or Mercedes any day - and I've done the math on that one, having owned one of each.
The knowledge that this whole operation (and really, life in general) is futile in the grand scheme of things, and that everything will be work out one way or another. Or… something
@DDG Okay, I'm in at 4:22 and I have no idea yet what that horrible knocking is but I'ma gonna guess cracked/broken flex-plate anyways. I have not cheated, just ask my wife. Okay, lets play!
A guy I know stopped by my work the other day in an XJ , said it was his daughters and that she wanted to sell it . Don't need it really but who could say no to a rust free XJ for 1500.00 . I drove it home , only has 300k . It has a clunking noise , I think I'll ignore it .
Great plan! I wish mine was rust free… that’s a great deal.
Man that's a jem😊
XJ's have joined my list of "used to own, sold back when they were cheap and now want one and can't afford it".
As usual, a well done episode Jamie. I enjoyed it muchly.
- Ed on the Ridge
I know I've got a decent 2000 that needs a passenger rocker I'm saving to get the one from crown I'll never find another
A thursday episode! What a treat!!!!
Love this channel. Dead Dodge Garage, DD Speed Shop, Pole Barn Garage, Budget Buildz, and Junkyard Digs are without a doubt, better than anything on the television. And Vice Grip...
Thank you! Just being mentioned in the same sentence as those guys means a lot.
Don't forget Puddin.
I love those XJs. I had a '91 w/4.0, Aisin auto, NP231, 3.55 gears, and 4 doors. Oh, the memories....
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my fifty years in the car hobby ,with the benefit of hindsight is whatever you’re interested in buying spend a bit more money to buy the best you can it’ll always be better in the long run! Thx Jamie
Absolutely. That’s something I have spent some time preaching, and a great rule to live by. It’s also a rule I ignore all the time… in any case I’m happy with my purchase here. But I really wanted a more decent one.
Yea and then he wouldnt have much content to film would he?
Gotta love them 4 L jeep motors
Engines*
Obviously this Jeep has been neglected. My 04 gr. Cherokee I got in 08 has been ultra reliable. It’s still on its original steering parts, ball joints, water pump, alternator etc. I replaced the front driveshaft, rear axle seals and some window regulators. The usual brakes, fluids and shocks of course, but at 200k it still makes me scratch my head how reliable it’s been. Another great video Jamie!
I love those! Absolutely amazing off-road! I've never had a problem with my 4.0. I love it 👌
Good thing you know how to weld, and grind, and paint! Looking forward to it.
Got an 88 and a 90 xj. Forever my favorite vehicle. Thanks for rescuing this one!
great video, good job keeping this beauty alive and functional. Nice light off-roading video too.
Great video as usual uncle Tony. Love your advice.
I’m “Uncle Dead” apparently
We have 3 XJ in our family still and owned another 3 never had rust . I brought 2 new TJs then another and still have it . She covered 440 ks for a 98 5 speed . Great 4x4 that put many brand X to shame no problem 👍🏻💯🇦🇺⛽️.
Your videos are getting so good that I watch them even if I am not remotely interested in the particular vehicle. (similar to anything Steve Magnante does) Keep up the good work, your channel is picking up subscribers quickly.
Thank you! Many people seemed to not be remotely interested in the Jeep. Haha. I really appreciate the sentiment.
I bought my 2000 Jeep Cherokee XJ brand new. I drive it daily in the winter. I drove it today. It's a great truck. Mine needed a new cylinder head at 145,000 miles. Otherwise it's great. Also no rust, I'm sorry. I replaced the windshield washer pumps last weekend. They're under the drivers side fender liner, which is plastic and held in with stupid clips.
Nice. Sounds about right. Yep… I need to do the washer pump. Then figure out this cruise control deal. Did wipers and adjusted headlights today. Can actually kinda see now.
My niece sold her 1992 Cherokee with 352,000 on it ! It still ran pretty good too !
It seems you did enjoy attaining your Ideal Jeep with minor issues you subsequently attended leaving you a Mean Green Machine to adore.
❤
The naked ladies are my favorite feature. I'm glad you didn't remove them. Great Job!
i have a 99 and with 233,000n on it runs great. With no overheating and normal noises from the engine. one of the best engines to own if you take care of them.
Love an XJ that you don't have to worry about rearranging the sheet metal or scratches and dents; great to have fun with, punching through the woods. I've driven three into the ground, but always was good about maintenance and oil changes and keeping everything working. Sheet metal doesn't count -- mechanical operation does. Enjoy, and keep up the off-road videos! Love your channel.
