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Originally Posted by jsmiddleton4
Thanks. Sorry I didn't reply sooner. Busy at work.
Space saver spare. Where did you get yours? How tall is it? The problem I can see with space saver spares is they have such a lower profile the Cherokee would have a major problem with the leans. I know you only use the spare for a short while, but if my daughter needs the spare (assuming I ever get out of the thing) I doubt she'll be next door to Goodyear. So the issue wouldn't be how wide the thing is, but how tall.
As I look at the header on my 01 it looks like an easy flow would not really improve much. So I think you are correct, not worth the money. But if I did them, its not the same thing as a rebuild. Would only take a short while. Probably get the parts and have someone else do the install anyway in a shop. Weld, etc., the stuff for first class install. I can c-clamp with the best of them. Weld? I wouldn't even try at this point.
The A/C compressor cycling is really annoying. Since we are already in the 80's here in Phoenix, it won't be long and being able to use the "1" setting will be a thing of the past. It seems like it is either too sensitive to pressure build up, building up pressure too fast or low on coolant. But the guy at my auto shop said the same thing you've said. It is normal for Jeeps. Just seems very "not normal" compared to my other vehicles is all. How noisy is your clutch/compressor? Can you hear it cylce standing next to the vehicle? On my other cars standing alongside the car you don't know one way or the other if the compressor is cycling in and out. You can "feel" it in the steering wheel of course, etc. But you sure can't hear them.
Thanks again.
Jim
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First....My 22 year/o daughter has the same Jeep-(01 2wd 4door...50K on the clock)...it is in SoCal. My advice is don't mess with it. She is also in college and had the 97 Sport 4wd 2dr since she was 17. This one is a replacement for her. We want her to finish college and not be an auto mechanic. (Besides, it is supposed to be her car not mine.)
Problems will happen and you want to keep it stock so that dealers and such can fix it. She lives 350 miles away and cannot bring it home for repair. (I was a dealer technician for over 20 years.) I am more concern about her not wrecking it in LA...only had one incident with a bent fender and wrecked bumper. Had to pay the guy she ran into though.
The important thing about the spare is not where you keep it, but that you have air in it. Now, you don't expect her to change it on a freeway in LA, so get AAA road service for her. Anyway, the space saver is factory standard and the full sized is factory optional. You can get it anywhere....a Ford one will fit...just a spare...I had one of each but I think the full size with matching alloy is more useful.
The AC compressor cycles a lot (supposed to, it is how some ACs are designed...it is called "flooding" the evaporator) ....Cherokees are noisy cars anyway.....Mine had a bad connection at the weather pack connector to the compressor ....caused a loss of AC after 15 minutes of driving....cleaned it and now it is OK. Buy a R134a recharge kit for 40 dollars and it will have a gauge so you know what the proper low side pressure is. It has directions on it. You also get some R134a for recharging if necessary.
As far as performance, what is wrong with 190HP engine on a 3400 lb. (curb weight) vehicle. She dirves 90mph on the Interstate and was ticketed by CHP at that speed. (Has since, slowed down...costed over $200 and traffic school.) The factory header cracks all the time and is covered by emmissions warranty.
As for cooling, I recommend an external cooler for the AW4 automatic trans (if you have auto that is). Leave the clutch engine fan and you won't have electrical problems....it is more reliable and easy to change if defective....only works at stop lights anyway. (Electric fans need thermal sensors and such to work properly.)
Common problems: crank sensor, NSS, ignition switch, leaks at windshield, plastic pieces falling off, factory premium stereo (with stick fader) won't play CD, cracked exhaust, blown power steering high pressure hose, rear hatch struts, power windows switches, fog light switches, remote keyless transmitter.
Annoying: AC water dripping constantly from the right hand side frame rails...I insulated all the exposed low side lines with asphalt tape to reduce the amount of condesation.