1981 Cherokee

[rang-a-stang]

OMG, that bumper, That winch. Sooooo cool.

[78 WIDETRAC]

The Dakota Gauges are working. I need to add the sensors and hook them to the board. Water temp, oil pressure, and speedometer. It will be independent from the sniper stuff. It makes it easier to hook up that way.













I got the albright style switch mounted the winch now I have to replace the winch control plug, it's the old 4 wire set up. It reminds me of my dads old boat trailer set up. I'll hit napa in my travels tomorrow and see what the have.




One of these days soon?? I might just get to take it for a run around the block.

[SOLSAKS]

road trip coming soon !!!

or block trip,....!!!

hey we all have been there, the first few trial runs can be interesting,....

I always have my buddy's phone number, ...who tows for a living,....very handy....

good luck.

gauges look good.

dave in NC

[78 WIDETRAC]

road trip coming soon !!!

or block trip,....!!!

hey we all have been there, the first few trial runs can be interesting,....

I always have my buddy's phone number, ...who tows for a living,....very handy....

good luck.

gauges look good.

dave in NC

Thanks dave. As far as breaking down.... I have AAA HaHa....



For now it will be just around the block and in the neighborhood.



I have to install a cat on my exhaust then go through smog. $300.00 in DMV fees later it will be legal to drive for a couple of years.



The next major undertaking will be the floor pans, and front passenger fender. I wanted to get it running and driving before I tackled the pans.


Cool thing I found out based on the interior and a few other clues is that it began life as a chief. I sort of suspected that but couldn't see any evidence of the huge decals that are on the 81 Chief models.

[78 WIDETRAC]

I just changed spots the 79 and 81. The 79 hasn't been started in a few weeks to a month. So it took a bit of coaxing.... fuel down the carb etc, so it wouldn't kill the weak battery to start. It's way, way louder than the 81, so I'm glad the neighbors went to work before I did this.



The 81 fired right up first turn of the key, runs great. I need to adjust the clutch. and probably replace worn linkage parts. There is about 3inches before the clutch engages. This is the first time I've moved it more than a foot or two. It always feels good to drive a vehicle out out the driveway that got there on a tow truck, or by pushing it in.



I will need to replace the starter. It doesn't engage the flywheel every time. Like after I killed it waiting for the clutch to engage.

[SOLSAKS]

nice looking driveway

...with two FSJ CHEROKEES in it !!!

dave in NC

[rang-a-stang]

... It always feels good to drive a vehicle out out the driveway that got there on a tow truck, or by pushing it in.
....

Soo true. so very true! I envy your driveway.

[78 WIDETRAC]

nice looking driveway

...with two FSJ CHEROKEES in it !!!

dave in NC

Thanks Dave! I need a shop! My 89 is stuffed in that little garage also.

[78 WIDETRAC]

Soo true. so very true! I envy your driveway.

I hope to be driving one of them soon. I've been chipping away at the brown one. I had to replace some of the factory harness. Luckily it fed the column harness so it was easy.


I now have a turn signal switch that is not broken, F&R blinkers, both brake lights, a horn and a working blower motor.



I need to replace the starter so it will crank every time. Install the catalytic converter, double check all wires in the engine compartment. Add it to my insurance and go for a test run. At least to a gas station in the neighborhood.

[78 WIDETRAC]

I made some more progress. The new starter is installed, I adjusted the clutch and tucked the o2 sensor wire tight to the starter to keep the exhaust for burning it in half. I added it to my insurance and ran out of time to drive it today.

I'm kind of glad I did. I checked the lug nuts and they needed snugged up also.



I still need to get the defrost hoses and hook them up along with sway bar end links and sway bar frame bushings. I will need to address the e-brake situation because its a manual. Once I'm pretty confident in it's driving ability I will tackle the floors.



Dang it's coming up on a year since I bought it from Art.

[SOLSAKS]

sounds good

you have made a lot of progress in one year.

dave in NC

[78 WIDETRAC]

sounds good

you have made a lot of progress in one year.

dave in NC

Thanks Dave


I took it for it's official first drive around the block. It made it! Rear brakes need attention and there is something up with the trans/ clutch. New starter is dragging slightly. Hopefully this will be the new parking spot instead of the driveway. I'd like to start driving it to work soon, and get to know the noises and quirks. I can hear a lot more with no carpet and holes in the floor.

[chubbinius]

Looks good with the fall foliage! Those aren't holes in the floor, they are diagnostic ports. Haha. Glad you got it running around and legal. Nice!

[rang-a-stang]

Yay! Some triumph! That picture really does look nice!

[SOLSAKS]

the little Cherokee in background
looks humiliated by the real Cherokee....
dave in NC