Oh hell yeah. Thanks!
I love that song you are whistling. I used to listen to it all the time as a boy. Early 1960s. Johnny Hortons, "Battle For New Orleans". Flip side of the 45, no not the gun, "Pretty Eyes".
Back in 2002-03 I had a 2001 XJ. I really liked it, but I commute 35 miles to work so I needed better mpg and the part-time 4wd isn't the best for partially dry, partially icy roads in the winter. So, a new Subaru it was, and I absolutely love the "no-brainer" all wheel drive system and the mpg. And Subies are very trouble-free, at least for me. Still, I wouldn't kick an XJ out of my driveway if one showed up looking for a new home and the price was right.
I’m commuting mine 50 miles each way right now… I really like it. But my Subaru is definitely better suited for the icy road conditions. It did fantastic in the snow last year. It basically didn’t care about the snow at all.
What a tank! My brother daily’s a super minty 2wd xj. I still see some solid ones on the east side of the state
That looked like a lot of fun. It's great when you can find something like this that doesn't take a lot to make it a driver. Awesome!
Add some 2" coil spring spacers and a add a leaf in the back and you'll have plenty of clearance. Make sure you get a full length add a leaf. The short ones ride rough and will eventually fail your springs.
That’s probably where we’re going.
Uncle Tony and you are 20 years behind me 😂.
I have had Valiant’s and C body Plymouth called a Dodge Phoenix. When I started the family the mopar’s went and family friendly had come to mind so jeeps are on the menu.
I don’t have any rust like you have though 😢
We have a ‘61 Dodge Phoenix convertible at rocket. That’s kinda neat. I wish mine wasn’t a rusty pile 😭
I've had 5 of them jaming and every one of them. I put through the test with my foot to the floor board
Yikes
Liked as soon as I pressed play.
For I knew I would be professionally entertained!
Professionally! By an entertainment professional!
I agree with ya on the 4.0.. I had an 01 Grand Cherokee. Bought it with 40k. Changed oil religiously. Got 180,000 out of it. Loved the Jeep though.
This looks like my son’s 2000 Cherokee Sport but ours has no rust. Our Cherokee has just over 200,000 miles and we are the 2nd owner having bought it in January 2004 from the Dept of Interior fleet with about 70k miles on it. It has served us well through all the past 19 winters in Montana. Alas, I believe it needs a freshened up engine and a few months ago I talked my son into letting us rebuild the 4.0 engine this winter in my shop. We were both elated to do another father-son project. Unfortunately, my 26 year-old son passed away on October 9 from “heart complications” post-Covid vaccines. I am not sure I can go forward now on this “father-no son” project. I already sold his 2 other cars. Doom & gloom abounds.
I would say that your son would still want you to finish that jeep. Regardless of what you choose I am sorry for your loss. those covid vac's are still taking their toll.
😧
I agree with the power valves and the jet size as well. Probably a hotter heat range spark plug too. I had one I tuned that was lean on the front cylinders and rich on the rears. So we ended up playing with plug gaps and I think the front carb got tuned a little richer and the rear got tuned a tad leaner on the jetting.
This comment magically teleported from a different video…
@@DeadDodgeGarage yes. Yes it did! Thank you 🤘🏼
Your videos are the best man. I love xj's. Ive had a 94 grand zj limited with the 5.2 and it was a beast...i still have my 98 tj with the 4.0 also...have had it since 2009 and dont drive it in our mn/nd winters because it would look like yours if i did
You know I loved this one lol , 2x6 square tube quick fix for the rocker rust that is if there is something to weld to , doubles as a rock slider
Right! Why didn’t I think of that? The left rocker is actually still fine though. And they do make replacement rocker panels… so I’m considering my options.
Love the channel!! Your video of the 5.9 timing cover gasket helped me through my first one on my 98 ZJ. Also have a 2001 XJ in the family. Engine swap, new front suspension, track bar, steering components, sway bar bushings, front springs, and tires. I have eliminated the death wobble and now chasing a vibration in the rear above 70mph. Maybe I'll do the driveshaft u-joints first. Thanks for the great videos. Careful flexing with the larger tires. That's how the fender flares can get popped off.
I popped the right one off partially the first time I turned the steering wheel 😅 it’s fine, it cracked but didn’t actually break the ear off. Nailed it.
