noslen

I am new too the jeep world but am excited to join I have ffound a 94 cherokee with 211, xxx miles on it and 40000 on the motor guy says it's getting hot and he had a "buddy" tell him it needs a head gasket. I beg to differ I have done a lot of work and in countered several blown head gaskets and I ask about what gives him reason to believe this is the problem he says it gets hot but the oil is normal and no steam out the tailpipe the bottom line is I can see it run and drive it till the temp gage goes up and it looks nice is it worth 550 and an 85 mile drive in the pick up with the car trailer to get it?

tmac

Check how the coolant looks. Check for flow coming out of the head. Does it still overheat if you are driving it at adequate speed? It could just be a different component not working properly. ei: thermostat, pump, radiator, fan clutch. If you really wanted you could do a compression test or if you have one, bring an infrared temp sensor if you have one to verify what temp it's running at. Whether it's worth it depends on the rest of the vehicle. Good luck!

noslen

I think it is. It's just gonna be a toy anyways. I'm not sure if you'll be able to look at those pictures or not. And thanks for the info. Think I might go get it tomorrow. If he's still get it.

Programbo

Well even if it IS the head gasket they arent that hard to change in a Jeep so not a big worry. As has been mentioned a lot of other things can make it over heat.

noslen

I've heard that you can redo the whole cooling system for under 300 do you know if this true.

Bustedback

True, if you shop wisely 300 bucks will buy everything and then some.

noslen

So either way it won't cost a whole lot what would the total system consist of?

Bustedback

Water pump, thermostat, radiator, fan clutch, upper hose, lower hose, heater hoses, and radiator cap. Confirm the electric fan works and that the shrouds are intact. www.rockauto.com will have everything you need for really good prices. Don't buy the cheapest stuff they have listed, it's not worth the headache when the cheap stuff fails in a year.

noslen

Okay well I appreciate the help I am going to look at it tomorrow. What kinda axles do they have. I know some people talk about Dana and didn't know if that was stock or people putting those in.

2WDUnderachiever

You can part it out for more than $550...
Replacing the head gasket isn't THAT big of a job.
Replacing the whole cooling system isn't THAT expensive...
I'd buy it.

EDIT: Wait, why not wait and get a 4x4 model?

noslen

That's what I'm thinking. I'm pretty excited to get it. Hope it woks out as planned.

andrewmp6

If the floor pan and rockers are rust free i would jump on it today.

noslen

What's everyone's advice on getting 31s to fit? I really don't want to spend a ton on it. 2 inch and fender cuts?

Bustedback

Owning a Jeep and not wanting to spend a ton of money on it don't go together. Just Empty Every Pocket. Nuff said.

Rjmils

I ran bfg allterrain 31x10.50 for two years with a 2in budget boost, no trimming it barelly rubbed at full flex no sway or bumps in the back, rubbed the lower control arms at full turn but I had stock backspacing as well, btw mine is also a 94