How to Install a Lift Kit on a Jeep Cherokee

One of the most important modifications that can be done to a Jeep Cherokee when people want to start doing some off-road adventures is to lift the suspension. The easiest way to do that is to utilize a Jeep lift kit for the suspension that comes with everything a person needs to take their Cherokee from the street to the wild.

How to Install a Lift Kit on a Jeep Cherokee

How to Install a Lift Kit on a Jeep Cherokee

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How to Install a Lift Kit on a Jeep Cherokee

How to Install a Lift Kit on a Jeep Cherokee

It is important to understand that installing a Jeep lift kit is relatively easy for someone who knows what they are doing; it may be rather difficult for a newbie. People who are new to installing Jeep modifications will want to make sure they have a more seasoned mechanic around to assist. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to install one of these Jeep lift kits.

The first step in the process is the remove the coil springs from the front of the vehicle. This is done by removing the small curved clip that is on the spring pads. Then move the bolts that hold the lower and upper control arms to the axel. Then disconnect the bottom of the shock to give you axle a little more room to move.

After the coil springs have been removed the new front coil springs will need to be put into place using the factory spring retainers (if they fit the new springs). Then the bolts will need to be reinstalled on the upper and lower control arms. The shock will also need to be reattached to the lower mount as well. It is a good idea to turn the steering wheel from side-to-side once this has been done in order to check the clearance level of the Tires. It is recomMended that a front wheel alignMent is done after installing the Jeep lift kit.

Once the front end has been proven to be clear it is time to move to the rear of the Jeep Cherokee. The first step in this process is to remove the rear leaf springs. These springs are held to the axel by four different bolts, two of these bolts will need to be removed from either end.

After the bolts have been removed the new rear leaf springs can be installed for the Jeep lift kit. These will be placed into the same place that the other ones were, but they will be curved differently than the factory installed ones so it may take a little effort to get them into place. Once they are in place the Cherokee can be lowered.

The new Jeep lift kit may cause the factory installed brake lines to be too short, so it is important to make sure they are still properly connected. If the brake lines are not properly connected new ones will need to be installed to account for the added height.

Once the Jeep lift kit has been installed and all the hoses, lines, and other wiring is secure it is time to head out in the wilderness to test out the new kit. Most people are surprised home much of a difference there is with even an inch or two more height. It is also important to understand that the lift kit will make the Jeep Cherokee a little looser on the highway and it may take a little while to get used to how it handles.

How to Install a Lift Kit on a Jeep Cherokee

Help My Jeep Won't Start - Jeep Cherokee Trouble Shooting

Failure to start falls into two categories:

Help My Jeep Won't Start - Jeep Cherokee Trouble Shooting

Help My Jeep Won't Start - Jeep Cherokee Trouble Shooting

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Help My Jeep Won't Start - Jeep Cherokee Trouble Shooting

Help My Jeep Won't Start - Jeep Cherokee Trouble Shooting

1) The engine will not turn over - the starter motor will not run

Or

2) The engine turns over but will not fire and run.

This article will adDress the first cause. If you engine turns over but will not fire see my other article.

Start by checking the battery volTAGe. Most Jeeps have a volTAGe Meter on the dash. If the voltage is low - below 10 volts, check the following:

1. Fist check to see if there is a cause for the battery to be discharged. Were the lights left on? Doors left open or other power draining accessory left on? If so, turn off the drain and use jumper cables to start using a charged battery from a different vehicle.
2. If there has been no excess power drain, check the condition of the battery cables. Remove the cables from the battery posts and clean the contacts. Also check the connection of the ground cable to the vehicle body.
3. If the battery cables are clean and making good contact and the voltage is still low, verify that the alternator is functioning properly.
4. If the battery continues to fail to start your Jeep, replace the battery.

If the battery voltage is normal but the engine still will not turn over, the most common cause is one of the safety interlocks. On an automatic transmission there is a Neutral Safety Switch (NSS) that only allows the engine to start in neutral or park. The contacts in the NSS can corrode and cause the switch to malfunction. Move the shifter back and forth while turning the key to start. Often the motion will cross a spot on the switch that still works. The NSS can be disassembled and cleaned or simply replaced with a new unit.

If the NSS is working properly but the starter still will not turn, you may have a defective starter or starter solenoid. The starter and solenoid are replaced as a unit on the XJ Cherokees. However before buying as replaceMent starter, check the wiring connection on the starter and the trigger wire to the solenoid. Often these connections can become loose or dirty due to the rigors of off road driving. Some people have reported that starters can be disassembled and cleaned to correct problems but I have not tried this procedure.

Help My Jeep Won't Start - Jeep Cherokee Trouble Shooting

How to Change the Motor Mounts on a Jeep Cherokee XJ

One of the common repAirs that needs to be made on an older Jeep Cherokee is replacing broken motor mounts. While the look difficult to access, changing motor mounts is actually a fAirly simple process.

Begin by acquiring a new set of motor mounts. Many vendors offer stock replaceMent mounts style with a lifetime warranty. I use these on my street Jeeps. There are also some heavy duty aftermarket mounts available with either polyurethane or rubber bushing that is fully enclosed in a metal sleeve. I use these on my Rally Racing Jeep.

Begin by placing a jack under the oil pan to raise the engine. Use a block of wood to distribute the load so as not to damage the pan. Lift only high enough to remove the load from the broken mount. You will see it separate slightly when the load is released.

Access to the left side mount can be facilitated by removing the Air box. Use two 18 MM wrenches to remove the main bolt. Then remove the two bolts that hold the motor mount to the frame. One of the bolts may be more easily accessed from below the Jeep.

If you have run the Jeep for a while with a broken motor mount, inspect the exhaust manifold for cracks while you are in there. Once the motor mounts separates, the exhaust keeps the engine torque form rotating the engine leading to cracks in the manifold.

To install the new mount, set it in place over the mounting bolts and start them in just a turn or two. Now install the main bolt through the mount and tighten it down. The main bolt can be very difficult to line up if the mount is bolted in place first. Now tighten the frame mounting bolts.

To change the right side mount, you will have to remove the oil Filter adapter from the engine block. It is a good idea to replace the o rings when reinstalling the adapter. These O rings are available as a kit from the Jeep dealer and many online sources.

As on the left side, remove the main bolt. The bolt will hit the oil Filter adapter before it clears the motor mount so that is why the oil filter adapter has to be removed from the block. Next remove the bolts that hold the mount to the frame.

Place the new mount in position and loosely fit the frame mounting bolts. Install the mina bolt and tighten. Now tighten the frame mounting bolts.

Reinstall the oil filter adapter using new o rings as appropriate.

Lower the engine and enjoy your new motor mounts. If you have installed aftermarket style mounts, you will likely notice slightly more engine vibration. The extra vibration is most noticeable when the starter motor is engaged. Once the engine is running, there is very little extra vibration transferred to the body of the Jeep.

1992 jeep cherokee lift kit

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