Just got a 2004 Honda CR-V. Bad fuel pump and a bent rear upper control arm. Looks like a tie rod. Got it for $1200 and it has a 5 speed manual and it is AWD. Already had a aftermarket stereo with Bluetooth. The 2.4 V Tec K engine is powerful too. And it gets 25mpg. Can even tow a small trailer. Love my daily CR-V. Your new Jeep reminds me of my fixer upper
Those are too fancy. Haha. The CR-V is a solid unit. The Jeep is a little more dumb and I like it that way. It’s a downsized truck, while the CR-V is an upsized car. That’s not to say the Jeep is better - actually the opposite is likely true for several reasons - but it’s the language I speak. 25 MPG would be nice…
Yeah. The CR-V is basically like a tall car. I love it though. Great MPG and has some power to it compared to my 2.2 S-10. Your jeep has the looks though. My Ram gets 13 MPG. So I needed a daily. Keep up the good content.
. . . aaand the bulb grease rant was epic . . . Also pro tip: don't keep the opened little packages of this kind of crap in your glove box. I personally have a Mason jar in the garage with opened packages of bulb grease, disc brake grease, anti-seize etc. Someday a chemical reaction will probably occur.
Probably… I worked at O’Reilly for years and was give or take obligated to sell that stuff with bulbs. I would often install said bulbs, and would ask if they wanted to keep the extra grease. If so, it got wrapped up in something.
Ive been binge-watching your channel im gonna be bummed out when i reach the end. Luckily I have short term memory loss for real. Then i can happily start over. Cheers from British Columbia Washington's hat lol
Hahahaha. Thank you very much! I could get a carrier pigeon to your place from here. Well, if I found a talented one anyway.
I have a 2003 Durango that the power locks became possessed like the ones in your Jeep. It turned out to be that water was getting into the body control module. You may wanna check that in your Jeep.
Makes a lot of sense, and I will keep that in mind. I am going to check door wiring first, because when a front passenger leans on the arm rest, they start locking and unlocking. And punching the door often makes it stop.
I enjoyed this one, and I was only a couple of inches off on my guess of a broken flex-plate. I also enjoyed the fact that my Suburban has like 200 lbs less rust than your toy, lol Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Oh yeah, I’d still have given you credit for that guess. Very close, and the same guess I had, as mentioned. Haha. Thanks!
I've been in the market for one of these myself, except I'm allergic to anything with more than 2 doors. Finding a 2 Door XJ with an automatic is near impossible. I'll probably find another SX/4 before I find a 2-door Cherokee.
I might argue that Chrysler had it's best years after acquiring AMC. After all, many folks decided to make the move to Chrysler from AMC and showed the Chrysler boys how to do things on a budget. Where Chrysler people would be tasked at designing a switch; they would claim it would take 3 years and 2.9 million dollars. The folks that came over from AMC asked "Why not just buy one from a supplier that suits our application?" They Chrysler folks had no reply.
Chrysler also kept a LOT of AMC parts like the door handles, the pedal pads, the 4 litre and even looked at AMC's head design from the V8's. That's where we get the Magnum V8 from. Compare them to an AMC V8 head sometime.
Isn't it funny though about the Jeep Curse? Every company that tries to take them over winds up going tits up. Kaiser, AMC, Chrysler, Stellantis....
Oh yeah. Although frankly, Chrysler was perfectly good at almost going out of business repeatedly before they bought Jeep. Haha. The four door makes perfect sense for me, having a kid to load in the back. That calculation changes when the damn rear doors randomly won’t open…
Iv'e often heard it suggested that the 4.0 Jeep engine has a relationship with the Australian Hemi six engine, which was actually designed in America, and that the 4.0 Jeep motor is based on what AMC had in Ramblers, I wonder if all three are related? ,however the Hemi 6 doesn't suffer from the problems that you mentioned with the Jeep motor .A neighbor of mine had an early to mid nineties Jeep with the 4.0 ,and I remember him saying it was too thirsty for his liking.
There are absolutely bottom end design similarities between the two, but there is no actual direct relationship to the Hemi 6. The 4.0 is a descendant of the AMC engine, however. In fact, it *is* the AMC engine, but dressed up with some modern parts. They are definitely not known for fuel economy…
And yes - the basic Hemi 6 design was penned here, but abandoned and handed to Chrysler Australia. It was a good fit for their market. I hope to get my hands on one some day.
@@DeadDodgeGarage Well ,as luck would have it ,just a couple of weeks ago I came across a man who's got at least two of them for sale ,amongst a whole lot of other VH Valiant stuff, a possible problem for you though is that it's 7,700 miles from your house, the purchase and shipping cost might not be too bad though considering our dollar's only worth half ish of yours. I dont think they are very easy to find these days in NZ , probably much more plentiful in Australia.
