November 4th:

I forgot to take a proper photo of it to show the "after" but I think that you can see a bit from the shot from saturday's trip.

The fact that the front coils are taller and more stiff means that it doesn't hit the bump stops like it used to. On-road handling and ride are better, too, which is an unexpected bonus - a product of it having the taller front coils and rear helper springs, rather than just spacers.

Anyway, now it's even better!

I have also replaced a few other bits, including the rear tailgate gas struts. Now instead of the tailgate falling down on your head, you are in danger of being hit under the chin as it springs up!

November 9th:

Steering balljoints (tie rod ends) all replaced now - I have no idea how old they were - but the Jeep has 335,000 km on the clock! Most of them are fitted with grease nipples which means that they could/should have a good chance of lasting for a long while.

We had a trip out today and the Jeep performed well until almost the end of the trip when two connected failures left it immobile. The bearings in the electric cooling fan collapsed, throwing the motor badly out of balance and in danger of failing completely, and wrecking the radiator - so I had to disconnect it. Then, whilst parked and idling, the lack of airflow from the mechanical fan caused it to overheat and the radiator blew up in spectacular fashion. The plastic end tank split, blowing all the water out.

I guess that these components were getting old and tired and offroading tends to highlight any weaknesses. The red ZJ had a lot failures in the first few months that I had it but settled down as I got on top of them and I expect that this one will go the same way.

As a result, I had to be towed to a suitable spot to abandon it and I will be heading back tomorrow with a new rad and hopefully a new cooling fan motor. Still, it was fun while it lasted!

November 10th:

One of the nice things about having a popular vehicle is that parts are generally readily available and sensibly priced. For example, on saturday morning I was able to buy a brand new Valeo radiator, new electric fan, new hoses, rad cap and thermostat and had change from AED1000. The local parts store had it all in stock (I doubt that all makes would be so well catered for) and repairs took exactly 1 hour to complete- and that was taking it easy.

Whoops

Think I found the problem

Old and new

New fan

Almost done

Richard Moss wrote:Think I found the problem

Yeah, I had the side tank split on my original 14-year-old radiator more than 6 years ago but it wasn't as spectacular as that, and mine was considerate enough to split right outside my house.
One of the many things I love about the XJ is that it's so easy for the DIY mechanic to work on.
BTW, I have a spare K&N air filter if you'd like one to put inside your airbox.

My Grand Cherokee is easy to work on but the XJ is even easier - the radiator swap is much easier for example. I'll have a think about the K&N.

Woah, that'll leak! LOL

Well done on the repairs in the field 8)

This all aluminium, double row radiator looks to be good value at $200 plus shipping (CSF 2985). http://www.thepartsbin.com/catalog/?sid ... 4294963069