Joecam18's Cross Country Trip
12-13-2015, 02:03 PM
#31
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
In my experience (and I have some) it's best to avoid over-preparing. Change the engine oil and check your other fluids. If they appear normal then let them continue to do their job. Cross-country road trips are a breeze for a well-maintained XJ, much easier than 5500 miles of daily stop-and-go driving. Overzealous preparation, while understandable, can lead to unanticipated failures. Like others have said, bring along tools and spare hoses and belts but don't replace them before you leave unless they appear to need replacement. Fresh wipers are a good idea and I agree that keeping your spare in the back rather than on the roof is a good idea. If you happen to be running with your sway bar disconnected, I recommend reconnecting it for your trip, you'll appreciate the added stability if you have to make any sudden avoidance maneuvers which are largely reflex but can result in a loss of control. Remember, you're packing six months of driving into just a couple weeks, everything you would experience on the road in six months is going to be condensed into 14 days, add to that unfamiliar roads, winter conditions and drowsiness... it's a great adventure but take care and be careful.
Did a cross country road trip myself last year in my 2001 XJ. From Chicago to LA and drove back a week later. Best experience ever. I want to do it again but since I lifted the jeep since then I'm scared to do it again hahah are you passing by any national parks??? Here are some pics from last May. Definitely worth the experience.
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Attachment 280425
12-13-2015, 04:10 PM
#33
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Hard not to over-prepare but I think I'll be able to under-prepare due to time constraints alone lol Just wanted to stop by some national parks on the way to California, so I don't have many specifics set, but if you have some suggestions lay them on m e Looks like a great time! any hiccups along the way? Suggestions?
12-18-2015, 09:59 PM
#36
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Year: 2000
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First day down!
Start point was Southern New Jersey. Hit the 'trip' button right as i left my drivewy and clocked ~430 miles today.
NJ --> DC for girlfriend's job interview
then
DC --> Petersburg VA
then
Petersburgh VA --> Raleigh NC
Staying the night in Raleigh
Plan for tomorrow is
Raleigh NC --> Myrtle Beach SC
then
Myrtle Beach SC --> Rincon GA which is where we will be staying for the night.
Another ~400 miles tomorrow. Jeep is holding up fantastically. Had to take the gas can off the roof while in DC. Cops said someone might think its a bomb. Might strap it back up top tomorrow to drive through SC. no hiccups yet!!!
Start point was Southern New Jersey. Hit the 'trip' button right as i left my drivewy and clocked ~430 miles today.
NJ --> DC for girlfriend's job interview
then
DC --> Petersburg VA
then
Petersburgh VA --> Raleigh NC
Staying the night in Raleigh
Plan for tomorrow is
Raleigh NC --> Myrtle Beach SC
then
Myrtle Beach SC --> Rincon GA which is where we will be staying for the night.
Another ~400 miles tomorrow. Jeep is holding up fantastically. Had to take the gas can off the roof while in DC. Cops said someone might think its a bomb. Might strap it back up top tomorrow to drive through SC. no hiccups yet!!!
12-18-2015, 10:15 PM
#37
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
First day down!
Start point was Southern New Jersey. Hit the 'trip' button right as i left my drivewy and clocked ~430 miles today.
NJ --> DC for girlfriend's job interview
then
DC --> Petersburg VA
then
Petersburgh VA --> Raleigh NC
Staying the night in Raleigh
Plan for tomorrow is
Raleigh NC --> Myrtle Beach SC
then
Myrtle Beach SC --> Rincon GA which is where we will be staying for the night.
Another ~400 miles tomorrow. Jeep is holding up fantastically. Had to take the gas can off the roof while in DC. Cops said someone might think its a bomb. Might strap it back up top tomorrow to drive through SC. no hiccups yet!!!
Start point was Southern New Jersey. Hit the 'trip' button right as i left my drivewy and clocked ~430 miles today.
NJ --> DC for girlfriend's job interview
then
DC --> Petersburg VA
then
Petersburgh VA --> Raleigh NC
Staying the night in Raleigh
Plan for tomorrow is
Raleigh NC --> Myrtle Beach SC
then
Myrtle Beach SC --> Rincon GA which is where we will be staying for the night.
Another ~400 miles tomorrow. Jeep is holding up fantastically. Had to take the gas can off the roof while in DC. Cops said someone might think its a bomb. Might strap it back up top tomorrow to drive through SC. no hiccups yet!!!
17 will take you to myrtle. 910-458-5798 I guess if you want to call em to see if they are open http://www.townofkurebeach.org/parking.aspx
12-19-2015, 07:11 AM
#38
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Year: 1990
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12-19-2015, 07:49 AM
#39
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Dude kure beach lets you drive on the sand. Take 40 down to wilmington, then a couple miles to kure and hit the sand, then
17 will take you to myrtle. 910-458-5798 I guess if you want to call em to see if they are open http://www.townofkurebeach.org/parking.aspx
17 will take you to myrtle. 910-458-5798 I guess if you want to call em to see if they are open http://www.townofkurebeach.org/parking.aspx
12-23-2015, 09:55 AM
#40
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Currently grounded in St. Louis. Jeep was chunking and clunking under my left foot while turning left. Took it to the shop. Hoping it's just wheel bearings or a u joint
12-23-2015, 11:14 AM
#41
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Just got the call. U joint and bearing on the left. Said he wanted to replace all the shocks too I said no way Jose. Brb $480 more dollars for the shocks. Said no. He said he doesn't suggest driving with the ones I have. I said ok thanks but no. $500 and it'll be done tonight.
12-23-2015, 01:32 PM
#42
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Year: 98
Model: Cherokee
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Sorry to hear you ran into trouble. At least you will back up and running tomorrow.
When I was on the road a few years ago, driving a 2000 Cadillac Deville, it was cruising down the highway just fine (always ran perfect for years, never had trouble). While passing a truck, we heard a loud bang and the car jumped. I pulled off on the shoulder immediately and found all the oil on the ground and a black streak on the highway. It threw a rod and blew a hole out the bottom. Got it towed and received the bad news. Engine rebuild/replacement cost was way too high to justify. Car went to the salvage yard and I never saw it again. Finished the trip in a rental. A week after getting home, I had my 98 Cherokee in the driveway.
When I was on the road a few years ago, driving a 2000 Cadillac Deville, it was cruising down the highway just fine (always ran perfect for years, never had trouble). While passing a truck, we heard a loud bang and the car jumped. I pulled off on the shoulder immediately and found all the oil on the ground and a black streak on the highway. It threw a rod and blew a hole out the bottom. Got it towed and received the bad news. Engine rebuild/replacement cost was way too high to justify. Car went to the salvage yard and I never saw it again. Finished the trip in a rental. A week after getting home, I had my 98 Cherokee in the driveway.
12-23-2015, 09:29 PM
#45
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