@@DeadDodgeGarage I'd like to reccomend a you tube video that you may enjoy ,so I will ,and it is , "Bathurst race 3 2016 in car /Team Pacer / Touring car masters " it's the best Iv'e come across for hearing the awesome sound of a Hemi 6, I think this one had over 500 horsepower from memory, the same car now runs a Dodge nascar motor with 700 plus HP.
Got a super clean body ‘00 PNW one in Pacific Ill make you a deal on. Dead 4.0 and trans was throwing a tq code but working fine when the 4.0 went.
Have your people call my people… DeadDodgeGarage@gmail.com
@@DeadDodgeGarageemail sent.
Great purchase! About your cruise control: mine wasn’t working either, and in my case it was the clock spring faulty! Maybe something to investigate.
That is my assumption, but horn works and no airbag light so at least most of the spool is fine.
@@DeadDodgeGarage that was my case as well, no airbag light and horn was working! And yet my cruise control wasn’t working, I replaced the clockspring and it fixed the issue.
In 2001 we were looking for a new replacement vehicle and one of the first I wanted and tried was a Cherokee. I was set to buy one. Then I sat in one and couldn't sit up head straight. At least 2" lacking in headroom even with the seat adjusted down/back. I'm sure I tried a bucket seat model if they had one, same issue. Was heartbroken. Grand Cherokee and Durango were too expensive.
We ended up with a 2002 Liberty instead because it had headroom, legroom, side to side room. I ended up liking it a lot. But it wasn't the Cherokee I had wanted for years...
I do want to pick up a set of Jeep wheels still en-tired at the salvage yard at some point to use as rollers for the Challenger.
The death wobble machine. Had 5 of them myself.
Huh, nice to see I'm not the only one that does the cupholder water bottle shifter thingy.
Never had before 😅
@@DeadDodgeGarage LOL! Ok, maybe it's just me.
That Cherokee actually looks like it has a small lift on it. You sure it's stock? Even with the stock sized wheels and tires, it looked lifted a bit. The fender to tire gaps looked just a bit large. I think the offset on those "new" wheels is really the issue with the rub that was.
No I’m actually not sure now. Especially seeing the Old Man Emu shocks, it was obvious someone had done some tinkering. Springs looked stock, but I am not sure now if the coil insulator I was looking at was stock or not. No block or anything in the rear. Yes, the absolutely ridiculous offset is the real problem. But… they’re so cool…
@DeadDodgeGarage Yes sir, 100% looks cool! I have an 89 Comanche that I've replaced the cracked cylinder head on (and lots of other stuff, too) and now it sounds like it has a slight rod knock at 3k rev and decelerating. Might just drop the pan and replace the rod bearings, see what that gets me. The old 4.0's are pretty stout, and torquey!
very entertaining video, dude - XJs are simply the best - not a SUV but a classic Sport Wagon
Cutting is ALWAYS the answer when fitting larger tires!
I'm on your side 💯💪💪💪 its a jeep thing,, you wouldn't understand 😊😊😊
Couple more years and you will have flow through ventilation whether you want it or not. Maybe you can talk Tony out of one of his.
Great buy! 👍
can you call the 4.0 a mopar? I mean they are just a 258 amc really without the 0.2 liters and minus a carbutater. I think just about every Manufacturer has a six now that is "indestructible" Mopar has its leaning tower of Power, Ford has the 240-300 six, and (spit) Chevrolet has the 292. I think the versatility of the XJ is what makes it so popular its way more spacious inside than a Wrangler with pretty much the same footprint and drivetrain. They make a great daily especially for guys and Gals that live up here in the North and need all the tractions come Nov-Mar.
I totally agree - that’s what makes them great. No I don’t really see them as a Mopar. I mean Chrysler made money off of them, and by this time the electronics were Chrysler stuff. But it’s really AMC stuff.
U from aberdeen/hoquiam area?
Video shows u driving on sumner ave. Show is entertaining.
Yep, Aberdeen. Thanks!
Doing Jeep stuff....thanks...
Warren Ohio, the salt capital of the rust belt, about an hour from Cleveland and an hour and a half from Pittsburgh, everything rusts out there in no time at all. It's a place where car floors are replaced with stolen stop signs and yield signs. Working on cars there is a totally different experience cause everything is rusted solid. You seem to have a nice jeep, it looks really nice for where it came from. Many times I've seen a car hit a bump/pothole and entire car bounces off the frame and drops back on and the driver just keeps going. Ohio has no inspections. Cleveland has a exhaust gas check, but that is it. Cars can be really dangerous there.
