JonRedcorn

So I bought my 97 cherokee a couple months ago, had a 4.5 in rough country lift some steelies and big 33's. I didn't know anything about cherokee's at the time. My brother had one so he came along.

It has a motor swapped into it from some other jeep and it runs fine and doesn't make any noise. Oil pressure is great. But the rest of the jeep has 250k on it.

Since I bought it I've rebuilt the front diff, added all new front suspension components, tie rod, tie rod ends, literally every part in the front end is new besides the lower control arms, shocks and springs, which are all from RC. I've spent a ton of money on this thing already, I've got new leafs and shims ready to go in the rear, just did the fuel pump which on a 97 is kind of a *****. Fixed the heat and AC, threw a trans cooler on it, added a new azzy transfer case linkage, got new trans solenoids going in, the list of **** I've done already is endless. New u joints in the front end, ect... The problem is every time I fix something something else is breaking. I'm driving home from work today and the cps starts ****ting it's pants. The right front brake is overheating from dragging due to the wrong bolt being used on the caliper because the knuckle is stripped out, fixed the other side already guess I could do that side too. It just kind of feels like I am getting no where and not getting any closer to having this thing not be a giant pile of ****. Should I just sell the thing and call it a loss? I paid way too much for it. 3k... I don't know guys I am starting to get a little discouraged. What would you guys do? I'd really like to get this thing semi reliable to where I am not constantly checking to make sure it's not about to **** it's depends. Just don't know if that's possible at this point. Probably put 3k into already just in parts. Haven't gotten to buy a single fun part, like bumpers or winches, or literally anything. AHHHHHHHH. Jesus help me.

TLDR

Should I sell the thing and call it a day, maybe find something else that isn't so shot... Or just keep chugging along since I've done so much already... I am going with the ladder since I feel like I can't bare to sell it after putting so much blood sweat and tears into the damn thing.

Silentrunning

If my math is right, you have roughly $6,000 total in it. If you look at the price some of the professionally rebuilt XJs you still have a long way to go. If there is no rust problem I would carry on. I plan on having $15k to $18k in mine before I am finished.

JonRedcorn

I find myself agreeing. Just wish the damn thing would give me a break.

TrailerTrash

Think of it this way...

At the rate you are going, pretty soon you will have a brand new XJ

JonRedcorn

hahaha. I ordered a new mopar cps, summits got a pair of front calipers powder coated in red for like 80 bucks.... That's a steal. Onwards and upwards.

Lynn Gräber

Ive owned my XJ for 20 years, 17 of those I've owned it outright. I have virtually put no money in this thing other than standard maintenance til about two years ago, when I started going through it and modding/rebuilding. The 5-6k Ive spent in new suspension, tires, bearings, bushings, ujoints, cooling system and odds and ends the past two years is still a pretty cheap car payment. I get to drive a car I like, and other seem to appreciate it too. Cant go to the grocery store or gas station without someone asking me about it.

JonRedcorn

I certainly can't disagree with that. I've always loved the way these things look and I love the one I have it's just a real PAIN IN MY ***. I just want to drive the damn thing. The jeeps got 0 rust on it too which is a huge bonus.

Lynn Gräber

Totally feel your pain. Ive been fortunate enough to know where mines been and have been able to keep on the front side of most of the major things. Also, I dont really depend on this vehicle to get me to and from work as I have always worked from home.

It may be a good idea to make a fake car payment, even if its only 100 bucks a month. This way, money is always there when you need it, making it a little less painful. Also having the mindset of "while you are in there" and fix other things along the way. Example, I needed new pinion bearing, it didnt cost much more to do the hubs and ujoints while it was apart.

Its alot more fun to replace/upgrade stuff on the weekend as a planned effort before something happens than to be stranded along side the road trying to get home.

Jimbo Slice

Never quit on an XJ.

Ever.