sthon

x2.

OP either invest in some tools and a repair manual or find a trusted mechanic that won't bend you over.

Turbo X_J

^ This.
I'll take the opposing view, I could probably do brain surgery but without the support staff & facilities I'm SOL. You are paying a shop with employees and the business expenses associated with. It's not entirely unheard of to spend $2500 on a transmission rebuild so.....

Lowrange2

Right but the thing is that there's a bout 98% chance that this vehicle doesn't NEED this stuff.

The shop has to make money but they don't need to say it needs stuff that it doesn't need.

Turbo X_J

I'll agree, but we only have one side of the story. If the OP walked in to the shop and asked "make it like new", then $4500 spent on a 13 year old vehicle isn't bad. More likely than not this Cherokee has seen no more than an oil change, and been filled with gas. I bought an '01 four years ago that had a MOPAR (probably original) thermostat in it, along with hoses, tires, and pretty much everything else. It did have a new Walmart battery in it tho.
ETA
Thermostat in question, no wonder it took so long to warm up.

Lowrange2

I see your point.

jeepMI

Thats another reason we bought it is because its supposedly really easy to do work on it.

Thanks for all the replies guys! Ill start looking into these parts. And also how to's for installation.

jeepMI

In addition (sorry for two posts in a row) This car sat between 1-3 years( previous owner had it stolen from him) and was just recovered a few months ago.

The battery does need to be changed because the previous owner threw a spare one in and it apparently had too high amperage or something that caused a wire to short. Not really sure what they mean by that.

The AC/ air needs to be checked because when its on and were stopped (wether braking or in park) there is a loud whirring that repeat every 5-10 seconds.

Because the car sat for a while, I kind of want all the fluids replaced. A coolant flush was recommended by the xj owner at the shop to prevent a crack in the gasket I believe.

Tires are ok for now, but only for 2wd apparently.
The vehicle actually was the best one we've seen here in MI because all the others are rotted out or have issues when driving.

Ill try to post links for parts here later to check with you guys to see if you approve.

Again thanks for the responses!

belvedere

Ask friends, co-workers, etc. for the name of a trustworthy independent mechanic in your area.

jeepMI

So my dad and his friend took it home from firestone. My dad had them do belts, and oil. Not sure what else.

The battery is too small for the box so my battery clamp (i think thats what its called)doesn't fit over it along with it not sitting in the tray properly





Not sure if you can see the excess tray underneath.

Also i need shocks. If anyone has suggestions for good ones thatd be awesome.

Thanks guys!

s346k

surely there is an mi member who can take a look at this thing for you.

these Cherokees are great vehicles , but certainly not for someone lacking mechanical knowledge. they are pretty easy to work on, though.

GAPANDA

I get what everyone is saying here and while I agree I would like to recommend something that you can do for free and it will add more value than you would never imagine. Simply... search for each of those repairs here and READ. You seem really jazzed about being a Jeep owner, Great! Take this opportunity and read/learn/become informed and while you might not do tons of the wrench work right away...understanding what might be done by someone else will help everyone. The more you read up on things, the more confident you will be dealing with a local shop. Even someone that isn't out to drain your bank account wants a customer that understand most of what is going on. As you learn more and your confidence continues to grow things will go much easier for everyone and I think you'll find this Jeep thing as AWESOME as you have heard.
Stay positive!

F1Addict

The battery is supposed to have a metal bar over the top of it to keep it from bouncing up and shorting on the hood, they aren't easy to find but a bungee would work in the short-term or you could rig something up with stuff from Home Depot for about $15.

As far as shocks go, any shock will do for a daily driver and most any new shock will be better than an old, worn one. They're also pretty easy to replace yourself. I've used everything from the generic Replacement brand (about $20 each) to fancy Monroes (about $70 each). They both worked fine for driving around.

playbass

Dang a 318$ water pump replacement. Must be made of gold.

playbass

You can get the battery hold down bar from Morris 4x4 (I bought one, it's really nice.)

http://www.jeep4x4center.com/battery...-55010722.html

F1Addict

I've seen that one at Morris but it's been out of stock for a while :/


* Temporarily Out of Stock -
Order now and we will deliver your item as soon as it becomes available!
Please Note - There is No E.T.A. at This Time

However, it does appear to be available and in stock from www.moparpartsoverstock.com for $19.24.