That’s terrifying…
🇺🇸👍 looks like your work paid off, plus you had yourself a little adventure to go with it. What’s the long term future hold for this Jeep ? I guess only time will tell. 👍❤️
No idea, but I love it and have been driving it every day. 350 miles on it so far. I think it’s probably going to hang around for a while. I am making small improvements daily. Making the tires not rub would be a nice idea.
Jamie... My XJ - 1995, purchased New! Currently at 455,000 miles with one Timing Set at 350,000. Uses 1/4 Qt of oil in 3,000 miles changes. Rest of Drivetrain is also Original and going strong. Living in Texas, ...ZERO... Rust. Literally the MOST reliable vehicle I've owned from 1970 to Present.
Outstanding! I like these things a lot.
What about 79 power wagon short beds
Any Power Wagon / Power Ram single cab short is a great one! They are super maneuverable too. But still pretty wide.
Either that Jeep is from out near Copalis or such, or a "Rust belt" escapee...
Well, it says Ohio on it…
@@DeadDodgeGarage dammit, missed that...but did live in Ohio a few years when my dad was a commander at WPAFB. The auto hackery is something-
Picking up a $600 xj tomorrow, it needs a lot of love but only a little rust to deal with…
Niiice. I’ve been seeing way too many for sale recently… I already have two, that’s more than enough. Haha.
Where can I find a 72 to 74 charger
Mopar groups on Facebook.
That's why I got a 1995 GMC. Jimmy 434 wheel drive four door
U would like 2000 xj that I doing for someone that I work for on the weekends I put 3 inch rough country lift kit welded on patch panels head gasket welded on rear frame stiffeners repaired air conditioning 30 inch for tires not done with it yet should send a picture coming out pretty nice c
You were definitely being easier on it than I am on mine 😅
Love your videos! 👍🏼
Are you a sound guy?
I actually am! I have a recording studio at home, and have produced records for myself and many bands over the years. I own semi-professional recording equipment… so I find it really funny to continue making these videos using nothing but the built in iPhone mic. Haha. Thanks!
@@DeadDodgeGarage I have noticed some equipment in the background of your videos! I’m an engineer also! Live mostly but I spent quite a few years in the studio! My other love apart from music is cars! Mostly mopars. I have a 1964 New Yorker wagon in survivor condition. Love your humor and the info you share! Also - The videos sound great! 👍🏼 😊
Another great video Jamie! For those haters that keeps saying that Jamie is trying to to act like VGG. Go watch and red green show and tell me how original VGG is. I watch both channels because I enjoy them. So all you hater’s just shut the hell up.
A "Mopar or no cart" appearance ! 🏁🏁
OZZY SHOCKS YAY !!
Success!
Damn Jaime that thing is worked😳😳
I’ve put 300 miles on it as of today with zero problems!
I love the channel, and the vast majority of your observations. But mechanics often feel differently than owners when it comes to seeing objectively. And so, I have to disagree with the idea that the AMC/258/4.0L wasn't as good as legend has it.
My brother owned a German /Scandi garage for 35 years, was well known on the west coast for his vintage German engine rebuilds. Being Ausrtian/American, he held dual citizenship and kept a storage facility full of NOS parts for rare German cars such as the Adenaur limo, the 300SE (gull wing), and many 356C Porsche parts. People of means and - dare I say - distinction - would ship a crate of particles and goo to him, and presto, they would get their engine back good as new, sometimes better, after transferring substantial sums of shekels to him. And, if he recommended brand new headlight trim rings, they would salivate and say Yes.
That said:
I once asked him many decades ago, what vehicle he might recommend as I was in the hunt for something thatI would not have to work on much. He was the mechanic in the family, while I only did it with a grimace.
His response was instantaneous; "get a Jeep - reliable, tough, simple." While he carefully collected German cars, his persoanl choice of daily driver was a Ford truck...or a Chevy truck.. Any American truck, in fact, cuz he "never has to open the hood."
Now, this was in about 1977, so AMC was still in the game, spot welding the CJ series together and they were well represented on the road and off. I never noticed much hate towards the Jeep, compared to any other vehiceles at that time. They all had their issues. It was those days.
Fast forward to about 2010, and my purchase of a 96 XJ, bone stock soccer mom approved with 155k on it. The usual piston slap, etc. We owned that Jeep for 8 years took good care of it service wise, but I used to get up onto the ridges around here a lot. We had zero issues with that thing until one weeked after packing all my camp gear into it soaking wet, the headliner just melted and came down like a collapsing tent. Humidity took it's toll. Igave it to my son and got a ...
95 Grand Cherokee in VERY nice shape, put a 3" puck lift on it, 30x9.50x15 KO2's (pizza cutters) on it and I haven't looked back since. It has the same knocky sounding 4L that I have come to trust more than any other vehicle I have ever owned - which includes over 40, all used. One that came close is the often maligned Aspen. I had a 77 Dodge Aspen SE wagon when my kids were little, and it was the most reliable and comfortable car I have ever owned - with a slant 6. It was near mint and had 65K on it when I bought it in 1984. That's one I do miss.
I have no idea what the innards of my 4L look like, but compression is good and it runs as smooth as a sewing machine as soon as im above idle. It'll be going to the Black Hills this May, and back here to Everett, so, kind of like your epic trip from back east in that lovely old Charger. It will struggle up those passes with a full camp load and I won't go over 75 through Montana. I'll mount a Slow Moving Vehicle sign in the back window for grins-an- giggles.
I think the 258/4L is every bit as good as they say. I think all American In-Line 6 cylinders are the best engines ever made in mass production. So does my brother, who loves the old 300 Ford.
Neverthe less, I will sacrifice a chicken and do some mumbling into the campfire when May gets closer...
They're great engines, but as you've backed up my point about all the horrible noises they make, I think I can rest easy. Haha. You're absolutely right though - the mechanic's view is skewed, as they will probably only see the ones that have issues. I have long used my mechanic experience to help guide people in their automotive purchases. If I haven't ever had to work on them, or if the repairs are always simple and cheap - good buy. American engines (and vehicles in general from this time) were largely simple and straightforward. I'll take a rusty old American pile like this over a BMW or Mercedes any day - and I've done the math on that one, having owned one of each.
Yay!!!! Jeep things and stuff 😂
What u always wanted...a 5 speed water bottle!
Hahahha
Every time im in an auto lol
only 200k and it's that Rusted out wonder what state it came from Becouse Mine is CLEAN bought it w 178k on it it now has 255k
Not sure, but probably somewhere salty. My ‘96 has 253k and it’s way more solid - though does have spots in the floor.
Okay. But assuming you live in western WA which it looks like you do. We really don't expect rust like everywhere east of us.
Indeed - but we do see some common areas from rain water retention.
You're in luck! I can make you an incredible deal on a vast tract of prime swamp land in Florida!
Well now I’m getting excited…
How do you remain so cheerful in the face of adversity?
The knowledge that this whole operation (and really, life in general) is futile in the grand scheme of things, and that everything will be work out one way or another. Or… something
Woow its Thursday n no corn dawgs dang 😂😂😂
😭
@@DeadDodgeGarage 🤣🤣🤣🤣
@DDG Okay, I'm in at 4:22 and I have no idea yet what that horrible knocking is but I'ma gonna guess cracked/broken flex-plate anyways. I have not cheated, just ask my wife. Okay, lets play!
Good guess! That was my first guess too.
@@DeadDodgeGarage We were close!
I spied a blue dog 💙
Yeah, our friends’ dog Ripley. She’s a sweetheart, but wanted to bark at me that day for some reason.
@@DeadDodgeGarage heeler doing heeler things
"You're just trying to be Vice Grip Garage" lol
She still Runs good still though dont she that straight 6 4.0 Its worth fixing
you are fucking hilarious and the way you cut and narrate is amazing!!!
I certainly like to think so. Haha. Thank you!
Maybe my next re- in car nation , or not.👻
Fun
And that something slightly different :-)
Wow! It’s a joop!
OZZY DOG YAY !!
Yeah you can have those piles .
I’ll take them all! They’re fantastic piles
Come on bring back the fire wrench or take a saw to it
What a great purchase! ^_^'
“Fix the cigarette lighter.”
Nice!
It works!!
Haha it’s like buying an XJ in vr
😮🤯
Obviously the owner never cared less about his XJ . 🤦🏼🙀.
It was already becoming a rusty pile when he bought it he said. He used the hell out of it for years. And clearly didn’t keep up on the maintenance…
For free, that ain't bad.
Well it wasn’t free… but it was cheap
Lol I was born and raised in Warren Ohio
Just Empty Every Pocket 😂😂😂😂
Uhhhh huh
2x6 retangiler steel 😅
That was my thought!